Maxima Racing Oils: The Santee, California based specialist is on the expansion trail in Europe - best known for its MX lubricants range, in the V-twin market the company continues to do well with its popular oil change in a box kits - available specifically formulated for, and specified with the additional quantity needed for the M-8 engine. The kits ship inclusive of Maxima's own ProFilter oil filter and drain bolt O-rings. To complement the manufacturer's comprehensive range of products for the Harley and Indian Motorcycle aftermarket and custom sector, specific V-twin branded dealer display racks are available; www.maximausa.com
Venhill Engineering: The internationally respected British manufacturer is well known in Europe for its cables, with fitments for most popular makes and models, and an impressive "back catalog" of applications. Around two years ago the company added replacement throttle and clutch cable kits for Harley applications in universal kits with cables that are unfinished at one end, so that they can be cut to length and used for custom applications and builds as well as stock replacements. All the connections are designed to fasten securely without the need for soldering, so these are proper DIY kits for 'home mechanics' as well as providing dealer workshops with a versatile stocking solution. Dual throttle and idle cable kits come in both push-fit and threaded versions, to suit a wide range of models. Extra long at 1,350 mm/53 inches they allow for bikes fitted with high handlebars and come with either 90° or 75° bends, in a choice of black or braided steel outers. The black cables have longitudinal conduit (not coiled) which won't pinch on bends, so they won't restrict cable movement. The clutch cable (also made extra long at 2,080 mm/82 inches) comes in black or braided steel finishes to match the throttle. Like all Venhill cables, they're designed to deliver improved performance and durability, along with smoother action; www.venhill.co.uk
Motion Pro: Hosted at EICMA by Parts Europe, recent new products for V-twin dealers
from the Loomis, California based AFT "Official Tools, Cables and Controls" sponsor include a new Pro T-6 valve spring compressor - a quick release system design that presses straight against the retainer to eliminate side loading the valve and keepers, a hose removal tool that facilitates removal of fuel and cooling system hoses, and a master link press tool, enabling the easy pressing on and off of master link plates for clip style chains; www.motionpro.com
TechnoResearch: Hosted at EICMA by Parts Europe, the Royal Oak, Michigan based fuel-injection management and performance tuning specialist is a U.S. high-technology company with its roots firmly based in the Italian fuel injection industry. Broadly engaged in state-of-the-art electronic hardware and software development, consulting and research and development, the business was founded in 1992 by Sandro Scaccia and fellow Magneti Marelli escapees. TechnoResearch is best known in the Harley aftermarket for the design and development of its award-winning electronic diagnostic tools program; www.technoresearch.com
Cardo: In a market segment that is even more crowded in Europe than it is in the USA, Cardo remains competitive with its JBL sound, Dynamic Mesh Communications, Cardo Connect and 'Natural Voice' activation powered Packtalks and Freecoms benefiting from a growing line-up of partners, including the likes of Ducati, Bosch, Shoei, HJC, Schuberth and Detlev Louis; www.cardosystems.com
QD Exhaust: Manuel Di Liso's Milan area based exhaust business has just introduced a carbon heat shield equipped, high-level twin muffler exhaust set-up for the FTR 1200 that is being distributed in the United States by Paul Aiken's Charlotte, North Carolina based Aeromach; www.qdexhaust.it
Marolo Test: No stranger to authorized Harley dealer workshops around the world, the French motorcycle workshop equipment manufacturer celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and is widely credited with having developed the world's first ever motorcycle/scooter-specific dyno. Best known for its wide range of advanced design workshop lift options, the company's space-saving ‘FlatLift’ provides easy access for technicians and is only 8 cm (3.2”) high in its lowest position - specifically designed for heavier models with low ground clearance; www.marolotest.com
G.P.R. Italia: One of Europe's longest established exhaust manufacturers (founded in 1968) with impressive race pedigree and a reputation for innovation. Known for precision-manufacturing, advanced materials and low and mid-range rpm power and torque gains, G.P.R. offers a wide range of fully emissions compliant exhausts for H-D applications. Visually, these are the kind of exhausts that scream "performance"- designs that have race pedigree and deliver that unique "EuroStyle" performance look; www.gpr.it
Vance & Hines: Hosted at EICMA by Parts Europe, the big news at Santa Fe Springs, California based exhaust manufacturer Vance & Hines, that is if you overlook the most extensive new applications blitz completed within days of Harley's MY2020 announcement, centered around the appointment of ex-Harley man Mike Kennedy as company President. Kennedy has extensive experience in powersports and recreational vehicles, including senior-level positions at Harley-Davidson, in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He also held leadership roles at BRP Inc. and Buell Motorcycle Company. At Harley-Davidson, Kennedy had operational responsibility and held the position of Managing Director for the United States, and eventually the Americas; www.vanceandhines.com
National Cycle: Recent new products from the world renowned Maywood, Illinois based windscreen manufacturer include VStream screen upgrades for the 2014-up Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster. Made in three different heights to fit riders of any size, "even passengers will notice the improvement". VStream gets its name from its unique, patented shape. The advanced "V" profile and dimensional contours push the wind vortex out and away from the rider's helmet, resulting in a peaceful, quiet riding environment. These windscreens are made from tough 4.5 mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate. "Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate is the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders. It is 10 times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate, and 30 times more than windscreens made from commonly used "aircraft plastic" or acrylic. These VStream Windscreens are also pre-treated at the factory with National Cycle's RainZip, a specially formulated and highly effective rain repellent that gives a clear view of the road ahead in any kind of weather; www.nationalcycle.com
Indian Motorcycle Company: The new Challenger was up front and center, and though being hyped as the "Ultimate Bagger," it has the power and looks to suggest it could do well in Europe, despite the conventional mainstream Bagger market there having remained a niche at best. The most popular bikes on the Indian booth were the Scouts though and, in particular, the FTR 1200. If the enthusiasm among European P&A vendors (Italians especially) to offer suspension and exhaust upgrades is anything to go by, then the FTR 1200 is likely to do some serious volume in Europe once Indian Motorcycle is able to build inventory levels; www.indianmotorcycle.com
DP Brakes: The British manufacturer is the originator of sintered brake pad technology and still the only brake pad maker focussed exclusively on developing and producing sintered metal brake pads - both as replacements and performance upgrades for OE sintered metal brake pads. DP Brakes' complete product line offers fitments for most Harley models, plus a fast growing clutch kit program with friction and steel plates. Distributed by Drag Specialties in the United States; www.dp-brakes.com
Midland Radio: With its origins in the USA and, since the 1990s, part of the CTE International Group at Reggio Emilia, Italy, the Midland brand has been celebrating its 60th anniversary and finishes the year with the news of a partnership for distribution of its popular rider communication systems in Germany with Cologne area based Bihr Deutschland; www.midlandeurope.com