Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited

Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Team with Mees, Texter in Search of 2018 Titles

Following its announcement as the Official Parts and Accessories Wholesaler of American Flat Track racing, Drag Specialties has moved to deepen its AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines involvement by partnering with 2017 Grand National Champion and early 2018 Championship leader Jared Mees.

Photos: American Flat Track/Andrea Wilson/Scott Hunter

Drag’s sister company Parts Unlimited is throwing its support behind AFT singles rider Shayna Texter (the winningest rider in AFT Singles history) in search of a unique Singles and Twins Championship double.
“It’s always great to have committed high-end sponsors,” said Mees, “and the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties folks are fantastic – for me, for flat track and for motorcycling in general. I’m really pumped about our partnership.”
Texter is coming off a five-win season that upped her all-time AFT Singles wins mark to 11 (three more than any other rider). As impressive as it was, she’s reshuffling the deck this season in search of at least attaining her first AFT Singles crown. Just two weeks ago she announced she’d be running her own program in 2018 with support from Husqvarna Motorcycles.
“We are very excited to have Jared Mees and Shayna Texter as part of our Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited family,” said Hylton Beattie, Global Motorsports Director for Parts Unlimited. “These two exceptional athletes will make a great addition to the already strong group of riders that we sponsor in two-wheel motorsports worldwide.”
After the season opening Daytona TT, at the time of writing, next up will be the Harley-Davidson Atlanta Short Track presented by Hellbender Harley-Davidson (April 7, 2018) at the legendary Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA., just 30 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta.

Indian Motorcycle

Indian to be full event title sponsor of multiple AFT by Vance & Hines races

Indian Motorcycle has announced that it is again to sponsor some of the 18 rounds of the 2018 American Flat Track presented by Vance & Hines series.

Indian Motorcycle will serve as the event entitlement sponsor for four AFT events on the 2018 slate. Featured prominently on this year’s American Flat Track calendar are the Indian Motorcycle Red Mile in Lexington, Ky., on June 2; the Indian Motorcycle Lima Half-Mile in Lima, Ohio, on June 30; the Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle in Sturgis, S.D., on August 5; and the inaugural Indian Motorcycle Minnesota Mile, which will take place right in the manufacturer’s backyard in Minneapolis, Minn., on September 29.
As the presenting sponsor of several races last year, Indian Motorcycle hosted dedicated fan areas for bike owners and enthusiasts, offered dealer rides, and gave fans a chance to win a brand-new Indian Scout. This season’s overall involvement and dealership participation will be further enhanced as Indian Motorcycle steps up to full event title sponsorship of multiple races.
Additionally, Indian Motorcycle will again be an integral partner of the NBCSN television and FansChoice.tv broadcasts for the entirety of the new season.
“The re-emergence of Indian Motorcycle as a force in American Flat Track gave our fans a season to remember in 2017,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “We are delighted that Indian is approaching 2018 with the same desire, and everything points to another thrilling season for America’s original extreme sport.”
In addition to the “Wrecking Crew” factory outfit, several leading privateers will be campaigning FTR750s this season, including the likes of former Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth and the fifth-ranked rider of 2017, Jeffrey Carver, Jr.  Others campaigning for Indian Motorcycle include Chad Cose, Jay Maloney, Robby Pearson, Johnny Lewis, Henry Wiles and Jake Johnson.
While last year’s results may have alone been enough to convince many front-running riders to make the switch, that decision was made all the easier by a generous $350,000 contingency plan on the part of Indian Motorcycle, which includes a $25,000 bounty for the title, plus $5,000 for each race win, $4,000 for runner-ups, $3,000 for third-place finishes, and additional pay-outs to the remainder of the top ten.
“We are excited to continue our support for American Flat Track and cannot thank the fans enough for their support throughout last year’s Championship season,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “No doubt last season marked a historic return for us, but with the start of the season right around the corner, we’re looking forward to our Wrecking Crew and the privateers running the Scout FTR750 competing at a high level in 2018.”

Motor Trike

Motor Trike acquires Hoppe

Troup, Texas based Motor Trike has acquired award-winning Hoppe Industries. Founded by John Hoppe, the long-established Kenosha, Wisconsin based vendor is these days best known for its fairings, windshields and audio accessories.

The company will continue to trade as Hoppe, but with all production relocated to Texas. “Continuing the tradition of quality founded by John Hoppe, Hoppe products will now have the added value of both Motor Trike engineering and customer service,” said Motor Trike’s J.D.Ley.

 

“We plan to keep Motor Trike and our dealers on the leading edge of the industry. Hoppe Industries fits perfectly with our goals as a company in the next few years, both operationally and product development-wise.”
Motor Trike has plans to revamp the Hoppe brand online through its website and social media. Additionally, the company plans to update the existing product line and add more Hoppe accessories in the future. At this time, Hoppe products may be ordered through the Hoppe website, through both Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited, and is being sold by authorized Motor Trike dealers.
www.hoppeindustries.com

Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice part 4

Maxima Racing Oils: Market response to the company’s growing V-twin line of products has been positive - “sales haven’t slowed one bit for us within the V-twin segment,” says Maxima’s Garrett Andrews. “Now approaching our fourth year with the most comprehensive line on the market, we’re making it even larger. Dealers can be on the lookout for our new M-8 Oil Change Kits and if shelf space is limited dealers can take advantage of our V-twin badged display racks” (shown here);  www.maximausa.com

 

Antigravity Batteries: The Gardena, California manufacturer announced its new ‘RE-START’ line of lithium-ion batteries, the first battery with “built-in jump starting”.  The intelligent battery puts itself to sleep with just enough reserve energy to RE-START the vehicle in the event the rider might have left their lights or other accessories on.  No jump-starting or assistance needed, simply press the RE-START button on the battery and ride away.  President Scott Schafer says that “we wanted to create a battery that wouldn't allow the rider to get stranded with a dead battery ... we've all had that happen and it's horrible, but with this new battery it will allow the user to get out of that emergency.” Additionally, Antigravity claims is the most advanced motorcycle/powersport battery with a full line of on-board protections built into the battery management system.  It comes in sizes for all motorcycles/powersports vehicles and offers from 150 to 880 cranking amps; www.antigravitybatteries.com

 

K&L Supply: From shop lifts and accessories to jack stands and wheel vises and clamps, tire changers and wheel balancers, workshop equipment, tools and supplies, the San Jose, California based specialist is “solution city” - check out its specialty range of Harley shop tools, carb and fuel products and ignition and electrical items; www.klsupply.com

 

HardBagger: Corona, California based saddlebag accessory specialist. Product offerings include Top Shelf brand premium saddlebag trays and liners, LED lighting, LocEzy theft deterrent kits, Bluetooth tire pressure monitoring systems and the Lock&Dock lower fairing door system; www.hardbagger.com

 

Black Brand: The fast-growing apparel brand is described as a “premiere head-to-toe apparel line for cruiser riders, giving choices both in styling and function.” Said to combine affordable price-points with a level of features and quality normally associated with more expensive apparel programs; www.blackbrandmc.com

 

Galfer USA: Best known as the originators of the ‘Wave’ rotor, the Barcelona, Spain based manufacturer offers brake pads, lines and rotors and hoses for the majority of motorcycle segments, including Harleys, as OE replacements and performance upgrades. Check out the popular ‘Skull’ rotor design, selling really well in the custom and V-twin markets; www.galferusa.com

 

Cobra Engineering: Cobra offers a deep portfolio for M-8 Touring and Softail applications, including everything from slip-on mufflers to full systems, led by the popular ‘Neighbor Hater’ series of slip-ons. With a limited lifetime warranty, the company says that the exhaust's overall quality is a given, and the power gains are impressive. The aggressively styled ‘El Diablo’ line of 2-into-1 full systems fit across the entire Harley line-up. Additionally, Cobra introduced a full line of affordable detachable backrests that includes fitments for Baggers, Sportsters, Dynas and even the new Softails;  www.cobrausa-vtwin.com

 

Wiseco: Last year’s introduction of proprietary coated Black Edition pistons will be followed up by more new products from the Mentor, Ohio specialist this year. The Black Edition line featured two new coatings that Wiseco describes as “industry firsts” - ArmorFit coating on the piston skirt, and ArmorX coating on the crown and ring grooves. Said to offer superior protection against wear, smooth and quiet operation, and maximized efficiency, they are available for M-8s and popular Twin Cam and Rushmore model engines (SE heads);  www.wiseco.com

 

Avon Tyres: Last year saw the leading custom tire manufacturer add to its ever-popular Cobra range of touring tires with two new fronts (130/60B19 and 130/60B21) and two new rears (160/70B17 and 180/55B18). A firm favorite with custom shops, custom bike builders and performance custom engineers, Avon’s Cobras were introduced as a replacement line for the venerable Venoms. Described as delivering “style and performance for cruisers, customs and tourers”; www.avonmoto.com

 

Motion Pro: Founded in 1984 by 6-day ISDT gold medal winner Chris Carter, his Loomis, California based specialty tools and accessory enterprise marked the reboot of the AFT Twins Presented by Vance & Hines series last year by signing a multi-year sponsorship to be the official cable, tool and controls vendor and brand for the series. Under the guidance of V-twin Product Planner Joe Fratis, the company continues to grow its specialty V-twin program of tools, cables, throttles and accessories; www.motionpro.com

Indian Motorcycle

“Blacked Out & Stripped Down” – the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade Limited Edition Scout Bobber

Indian Motorcycle has unveiled the latest result of their collaboration with Jack Daniel’s and Brian Klock, the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Scout Bobber. 

“For the third straight year, the two iconic American brands have joined forces with Klock Werks Kustom Cycles of Mitchell, SD, to celebrate their shared values with an ultra-premium, limited edition motorcycle. This year they looked to the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade and their impressive gold and black fire trucks for design inspiration. Jack Daniel’s is the only distillery in the world with its own fire brigade, which is staffed entirely by employee volunteers.
As a nod to the “Old No. 7 Brand”, only 177 of these bikes will be built. “Each of the 177 individually numbered motorcycles are accented with Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade themes.  The bike has subtle two-tone matt black paint, a first for Indian Motorcycle, and is covered in real 24 karat gold graphics on the tank and fenders. The 24 karat gold carries through to the Fire Brigade emblem on the tank and the “Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix” emblem on the front fender. 
To celebrate the hard work, commitment and bravery of all firefighters and EMS first responders, Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s are hosting a sweepstake only open to these service members. Participants can enter to win bike #001 at a variety of events this year, including Daytona Bike Week, Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (April 23-28), Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 3-12), and Red Knights Motorcycle Club International Convention (August 16-19).
Each bike will come with a commemorative fireman’s axe, which will be engraved with the owner’s name, motorcycle number (#001-#177) and VIN, a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and free membership in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group for one year. Each bike will be built to order with delivery starting in August 2018.
Update: When Indian Motorcycle dealers began accepting orders on March 13, they sold out in less than 10 minutes!

www.getklocked.com

Tier 1 Tuners

“Stop tuning fuel – let the Tier 1
do it for you”
Feeling out of his depth in this puddle, Robin Bradley reports on a new fuel injector tuner being sold by Boise, Idaho based distributor HardDrive

Ever since the 1980s the Dobeck name has been inextricably linked to the motorcycle tuning market.

The Tier 1 +CCT adds a ‘Closed Loop’ control to a currently installed fuel injection system and “takes the rider from an estimate that doesn’t take account of the conditions and circumstances in which he is riding - to an optimum state of tune that does”

The connections with the early carb jet kits and subsequent development of fuel injection tuning, especially under the Dynojet name (and others), has left an indelible mark on the performance market - the Harley aftermarket and custom V-twin sector included.
The brain child of Mike Dobeck, the brother of Mark - the Dobeck most usually associated with the history of the Dynojet name - the Tier 1 Tuner is the latest iteration of a family mathematical prowess. Now, I may be wrong and willingly stand to be corrected, but in many respects it appears (to this technically less than adept observer) that by using unique amounts of fuel to determine the correct calibration with which to manage the fuel injection, is a leap of lateral thinking that takes Harley aftermarket tuning in an all new direction.
The theory of using the motorcycle’s own acceleration (as an alternate to the intermediary of a dynamometer) to calibrate the performance of fuel injectors is not new as such. Indeed, in Europe such tuners available on the market.
Such systems may be using a stock narrow band O2 sensor rather than wide band O2 sensors, and unlike the +CCT still require human intervention to select target values for the O2 sensors to track. So these appear to be “semi-automatic” at best.
Dobeck says that in many ways the +CCT process is “identical to the acceleration measuring and tuning procedures used in today’s most popular tuning dynamometers, such as those made by Dynojet and other companies. But the important thing to remember is that the time between consecutive cycles of power and between fuel adjustments on a dynamometer are measured in minutes and are based on one style of load or acceleration simulation at any given time.” 

The Tier1 Tuner I saw for the first time at the 2018 WPS/HardDrive vendor/sales rep product seminars at Boise Idaho in January appears to be a real-world application of that ‘dynamic’ theory. One that bypasses the immediate need for a dynamometer and conventional sampled power curve and fuel ratio maps by using real-time riding data, while riding, so-called ‘dynamic tuning’.
At a stroke the advantages and disadvantages of both the main types of dynamometer used by motorcycle tuners – eddy current or inertia – are replaced by what Tier 1 calls CCT (Consecutive Cycle Tuning). This is measurement of the acceleration of the crank inside the motorcycle’s engine as the bike is ridden, and using the data to instantaneously tune the fuel injection “on the fly” when in power mode operation.
The +CCT is acceleration optimizer technology, and has a time between consecutive cycles of power and tuning of fuel that is measured in milliseconds and is based on real time/real life constant riding feedback. This feedback allows for the changing conditions and will optimize acceleration by compensating for the constantly changing real life riding conditions – what gear the rider is in, rider weight and riding style, solo or two-up, luggage, head/tail winds, altitude, temperature, uphill or downhill – factors that are otherwise constantly and substantially affecting the performance mode operations of the motorcycle and the effectiveness of the conventional open loop power mode map.”
Functional base maps are still needed for the +CCT to work with, but Dobeck says that “fuel maps, be they stock or custom performance maps, are made by people. They represent the best efforts of a person. For the first time ever, we have advanced the technology to require no human interactions.”

Mike Dobeck: “Fuel maps, be they stock or custom performance maps, are made by people. They represent the best efforts of a person. For the first time ever, we have advanced the technology to require no human interactions”

“In effect, +CCT adds a “closed loop” control system to a currently installed fuel injection system. The oxygen sensors in common use today use this kind of system in cruise, but not under power. Existing open loop technology typically achieves only around 70 percent optimization under power. The +CCT closed loop technology cuts this 30 percent margin of variability to 5 percent or less, resulting in 95 percent optimization under real life conditions.
“Performance and emissions are two different issues, and taken with the three percent margin of error built in to the stock ECU, the outcome of conventional fuel injection tuners can only ever be, at best, an estimate. The +CCT moves the needle – it takes the rider from an estimate that doesn’t take account of the conditions and circumstances in which he is riding - to an optimum state of tune that does.”
Tier 1 Tuners are a standalone performance product that require no other modifications, so are ideal for stock bikes or those that have already had some performance upgrades, and already have custom fuel maps installed, either via factory downloads or by using products like RaceTuner, Dynojet Vision or V&H FuelPak FP3.
By using the bike’s own inertia instead of the acceleration of a dyno drum (or an Eddy current brake and power calibration) the +CCT empirically measures and tests every squirt of fuel and delivers a measurement and calibration that is guaranteed to make the bike perform better, irrespective of whether or not the bike is stock or modified.
“Instead of having to make do with just one or two fuel values to cover a 500 rpm range, you can now have three to over 50 fuel values optimizing the same 500 rpm range, all in real time under your real life driving conditions. When racing through first gear, there may only be time for three or four optimizations, but when you pull out to pass that truck, but don’t feel like downshifting, you have the potential for over 50 optimizations, and you will feel the difference,” says Dobeck.
“When a stock bike or a well mapped modified bike uses the +CCT acceleration optimizer, every episode of riding under power generates its own unique fuel map adjustments, resulting in a percentage of adjustments that usually falls into the -5 to +20 percent range – that is the margin that takes the bike up to 95 percent optimization.”
Although +CCT is designed for use in power mode operation, during its development a unique anti-popping feature was designed to diminish popping and not interfere with the stock O2 sensor system.
Dobeck is prepared to put his money where his mouth is. Whether a bike is stock, has an air filter and exhaust upgrade, with or without performance cam installed, or is a fully built engine with a custom fuel map, he says that if the bike runs well, +CCT will make it run better. His company offers a 15-day trial period and if a dealer or his/her customer isn’t happy with the results that using the +CCT produces, he will provide a full refund including return shipping cost.

TIER 1 TUNERS
www.tier1tuners.com

 

HARDDRIVE V-TWIN
www.hdtwin.com

Biltwell

Biltwell Tyson bars

Styled after the classic T-bars of the past, Temecula, California based Biltwell’s ‘Tyson’ bars bring a new look and geometry to the old favorite. 

These one-inchers are crafted from seamless 0.120” (3 mm) wall 4130 chromoly tubing and precision mitered, mandrel bent and TIG welded. 

They are available in 10”, 12”, or 14” heights with integrated risers that fit the stock upper triple trees with the 3.5” center-to-center spacing found on most Harley models, and are 1/2-13 threaded.

BILTWELL INC.
www.biltwellinc.com

Motorcycle Storehouse

More in the House at Motorcycle Storehouse

 
Burley universal sport fairing
For universal installation on most bikes with 35 mm to 49 mm forks, the mounting kit for this Burley brand sport fairing includes hardware and adjustable, heavy duty black powder-coated steel brackets. Constructed from molded ABS with impact resistant acrylic windscreens in choice of Classic Café, Sport Café and standard or tall Club fairing styles.

 

Kuryakyn Hypercharger ES
Kuryakyn recently introduced a well-received major update to its legendary Hypercharger. An integrated electronic servo motor now delivers precise rpm-based butterfly action and a new Kuryakyn designed K&N air filter element delivers approximately 10% more airflow for a higher CFM rating. A new internal 'stinger' design on the end cap maximizes airflow into the throttle body. Manufactured with an A380 aluminum housing and available in three finishes. Complete with hardware for an easy installation on ’99-‘17 Twin Cam carb or EFI (excl. e-throttle) models, ’16-‘17 FXDLS; ’08-‘16 and 2017 Touring models, and ’07-‘17 Sportsters.

 

Goodridge brake line adapter
This ABS front adapter for customizing Goodridge brake lines on ’11 - ‘17 Softails mounts onto the ABS pump and to the line leading to the handlebar master cylinder. A rear adapter that mounts to the frame and takes the line coming from the rear ABS pump is also available. Compatible with all Goodridge brake line systems with 3/8 - 24 AN-3 threaded brake line ends.

 

M-unit Blue
For a “super clean build”, this third improved feature version of Motogadget’s popular M-unit ‘brainbox’ is a digital control center that allows electrical components, like lights, horn, turn signal and starter motor to be switched on and off with a single push button switch or conventional switches without the need for mechanical relays or fuses. Available in a 'Basic' and as 'Blue' - a Bluetooth equipped version with alarm control, M-Ride Smartphone App connection, encrypted keyless Go function (which powers up your bike by smartphone) – they now come with 12 inputs, 10 outputs and replaceable high-quality cable clamps. They measure 90 mm L x 53 mm W x 30 mm H with a 74 mm bolt distance.

 

RIDE Smartlink
The RIDE SmartLink is a silent notification (alarm) and GPS tracking system with a whole range of options for both safety and convenience. Installation is Plug & Play between the stock wiring and OEM H-D TSSM/BCM security device of ’99-‘17 Twin Cam, 2017 M8 and ’04-‘17 Sportster models; compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones.

 

LePera ‘Kickflip’ seat
LePera’s ‘Kickflip’ seat is a freestyle seat for street applications, featuring LePera’s proprietary Marathon foam for maximum stability and comfort. Handcrafted with an iconic attention to detail and pleated styling for ’06-‘17 Dynas.

 

LePera ‘Sprocket’ solo seat
LePera’s ‘Sprocket’ solo seat is said to be “a design that incorporates both the present and the past with a dose of back support - even when the miles are stacked against you, proper lumbar support makes a world of difference,” says Motorcycle Storehouse. Available smooth or pleated for ’06-’17 Dynas, ’08-‘17 Touring models and ’04-’06 and ’10-’17 Sportsters.

 

LePera ‘Streaker’ solo seat
“Stripped down, pure and simple - ready for business, and like all LePera seats well designed and made to last with premium quality components with looks to match.” Available smooth or pleated for ’08-‘17 Touring models and ’04- 06 and ’10-’17 Sportsters.

 

 

Fehling Moto-Cross handlebars
Top-selling German handlebar, crash bar and luggage holder manufacturer Fehling’s 7/8” Moto-Cross style handlebars are precision bent and welded and TüV approved. Available in chrome or black with widths from 79.5 cm to 90 cm and rise from 10 to 15 cm, Motorcycle Storehouse also offers 90 cm wide by 13 cm high 1” bars from Fehling.

MOTORCYCLE STOREHOUSE BV
www.motorcyclestorehouse.com

Revolution Performance

M-8 124” Big Bore Kit

Plymouth, Wisconsin based Revolution Performance unveiled is long awaited 124” M-8 bolt-on Big Bore Kit at the recent Drag Specialties Dealer Expo at Indianapolis.

Taking the stock 107” 2017-208 M-8 (2018 Softails as well as 17/18 Tourers) out to 124”, the company say the kit makes +25 percent more power and runs 30 to 40 degrees F cooler with no other modifications because the heat is dissipated much better than with the stock cast iron cylinders.
“True bolt-on power and reliability,” says Revolution’s product specialist Andrew Dellenbach.

The kit comes complete with new 4.250” all aluminum plated bore cylinders, new 4.250” flat-top forged pistons and new Cometic head/base gasket kit (0.030” head, 0.020” base).
The kit fits 2017-2018 107” Road King and Street Glide Specials; Road Glide Special and Ultra; Electra Glide; Ultra Classic; Ultra Limited (Low); Freewheeler and Tri-Glide Ultra, plus the 2018 Street Bob, Low Rider, Softail Slim, Fat Bob, Deluxe, Fat Boy, Heritage Classic and Breakout.

REVOLUTION PERFORMANCE
www.revperf.com

VG Motorcycle

From stock to extreme

Dutch specialist frame manufacturer Guus Hoogland of VG Motorcycle offers dealers and custom V-twin builders access to a wide range of TÜV approved frames from OE replicas to ‘Old School’ style choppers.

Using seamless thick-wall tubing and modular cast iron steering heads, lugs and joints, VG has precision hardtail, swingarm, softail and old style softail jigs for straight-leg or wishbone style for Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo or Twin Cam engines with 4 or 5 speed transmissions.

Knuckle 1936

Knuckle 1956

 Panhead '55-'57

Panhead '49-'51

They cover all years from 1936 to 1957, plus the 1958 to 1964 Duoglide frame – the 1936 Knucklehead is the latest frame to come into production.
The company also says it can restore frames and build custom frames to a builder’s requirements.

VG MOTORCYCLE
www.vgmotorcycle.com

Caption the frames with file names.
Caption for the booth: VG Motorcycle’s booth at the Bigtwin Show in November 2017

American Flat Track Twins

Defending Champ Mees Storms Daytona TT

Grand National Champion Jared Mees took a convincing win at the American Flat Track Twins presented by Vance & Hines season opener, the Daytona TT, demonstrating that he has no intention of relinquishing his No. 1 plate without a battle.

Photo Credit: Brian J. Nelson/American Flat Track

The Indian Wrecking Crew rider took the “bigger, better and faster DAYTONA TT layout” win on his Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing Sidi Scout FTR750 in front of G&G Racing/Rickdiculous Racing/Team95 Yamaha FZ-07JD MotoAmerica superstar JD Beach second, with TT master Henry Wiles (No. 17 Willy Built/Bandit Industries Kawasaki Ninja 650) in third spot.
Mees came into contact with fellow Indian Wrecking Crewman Brad Baker (No. 6 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750) multiple times over the race’s opening laps as he looked for a way into the lead, eventually making the decisive manoeuvre coming off the jump, jamming through as the two entered the following switchback.

“In the very beginning I had to get physical with Brad a couple times - I had to get by,” said Mees. “Over the jump I had a real good line, which allowed me to get aggressive. To come out and win the DAYTONA TT two years in a row is just huge.”
Briar Bauman (No. 14 Zanotti Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) was fourth, with Bryan Smith (No. 4 Indian Motorcycle Racing backed by Allstate Scout FTR750) fifth. Other Indian Scout FTR750 finishers included Kenny Coolbeth Jr. in 8th; Brian Smith, 9th; Robert Pearson, 10th; Jeffrey Carver Jr., 15th.
The best placed Harley-Davidson XG750Rs were factory riders Sammy Halbert, 11th, and Brandon Robinson, 12th, with Jarod Vanderkooi 16th.
Next up is the Harley-Davidson Atlanta Short Track presented by Hellbender Harley-Davidson on Saturday, April 7 in Woodstock, Ga., followed by Fort Worth, Texas, April 28; the Calistoga, California Half Mile, May 5, and the first of the season’s Mile races, the Arizona Mile, Phoenix, May 12.
www.americanflattrack.com

Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice part 3

Avon Grips: Featuring soft, durable “memory foam for your hands,” Avon’s ergonomic, chemical resistant and vibration dampening custom grip options are available for all Harleys, Indians and most other brands”; www.avongrips.com

 

Drift: The choice of the aficionado, the class-leading Drift Ghost 4K camera with rotating lens and direct live streaming is a specialty action sports camera that is internationally recognized for its quality and technology. The Drift product range is a genuinely motorsports friendly and genuinely innovative program that provides the specialty retailer with “better quality and more features than competing products at a lower price-point and higher margin”; www.bikerschoice.com

 

National Cycle: Last year saw the Maywood, Illinois based windshield manufacturer celebrate 80 years since it was first incorporated by Gordon Willey as The Nation’s Cycle Center in 1937. A passionate aviator from Illinois, he decided to quit a secure job to start a motorcycle accessory venture in the depths of the Great Depression, and the rest, as they say, is history. Still owned and operated by the Willey family, nowadays, National Cycle is known as the international motorcycle industry leader in hardcoated polycarbonate windshields, quick release mount systems, multi-adjustable and tilting windshields for UTVs and motorcycles, and is noted for its proprietary Quantum Hardcoating and renowned aeroacoustic VStream windscreen designs; www.nationalcycle.com

 

Belt Drives Ltd: Recent new products from the Anaheim, California based specialist include the Shovelhead ‘Shorty Drive’ belt drive conversion. Said to provide exceptional driveline support and “extended life, strength, smooth operation and reliability for the traditional Shovelhead driveline designs and components,” it is a complete “Shovel Shorty” electric start drive kit, featuring a billet rear plate that covers the trans drive while providing support for the clutch basket assembly; www.beltdrives.com

 

S&S Cycle: As the Viola, Wisconsin based pioneer of “Proven Performance” continues to advance on multiple fronts, recent new offers include 49-state EPA compliant Sidewinder 2 into 1 systems for M-8 Touring models that feature a removable dB reducer baffle, allowing riders to tune the system for sound and backpressure; plus the ‘El Dorado’ 50-state legal muffler/header package for ‘17-’18 M-8 powered Touring (CARB EO# K-010-1) models. S&S marketing lead David Zemla says that “the ‘El Dorado’ is a complete system that includes headers and a set of 4.5” MK45 mufflers fitted with the latest in S&S designed, high flow cat technology. Much like the automotive industry years back, high flow catalysts have finally made their way into the V-twin market. These are the real deal - they combine clean styling and an authoritative note with increased torque and horsepower, without the performance punishment”. The ‘El Dorado’ is a bolt-on installation that does not require tuning and is available in show quality chrome or black ceramic finish with ‘Tracer’ or ‘Thruster’ exhaust tips;  www.sscycle.com

 

Rockford Fosgate: One of the best-known names in the audio industry, top-sellers include the company’s front audio kit for 1998-2013 Street and Road Glide models, “closed loop” Prime 160 watt 4-channel system (1998-2013) and Power Street Glide (2014+) and Road Glide (2015+) front audio kit; www.rockfordfosgate.com

 

Vance & Hines: Organized as part of MAG’s California based Performance Group (along with Progressive Suspension, Performance Machine and Burly Brand) the Santa Fe Springs, California based exhaust manufacturer has been quick to market with more 2018 M-8 Softail options, from slip-ons to headers and full systems, that we can name check here. However, the latest news to emerge from the V&H skunk works is the company’s welcome return to Top Fuel Drag Racing with rider Doug Vancil and tuner Mike Romine to compete in the Mickey Thompson Tires Top Fuel Harley category of the 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. “The NHRA has done a great job of developing the Harley class to create a new two-wheeled championship category in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series,” said Vance & Hines founder Terry Vance, “and we are very happy to be bringing together two of the biggest names in Top Fuel in Doug and Mike”; www.vanceandhines.com

 

Wild Ass: The Wild Ass motorcycle air cushion is available in Neoprene rubber, polyurethane or polyurethane with gel. The cushion is said to eliminate painful pressure points and promote blood circulation by utilizing adjustable interconnected air cells which conform to the rider’s shape regardless of weight or seating position. The reduction of shock and vibration reduce lower back pain and air circulation under the rider disperses heat and perspiration; www.wild-ass.com

 

Speed & Strength: Aimed at “new gen” and youth riders, Speed & Strength is a ‘cross-over’ gear and apparel brand that speaks “fluent radical”. Pitched at men and women, the range runs from full face, modular/flip-up, open face and half helmets to jackets, gloves, pants, riding foot wear and casual apparel in leather, textile and mesh. Attention to detail meets style and safety; www.ssgear.com

 

Cardo: The company’s advanced communications systems include “the most advanced rider-to-rider solutions available”, including the ‘DMC’ (Dynamic Mesh Communication) technology that “allows for full intercom conferencing from two to 15 riders at a range of up to five miles, with parallel audio streaming, enabling riders to listen to music or GPS instructions while riding”;  www.cardosystems.com