Showa: Along with Keihin and Nissin, Honda's former suspension subsidiary is now part of Hitachi Astemo (Advanced Sustainable Technologies for Mobility), a multi-billion euro, three-brand joint venture with Hitachi Automotive Systems in which the two Japanese majors have combined their interests in order to build forward for a changing automotive supply chain landscape in which President & CEO Brice Koch says: "CASE technologies that include connectivity, autonomous driving and electrification will determine who wins and who loses." With 90,000 employees spread over 27 countries, Koch says that "Hitachi Astemo has the scale and technical expertise to pursue rapidly changing technologies while providing comprehensive coverage to our OEM customers and partners across the globe. Building on the strengths of our four founding companies, our diverse human resources are committed to providing mobility solutions that reduce environmental impact, increase traffic safety and improve comfort. As a core member of the Hitachi Group, we are committed to achieving a sustainable society by providing environmental, social and economic value that sustainably improves our quality of life and makes our world a better place." The European headquarters is based in Munich; www.hitachiastemo.com
Öhlins Racing: Top sellers from the market-leading and now Tenneco Group owned Swedish suspension manufacturer include its classic gold finish Custom 43 and Custom 43 Blackline USD front forks. Öhlins offers a range of front fork options. For custom builds, the fully adjustable Custom 43 USD Blackline features compression and rebound damping as well as adjustable spring preload - "easily tuned for your specific requirements. The front fork offers complete control and race-proven performance for your bike." The company's STX technology, 46 mm piston Blackline monotube shock absorbers are available with a range of spring rates; www.ohlins.com
VPerformance: Designed and manufactured near Milan, Italy, by QD Exhaust parent company Arcas Industrie, VPerformance exhausts are the brainchild of Manuel de Liso - a man on a mission to "disrupt the orthodox assumptions about V-twin exhaust design and performance." Available for select Harley, Indian, Victory and Royal Enfield models, Manuel describes the VPerformance program as "high performance for customs and classics" - yes, they are. But they are also just absolutely stunning additions to any stock or custom V-twin and ooze quality and style. Oh, and 'btw' - they sound quintessentially 'American' too. Look for reports in upcoming AMD Magazine editions; www.vperformance.pro
Gates Carbon Drive: Founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1911, for many decades Gates Rubber has been a discreet name in the motorcycle industry. Understood as a mission-critical component supplier for almost all OE motorcycle manufacturers, and as a brand perhaps best known in custom motorcycle circles for its all-conquering transmission belts, Gates is one of those industries that we would be racing to invent if we didn't already have them in our midst. With the entire PTW industry heading towards a future in which conventional chains will be largely replaced by transmission belt technology, Gates Carbon Drive unveiled its first belt drive for electric two-wheelers in 2012 and with its Mudport sprockets and new Moto X9 belt, Gates is set to be up front and center as the world grapples with the power transfer needs of its electric PTW future; www.gates.com
Andreani: The noted Italian suspension specialist has a range of replacement and upgrade options available for Harley models - including an adjustable custom Softail front fork cartridge that brings the convenience, precision, durability and response of hydraulic adjustment to Softail models "which guarantees exceptional cornering and braking performance." Featuring spring preload and compression and extension adjustment, it has 20 mm diameter pistons with increased oil passages;
Galfer: The Barcelona, Spain based brakes manufacturer is best known in the Harley aftermarket and custom motorcycle industry for its replacement and upgrade brake rotors, including its 'WAVE' style rotors with scalloped edges, the 'CUBIQ' design rotors and ever popular 'SKULL' rotor. Galfer also manufactures brake pads and calipers, but check out the all-new advanced high-tech design 'Floatech' rotor system, unveiled at EICMA; www.galfer.eu
Brembo: The Italian brakes specialist is a Tier One vendor for several OEMs, including Harley-Davidson, on selected models. EICMA saw it unveil a new braking system for the Sportster S - including a 4-piston (32 mm) monobloc radial front caliper with improved ventilation channels, developed using topological optimization software - which optimizes caliper stiffness while minimizing weight. The system also includes a 15 mm radial brake master cylinder with extremely compact signal microswitches; a new caliper at the rear with larger braking surface area and volume pads to increase service life and braking efficiency of the system, and a 320 mm diameter front brake disc and rear master cylinder with retained pushrod; www.brembo.it
HP Corse: Noted for advanced hydroforming technology, the high-performance Bologna, Italy based exhaust manufacturer has high quality upgrade options available for a wide range of Harley models. The HOT NEWS though is of an 'SPS' carbon slip-on for Harley's Pan America ADV models. The company says its lighter weight Euro 5 compliant design "guarantees increased durability and performance" compared to the stock muffler that Harley is using, with improved hp and torque - "especially at the low and mid-range revs" - which is where ADV riders need it the most; www.hpcorse.com