S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle Announces AMRA Title Sponsorship

In another move that continues their previously announced plan to re-define its Racing Program strategy, S&S Cycle has announced that it will serve as title sponsor for the AMRA Drag Race Series (American Motorcycle Racing Association), and class sponsor for Pro Eliminator and Street Bagger - backing both of these classes up with contingency dollars.

Additionally, 2027 will see the launch of an "exciting new class - the MK136 Challenge Class. Based on the incredibly popular S&S Cycle MK136 and MK136B, this new class will see competitors going fast on street legal baggers or Softail chassis to win contingency dollars at each of six races in 2027."

Jeff Bailey (S&S), Greg Baugh (of AMRA), Johnny Mancusco (drag racer)  announcement at the Rockingham season final.

From its origins when S&S Cycle started in 1958, "with founder George Smith Sr. showing the drag racing community that he knew how to make motorcycles go faster and, importantly, was willing to share his knowledge, Drag Racing has been at the heart of what S&S means in the V-twin industry," said Brett Smith, Owner/Director.

"Since 1958, S&S has stayed at the top of the performance V-twin world by supporting Drag Racing at all levels, especially grass-root sanctions. Maintaining our longstanding commitment to racing is very important to our company, it is rooted deep in our DNA - it's not for nothing that S&S is internationally recognized as the 'home of Proven Performance'.

"The AMRA has dedicated itself to V-twin drag racing for over 40 years, and with the 70th anniversary year of my grandfather's personal success in racing upcoming, that makes for a combined commitment to going fast of over 100 years - we are pretty sure there is no manufacturer that can make a claim like that.

"'Going faster' remains our inspiration and throughout my involvement with the company, we've always believed our industry is better off when our dealers and customers have great opportunities to go fast at the track. 

"It would be a travesty for grassroots racing sanctions to lose support, and it is very appropriate for S&S to step-up as sponsor for the AMRA. We are looking forward to a very exciting and successful 2027 race season with the AMRA and we welcome everyone in the V-twin racing community to race with us next year".

MK 136 engine

Jeff Bailey, Race Business Unit Leader at S&S added that "S&S Cycle remains integral to the V-twin performance landscape and drag racing has always been an important part of who we are. Becoming the title sponsor of AMRA is an opportunity to invest in the racers, support the growth of the sport, and connect with the people who push these motorcycles to their limits. 

"We're especially excited to introduce the MK136 Challenge Class and create more opportunities for racers to compete with S&S performance. We're looking forward to working with AMRA and its racers to make the 2027 season a great one." 

www.sscycle.com

News Briefs

Moto Canada's 2025 Annual Report shows the Canadian powersports market "normalizing".  Canada's powersports industry remained resilient in 2025, with motorcycle registrations reaching a five-year high even as new-vehicle sales eased from the record levels seen in recent years, according to Moto Canada's 2025 Annual Industry Statistics Report. Moto Canada reported 61,623 new motorcycles and scooters sold in Canada during 2025, along with 48,994 ATVs and 37,918 side-by-side/recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)/PSB

Indian Motorcycle has confirmed its continued support for the Indian Riders Fest following the event's most successful edition yet, in Czechia, in June 2026. Event organizer Legendary Productions has confirmed June 17-20 as the 2027 dates, at the same Lipno nad Vltavou venue; www.IndianRidersFest.eu

Sonic Powersports has set another Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Sales Record with 1,135 motorcycles sold - 511 of them were new Harleys sold from Black Hills Harley-Davidson. Sonic has five Black Hills locations. 

Kegel Harley-Davidson in Rockford, Illinois, has now been recognized as the world's oldest Harley-Davidson dealer after newly uncovered historical records pushed the dealership's recognized start date back from 1912 to August 9,1909. Harley's oldest international dealership is Warr's Harley-Davidson in London (King's Road, Chelsea, 1924).

Germany - According to B&B, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in Germany says the number of motorcycles in use continued to increase in 2025, to over 5.07 million. This is 0.2% more than in the previous year. Of these, around 693,567 motorcycles were registered to women (a share of 13.7%).

Australia's motorcycle market has recorded a strong first half of 2026, with sales up 8.2% compared with the same period last year. A total of 46,023 motorcycles were sold from January to June 2026, compared with 42,549 in 2025. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the result showed renewed strength across key parts of the market. "The strongest growth has come from the off-road segment, which has continued to improve over recent months and is now driving the overall market result." Growth in the off-road category was driven particularly by the kids and trail segments, which were up 32% and 131% respectively. Off-highway vehicle sales were in line with the first half of 2025. A total of 6,764 OHVs were sold in the first half of 2026, compared with 6,760 in the same period last year. On-highway sales were "essentially flat" at 16,170 units (-0.5% compared to 16,256 in 2025). "While off-road motorcycles were the standout performer, the broader market remains stable, with road motorcycles and OHVs tracking close to last year's levels." www.fcai.com.au

In the United States, the MIC reports that two closely watched measures of consumer attitudes showed growing caution in August, particularly about the months ahead. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers reported a 6.3% decline in sentiment from July, while The Conference Board found consumers becoming less optimistic about future business conditions, employment, and income. Preliminary September results from Michigan show sentiment weakening further.

At AIMExpo, PSB will be "front and center for two days at the Dealer Accelerate Stage, where it will hold its annual Accelerate Conference." Led by PSB editor-in-chief and Power Hour podcast host Brendan Baker, sessions will feature industry experts, solution providers and panels covering topics like leadership development, succession planning and the challenges and opportunities shaping the powersports industry.

Triumph has scored its first FIM World Championship Title. Guillem Farres was crowned 2026 FIM MX2 Motocross World Champion with Triumph securing a 1-2 in the manufacturers championship just three years after entering motocross for the first time with their TF 250-X. 

Drag Specialties

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 ...

Saddlemen: The California based seats and carbon parts specialist continues to evolve its carbon fiber product range offering with a new lightweight, high strength Air Scoop design. Engineered to fit Harley-Davidson Touring models from 2017- 2023, "the 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;" www.saddlemen.com

S&S Cycle: The 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." 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)"; www.sscycle.com

Drag Specialties: Always in stock, and always a quality option at a good price-point, Drag Specialties own brand parts and accessories include brake rotors, calipers and pads, mufflers, clutch baskets, primary cases, LED lights, oils, air cleaners, covers, pegs, grips, clutch baskets, pistons, rods, cylinders and oh, so much more besides; www.dragspecialties.com

Burly Brand: The Californian brand's 'Brawler Kits' are "the ultimate solution for riders who want to push the limits and make a statement." Crafted from "the highest quality 7-gauge mild steel and finished off with replaceable Derlin sliders, these are crash bars that offer unbeatable protection and winning style" for Sportster, Dyna, M8 Softail and Touring (front and rear crash bar fitments) in black powder coat and chrome for M8s; www.burlybrand.com

Rick's Motorsport Electrics: The Hampstead, NH, based specialist has added a new rectifier/regulator line up for Harley-Davidson Twin Cam models. Every Rick's Twin Cam Regulator is rated at 50 Amps. "Not only are all the regulators built with this heavy-duty circuitry, but they are also series/switching style so they will not overheat the stator," explained Company Principal Amanda Laidlaw. "Basically, our customers asked, and we have listened and responded. We've been asked for years to service the V-twin market. Customers wanted their aftermarket parts backed by our reputation and the same one-year warranty that we have always backed our products with and we're finally able to deliver;" www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com

Galfer USA: Headed up by former Galfer North America executive Armando Riva as Country Manager, Armando has supervised the set-up of the new Orlando, Florida American headquarters warehouse after more than 30-years for the Galfer brand in the US. For the motorcycle sector, 2026 has seen them hire Gary Hazel as National Sales Manager - he brings more than two decades of experience across nearly every discipline of motorcycle racing and the powersports industry, including representing the United States three times at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). In fact, with race success at the very heart of the Spanish brake component manufacturer's pedigree, the American subsidiary has signed a multi-year partnership with North America's premier motorcycle road racing championship - the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Series; www.galferusa.com

LA Choppers: Marketing Manager Sean Delshadi told AMD that the Huntingdon Beach, Ca. based, Tolemar owned handlebars, cable kit and controls specialist added a slew of new fitments and applications for the 2026 M8s; www.lachoppers.com

Kibblewhite Precision Machining: The 85-year-old and still founder family owned 'go-to' for valvetrain components for the Harley market manufactures one of the largest ranges of OEM specification exceeding replacement parts available from anyone, anywhere; www.kpmi.us

Vance & Hines

VO2 Falcon XL

Designed to force maximum airflow into the V-twin engine, Vance & Hines says that its "VO2 Falcon XL Air Cleaner delivers a no-nonsense approach to performance and style.

"From an oversized cone filter engineered for maximum surface area and airflow, to the precision-machined billet aluminum winged mounting system - with integrated breather assembly - every aspect of the VO2 Falcon XL is built to maximize power."

Finished with an ultra-strong gloss forged carbon elbow, the VO2 Falcon XL combines aggressive performance with bold custom styling in one complete package. It has a "sleek forward-facing 90° intake design", race-proven intake tube (available in a gloss forged carbon fiber finish), CNC-machined billet aluminum backing plate, breather stand-offs, and flange cover.

The integrated breather assembly uses 12-point stainless banjo bolts; the washable oversized cone filter delivers maximum airflow and there is a matched induction module cover on throttle-by-wire models. Fitments include 2002-2024 Touring, 2002-2024 Softail and 1999-2017 Dyna

VANCE & HINES

www.vanceandhines.com

Klock Werks

Carbon Fiber Flare

Mitchell, SD., based Klock Werks continues to extend the scope of its top-selling 'Flare' windshield program with this new Carbon Fiber fitment for Street Glide, Low Rider ST and Road Glide models.

Developed in partnership with Arlen Ness, the Klock Werks Carbon Fiber Flare Windshield brings premium materials and proven air management. Designed for riders looking for added strength, durability, and a distinctive look, "this windshield delivers a sleek, aggressive upgrade built for the long haul."

"A Tier Above", the Flare profile improves wind protection and airflow around the rider, helping enhance stability and audio performance. "Built for unmatched durability, the lightweight, ultra-strong carbon fiber provides excellent strength and resistance to impact.

"The carbon fiber is opaque so riders must select the windshield height that they can comfortably see over for optimal lines of sight; it is an 'easy install' and ships with the needed two mounting blocks; matching hand guards also available."

KLOCK WERKS

www.getklocked.com

Perewitz

Is This the Most Advanced Motorcycle Detailer Ever Seen?

Legendary customizer and Sturgis Hall of Famer Dave Perewitz certainly believes it is – "the Perewitz Nano Crystal Graphene Detailer is a genuine breakthrough," says Dave, and he knows a thing or two about shine and keeping paint at its best.

"It is a breakthrough in chemical surface science," he says. "A category first and a category defining formula that has been developed using Artificial Intelligence, every 'molecule' has been engineered for maximum performance, maximum durability, unmatched shine, superior bonding and maximum hydrophobic properties."

Described as a "Nano Crystal Graphene" formula, Perewitz says that this is not simply an improved performance detailer, but a whole new way of optimizing the results achieved - "this is genuine next generation surface science," he says, "delivering extreme performance and uncompromising protection for paint, chrome, aluminum, glass, plastics, vinyl and more.

Hailed as a miracle two-dimensional 'molecule' that won its discoverers the Nobel Prize in 2010, Graphene is fundamentally a single layer of pure carbon atoms (C) arranged in a two-dimensional, honeycomb-shaped hexagonal lattice. The term "Nano Crystal Graphene" typically refers to crystalline graphene domains scaled to nanometer dimensions, or commercially engineered surface sealants. 

In automotive and industrial detailing, the formula blends this pure carbon nanostructure with specialized resins. The exact composition of these "nano" formulas varies according to application and is proprietary to manufacturers, but they typically include Graphene or Graphene Oxide (the core carbon-based lattice that provides superior hardness and heat distribution); Fluorosilanes and Polysiloxanes (Si-N and Si-O polymers) - liquid polymers that cross-link upon application to bond the graphene to surfaces and create a glass-like crystallite finish, and carriers/solvents that evaporate during application, allowing the active ingredients to crystallize and cure. 

Though relatively new on the market, it is already available to dealers through Drag Specialties and retail customers through J&P Cycles.

PEREWITZ CYCLE FABRICATION

www.perewitz.com

Freedom Performance Exhaust

Freedom for Two Brothers

Corona, California based Freedom Performance Exhaust has acquired Two Brothers Racing. Moving forward, the brand will continue as Two Brothers Racing Powered by Freedom. 

"We are honored to carry on the tradition of Two Brothers Racing while bringing the dealers of both brands new opportunities for growth, innovation, and continued excellence," said Freedom's Martin Arteaga.

"Our team is working hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition as we integrate our operations, while maintaining the quality, service, and support dealers have come to expect from Freedom Performance Exhaust.

"While the Two Brothers Racing website will remain active, we are not currently accepting orders, and [at the time of this news being released] products are not yet available for purchase as we complete the integration.

"Be sure to join our newsletter to receive the latest updates on Two Brothers Racing Powered by Freedom, including product availability, new releases, and future announcements."

www.freedomperform.com 

Baker Drivetrain

Function-Formed 5-Speed Hydraulic Side Covers – "Forged for Results"

In response to rider feedback, Baker Drivetrain says it has "officially resurrected the original Function-Formed (FF) Hydraulic Side Covers for stock 5-Speed and Baker transmissions. 

"When we first engineered the FF line, the goal was simple: eliminate the 'chunky' aesthetic of standard aftermarket covers and replace it with a sleek, aggressive profile that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of strength."

The 'secret sauce' is Precision Fluid Dynamics. Featuring a 1.5" steel piston riding on high-grade Buna N O-rings, the FF cover provides a consistent, smooth clutch pull "that cable setups just can't match.

"The optimized fitment means these covers tuck in significantly closer than stock cable units, offering better clearance and a cleaner silhouette on Softail, Dyna, FXR, and Touring models."

This Baker design provides Total Versatility - "whether you're running a stock H-D 5-speed or a BAKER OD6, DD6, or DD5, the FF hydraulic cover is engineered to deliver modern reliability with the same lever adjustability you're used to."

The Hydraulic Side Covers was one of the first parts in Baker's FF product line. They took away all the 'fat' of the standard aftermarket side cover to just leave the function. 

"The true art of any mechanical part is the function. The parts that make it happen, that do the work and yield the results. We sucked the side cover up to the bearing door as much as possible by utilizing aerospace-derived hydraulic ball plugs, that enabled the bleeder screw and feed line ports to be right next to the gasket surface. 

"We even put the conventional transmission dipstick on a diet. Precision-machined from 6061-T6 billet right here in our Haslett, Michigan, machine shop, these side covers are as strong as they are sleek.  The result is the tidiest design possible, yielding the strength necessary to get the job done, and a smooth surface finish to match."

BAKER DRIVETRAIN

www.bakerdrivetrain.com