AIMExpo 2027

Drag Specialties, S&S and AMD backing 'The Builders Cup' at AIMExpo 2027

A new custom motorcycle competition has been announced for AIMExpo at Orlando, March 3-5 2027

The Builders Cup Fueled by Drag Specialties is an all-new competition showcasing leading custom builders and the machines and ideas influencing the future of motorcycling.

Cinnamon Kernes, VP of Market Expansion at the Irvine, California based Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) said: "With an additional and substantial level of participation from S&S Cycles, and the endorsement of the AMD World Championship 'Approved' Custom Bike Show program, the Builders Cup Fueled by Drag Specialties will invite selected custom builders to showcase their skills, creativity and innovation AIMExpo 2027."

Note the timing too - the Daytona Bike Week timing is no coincidence. The organizers are hoping that the proximity and timing to Daytona Bike Week, and the backing of Drag Specialties, S&S Cycle, AMD Magazine and The Buffalo Chip, will help the 'Builder Cup' to provide a meaningful V-twin segment dimension to AIMExpo where authorized and aftermarket custom bike and P&A vendors and dealers are concerned.

"We understand that AIMExpo is principally a 'mainstream' powersports dealer, distributor and vendor industry expo, but now that the event is so well established in the industry, hosting a specific initiative that also allows the custom motorcycle market to showcase its creativity and craftsmanship is all part of our mission to 'bring the industry together' - all of the motorcycle industry, with all its enthusiasm and excellence, all in one place at the same time." 

The motorcycles will be displayed inside The Builders Club, a dedicated show-floor destination designed to connect custom culture with manufacturers, distributors, dealers, media, and other leaders from across the powersports industry.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip will present the Spirit of the Chip Award to the builder whose motorcycle best captures the spirit of freedom and individuality at the heart of motorcycle culture. For decades, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has created experiences that bring together motorcycles, music, art, and community. Its involvement in The Builders Cup brings that rider-facing perspective directly to the AIMExpo show floor.

For its part, Viola, Wisconsin based S&S Cycle (the masters of 'Proven Performance') will dig deep to make a special presentation of a brand-new engine to one selected Builder - one of their V124 'Super Sidewinder Plus' 124 cubic-inch (2,035 cc) direct bolt-in, air-cooled V-twin performance engines. 

The S&S V124 has been used many times for award-winning V-twin custom bike builds

The 4-1/8" bore x 4-5/8" stroke, 10.8:1 compression ratio V124 features an S&S 640 gear driven cam and generates around 128 hp and 133 ft-lb of torque. A classic custom bike builders 'engine of choice' and one that has featured in many top award-winning custom builds down the years. Designed for 1984-1999 carbureted Harley-Davidson Big Twin (Evolution) frames, the V124 has been used in stock and stock-style frames for 1984-1999 Softail, 1984-2000 FXR, 1990-1998 Dyna, and 1984-1998 Touring models.

Of his companies' collaboration with the AIMExpo and title sponsorship of The Builders Cup, Paul Langley, Chairman and CEO, LeMans Corporation said: "At Drag Specialties, we've always believed that when builders have access to the right products and the right support, they don't just create incredible motorcycles, they inspire the entire powersports industry.

"When you bring the industry's best custom builders together, you're showcasing more than the machines - you're celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that define powersports. AIMExpo is where this competition belongs; it's a show dedicated exclusively to powersports and it's where the entire industry shows up." 

www.aimexpousa.com

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Italian Motorcycle Registrations

Italy - Motorcycle Registrations +4.71% to September

Compared to 2025, Italy continues to show improved motorcycle sales, with the market running at +4.71% growth through September (120,364 new motorcycles registered YTD), although, overall, the growth trend has slowed through the year as the market emerges from the shadow of the 2024/25 Euro 5+ transition. 

New motorcycle registrations in Italy in the last three months were -6.51% (14,988 units) for July; -3.88% (5,819 units) for August and +1.78% (11,191 units) for September.

In total PTW terms the YTD data has Italy at +10.88% growth for the first nine months (313,032 units vs. 282,323 for the first nine month of 2025), with July at +4.68% (44.647 units); August at +4.52% (16,095) and September at +7.68% (31,573 units).

Unlike for motorcycle registrations alone, that is the highest level of total PTW registrations for the first nine months in Italy since before the 2008 Financial Crisis. That suggests a booming Scooter market and that is indeed the case. Scooters were+15.11% YTD at 192,668 units.

As usual, scooters dominate the YTD list of top-sellers in Italy, with Honda Italia's SH 125, 350 and 150 series taking the top three spots (35,254 units between them for the first nine months of the year) followed by the Zontes ZT368T-G in fourth (6,652 units YTD) and the Piaggio Liberty 125 ABS in fifth (6,296). 

The ongoing increase in popularity of versatile ADV, Maxi-Scooter and multi-purpose 'cross-over' platforms continues to be evident in the Italian top sellers list with the Zontes ZT368T-G in fourth, the Honda X-ADV 750 in fifth (5,885 units YTD), the ADV 350 in eighth (5,396 units), the Yamaha TMax in 10th (4,702 units) with the XMax 300 in 12th (4,141 units) and Honda's Forxa 350 Maxi Scooter in 19th spot (3,046 units YTD).

For the first time there is not a single larger displacement motorcycle in the list of the top-20 bestselling models in Italy - ADV, naked or sports – as the trend towards more robust but agile and lower cost city and commuter platforms plays-out.  

So far this year (certainly through to July) the top-selling larger displacement motorcycle was Honda's Africa Twin. By September 7 of the top 20 best sellers were Hondas and five were from Piaggio. Other brands represented in the top 20 list were Kymco and Voge with two entries each, with one each for Zontes and Sym.

For the record: Motorcycle registrations for the 2025 full year in Italy were put at 134,480 units (-19.22%) though the official data does not include the thousands of unsold Euro 5 models that were pre-registered in late 2024 but still (mostly) sold from dealerships as 'pre-registered' in 2025. 

NAMZ Custom Cycle Products

Badlands - Speed Sensing Self Canceling Module

Oreland, Pa. based NAMZ Custom Cycle Products, the parent company of Badlands Lighting Modules, has announced this ATS-04 speed-sensing self-canceling module, with factory-style automatic turn signal cancelling. 

The original lighting module innovator for American V-twin motorcycles since 1990, the Badlands ATS-04 is an evolution from the proven ATS-03 family with an all-new design built for both custom and production bikes. 

Using a motorcycle's electronic speed sensor, the ATS-04 automatically cancels turn signals, eliminating the common issue of forgotten blinkers. For vehicles without a speed sensor, the module includes a 30-second timer that provides reliable self-cancelling for added safety and convenience. 

The ATS-04 fits any American V-twin with an electronic speed sensor and is also compatible with custom builds, UTVs and golf carts. "It's an ideal upgrade for models from Arlen Ness, American Ironhorse, Big Dog, Bourget, Big Bear, Indian, Hellbent, OCC, Pure Steel, Swift, Titan, Ultra and West Coast Choppers," says NAMZ CCP CEO Jeff Zielinski.

"Installation is simple with the Direct-Connect OEM-style header connector, offering a clean, serviceable fit."

NAMZ CUSTOM CYCLE PRODUCTS

www.namzccp.com

Progressive Suspension

Ultra-Touring Shocks

Featuring "an all-new look and the same great performance", these Progressive Suspension 944 Series Ultra Touring shock absorbers are designed to sit 1" lower than a stock H-D Touring model and "provide exceptional ride quality.

"Utilizing our patented Frequency Sensing Technology (F.S.T.), 944 Series shocks shine in their ability to adapt to road conditions in real time by dynamically adjusting compression and rebound settings, eliminating the need for external adjustments. These shocks are available in Standard (good for combined rider weights up to 250 lbs), Heavy-Duty (250 lbs to 350 lbs), and Super Duty (350 lbs and up).

Also seen here, Progressive's all-new-look 944 F.S.T. Ultra-Low Shocks "deliver the same great performance but are designed to sit 2" lower than a stock H-D Touring model and provide the best ride a short shock is capable of. 

"By dynamically adjusting compression and rebound settings to road conditions in real time, these lowered shocks are available in Standard (good for combined rider weights up to 250 lbs) and Heavy-Duty (250 lbs to 350 lbs). Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) allows the shocks to sense the frequency of a bump and automatically adjust damping for superior ride quality. 

Pre-load is adjusted by hand, without the need for a special tool and the Progressive Rate Main springs are specifically designed for touring and available in Standard and Heavy-Duty spring rates, backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION

www.progressivesuspension.com

S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle - M8 Cam and Camshaft Chain Kits

This new HPT542 M8 cam is a direct bolt-in for non-VVT 117-121 ci engines with oval port heads. Described as delivering a "strong, flat torque band" with an "aggressive lope at idle" it is a "big power" cam for Gen 2 M8 models that has "the sound of something ready to perform, and when you open the throttle, you feel it."

HPT542 M8 cam

The "mile-wide" torque band and high rpm horsepower comes from the .542" lift at 1.64:1 compression ratio that pulls from 2000-6200 rpm. S&S says the HPT542 "works great up to 11.7:1 compression and is compatible with Gen 1 M8 engines using S&S .605" lift springs (performs excellently with a mild port job).

"We have seen outstanding throttle response with this cam and the aggressive lope at idle is still remarkably streetable". 

330-0841 - chain drive kit for 2017-up M8

330-0844 - chain drive kit for 2007-2017 Big Twin

Like all S&S cams, the HPT542 is designed, tested, manufactured and validated in house by S&S in Viola, Wisconsin with "real American camshaft expertise" for a "real American camshaft experience."

Also seen here, S&S Camshaft Chain Drive Kits feature precision machined sprockets made from bearing-quality steel. They are a direct replacement for OE products in 2007-up bikes and "provide accurate cam timing for high-performance builds."

310-1449 - cam chest kit for 2024-up M8

Forged from high-quality bearing steel, they deliver exceptional tooth wear resistance and extended life under high loads so riders can "experience premium performance and direct replacement convenience."

Available for 2007-2017 H-D Big Twins and 2017-2026 M8 models, the kit includes Camshaft, Chain, Sprocket and Cam Chain Tensioner or Chain Drive as appropriate.

S&S CYCLE INC.

www.sscycle.com

Saddlemen

Saddlemen Premium Carbon Fiber Air Scoop

California based Saddlemen continues to evolve its carbon fiber product range offering with this new lightweight, high strength Air Scoop design.

Engineered to fit Harley-Davidson Touring models from 2017-2023, "this beautiful, high-quality air scoop is 100% premium carbon fiber, handmade in the USA. It delivers fresh, cooling air to the rear cylinder of high-performance V-twins." 

Manufactured in aerospace grade, 3K and 12K twill pre-preg carbon fiber - vacuum bagged and cured in an autoclave for the ultimate strength and beauty - it is a mod-free, fully reversible bolt-on instal.

All necessary hardware is included. Choose high gloss or matte finish to match your build.  Protected by Saddlemen's one-year, no-hassle warranty.

Heavily involved in the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers and Super Hooligans race series, "our Road Glides and Pan Americas compete at the highest levels and have achieved many race wins as well as the Super Hooligans National Championship. Winning championships takes skilled riders and a team that knows how to build racing bikes that are light, fast, and durable. 

"The Saddlemen Carbon Fiber product line was born out of this need to create the best; not only the best looking (anyone who's seen our bikes knows that they are also the best-looking bikes in the paddock), but also the best performing CF components available. Now, that race winning Saddlemen technology is available for your customers' street Harley-Davidson.

"Anyone who's seen our bikes knows that they are the best-looking bikes in the paddock." 

SADDLEMEN

www.saddlemen.com

Surflex

Surflex - 75th Anniversary, From Vintage Range to 2026 Bike Clutches

Proud owners of the Italian 'Marchio Storico' - the prestigious recognition awarded in Italy to what are regarded as historic and industrially important brands and businesses - Surflex (founded in 1951) celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026.

To mark the achievement the Tradate (VA) manufacturer is introducing a 'Vintage Range' of clutch components dedicated to motorbikes from 1914.

It was at that time that the early Italian bike industry was finding its place among the burgeoning British and German brands and models, enjoying already gaining a reputation for design and prestige.

Ariel and Norton dominated the international landscape at that time and, in Italy brands such as Bianchi (founded in 1885), Benelli (1911), Gilera (1909), Della Ferrera (1909) and Frera - founded in 1905 and based in Tradate, the same town that would eventually become home to Surflex.

Early brands that Surflex worked on included the likes of Vespa and Lambretta scooters, and 50 cc mopeds with Minarelli, Franco Morini and Zündapp engines, and the stylish reverse gear equipped Belgian Sarolea marque.

Surflex was founded by Giuseppi Rimoldi, the first Italian manufacturer of motorcycles clutches. Caterina Rimoldi told IDN that "in Surflex enthusiasm and excitement drove the production of mechanical parts and still does. 

"Racing was always a very important - and successful - market for Surflex. Among other famous racers our sintered discs equipped the MV Agustas of Giacomo Agostini.

"Surflex invested heavily in manufacturing technology, much of it was of our design and some of the original equipment is still used sometimes today. It is the only way to replicate the delicate operations and production differences that characterised some of the earliest components made in our factory. 

The Japanese motorcycle industry started to develop in the 1950s, especially with Mr. Soichiro Honda. Surflex was what we'd these days call an "early adopter", offering OEM upgrades for early Honda and other Japanese made models as early as the 1950s. 

Manufactured in-house, using asbestos-free proprietary friction material blends, some including Kevlar or carbon fibers, the range includes applications for most Harley models - from Sportsters, V-Rods and even Harley-Davidson made Buells, right up to contemporary M8 Touring and Softail applications. In fact, Harley applications right the way up from 1941 - the Harley models that were current at the time the Surflex factory began production.

From the start, the Surflex vision was to provide "the whole range of components and assemblies and to undertake all processes in-house, from design to machinging. 

Surflex offers three groups of friction materials - organic, semi-metallic and sintered - which means it is able to offer a solution "tailored for every single use, in a really vast range."

More than one hundred mixtures are available in order to meet specific requirements, such as race, touring, cruiser, enduro or trail use, in bikes of any displacement. Some are designed to work dry, others in an oil bath; in one-plate, multi plate or centrifugal clutches in contact with steel or aluminum components, where abrasion must be reduced to the minimum level". 

SURFLEX S.R.L.

www.surflex.it

TecMate

OptiMate USB-C - "May the Power Be With Your Phone"

TecMate's premium OptiMate USB products are all becoming USB-C friendly, with all USB chargers retaining their unique vehicle battery protection feature.

The OptiMate USB charger detects when the vehicle's engine is turned off and stop charging within one hour. So, if a rider has stopped somewhere scenic to admire the view, and they also need charge their phone, camera or Bluetooth ready helmet, the OptiMate USB charger continues to deliver charge for an hour before it goes to standby mode. 

O-118

After starting the motorcycle, the OptiMate USB senses the rising battery voltage and automatically turns back on to continue charging the connected device. 

"This unique stand-by mode feature ensures that even the smallest lithium will retain sufficient power to start up the vehicle," says TecMate CEO/CTO Martin Human. "Additionally, an OptiMate USB charger can be left connected directly to the vehicle's battery for days or weeks, without fearing it will drain the battery." 

Included in the present OptiMate USB lineup are the OptiMate USB O-114 and the OptiMate USB O-119 with 12VB DIN plug that fit the corresponding 12V outlet sockets on BMW, Triumph or Ducati Multistrada motorcycles. USB charge is delivered through two charge ports, one USB-A and one USB-C. Charging power is 16.5 Watts, with up to 3300 mA at 5V delivered to a single connected device, unless both ports are in use, then power is shared. 

OptiMate USB O-118 can be permanently fitted to the motorcycle, ATV or UTV with the weather protected USB-C port mountable at the handlebars. Charging power is 16.5 Watts, with up to 3300 mA at 5V delivered to a single connected USB-C device. 

O114

Coming in Q3-2026 are more powerful PD (Power Delivery) options that can switch voltage between 5V, 9V and 12V - as demanded by the device requesting charge - and deliver up to 21 Watts of charge. The O-101PD is a portable 'plug-n-play' device and the O-118PD will be an update to the current O-118. 

The O-116 is a new dual port (USB-A and USB-C) charger that connects to a standard/ automotive size 12V outlet socket. 

"OptiMate USB devices with USB-A only charge ports remain available for 2026" says Martin. "This includes the O-100 that connects to an OptiMate SAE battery harness and delivers up to 2400mA of charge through a single USB-A port, and the O-106 dual USB-A charger. The O-106 connects to a standard/automotive size 12V outlet socket and delivers 3300mA of charge through two USB-A ports." 

O-101

The O-108, designed for permanent fitment to the motorcycle, draws power from an OptiMate SAE battery harness and delivers up to 3300mA of charge through a single USB-A port that can be mounted at the handlebars. 

"Our premium USB-C chargers deliver the power that modern devices demand whilst looking out for your vehicle's battery. Our PD line of USB chargers will expand and increase in power, starting with 21 Watts for 2026, but we have 35 Watt chargers in the works for the 2027 riding season." 

TECMATE

www.tecmate.com

www.optimate1.com