AMRA

AMRA Nitro Harleys Get One Round in at Bowling Green

Beech Bend Raceway, September 19-21, 2025

The huge crowd of V-twin culture junkies that descended on Bowling Green, Kentucky's Beech Bend Raceway got at least one sunny day of action in at the PennGrade1 AMRA D.C. Jones Memorial Fall Nationals. 

After a full day of Harley-Davidson drag racing qualifying on Saturday, Sunday broke out with anything but sun. Rain finally eased to allow one round of Nitro-Harley and some pro gas class eliminations before returning and washing out the rest of the event.

Ohio racer Ryan Peery qualified number one (6.43 at 213 mph) in Johnny Mancuso's Circle M Ranch Top Fuel and advanced handily out of round one past Michael Balch on Red Rhea's bike. "Sometimes Mother Nature sucks!" said Peery, whose program has come together so well that he won the IHRA race the following weekend. 

Points leader heading into the season finale at the Rockingham Raceway in NC was Finland's Samu Kemppainen, whose lead coming into Beech Bend was 1070 to Peery's 885. He qualified just behind Ryan with a 6.488 at 215 and easily advanced past Peery's teammate Buddy Johnson in E1.

Bad Apple Racing's Cameron "Flash" Gunter qualified number one at Byron Illinois in the Armon Furr Nitro Funnybikes but blew up on his very first qualifying pass at Beech Bend and was done for the weekend. 

That left Jordan Peterson qualified number one at Beech Bend (7.03 at 176) on the Phil Lower-owned bike, tuned by Mike Romine. Then he got the solo pass in E1 when Gunter couldn't make it.

In the Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel lightning struck twice for Curt Sexton. After bending a rod and torching the head in Bryon, Illinois the same happened in the first round at Bowling Green. Running a back-up motor, he ran a 7.277 on Sunday morning but it was Mary Dangrow who qualified number one with a 7.32 at 167, then ran those numbers again in her round 1 win over Kyle Rogers. 

Pro Outlaw ran their one round to completion, with Billy Doherty blowing the tire off his Pro Modified bar bike and losing to number one qualifier Jerrick Spinal and his turbo Bagger.

Jeremy Williamson was number one qualifier in Zipper's Performance Pro Bagger. The class was interrupted in E1 by the final shower that ended the day.

Russ Johnson qualified number one in Zipper's Performance Modified, Robert Alther qualified number one in Huffman Performance Super Gas, John Powers number one in Pro Eliminator 10.90, Chris Hoppe in Top Eliminator, Nick Boey in Thundermax Street Bagger, Jason Crisp in Axtell Cylinders Hot Street, John Shotts in BK Electric Super Pro 10.30, and John Poett III in Thundermax Street Eliminator 11.50.

Once the weather had forced a finish there was nothing for it but for the teams to wonder what might have been, pack-up and reconvene at Rockingham on October 25-26 for the Jim McClure Finals at Rockingham. 

www.eatmyink.com, www.amralive.com

BSA

BSA revives the Bantam name 

By Ben Purvis

The BSA brand has been part of Indian giant Mahindra's portfolio since 2016 and after a low-key revival in 2022 with the launch of the Gold Star 650 its reviving the Bantam name on a new 334 cc single for 2026.

The Bantam 350 is a direct rival to the likes of Royal Enfield's HNTR/Hunter 350 and Honda's fast-selling GB350S, but in its UK launch market it undercuts both in terms of price while offering a useful advantage in terms of power. 

That's because despite its retro styling, it doesn't adopt the SOHC, air-cooled layout that Honda and Royal Enfield have chosen for their competitors. Instead, the BSA borrows a 334 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC single from another of Mahindra's 'Classic Legends' brands, Jawa. The motor also has an oversquare bore/stroke ratio where both the GB350S and Enfield's 350 cc range use long-stroke, under-square designs that prioritise torque over power. 

The result is that the BSA Bantam 350 puts out 29 hp at 7,750 rpm, around 10 hp more than either of its main rivals, while offering 40 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. So you have to rev it harder than its rivals, but there's more performance to be found if you do so. 

To suit the higher revs, there's a six-speed transmission where both Honda and Royal Enfield make do with five ratios, and even though there's the extra weight of a liquid cooling system and radiator, it's only a fraction heavier than its rivals, with the BSA coming in at 185 kg where the Hunter 350 weighs 181 kg and the GB350S is 178 kg.

The chassis is as simple as you'd expect from a low-cost, retro-inspired bike - a simple steel frame, dual shocks and right-way-up forks. There's minimal adjustability, with just five steps of rear preload on offer and no way to alter the damping at either end. Meanwhile the forks sit at a surprisingly relaxed 29 degrees of rake, suggesting that stability is prioritised over nimbleness. 

BSA might have launched the bike in the UK, but the company is spreading its reach around the world, with sales networks as far afield as Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines and the USA as well as major European markets like Spain, Germany, Italy and France. India, too, is planned to be a major market for the brand.

2026 MotoGP

2026 MotoGP calendar for final 1,000 cc year

The provisional 2026 MotoGP schedule, the first to be released under the imprimatur of new Dorna Sports owner Liberty Media (Colorado, USA) again includes 22 Grands Prix on five continents. 

A highlight will be the return of the Brazil GP for the first time since Makoto Tomada’s win for Honda in 2004 - the new venue for the Brazilian race will be Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna at Goianai near Brasilia. 

This will be the final season before the 1,000 cc formula (introduced in 2012) switches to 850 cc for 2027. The season opener is still slated for Thailand but an alternate city and venue to Bangkok is expected to be announced shortly. 

The casualty for 2026 is the Indian GP, due to ongoing logistical and financial issues since its inaugural race in at the Buddh International Circuit in 2023. 

Argentina's race at Termas de Rio Hondo also falls off the 2026 calendar, but it is expected to return in 2027 at a new location in Buenos Aires. 

2026 H-D Bagger World Cup

The plan to run Harley-Davidson Road King 'Bagger Racing' at select MotoGP rounds in 2026 is confirmed. Launched at the Austrian GP at the Red Bull Ring, Speilberg, Austria, in August, the 2026 Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is essentially a 'Company Cup' with their Race prepared Road Kings as the 'spec' bikes.

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at Dorna Sports said: "We're always looking for ways to innovate and expand - staying faithful to what fans love about MotoGP but finding ways to connect with new audiences. The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup fulfils the brief. 

www.motogp.com

Klock Werks

Flares For PowerPlus Indians

Mitchell, SD based Klock Werks has extended its award-winning Flare Windshields offer to include 2025 and newer Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster PowerPlus models.

Known for their advanced air flow management designs, "the Flare Windshield is widely recognized as the single most impactful upgrade a rider can make," says Brian Klock. 

Dark Smoke

"With its patented design, it reroutes airflow to maximize the riding experience for both rider and passenger while reducing fatigue on long trips. The Flare's signature 'hips' push turbulent air away from the motorcycle, creating a smoother ride, while the distinctive 'flip' at the top directs air up and over the cockpit, improving helmet stability, reducing wind noise, and enhancing audio performance."

Manufactured in the United States, every Flare Windshield is built from high-quality Lexan polycarbonate, a material trusted by riders for its durability and resilience against the elements, road debris, and, for one rider, more than 400,000 miles of open-road use. 

Tint

Klock Werks stresses the importance of selecting the right windshield height for optimum performance. The company recommends riders choose a Flare Windshield size that allows them to look over the shield rather than through it. Installation is straightforward, and each windshield ships with complete instructions for a quick upgrade.

"Klock Werks was honored to be on an aftermarket advisory board back in 2013 as Polaris first bought Indian Motorcycle," said Brian. "Since those first models we have supported the Indian Motorcycle community now for 12 years running, may the success continue with these new PowerPlus models."

The Flare Windshield for the 2025+ Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster PowerPlus is available now through Klock Werks and authorized dealers.

KLOCK WERKS

www.getklocked.com

Zodiac International

Zodiac - VPerformance for Sportster S

Zodiac International has added the Italian-made performance exhaust line, with this Black E-approved muffler kit available for the 2021 and up RH1250S Sportster S.

This set of single collector and two mufflers with built-in catalysts replaces the stock silencer unit and re-uses the stock front and rear exhaust header. The mufflers feature removable dB killers - but note that removal of the dB killers voids the E-approval. 

www.zodiac.nl

www.qdexhaust.it

Freedom Performance Exhausts

Softail 2-Step Slip-ons

Corona, California based Freedom Performance Exhausts is inviting its dealers to upgrade customers' 2025 Softails with a choice of two styles of new 4" and 4.5" 2-step slip-ons.

Offered in bright chrome or classic, sleek matte black, the slip-ons offer a personalized look and upgraded 2-step performance in one simple, fully reversible modification free, 49-state street legal install.

Freedom Performance CEO Martin Artega says: "We guarantee compatibility with all 2025 narrow-tire configurations and, as a slip-on, there's no need to remove the catalytic converter in the OEM stock header."

Fitments include Heritage, Low Rider S/ST, and Street Bob 2025 models only. "These hassle-free install slip-ons also deliver the kind of commanding tone we all love and the kind of noticeably crisp throttle response we all appreciate."

FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST

www.freedomperform.com

Additional recent additions from the Freedom Performance crew include customizable 2-step 4" and 4.5" chrome or black slip-ons for the Moto Morini Calibro 700/Bagger. A model series that has enjoyed near cult status in Europe in recent years, the Moto Morini Calabro is now starting to gain traction in the United States too. 

Arlen Ness

The Classy Way to Lose Weight and Add Strength

Arlen Ness have added these 12-Point windshield bolt kits to their recently introduced, high class and fast-growing range of 12-Point titanium hardware kit options.

Available in black, polished or gold finish.

Solid titanium - spot drilled head and lightning hole design on the bolt flange.

CNC machined from solid titanium, each 12-Point bolt is meticulously CNC machined, featuring a spot drilled bolt head and lightning hole design on the bolt flange. 

Reduced weight over factory and other stainless steel hardware alternatives delivers increased strength and durability as well adding that classic touch on 'Ness' class. The give a custom finishing touch to one of the most visible areas on the motorcycle.

The kit includes all the needed bolts (four) for mounting the windshield on 2015-2023 and 2024-up Road Glide models. They are available in black, polished or gold finish. 

Lifter block, cam cover, primary and gas cap kits also available. 

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

www.arlenness.com

Polaris

Polaris Reports Q3 All Segment Sales Up By 7%; Indian Unit Sales Tracking Market at Down Mid-Single Digit Percent

Polaris Third Quarter results saw sales of $1,842m, up seven percent compared to last year; adjusted sales were $1,838m; Q3 reported diluted loss per share was $0.28; adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.41.

Primary factors affecting Q3 sales were higher than expected shipments and ORV mix; Q3 year-to-date operating cash flow was $562m; Q3 market share gains in off-road vehicles (ORV) and motorcycles.

Powersports retail sales for the quarter were up nine percent versus last year. ORV retail sales were up nine percent.

Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen commented that "I'm incredibly proud of the Polaris team - their efforts are reflected in this quarter's performance. Polaris delivered strong third quarter results with $1.8bn in sales. 

In addition to the On Road and Marine businesses outpacing their respective industries, we achieved meaningful market share gains in Off Road in the quarter. Our operational discipline, dealer inventory alignment, and innovation pipeline have us positioned to deliver for dealers and customers, drive profitable growth and create greater value for our shareholders. 

"Building on our current momentum, we remain committed to executing our long-term strategy and I am confident in the Polaris team's ability to finish the year strong."

In remarks to analysts when these fiscals were released, Speetzen added clarity to the remarks that accompanied the announcement of the sale of a majority position in Indian Motorcycle by further emphasising that the benefits of the deal were increasing capital availability for ORV operations availability and increasing the return they feel they can achieve on that capital.

Rather than suggesting the decision was driven by negativity about Indian Motorcycle as such, he confirmed that it was more a question of the challenges facing the motorcycle industry in general. He stated that the deal "allows us to focus on our most promising, high margin higher growth opportunities."

Reporting worldwide sales were $1,842m, up seven percent versus Q3 of 2024. North America sales of $1,586m represented 86 percent of total Company sales and increased eight percent from $1,473m in 2024. 

International sales of $256m represented 14 percent of total Company sales and increased two percent versus Q3 of 2024. 

Total Company Q3 sales of 2025 were positively impacted by product mix. Gross profit margin increased six basis points to 20.6 percent for Q3, as compared to the third quarter of 2024. 

Adjusted gross profit margin of 20.7 percent decreased eight basis points primarily driven by tariffs and incentive compensation headwinds, partially offset by mix and operational efficiencies compared to Q3 of 2024.

Operating expenses were $380m in Q3 of 2025 compared to $313m in Q3 2024, primarily due to a non-cash property and equipment impairment charge and increased general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales, were 20.6 percent, up 247 basis points in Q3 of 2025 compared to Q3 of 2024.

For Q3, net loss attributable to Polaris was $16m, or $0.28 net loss per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to Polaris of $28m, or $0.49 per diluted share, in Q3 of 2024. Adjusted net income attributable to Polaris for the quarter was $23m, and adjusted EPS was $0.41.

Third quarter 2025 results included a $42.3m impairment charge related to certain property and equipment assets in the Company's On Road segment.

On Road segment sales were driven by lower volumes and continued market softness. PG&A sales increased six percent. Gross profit margin performance was driven by negative product mix, partially offset by strong performance at Aixam (Quadricycles, Aix-les-Bains, France). 

North America unit retail sales for Indian Motorcycle were down mid-single digits percent. Estimated North America unit retail sales for the comparable motorcycle industry were down mid-single digits percent.

Off Road segment sales were driven by positive product mix in off-road vehicles. PG&A sales increased 22 percent; gross profit margin performance was driven by positive product mix and operational efficiencies.

Polaris North America ORV unit retail sales were up nine percent. Estimated North America industry ORV unit retail sales were up low-single digits percent.

Marine segment sales were driven by increased volumes of entry-level pontoon. Gross profit margin performance was impacted by negative mix.

2025 BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The Company reintroduced updated 2025 full year adjusted sales and adjusted EPS guidance. The Company now expects 2025 adjusted sales to be between $6.9bn to $7.1bn and adjusted EPS down by approx. -$0.05.