Lextek

Lextek 'Sporty Shorty'

Multi-award winning Lextek's new 'Sporty Shorty' downpipe exhausts are available for 883 and 1200 cc Sportsters from 2004 up to 2013, including XL 883, XL 1200 N Iron and XL 1200C. 

Made in corrosion resistant 304 grade stainless steel (chromium/nickel alloy) and designed with an integral flame retarder, they are available in polished stainless or heat resistant black coated and come with a lifetime warranty. An optional torque cone is also available for improved mid-range torque and power.
Available in the United States through Tucker V-Twin; in Europe contact Llexeter (UK).

TUCKER V-TWIN
www.tucker.com/v-twin
www.llexeter.co.uk

JIMS

M-8 Oil Pump Alignment Tool

Proper assembly of the cam chest is one of the most common tasks performed on Harley-Davidson engines. Assembling the cam support plate along with the oil pump, gerotors and pump cover to perfectly align with the pinion shaft flat, all while properly seating the oil pump O-ring in the crankcase, can be a challenge for one set of hands. 

This new JIMS oil pump alignment tool (Part No.5858) is the perfect aid for the technician to either assemble as individual components with supplied studs OR as an assembly with the alignment dowel – saving time and money. 
Based on JIMS' own workshop experience, this tool has been specifically designed to help the technician assemble the complete cam chest correctly, in a quick and efficient manner.

JIMS
www.jimsusa.com

Brock's Performance

Pro Street Racing Developed Bagger and Dyna Lightweight, High-Strength Aluminum Swingarms 

Dayton, Ohio based Brock's Performance is best known for sportbike components - and swingarms in particular - but, as with carbon wheels and other components, it also offers high-end custom and performance Harley parts.
Leveraging one of its specialties, Brock's has announced a new line of swingarms designed for Baggers, Dynas and FXRs. 

Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum, custom-shaped into rectangular tubes through an extrusion process, resulting in a high-strength, reduced weight hollow structure. These Brock's swingarms are said to be just as strong as a similar swingarm machined from a solid billet of aluminum.
"Mounted to pro-level drag race bikes, these swingarms stand up to launch after launch. Each one comes with a hollow, Chromoly axle (1", 25 mm or 28 mm diameter) and all the hardware necessary for installation, including spherical pivot bearings lined with PTFE - so no service is needed."
Brock's flexible design allows for a wheelbase of up to three inches longer than stock. Multiple shock mount locations (three positions) make it easy to lower the rear up to two inches (all versions) or raise the back up by up to two inches (West Coast Bagger version).
"A combination of innovative design, quality manufacturing and thoughtful packaging means that Brock's Touring and Dyna swingarms are 100% bolt-on, using your OEM rear wheel and pulley, or your favorite aftermarket replacement rear wheel.
"We developed these swingarms as a result of our Pro Street (700 hp/350 ft-lbs) racing experience. We weld them in a precision fixture for an ultra-straight, consistent fit every time. They are designed to accept a stock wheel, spacers and caliper or the aftermarket components of your choice (custom fabrication required on FXR spacing)."
The swingarms ship with Teflon encapsulated spherical bearings pre-installed. They will accept a 200 tire mounted on a 6.75 inch rim, with a chain conversion, and are available for Baggers from '09-'20, FXRs from '82-'00 and Dynas from '00-'17.

BROCK'S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
www.brocksperformance.com

Hogtunes

Hogtunes XL - "Next Level Of Sound" for '98-'13 H-D

Canadian specialist Hogtunes' XL range is similar to its popular 'Wild Boar' audio for Harleys, but for 1998 - 2013 models and featuring "next level" 2 ohm 5.25" speakers with carbon fiber woofer cone and "studio quality polystyrene capacitors in crossovers and titanium impregnated 1” tweeter.

"With better bass response, higher power handling and an overall better sound, these speakers are comparable to our late model 'Wild Boar' speakers in terms of sound quality and construction," says CEO 'Pez' Pesdirz. "They are an upgrade for riders wanting more from older stock audio systems, or who want to upgrade from our Gen 3 speakers. Hogtunes XL advanced technology allows you to rock out to your music at highway speeds.
"They include SGF Grill-AA metal mesh grills and can be bought as a pair of XL speakers on their own for use with an existing amp, or as complete kits that include a 225 watt amp and two XL series 5.25" front speakers."

The amplifier features Hogtunes' proprietary R.E.M.I.T. circuitry for excellent FM reception from a Class D amp. Available through Drag Specialties, all required plug and play wiring and hardware to complete the installation is included and they are backed by a 3-year warranty on the amplifier and a 5-year warranty on the speakers.

HOGTUNES INC
www.hogtunes.com

Polaris

Polaris 2020 Second Quarter Results - "Far Above Our Expectations"

Polaris has unveiled second quarter results that CFO Mike Speetzen described as nothing short of "far above our expectations" as the better than anticipated performance of the motorcycle and wider powersports markets during the pandemic lockdowns starts to translate into filings.

For Q2, the company's reported and adjusted sales decreased 15% to $1,512m and $1,510m, respectively. The company reported a second quarter 2020 net loss of $235m. Second quarter reported net loss was $3.82 per share; adjusted net income for the same period was $1.30 per share.
North American retail sales increased 57% for the quarter compared to last year, with both ORV and Motorcycle retail sales up significantly.
Dealer inventory levels decreased 47%, given the strong retail sales growth and lower shipments resulting from the COVID-19 related temporary suspension of production during the quarter.
 
consumer retail sales for Indian Motorcycle increased mid-teens percent

Evaluation of the company's aftermarket goodwill and other intangibles resulted in a pre-tax $379m non-cash impairment charge taken during the quarter. Operating expenses, excluding the impairment charge, decreased 15%, given the substantial reduction in discretionary and non-essential spending in response to the pandemic crisis.
Polaris' liquidity profile remains solid with debt/EBITDA below three times and total liquidity of $1.2bn at quarter end; Polaris re-initiated full year 2020 sales and adjusted earnings guidance with full year adjusted earnings in the range of $6.40 to $6.60 per diluted share and full year sales in the range of $6.650bn to $6.750bn.
Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Inc., stated: "Polaris' second quarter results significantly outperformed expectations, once again demonstrating the resiliency and dedication of our global team. 

"We overcame a near complete shutdown of our dealers and the U.S. economy early in the quarter to capitalize on unprecedented retail demand for our motorcycles and off-road vehicles through May, June and now July. Our broad array of best-in-class products provided an attractive social distancing solution for both existing, and encouragingly, a wide range of new powersports customers.
"During the quarter, we navigated a level of uncertainty and unrest that is unparalleled in our nation's history, beginning with rapidly and successfully restarting our production facilities, while protecting the health and safety of our employees. And, importantly, following the death of George Floyd here in Minnesota, we united to do our part to bridge divides and drive meaningful change.
"From executive leadership to our production line employees, we are working under a shared goal of positively impacting our company and communities. Despite social turbulence and softness in our Adjacent Markets businesses, between ongoing strong consumer demand and historically low dealer inventory levels, we are well-positioned for the second half of the year." 

Polaris Chairman and CEO Scott Wine said: "We overcame a near complete shutdown of our dealers and the U.S. economy early in the quarter to capitalize on unprecedented retail demand for our motorcycles and off-road vehicles through May, June and July."

Retail demand accelerated throughout the quarter, benefiting company performance as both new and existing customers took advantage of off-road vehicles and motorcycles to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distancing etiquette, partially mitigating the COVID-19 driven economic slowdown.
Motorcycles segment sales, including PG&A, totaled $141m, down 28% compared to the second quarter of 2019, driven by decreased sales of both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot. Polaris motorcycles segment sales were down driven by the COVID-19 related temporary suspension of production that impacted shipments primarily in April. Gross profit for the motorcycle sector for second quarter was $4m compared to $23m in the second quarter of 2019.
North American consumer retail sales for Indian Motorcycle increased mid-teens percent during the second quarter of 2020 in a weak mid to heavy-weight two-wheel motorcycle industry that was down high-teens percent.
North American consumer retail sales for Polaris' Motorcycles segment, including both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, increased low-twenties percent during the second quarter of 2020, while the North American motorcycle industry retail sales for mid to heavy-weight motorcycles, including three-wheel vehicles, was down high-teens percent in the second quarter of 2020. 

"We couldn't be more pleased with the response to the class- leading Challenger."

Despite the strong retail sales, Polaris Motorcycles segment sales were down driven by COVID-19 related temporary suspension of production during the quarter.
The 2020 second quarter net loss includes a $379m pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges related to the company's aftermarket business, principally Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP).
Gross profit decreased 24% to $333m for the second quarter; reported gross profit margin was 22.0% of sales.
Income from financial services was $25m for the second quarter of 2020, up 28% - primarily due to the strong North American retail sales demand during the quarter.
Off-Road Vehicles ("ORV") and Snowmobiles segment sales, including PG&A, totaled $953m for the second quarter of 2020, down 9% due to a decline in side-by-side sales. PG&A sales for ORV and Snowmobiles combined increased 17%; gross sector profit decreased 15% to $252m.
ORV wholegood sales for the second quarter of 2020 decreased 14%. Polaris North American ORV retail sales increased over 60% for the quarter, with both side-by-side vehicles and ATV vehicles up significantly. The North American ORV industry was up over 60% compared to the second quarter last year.
Snowmobile wholegood sales in the second quarter of 2020 were $12m compared to $16m in the second quarter last year.
Boats segment sales decreased 28% to $132m in the 2020 second quarter compared to $182m in the 2019 second quarter. Gross profit decreased 54% to $19m or 14.1% of sales in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $41m or 22.2% of sales in the second quarter of 2019.
2020 Business Outlook - The company re-initiated its sales and adjusted earnings guidance for the full year 2020. Adjusted net income is expected to be in the range of $6.40 to $6.60 per diluted share for the full year 2020 compared to adjusted net income of $6.32 per diluted share for 2019. Sales are now expected to be in the range of $6.650bn to $6.750bn, flat to down two percent compared to 2019 adjusted sales of $6,783m, due to the pandemic-driven plant shutdown in the second quarter 2020.

News Briefs

Originally slated for July 10-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, the AMA has postponed its 2020 Vintage Motorcycle Days with a new date to be determined. Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date. Established in 1990 and held at Mid-Ohio for the past 24 years, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is hailed as an annual celebration of America's motorcycling heritage, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts and hundreds of vendors for bike shows, racing, seminars, the country's largest motorcycle swap meet and more.

Spain based MotoGP rights owner Dorna has had to abandon its plans to stage a rescheduled U.S. MotoGP at the Austin, Texas Circuit of the Americas (13-15 November). This means that Moto America has had to abandon its intention of making the weekend the season finale for its 2020 Superbike series.

Harley has announced a new round of job cuts with some 140 positions to be cut - 90 production jobs at its York, PA. final assembly plant and around 50 at Tomahawk, Wisconsin (molding and paint). This is not expected to be the last "right sizing" we'll see at Harley this year.

Despite new CEO Jochen Zeitz' avowed intention to steer Harley away from trying to teach the world to ride, the company has added two additional new courses to its Rider Academy training menu.  The existing course is based on the MSF Basic Rider Course. To appeal to a wider range of customers, Harley will add 1-on-1 coaching sessions and private group courses with a maximum of four participants.

BMW Motorrad has reported global growth of +9.8% for June - its best ever June result - with a total of 20,021 BMW motorcycles sold. Despite understandably weak sales March to May, BMW Motorrad sold 76,707 motorcycles worldwide in the first half of 2020 for a decrease of 'only' -17.7%. Sales of 13,937 units in Europe (+2,684 more than in the same months of the previous year) saw the company post +23.9 % for Europe January to June; with a +58.2% increase in its German home market. The company says it expects to see U.S. sales buoyed by the new R 18 Cruiser.

After having hoped to be able to stage a delayed 2020 annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in October this year, BMW has conceded that it will have to cancel entirely for this year, with May 28-31 confirmed for 2021. One of the most upscale and prestigious of the world's summer season of automotive and motorcycle 'beauty pageants', the event for classic and vintage cars was founded in 1929 and takes place near the Villa d'Este hotel in Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.



Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news

Motorcycle Storehouse

Motorcycle Storehouse Additions

BDL 2007-2020 Competitor Balls Clutch
 

A performance clutch that is big inch motor capable? Your search is over! This big inch capable BDL drop-in performance clutch for '07-'20 Twin Cam and M-8 models installs in the stock clutch basket. It is available for cable-operated or hydraulic operated clutch models. The over 60% larger contact area is said to offer more friction for better maximum grip and to generate less heat. The 'Balls Pressure Plate' incorporates steel carbide balls that, by way of centrifugal force, will aid in clutch spring pressure. "More rpm means more pressure for great clutch hold with big inch motors, but still giving a significantly lighter pull at the clutch lever." Included is a 20% stronger diaphragm clutch spring that is rated for up to 120 hp motors. Optional high horsepower diaphragm clutch spring kits, complete with centrifugal force steel lock-up balls, are available in versions for up to 150 hp and up to 180 hp for more extreme engine builds.

Goodridge ABS Adapter Fittings
 

The easy way to change stock ABS lines to custom brake lines - for most brake adapter fittings this is all what is required for the installation of any Goodridge brake line systems with 3/8"-24 AN-3 threaded brake line ends. They mount to the lower triple tree and are available in black or chrome for M-8 Softails and in black for '12-'20 Sportster models.

Kibblewhite Black Diamond Valves
 

All Black Diamond intake and exhaust valves are one-piece stainless steel forgings with a black nitrided finish. Intake and exhaust valves are available standard or oversize for stock or oversize chambers and applications. Valve guides are available in cast iron for maximum durability and wear resistance. C630 bearing bronze - a tough nickel-aluminum-bronze alloy typically used in high performance and racing applications where rapid heat transfer from the valve to head is important; and manganese bronze - softer and less durable then C630 bearing bronze, but will allow a lower cost, and reaming to size is quick and easy. Finish can be done with simple tools like a ball hone and an electric drill. Rapid heat transfer and excellent lubricity. Special manganese reamers and hones are available.

Motone Customs - "No restrictions"
 

New designs from Motone feature taillights and handlebar switches. New Cuda taillights are ECE- approved, LED-equipped, radical retro styled taillights. They are available with or without a style-matching fender bracket. Motone IP65 water resistance rated handlebar switches with momentary micro-switch push buttons are now available in 2, 3 and 4-button style for even more switch capability.

TRW Brake Rotors
 

A superior racing disc alloy, hardened and tempered high-strength steel with a hardness of 35 HRC, makes these rotors organic and sintered brake pad compatible. The high stainless steel content gives rust protection and the special high-precision surface grinding reduces vibrations and improves braking performance. They come complete with ABE/TÜV approval.

Zieger Turn Signals
 

Zieger turn signals are a typical example of high-end German engineering and design combined with high-quality components. All come with high-power LEDs and ECE approval. They are available in a 'below bar' style, where the miniature turn signals are installed below the handlebar, with the mirror stem, for an inconspicuous super-clean installation. These 'below-bar' turn signals are available in five design styles for most '00-'20 Softail, '99-'17 Dyna, '09-'16 Touring, '96-'20 Sportster and '09-'17 V-Rod models. For the rear side, Zieger offers ECE-approved universal black powder coated 'under-fender' license plate bracket kits with 3-position adjustable turn signal brackets.

MOTORCYCLE STOREHOUSE BV
www.motorcyclestorehouse.com

Feuling

Feuling Vented Dipsticks

Designed to screw into the factory oil fill spout as a stock replacement part, these vented dipsticks from Oceanside, California based Feuling Parts can "save a whole world of hurt," according to CEO Luke Leatherman.
"These are breathing dipsticks and they remove unwanted build-up of the blow-by which is found in engines with excessive leakdown through the rings/cylinders - a common issue with large displacement big bore engines.
"Our test results show a decrease in engine oil sump levels, a more freely and smoother revving engine, increased MPG and decreased blow-by. They vent excessive pressure from the oil tank through a breather system consisting of a filter element and umbrella valve."
Feuling offers two venting style options when installing this dipstick.
Option 1 is to use the 1/8​"​ NPT breather vent fitting with internal porous filter element. This option gives a clean look - "however, it can produce an oil misting/residue out of the element on engines with excessive leakdown/blow-by."
Option 2 is to use a quick-disconnect coupler fitting with rubber hose and filter element. This option will run any excessive oil misting/residue through the line and into the filter element, but does require disconnecting the fitting in order to check the oil.
For Option 2, Feuling recommends routing the line up the frame rail, up under the seat/abs area, then back down along the right side frame rail, and the filter element can fit cleanly between the engine/trans matting area on the inside of the lower right frame rail.
There are two ways to read the oil level with this dipstick - with the bike on the jiffy stand (FHS) or the bike upright and level (FHU).
If reading the dipstick with the bike on the jiffy stand, the reading is taken from the dimples labeled FHS (Full Hot Stand); when reading with the bike upright and level, the reading is taken from the FHU (Full Hot Upright) labeled dimples.
Available in polished or fade-resistant black for '06 and up Twin Cam or '07 and up FL models, these dipsticks do get hot, so use a glove when checking the oil level. Feuling highly recommends staying off the rev limiter and running conventional oil in M-8 engines to help maintain ring seal and minimize blow-by.
Because it is important to get the correct hot oil level, Feuling recommends running the oil level 90%-99% full when hot. "One thing to bear in mind - because the oil pick-up port is on the right side of the engine, letting the bike idle or warm up on the kickstand will naturally fill the engine case and skew the oil level in the tank."

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
www.feulingparts.com