Vance & Hines

V&H Announces EPA Settlement

Vance & Hines has announced final resolution of a multi-year inquiry by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Clean Air Act - stating that it regards the final resolution as signalling "a new era of performance for the motorcycle industry.

Formalized through a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO), the resolution, concludes a process that began in 2018. Pursuant to the CAFO, Vance & Hines has agreed to a nearly seven-figure payment to resolve the allegations. Throughout the investigation, Vance & Hines worked in full cooperation with federal authorities to ensure the company's operations and product offerings align with the evolving regulatory landscape. 

In what it says is an "innovation for the road ahead", rather than merely discontinuing certain offerings to meet the CAFO requirements, Vance & Hines has spent the last four years fundamentally transforming its business model. 

This transition involved a massive overhaul of the company's product line and a multi-million-dollar investment in state-of-the-art engineering and testing facilities. 

"We have spent the better part of the last decade preparing for this moment," said Chris Lindstrom, President and CEO of Vance & Hines. "Our goal was never just to meet a legal standard; it was to prove that addressing the EPA's concerns doesn't mean sacrificing performance or a great quality sound. We have worked tirelessly to develop products that will ignite excitement every time you jump on your motorcycle, and we are proud to lead the industry into this new era."

However, in what V&H described as "a warning to the industry", the "conclusion of this matter serves as a significant signal to the powersports industry. Following a decade of rigorous enforcement in the automotive sector, the EPA has turned its focus toward the motorcycle aftermarket. 

"Vance & Hines' experience underscores the necessity for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to understand the requirements under the Clean Air Act to ensure the long-term viability of the industry."

Vance & Hines' new generation of performance exhaust systems is the result of "rigorous R&D and thousands of hours of testing and redefines the performance standard." By utilizing advanced technology and precision tuning, the company says it has "successfully maintained the iconic "V&H Sound" and aesthetic that riders demand, while delivering improved and usable torque over previous generations" of product.

"We understand this shift was met with questions from some of our long-time fans and partners," Lindstrom continued. "But the reality is that the industry is changing. We chose to invest in the extensive R&D and engineering required to keep the spirit of American motorcycling alive, rather than risking the future of our brand and our dealers."

With this matter now resolved, Vance & Hines states that it "remains focused" on what it describes as its core mission - "providing riders with the most premium quality, best-sounding and highest performance motorcycle products in the world."

www.vanceandhines.com

EICMA

'EICMA.SHIFT UP' - "Legends of Speed" brings the history of MotoGP to Milan for the first time

For the first time in the history of EICMA, more than 70 years of premier-class racing will come together in an exhibition covering over 1,400 sq m (approx. 15,000 sq ft) featuring more than 35 motorcycles, the MotoGP Gaming Arena, fan engagement activities and the chance to win exclusive experiences at the 2027 Italian Grand Prix.

The 83rd EICMA edition - 5 to 8 November 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho

Just over three months after announcing the strategic partnership between MotoGP and EICMA, the first major project to come out of the collaboration is "Legends of Speed" - an exhibition that will bring a major showcase dedicated to more than 70 years of premier-class Grand Prix motorcycle racing to the show for the first time in EICMA's history. 

The journey will begin with the AJS Porcupine 500, the motorcycle on which Leslie Graham claimed the inaugural 500 cc World Championship title in 1949, before travelling through the great eras of the Championship: from the three- and four-cylinder MV Agusta 500s ridden by Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read to the Yamahas that shaped the history of the premier class, including Valentino Rossi's; from the legendary Honda NSRs to the Suzukis of Kevin Schwantz and Franco Uncini, through to the Ducatis of the more recent era and an absolute masterpiece of Italian engineering, the Moto Guzzi 500 V8. 

Bringing the journey full circle will be the official MotoGP machines from the five manufacturers competing in the 2026 World Championship, brought together as part of the exhibition.

Features will include a high-impact visual installation, archive images and materials, audiovisual and interactive content - "an experience designed to engage both passionate fans and new generations."

Paolo Magri, CEO of EICMA, and Pietro Meda, President of EICMA S.p.A. said "Legends of Speed perfectly embodies the spirit of SHIFT UP: bringing together the highest expression of motorcycle sport with the place where the global two-wheel industry meets and presents its future."

But "Legends of Speed" will be just one chapter in the MotoGP–EICMA partnership. "Backed by FIM, motorcycle racing will become part of the EICMA experience through activations and touchpoints throughout the event, fan engagement initiatives, digital content and activities dedicated to the public." 

These will include the MotoGP Gaming Arena, a space dedicated to gaming and younger generations, adding another dimension to the MotoGP experience at EICMA.

News Briefs

According to MIC Events, the Orlando Florida, March 3-5, 2027, AIMExpo show floor is nearly sold out, with "the industry's most influential brands showing up in force." Connect, Engage, Unite; www.aimexpousa.com

Polaris Industries reported Q2 sales of $2,023m, up 9% compared to last year, driven by continued strength in utility and shipments aligning to retail coupled with positive price and lower promotions. Total Polaris retail sales for the quarter, excluding Youth, were up 4% over last year. ORV retail sales were up 5%, resulting in Q2 ORV market share gains. The Q2 results included $74m of tariff refunds, which benefited adjusted EPS by $0.96. Polaris substantially raised full year 2026 guidance to adjusted EPS of between $3.00 to $3.10 from $1.60 to $1.70.

The fallout from the trade spat between the USA and Canada will likely involve the imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle imports.

With the backing of Drag Specialties, S&S Cycle and the Buffalo Chip, AIMExpo (Orlando, FL, March 3-5, 2027) is to add a 'Builder Cup' invitational custom bike competition.

The MIC has acquired MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com to expand its "powersports workforce reach." Founded in 2004 by Alex Baylon, "the acquisition could provide another avenue for recruiting qualified candidates at a time when attracting and retaining employees remains a key industry challenge."

Appleton Harley-Davidson in Wisconsin is using 2026 as a transition year, after a "challenging 2025" and celebrating 50 years in business with the opening of a new, larger dealership. "We're celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. This gives us a nice stepping stone to get to the next 50 years of Appleton's history and legacy," said Joshua Doughty, whose father first opened Appleton H-D in 1976.

PSB reports that even as Yamaha Motor Co. posted record first-half financial results, the company is making one of its most significant manufacturing changes in the U.S. powersports market, announcing it will cease in-house side-by-side production at its Georgia manufacturing facility following the 2026 model year.

Aimed at Flat Track racing, Picasso Engineering (Switzerland) is introducing the new OMT450C. "This is not just a race bike, but a continuous development platform implementing the proprietary DAST (Dynamic Adaptive Stiffness Technology) system for the first time in Flat Track: a modular carbon fibre frame designed to actively adjust structural rigidity and adapt to track grip conditions. Powered by a proven Honda CRF450RX engine, the bike is currently competing at the highest level in the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship, with American star Sammy Halbert.

Royal Enfield's 125th year has been commemorated with the brand's historic British roots in Redditch, England seeing a 'World Origin Site' plaque marking the legacy of Royal Enfield's first factory location. The site of Royal Enfield's original Hunt End Works is on what is now known as Enfield Road. Royal Enfield motorcycles from five generations lined Enfield Road, highlighting the brand's title as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production with a modern 'Project Origin' replica of Royal Enfield's first motorcycle, launched in 1901, to a fully restored first edition 1932 Bullet, the iconic model that began Royal Enfield's journey to manufacturing in India and that is still in production today.

Chandler, AZ. based RideNow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDNW) announced that it has joined the small-cap Russell 2000 Index and the broad-market Russell 3000 Index as part of the 2026 reconstitution of the Russell US Indexes.

Drag Specialties NVP & Product Expo

North American NVP Product Expo

Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI, September 12-13, 2026

AMD presents the latest in its long-term Vendor and Product News event reviews from the recent Drag Specialties NVP & Product Expo. The event came at a difficult time for dealers and vendors alike, a time when disposable incomes are under pressure and consumer confidence is "uncertain", at best ...

BS Battery: Congratulations to the Paris, France based battery and charger/maintenance specialist for achieving a major milestone in the US - awarded by LeMans with the Best Supplier Award - "recognizing the strength of a partnership built on trust, commitment, and shared ambition." The company first stated the process of establishing themselves in the United States in 2022 by setting out to build a long-term partnership with LeMans . "Four years later, that ambition has become reality," said company owner Benjamin Sebban. "We now operate a dedicated U.S. office and warehouse in Florida, supported by a permanent local team of three active members serving customers across the country;" www.bs-battery.com/usa

GBrakes: A recent new brand, but one with a 70-year plus pedigree in the US market, new products for the V-Twin sector this year have included the all-new 'Reaper Rotor'. Featuring a specialized all-black blade finish that is designed to resist fading and wear under extreme heat, the pigmentation will resist wear even during heavy braking. The trademarked Cryo-Tech Treatment process strengthens the metal structure and improves wear resistance. Made from virgin high-carbon 420 stainless steel to prevent warping and manage heat expansion, the rotor design is available with customizable carrier and button colors. The 'Reaper Rotor' is offered in popular sizes including 11.5", 11.8", 12.5", and 13" for both front and rear applications; www.GBrakes.com

Drag Seats: Recent additions include Predator III 2-Up Seats for Indian Motorcycle models that feature a 6 1/2" tall driver support "with unique styling. The seating area is contoured for maximum comfort with the rear portion measuring 7" wide for easy riding. The 3/16" thermoformed ABS seat base gives the perfect fit, while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protect the bike's paint." They are available in smooth solar-reflective leather or smooth automotive-grade vinyl. All seats include mounting hardware and are designed to fit 20-25 Challenger, 25 Chieftain (108"/112" Liquid Cooled Powerplus). They are made in the U.S.A in solar reflective leather and automotive-grade vinyl; www.dragspecialties.com 

Bagger Racing League (BRL): Headed into the 2006 championship finale at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Rounds 6&7, October 17&18), with a Moto Morini partnership that sees the legendary Italian brand introducing a 693 cc, 8-valve DOHC, inline twin Calibro Bagger version The BoschEFi mid-range Bagger features 19L rigid bags and puts out 78 hp at 8,500 rpm and 50 ft/lbs max torque at 6,500 rpm; www.baggerracingleague.com

Feuling Parts: Recent new products include additions to the company's Fuel Injector and Reaper Camshaft programs and a big investment in the now C.A.R.B. Approved M8 Gen 2 BA Air Cleaners. "With the introduction of the new "Gen-2" Milwaukee Eight engines came an updated intake manifold location, which means an updated, 'upsweep' design air cleaner backing plate for Feuling's BA Air Cleaners to account for the new intake location - leaving a clean and sleek air cleaner fitment without sacrificing performance."  Now 50- state legal (C.A.R.B. EO #D-881-3) features include a highflow billet aluminum velocity stack with optimal opening diameter, outer lip and internal diameter (ID) taper;" www.feulingparts.com

GIVI USA: Founded in 1978, the Italian luggage and accessory specialist has been a trendsetter in the ADV market for decades, practically inventing the ADV luggage space as we know it today. Respected worldwide for the ' Monokey' top case security and mounting hardware technology, like many 'mainstream' parts and accessory manufacturers, the launch of Harley's Pan America is bringing it to the attention of an entirely new market segment; www.giviusa.com

Darkhorse Motor Company: Internationally recognized for its award-winning severe duty 'Man-O-War' crankshafts, recent new products include a cost and labor saving M8 Oil Pan Service Kit and new 'Kingpin' Crowned Pinion Races that deliver "exceptional durability, stability, and long-term reliability for new and remanufactured Twin Cam and M8 crankshafts"; www.darkhorsemoco.com

Trask Performance: Now that the performance specialist has settled into its new 'Palais d'excellence' at Phoenix, Arizona, the company has continued to grow to their new product program with this new Docking Kit for the Trask Assault Series Billet Tail Section among recent additions. "Purpose-built for riders who demand both function and precision, this system allows the use of a tour pack or backrest while maintaining the rigid performance of the Assault Subframe." Each component of the Docking Kit is CNC machined from billet aluminum, giving riders a durable, high-strength solution that integrates seamlessly with the Assault Series Subframe; www.traskperformance.com

BrakeTech USA

BrakeTech USA - New Ownership and Website 

Reidsville, N.C., based BrakeTech USA, the American manufacturer of AXIS floating motorcycle brake rotors and Caliper Racing Pistons, has announced that the company has been acquired by Brock and Rhonda Davidson of Brock's Performance fame at Dayton, Ohio. 

Brock Davidson (right) and his wife Rhonda has acquired BrakeTech USA. Founder Jeff Gehrs will continue as Senior Technical Consultant. 

BrakeTech founder Jeff Gehrs has taken a step-back from day-to-day company operations but will continue as Senior Technical Advisor, supporting product development and technical matters on an ongoing basis. 

Brock's will continue to operate the as BrakeTech USA, LLC, with manufacturing remaining at the existing Reidsville, North Carolina BrakeTech facility.

BrakeTech's manufactured product lines are continuing without interruption, including the AXIS floating rotor system, Cobra SS street and road rotors, AXIS/RR round-race series rotors, CobraMX offroad rotors, SuperAxe rotors, BigBrake oversized kits, BT-HD Harley-Davidson rotors, and Caliper Racing Pistons. 

"Our Harley Big-Brake kits bring real performance braking to Big Twins. Each kit is built around our patented AXIS full-floating rotor in the Cobra SS stainless petal design, oversized to 320mm (12.6") or 330mm (13") depending on application. They are paired with a billet machined caliper relocation adapter finished in Black Diamond hard anodize to fit Brembo 4-piston twin-pin calipers.

"These kits are designed for the serious performance rider who wants a genuine boost in stopping power, not just a styling upgrade. Rotors and kits are available in both full-circle and half-moon mounting hole patterns, and in hub-mount or spoke-mount configurations depending on the model."

The company has also launched a rebuilt braketech.com today, developed to serve retail customers and dealers through the same storefront. Product, fitment, and technical content will continue to be added to the site on an ongoing basis. Phase two of the rebuild will take the catalog to approximately 350 rotor SKUs.

"I have tested these rotors against everything else on the market, and nothing comes close," said Brock Davidson, Operating Manager of BrakeTech USA, LLC and owner of Brock's Performance. 

"It would have been a genuine loss to the industry if one of the best components you can put on a motorcycle had gone away. We are not changing BrakeTech — we are putting Brock's Performance's organization, marketing, and graphics team behind it, and giving riders and dealers a website that does the products justice."

www.braketech.com

Indian Motorcycle

PowerPlus 'Signature Series'

The all-new Signature Series from Indian Motorcycle is a limited collection of 112" PowerPlus models that includes a Chieftain, Roadmaster, Challenger and Indian Pursuit.

"Defined by a painstaking multi-layer paint process, delivering exceptional depth, clarity, and contrast across every surface," each finish is said to "accentuate the motorcycle's lines and proportions while revealing new details from every angle. Extensive hand-detailing and rigorous quality control measures are applied throughout production, ensuring every motorcycle meets the collection's exacting standards." 

Produced in limited numbers, the Signature Series paint process is said to "create depth that shifts with the light and movement and reveals itself from every angle. Each finish is carefully crafted to deliver a presence that stands out from the crowd." More than a color treatment, every layer is described as "intentionally applied" to give each motorcycle a distinctive identity.

"Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has pursued the ultimate intersection of form and function - motorcycles that are as beautiful in design as they are sophisticated in performance," said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. "Signature Series embodies that mindset with every surface, every line, and every layer approached with a spirit of artistry. Our paint process was central to that vision, giving each machine its own unmistakable identity. These motorcycles make a bold visual statement about our commitment to American craftsmanship."

The Chieftain and Challenger PowerPlus Signature Series models start at $40,999 MSRP with the Roadmaster and Pursuit at $46,749. In addition to high-end finish "the Signature Series combines class-leading performance with advanced rider-focused technology to enhance confidence, comfort, and convenience on every ride". Their Rider Assist suite is standard on models powered by the PowerPlus 112 engine - integrated Bike Hold Control, Electronic Combined Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, Rear Collision Warning and SmartLean Technology.

The lineup also features a Ride Command powered 7-inch Touchscreen Display (GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, bike information, and Ride Command+ services such as Bike Locator, Bike Health, and Apple CarPlay) and a premium PowerBand Audio system (400-watts on the baggers and 600-watts on the touring models).

Arlen Ness

Ness Air Cleaner Kits 

The Stage 2 is the "all business" option for riders prioritizing maximum intake volume.

Unlike standard OEM kits, this Stage 2 Oval Air Cleaner from Arlen Ness features a Pleated Front Facing Filter offering increased surface area for improved air intake and an aggressive, performance-oriented custom look.

Method air cleaner, chrome

The Method Oval offers the same performance gains as the Stage 2 but adds the unique visual element of the specially coated clear polycarbonate top window to the bike's profile - providing a direct view into the internal workings of the intake and throttle body. 

The Method Oval intakes feature an oval shaped carbon fiber cover and washable/reuseable black performance pre-oiled low profile, legroom friendly air filter, with a high flow pleated perimeter to take in airflow from all directions. 

Oval air cleaner, carbon fiber

The Radius design backing plate is engineered for increased horsepower and torque through unobstructed airflow. Each kit includes the backing plate assembly, air filter, carbon fiber outer cover assembly, and necessary hardware; available finishes are Carbon Fiber & Black anodize. 

Fitments include 24-25 Touring and 25 Softail, 17-23 M8 Engines, 08-16 FLT, 16-17 FBW models and 00-17 Twin Cam (CARB Executive Order D-639-14). 

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

www.arlenness.com

Indian Motorcycle Racing

Indian Motorcycle Racing and Hayden Gillim Claim 2026 King Of The Baggers Championship 

September 20, 2026, saw Hayden Gillim and Indian Motorcycle Racing conclude their dominant run through the 2026 King of the Baggers (KOTB) season at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, clinching the championship and setting a new record for most wins in a single KOTB season.

In his first season with the J&P Cycles / Motul / Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle Racing team, Gillim's eight victories and two second-place finishes were enough to secure the championship with two races remaining. The 2026 title marks Indian Motorcycle's fourth King of the Baggers championship.

"This is monumental, not just for Hayden and the team, but for our dealers, riders and our entire company," said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. "We started this season with a brand-new race team that had limited time with the Indian Challenger prior to Daytona. 

"We knew we had the superior machine, an elite race team in Vance & Hines, and a stable of incredibly talented riders, but this is racing. You still have to line up and perform. That's exactly what we did, race after race. To secure the championship with two races remaining and break the record for most wins in a single season is a testament to every person on this team who pours their heart and soul into this program."

Gillim's championship further solidifies the partnership between Indian Motorcycle and Vance & Hines, "showcasing the engineering, durability and relentless performance that have made the Indian Challenger a benchmark in King of the Baggers competition."

Gillim's 2026 title breaks the manufacturer championship tie and gives Indian Motorcycle the edge in the all-time KOTB championship count, four titles to Harley-Davidson's three. Gillim joins Tyler O'Hara (2020, 2022) and Troy Herfoss (2024) as Indian Motorcycle KOTB Champions.