Brembo

Brembo announces acquisition of Öhlins Suspension

Leading Sweden based powersports industry suspension specialist Öhlins has been acquired by Brembo in a first major strategic buy into an 'adjacent' business sector for the Bergamo, Italy based global brakes products manufacturer and brand owner.

The deal is primarily being touted by Brembo as an automotive market play, with the October 11announcement saying that with this acquisition "Brembo expands its offerings for the automotive market."

Brembo stated that "this deal marks the largest acquisition in Brembo's history and further strengthens the Group's brand portfolio. Öhlins has a strong racing heritage and presence in major championships as a renowned supplier for MotoGP, Formula 1, Superbike, NASCAR, and others."

The deal (for a 100% stake in Öhlins Racing) was with US conglomerate Tenneco, which only acquired Öhlins in late 2018 from founder Kenth Öhlins some months after Tenneco's $5.4bn acquisition of Ferodo brake pads owner Federal Mogul earlier that year. Tenneco folded Öhlins into 'Driv' - a then newly formed division with Ferodo and other brands.

In turn Tenneco (described as a "portfolio company of funds") is managed by "affiliates" of New York based 'alternate' asset manager Apollo Global Management, Inc. Tenneco is also the owner of Monroe Shocks and former owner of Italian suspension manufacturer Marzocchi.

Matteo Tiraboschi, Brembo Executive Chairman said: "Öhlins is a strong fit for Brembo. It is a world-renowned brand, with a solid business and an unrivaled reputation - both on the racetrack and the road. 

"We welcome Öhlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle's corner."

Founded by Kenth Öhlin in in Upplands Väsby (Stockholm) in 1976, Öhlins Racing has a strong international footprint. It employs approximately 500 people across two production facilities and R&D centers located in Sweden and Thailand and four distribution and testing branches in the U.S., Germany, Thailand and Sweden.

In 1986 Kenth sold a majority stake in Öhlins to Yamaha, taking back 95% ownership from them in 2007. 

Öhlins Racing is projected to close 2024 with a turnover in the range of $144m, with an expected adjusted EBITDA margin between 21% and 22%. Brembo's purchase price put at $405m on a cash free/debt free basis. The deal is subject to the customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early 2025.

The sale comes at a time when Tenneco is seeking to "streamline our business portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet" as it continues to "execute on our long-term vision."

Öhlins Racing CEO Tom Wittenschlaeger is quoted as saying: "As we join forces with Brembo, we are excited to unlock new growth opportunities and leverage our respective strengths and assets to drive innovation and deliver even greater value to our customers and employees. 

"Öhlins Racing is committed to developing the next generation of mechatronic suspension technology for both road and track. This innovation-driven approach will reinforce Brembo's mission to be a Solution Provider for future mobility."

The acquisition continues Brembo's investment in the motorcycle and motor racing area. In 2021 the Group acquired SBS Friction in Denmark and J.Juan in Spain. In February of this year, Brembo announced its entry into Thailand and also controls lightweight alloy wheel specialist Marchesini. 

Founded in 1961 in Italy, Brembo cites over 600 motorsport championship title wins in its history, presently employing 16,000 people across 15 countries, 32 production and business sites and 9 R&D centers.

The company's turnover was € 3,849 million in 2023. The two-wheeler business is said to be worth approximately 13% of total Brembo revenues. 

www.brembo.com

www.ohlins.com

LeMans NVP Product Expo Part 3

Making Milwaukee Great Again (part 3)

After many years at the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center "between the lakes" in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, LeMans finally completed a move for its summer NVP Product Expo to the newly refurbished and extended Baird Center in Milwaukee. Some two years in the planning, the move brought Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties' vendors, reps and dealers into an expanded space with no end of potential for future development.

Magnum Shielding: The Pittsford, NY based brake line & control cable specialists have many new offerings for 2024 that uniquely make them the "go-to" company for stock and alternate length applications. Its DOT compliant handlebar installation kits always make for accurately fitting and easy installations. Don't forget the company's 'Viking' handlebars which feature a unique patented internal radius for no-snag wiring harness routing. Seen here are father and sons team Scott, Reese and Cameron Hurwitz; www.magnumshielding.com 

Klock Werks: The Mitchell, South Dakota-based custom parts specialist has 'knocked it out of the park' with its Flare brand windshields programs and recent news included the addition of three new Flare windshields for 2023.5-2024 FLH models - the Tinted, Kolored and Ice Series. "Our initial offering is an 8” variation," said owner and founder Brian Klock, "with significant improvements made to the windshield blocks." The popular, patented Flare design is said to "significantly enhance riding stability and comfort. The 'hips' at the outer edge reroute the air to create downforce on the front of the bike, improving stability compared to a stock shield. The 'flip' at the top directs air upwards and back, delivering cleaner and less turbulent air for both the rider and passenger"; www.getklocked.com

Darkhorse: New to the Drag Specialties program for this season, Darkhorse are based in Wisconsin at Newton, WI. Recent additions include an innovative universal TIR toolkit - designed as an additional level and stage over and above the original run-out tool that Darkhorse developed for sprocket shafts only. "This toolkit covers every Harley Big Twin model dating back over 50 years. It measures total indicated runout on either the pinion shaft or the sprocket shaft with the unique capability to accurately determine what the actual run-out the compensator operates with on '07 and later models"; www.darkhorsemoco.com

Le Pera: Freshly minted Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Famers Christine and Bob Le Pera's still family-owned boutique custom seat and design and manufacturing 'palais d'excellence' marked its 50th anniversary a couple of years ago and continues to innovate. A recent addition is a new 'Cordova' pattern stitch, as showcased on its 'TailWhip' for the '23 - '24 CVO Touring models (including the 2023 and 2024 FLHXSE, FLTRXSE, FLHX, FLTRX and FLTRXSTSE). All Le Pera seat designs feature an optimized rider seating area, powder-coated steel, carpeted base plate and specially poured high-density Marathon molded foam foundation with double stitched, handcrafted BikerTec custom cover; www.lepera.com

Alloy Art: Robbie Lane's updated geometry Track/Race edition Bagger swingarm is a "lighter yet stronger design." A new 'captive' modular brake system features adjustable rotor diameter mount and choice of radial or small 2-piston mount option. "Designed for performance, efficiency and being pit/mechanic-friendly; www.alloyart.com

Hawg Halters: The Dahlonega, Georgia based manufacturer has had a busy year, with 25th anniversary celebrations and a slew of important new product introductions. From a new bagger axle adjuster design to an M-8 Touring triple tree package, the highlights have probably been its mid-control conversion kit and advanced, lightweight, high-strength custom performance bagger billet swingarm design. That was formally introduced at Daytona in March this year, by which time there were already some custom baggers built on the platform by several leading builders in competition around Bike Week; www.hawghalters.com

BS Battery: French specialist BS Battery is offering V-twin dealers five new Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries for large displacement touring model applications, providing up to 20% more Touring model power. Part of the company's SLA Max range, these latest generation factory-activated BGZ batteries are designed specifically for the high cranking amp requirements of Harleys, Indian Big Twins and other high-power Touring models. Features include built-in torque boosting copper nuts on the terminal to enhance conductivity by up to 50% more than a standard terminal and taller plates for more starting power; www.bs-battery.com

Kellermann

Kellermann Relaunch

Kellermann, the internationally recognized Aachen, Germany based manufacturer of innovative, high-quality motorcycle lighting products, has repositioned itself following the successful completion of its reorganization. A new investor has stepped in and will continue the business as Kellermann Lighting GmbH & Co. KG. "This secures the business and creates a solid basis for continuity and economic success.

"We are relieved and proud that we have been able to secure the future of our company and the jobs of our employees. This has only been possible thanks to the close cooperation of everyone involved. We would like to thank our team, our customers and our business partners for their patience and trust during this challenging time," said Marion Wölki, Head of Marketing and Sales. 

The relaunch is accompanied by a modernization and focus on Kellermann's proven strengths. "The company's extensive and unrivaled engineering expertise will in future form the basis for a passionate manufacturer of high-quality motorbike lighting. At the same time, Kellermann's proven set of values will continue to point the way.

"More than ever, Kellermann will listen to the wishes of its customers and offer products with which motorcyclists can specifically refine their bikes.

"The aim is to recognize trends more quickly, shape them into unique products with the legendary Kellermann touch and bring them to market. Aachen will remain the location of the manufacturing headquarters in the future and will continue to produce high-quality motorbike headlights with passionate employees."

Harley-Davidson

Pedrero Takes 'Maxi Trail' Class Win at Baja Espana Aragon 

Although Harley is struggling for sales of its Pan America ADV (aka 'Dual Sport') in the United States, in Europe it continues to win friends and influence races.

Last month, we reported on H-D Europe's certified off-road instructor Ralf Wiesenfeller's 'Big Raid Aventure' class win in the Bosnia Rally. This month, news of Dakar veteran Joan Pedrero's 'derring-do' on his almost stock 152 bhp RA1250 - taking the win in the 'Maxi Trail' category at the Baja Espana Aragon Rally in Spain in July, placing an excellent 21st out of 83 bikes in the overall standings. 

The legendary Baja Espana Aragon is admired and feared for its challenging tracks in equal measure and took place as an even more demanding edition this year. The 'Maxi Trail' category is for motorcycles over 600 cm3 displacement, which pitted the Pan America against many of the leading ADV models in the world.

Pedrero has had several opportunities to push his Pan America to the maximum this year - in the Africa Eco Race and the Bassella Enduro and Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura, both in Spain - securing another 'Maxi Trail' class win in the Dehesa Extremadur. 

Klock Werks

Challenger and Pursuit Kolor Flares

Mitchell, South Dakota based Klock Werks has announced the final addition to its easy-install Kolor Flare windshield collection for the 2020-2023 Indian Challenger and Pursuit models.

"With a growing number of Indian Challenger bikes on the road, we are thrilled to offer this complete lineup, representing our commitment to delivering a full range of stunning, performance-enhancing windshields for these popular motorcycles.

"The Kolor Flare windshield has revolutionized motorcycle accessories with its advanced aerodynamic design and striking color options. As the Indian Challenger models gain momentum, this expanded lineup allows riders to personalize their bikes at a cost-effective price, combining high performance with affordable customization and a smoother, more comfortable ride.

"Featuring Klock Werks' proprietary aerodynamic technology, this Kolor Flare windshield for Indian Challenger and Pursuit expertly manages airflow and reduces buffeting, resulting in enhanced stability and control. The final collection boasts an array of eye-catching colors.

"The creativity of Indian motorcycle owners is truly inspiring," said Brian Klock. "As they push the boundaries with custom fenders and unique paint jobs, the Kolor Series offers a vibrant way to enhance both stock and custom builds. It's the perfect finishing touch that adds a burst of personality and flair."

KLOCK WERKS

www.getklocked.com

S&S Cycle

MK-Series B Crankcases for M-8 Softail Models

On the basis that Baggers aren't the only M-8s pushing massive performance numbers, S&S Cycle has "gone the next stage" with its new B crankcases for Softails.

"Designed specifically for the big power that the lighter and more agile M-8 Softail chassis are being asked to handle, these Softail-specific B crankcases are engineered for the requirements of the latest generation of 'built' engines being installed into M-8 Softails.

"They allow for the installation of larger bore kits, they scrape more oil and offer improved reliability, all while still fitting into the stock Softail frame. These beefed-up cases feature a machined stock deck height, close-fitting oil scraper (stock is as cast) and large volume sump.

S&S CYCLE INC.

www.sscycle.com

Biltwell

Biltwell Moto Grips

Temecula, California based Biltwell says it "likes MX grips on more than just dirt bikes. These performance-oriented grips work great on Harleys, but most 'hogs' have 1" bars. Our new Moto Grips solve this problem since they are available in traditional size for 7/8" handlebars, but also in 1" diameter for most H-D-sized bars. 

"Ergonomic, durable and comfortable, the choice of two Kraton rubber compounds mean you can pick between soft (in grey) or medium (black), depending on your preference."

BILTWELL INC.

www.biltwellinc.com

Baker Drivetrain

Baker Drivetrain - Transmission Upgrades

Baker Drivetrain (Haslett, Michigan) is internationally recognized as a leading Harley transmissions engineer - one where reliable power, durability and manufacturing excellence come together.

Throughout the past couple of years, AMD has been publishing regular updates from the comprehensive Baker product range. Recently the Haslett, Michigan based manufacturer pulled together some of the best-selling premium components it offers for upgrading the primary for a smoother, more dependable ride.

"Our top-of-the-line primary components are designed to replace stock parts with innovative, high-performance upgrades. Proudly made in the USA, these components offer unmatched quality and reliability, ensuring you get the best performance out of your motorcycle."

34-Tooth Comp Sprocket

Engineered for enhanced durability and smoother operation, this kit reduces vibration and compensates for crankshaft variations, ensuring a more stable and enjoyable ride. "The kit offers a significant improvement over stock components, delivering superior reliability and longevity for dedicated riders."

Armored Attitude Adjuster

Designed to eliminate chain slack and prevent costly repairs, this robust adjuster ensures precise chain alignment and tension. "Built to withstand the toughest conditions, it delivers consistent and reliable performance, giving riders a smoother and more responsive ride."

Primary Rebuild Kit

One of the simplest ways to revitalize a motorcycle's performance is with the Baker primary rebuild kit. This comprehensive kit includes all the high-quality components needed to restore the primary to peak condition. "Each part is crafted to exceed factory specifications, ensuring enhanced reliability and longevity." 

Heavy Duty Primary Oil

Spectro Heavy Duty Primary Oil ensures optimal component performance and longevity for your motorcycle. Specifically formulated to handle the demands of heavy-duty primary drives, this high-quality oil provides superior lubrication, reducing wear and heat. 

BAKER DRIVETRAIN

www.bakerdrivetrain.com