Arrowhead Engineered Products

Genstar Capital Moves to Shake Up the Senior Management at Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP) with New CEO and CFO

In a mid-April release, the Board of Directors of San Francisco based Genstar Capital, the owner of Blaine, Minnesota based Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP), announced what appears to have been the immediate termination of CEO John Mosunic's contract as CEO of AEP.

"We thank John Mosunic for his leadership and dedication to the organization during his tenure. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

New Arrowhead CEO Bill Canady

Mosunic was at the helm when Genstar acquired AEP from Riverside in 2021, and was the CEO who, under Genstar's ownership, oversaw rapid expansion with the acquisition of Western Power Sports (WPS - Boise, Idaho; Fly Racing, HardDrive etc.) and Bihr, one of Europe's largest (largely 'mainstream'/'metric') parts and accessory distributors in 2022.

Genstar moved quickly to announce that Mosunic was being replaced by Bill Canady ("effective immediately"), saying that "Bill has led several organizations to unprecedented growth" and that he is a "proven leader with a track record of driving results through innovation, strong business insights and financial discipline" - including at OTC Technologies - a provider of "industrial and manufacturing solutions" and a member of the Genstar Capital group of owned companies.

Canady is quoted as saying: "I'm pleased to have been chosen to lead Arrowhead, a company with an incredible workforce and loyal customer base. With the confidence of the board and in partnership with the leadership team, we will improve our business performance, continue to take market share and deliver long-term value for all our shareholders. I'm confident that our best days are ahead."

Speaking for AEP, Rebecca Shaffer, Senior Director of Communications, told AMD: “Arrowhead Engineered Products is embarking on its next growth phase. With over 30 years of global business leadership experience, Bill Canady's proven track record of successfully leading industrial businesses for Genstar Capital-sponsored companies means he is the right leader to take the organization to the next level. He will continue in his leadership role across other Genstar portfolio companies working to drive growth across the businesses.”

As CEO, Canady has acted equally quickly to appoint Adam McMahon as CFO, with existing CFO Jim Buckelman "remaining in his role for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition."

Genstar went on to say: "Over the next 100 days, Bill will focus on improving revenue, EBITDA and business performance. The recently announced Global Operating Model is paused as we concentrate on executing the day-to-day basics."

Founded in 1988, Genstar is a big player in the "private equity space" with some $35bn of assets "under management." It says it is currently managing its tenth fund "and actively looking for investment opportunities in founder-owned companies, public company orphans, corporate carve-outs and traditional buyouts."

Describing itself as a "leading global engineer and omnichannel distributor of non-discretionary, proprietary branded, aftermarket replacement parts," AEP "leverages data and digital capabilities to provide mission-critical parts for powersports and adjacent markets, such as outdoor power equipment, golf cars, specialty vehicles, agriculture and other diverse markets." AEP cites having distribution and sourcing locations in North America, Europe and Asia, servicing over 100,000 customers globally.

In addition to WPS, AEP numbers several other American powersports businesses and brands in its ownership, including the All Balls Racing program, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Pivot Works and Tiger Lights.

In Europe, Bihr had already been on the acquisition trail prior to itself being bought by AEP - owning Paaschburg & Wunderlich and LSL in Germany, and the Moto Direct/RST apparel operations in the UK. AEP also owns Vertex Pistons in Italy and motorcycle parts distributor H-I Level Enterprises in the UK.

 

AFT

Mees Takes Dallas Half-Mile Win

Reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) penned the latest chapter of a career of Half-Mile heroics with a victorious run in the Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems (Round 5) at the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, on April 22.

Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle

The premier-class king was one-quarter of an early scrap for the lead, along with a trio of Yamaha-mounted challengers in JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07).

The opening stages of the contest proved to be a battle of extreme high and low lines. The high line showed itself to be the fast track up the order initially before giving way to a high-risk, high-reward tight-rope line at the bottom.

Just prior to half-distance, Mees and Daniels (second) exploited that tricky low line to break free and settle into a rematch of their Senoia shootout. Meanwhile, Beach (17th) and Bromley (sixth) fell into a five-rider fight for the final spot on the podium after being reeled in by the charging Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750 - third), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere's BMC Racing Indian FTR750 - fifth) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke - fourth).

Daniels made a couple of determined attempts to zero in on Mees, but never got quite close enough to make a serious attempt at an overtake. A small bobble on the part of Daniels with less than a minute remaining gave the champ a bit of breathing space. He was then ceded even more as his young rival called off the assault to accept second.

The win was the 34th Half-Mile win of Mees' historic career, placing him just one short of the all-time record held by Scott Parker.

Positions 7-10 were filled by Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), in that order.

After the weekend, Daniels continued to hold down the championship lead with 113 points in his pocket following his 1-1-2-2-2 start. Mees now ranks second with 96 points, while two-time champ Bauman (78) edged ahead of Beach (76) for third.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) can finally call himself a Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event winner after repeatedly knocking on the door of that landmark achievement for years. 

Lowe's maiden Progressive AFT victory headlined a race that represented a monumental reversal of fortune compared with the four rounds that led into it.

After getting off to a slower-than-expected start to the season, the American Honda-backed Turner Racing team entered the day with just one podium between its talented trio of Lowe, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R - third) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R - second).

The three went straight to the front and turned the first half of the race into a glorified poster shoot for the team, running side-by-side-by-side, with the field struggling to stay in their wake.

Lowe eventually shook free while the pack closed in on second-placed Saathoff and third-placed Mischler, but they ultimately held strong to secure the podium lockout.

Meanwhile, the championship's "usual suspects" struggled before coming good in the end. Defending champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) ran as low as eighth before securing fourth by a mere 0.172 seconds, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was seventh and Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) scored fifth. Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) was sixth.

Next Up: The series now heads to California for the Ventura Short Track (May 6), followed by the Sacramento Mile on May 13, then onto the Red Mile at Lexington, Ky., on May 27. After another three-week gap, Round 9 will mark the half-way point in the 2023 Championship, with the last in the sequence of Mile races at DuQuoin, Il., on June 17. After which the first of a four-race run of Half- Miles kicks-off with the popular Lima, Ohio Half-Mile on June 24, followed by the West Virginia Half-Mile at Mineral Wells, WV, on July 1st and the Orange County Half-Mile at Middletown, NY, a week later (July 8).

www.americanflattrack.com

Royal Enfield - Build.Train.Race.

With four rounds each at MotoAmerica and AFT races this season, Royal Enfield's Women Riders 'outreach' program to bring new female talent into racing had its first Flat Track outing for 2023 at the Mission Dallas Half-Mile race at the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, on April 22.

With all racers on air/oil-cooled Bosch fuel-injected Royal Enfield INT650 parallel twins that they themselves have race-converted and prepared, star of the weekend was Morgan Monroe, who took the win by five laps ahead of Kenzie Luker in second, ahead of Zaria Martens by 0.638 second.

Rider, team and series sponsors include Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, S&S Cycle, chassis specialists Harris Performance Products, Arai, Öhlins Suspension and Maxima Racing Oils.

The Road Race series, on Royal Enfield GT 650s, will kick off at Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI) in June. The next three BTR Flat Track races will be at the Ventura Short Track meet in California on May 6, the Mineral Wells, West Virginia Half-Mile on July 1 and the Bridgeport Half-Mile at Swedesboro, NJ, on July 22nd. 

Jim Preisler

Jim Preisler 

1942 - 1923 

AMD was saddened to learn of the death of Jim Preisler earlier this year, aged 80. Jim was a Design Engineer by profession, but that doesn't even start to cover his talents and achievements. One of the 'gang' at the original Drag Specialties - back in the days of Tom Rudd's ownership, Jim started there in 1970 - his product designs and development follow-through did much to propel the business to an annual $28 million in sales. Jim was President of Drag Specialties in the 1980s, and after Fred Fox had taken ownership of Drag, Jim was President, COO, and owner of the remaining core of the manufacturing business from 1991 (D.S. Manufacturing at Pine Island, Mn.) until its sale to Lincoln Industries in 2015. During that time, Jim focused on the design, development and building of the Khrome Werks line of motorcycle exhausts and accessories and overseeing the contract manufacturing portion of the business. Jim was an U.S. Army Veteran and an avowed lifelong petrol head who had several records to his name - Jim was a passionate race performance engineer and motorcycle drag racer, initially as a professional NHRA drag racer, then as a hobbyist racer and life-long pleasure rider. In 1973, Jim held a national record in the quarter mile of 8.44 seconds at 170 mph on his double engine Harley. Jim was also a skilled woodworker and journeyman cabinet maker. In 2015, Jim embarked on a sizeable HO model train layout, feeding off his life-long love of trains. Most importantly, Jim Preisler was one of the genuinely 'nice guys' of the aftermarket. Our thoughts are with his wife Cheryl and their family and friends - their loss is also our loss. 

MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers

Kyle Wyman Bags KOTB Double Header

The latest round of the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers series, at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. (April 22-23, 2023), saw Kyle Wyman take two convincing series wins and set three lap records as the Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle factory rider took the series points lead. 

Wyman has now won three consecutive races on the team's race-prepared Road Glide. Wyman paced the field in Friday's qualifying session on the 2.55-mile Road Atlanta course, setting a new track record for the King Of The Baggers class with a lap of 1:30.427. Wyman took the lead at the start of the eight-lap Saturday race and pulled away from the field, opening a gap of 2.67 seconds by lap 5 and breaking his own track record with a best lap of 1:30.304.

Factory Indian racer Tyler O'Hara finished second, 3.09 seconds behind Wyman. Hayden Gillim finished third on the Vance & Hines Racing Road Glide. H-D Screamin' Eagle factory rider Travis Wyman finished in sixth place.

On Sunday (Round 4), it was O'Hara leading the field from the start, with Kyle Wyman on his rear tire. But before the end of the first lap, O'Hara ran off the track as Wyman challenged him on the brakes in turn 6, with O'Hara ultimately over-shooting the turn. Kyle then began to pull away from the field and led by 2.56 seconds after lap 4 and set yet another class record with a best lap time of 1:30.036. O'Hara recovered to finish second, 1.83 seconds behind Wyman, with Bobby Fong finishing third on the Roland Sands Indian. Gillim and James Rispoli finished fourth and fifth respectively on their Vance & Hines Racing Road Glides. Travis Wyman finished seventh on the Factory Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

After four of 14 rounds in the series, Kyle Wyman leads the championship with 75 points, followed by Rispoli with 67 points and Gillim with 65 points. O'Hara sits in fourth place with 61 points. Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson rider Jake Lewis is fifth with 37 points.

MotoAmerica KOTB Results - Road Atlanta Race 1

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson

2. Tyler O'Hara (Ind) Progressive/Mission Foods

3. Hayden Gillim (H-D) Vance & Hines Racing

4. Bobby Fong (Ind) Sacramento Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands

5. James Rispoli (H-D) Vance & Hines Racing

6. Travis Wyman (H-D) Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson

7. Jake Lewis (H-D) Team Saddlemen

8. Max Flinders (Ind) M3/Revolution Performance

9. Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) Roland Sands Design

10. Hawk Mazzotta (Ind) Lloyds Garage

Source: H-D/Paul James

MotoAmerica KOTB Results - Road Atlanta Race 2

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson

2. Tyler O'Hara (Ind) Progressive/Mission Foods

3. Bobby Fong (Ind) Sacramento Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands

4. Hayden Gillim (H-D) Vance & Hines Racing

5. James Rispoli (H-D) Vance & Hines Racing

6. Jeremy McWilliams (Ind) Progressive/Mission Foods

7. Travis Wyman (H-D) Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson

8. Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) Roland Sands Design

9. Jake Lewis (H-D) Team Saddlemen

10. Patricia Fernandez (H-D) Team Saddlemen

11. Eric Stahl (H-D) Jiffy Tune Racing

Stat Attack

According to Brussels based ACEM, the international motorcycle industry trade association for Europe, the 'Big Five' motorcycle markets there that account for some 80% of total motorcycle registrations annually (Italy, France, Spain, Germany and UK) saw 950,400 new motorcycle registrations in 2022 - a slight decrease of around 0.1% over 2021. Italy was the largest market, up by +0.7% at 271,380 units; Germany was essentially flat at +0.1% (199,400 units); France was down by -6.6% at 193,350 units; Spain was up by 6.3% at 176,960 units, with the UK in fifth spot among the 'majors' at +1.9% (109,300 units).

For the first two months of 2023, H-D was in fifth spot in market share terms in Germany with 907 units sold YTD for a 5.94%. Not surprisingly, BMW remains the dominant market share leader in its home market with a 29.71% share and nine models in the top 20 best sellers there - the R 1250 GS is 'top dog'. Harley's best sellers were the Low Rider ST, Street Bob 114 and Sport Glide.

For the first two months of 2023, Japanese made motorcycle exports to USA totaled 11,808 units YTD (+14.72% over the year ago). Annual worldwide Japanese made motorcycle and moped exports (all PTW) fell off a cliff in 2009 to 583,879 from over one million in 2008, having peaked at 1,641 million units in 2000. They have continued to decline most years since then. Most recently they were 463,123 units in 2017; 456,758 in 2018; 396,379 in 2019; 311,998 in 2020, but significantly up in 2021 (for the first time since 2017) at 437,042 units (+40.08%), and again in 2022 at 486,813 units (+11.39%). American motorcycle imports from the Japanese factories were +73.37% for the full year 2021 at 74,429 units - ahead of 2019 (59,320) and 2020 (42,931) - and were +14.29% for 2022 (at 85,062 units - the highest since before 2015). The highest number for U.S. imports from the Japanese factories recorded in the ACEM data based International Dealer News Statistical Archive was 313,183 units in 2002.

The latest available ZIV data for Quad/ATV and three-wheeler sales in Germany show 2022 sales of 1,565 Quads (+95.87%), with some 95% of those in the sub 300 cc class. Sales of ATVs totaled 20,278 ATVs (-15.39%); 4,335 three-wheelers were sold (+6.43%), with Piaggio's MP3 the market share leader (36.19% of sales,) followed by BRP/Can-Am, Peugeot, Yamaha and Rewaco. 

Global BMW Motorrad unit sales grew by 4.4% in 2022 to 202,895 units. However, sales in Europe were down slightly (-0.3%/110,788 units), with sales of 24,129 units in Germany representing a -7.1% home market unit decline. The French market took 21,223 units in 2022 (+6.7%), while Italy was -2.3% (15,668 units) and Spain was -0.9% (12,502 units). North, Central and South American sales were +14.4% (45,775 units), of which 17,690 were in USA (+10.4%). BMW only introduced two completely new models in 2022 - the CE 04 electric scooter, which has not sold well yet, and a Roadster styled M1000 iteration.

KTM parent company PIERER Mobility has added more detail to the provisional FY2022 results it published in January, confirming a year of extraordinary growth with group revenues of € 2,437m (+19%) and unit sales of 375,492 motorcycles (+13%), of which 268,575 were KTM branded units, 75,266 were Husqvarna and 31,651 were GasGas models. In addition, 118,465 E-bicycles and bicycles (+15%) were sold. EBIT was € 235m (+22%) and EBITDA was € 381m (+15%). The group spent € 268m on "growth initiatives" in 2022, which included the continuing construction of its new 14,000 sq m (150,000 sq ft) North American HQ campus at Murietta, Georgia - a $53m total investment. The year also saw a 25.1% equity investment in MV Agusta and the takeover of European distribution for KTM's Chinese sales and production partner CFMoto.

In Germany in 2022, Zero was the electric motorcycle market share leader, but with just 357 units sold for a +32.2% increase, we are still talking ultra-low volumes at this stage. Vmoto was in second place in market share terms, followed by KTM, Tinbot and Electric Motion. NIU was the electric scooter market share leader (1,390 units/+171.0%) ahead of Scutum, Horwin, BMW and Piaggio.

Ducati has confirmed that 2022 saw it break the € 1bn revenue barrier for the first time in its history (+24%), selling 61,562 units (+3.6%) - the first time it has broken the 60k unit volume mark - and had 821 dealerships worldwide for another record.

ShowZONE

Myrtle Beach Bike Week - Spring 

Myrtle Beach, SC, US • May 12-21

myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

Biker Fest International (37th)

Lignano Sabbiadoro, IT • May 18-21

www.bikerfest.it

Lost Highway Show

Poconos Park, PA, US • May 19-21

www.losthighwayshow.com

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Worldwide • May 21

www.gentlemansride.com

European Super Rally

Igoumenitsa, GR • May 24-28

www.superrally.com

Americade (40th)

Lake George Village, NY, US • 

May 31-Jun 4

www.americade.com

Custombike Show

Norrtaelje, SW • Jun 3

www.custombikeshow.se

Budweis Custom Show, Indian Riders Fest

Budweis, CZ • 9-11 Jun

www.budweiscustom.show

Rising Thunder Custom Show

LT • 9-11 Jun

www.custombikeshow.lt

Laconia Motorcycle Week (100th)

New Hampshire, US • Jun 10-18

www.laconiamcweek.com

European H.O.G. Rally 120th Anniversary

Budapest, HU • Jun 22-25 

www.harleysite.de

Born Free

Silverado, CA, US • Jun 24-25

www.bornfreeshow.com

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

Lexington, OH, US • Jul 21-23

vintagemotorcycledays.com

Wheels & Waves

Biarritz, FR • Jun 28-Jul 2

www.wheels-and-waves.com

Punta International Motorcycle Show

Courchevel, FR • Jun 30-Jul 2

www.punta-courchevel.com

H-D Homecoming 120th Anniversary

Milwaukee, WI, US • Jul 13-16

www.harley-davidson.com

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (83rd)

Sturgis, SD, US • Aug 4-13

www.sturgis-sd.gov

EICMA (#80)

Milan, IT • Nov 7-12

www.eicma.it

Dates/venues subject to change or cancellation.
(*) Some dates provisional. "Check before you buy"

The Bohemian Custom Motorcycle Show 2023

Bohemian Custom Motorcycle Show

Prague, Czechia,
March 2-5, 2023

Words and pictures by Onno Wieringa, Madness Photography (www.madnessphotography.nl)

The Bohemian Custom Motorcycle Show in Czechia (Czech Republic) is part of the Prague Motorcycle Exhibition (Motocykl Praha) held in March.

There were two halls hosting the custom market and builders - with some well-known 'AMD stars' of prior AMD World Championships present - including innovators such as Pavel Malanik and Tomas Pitlik, who presented some incredible new builds at the Bohemian. 

Best of Show & Radical Winner - Pavel Malaník - J.A.P. V8

It came as no surprise that Pavel won 'Best of Show' with his completely self-built J.A.P. V8 motorcycle, a stunning piece of engineering and craftsmanship. Another mind-blowing bike was Marek Foltis' ten-cylinder Jawa called 'Bistella'. The Czech law states that you are allowed to alter one major part of your motorcycle as long as the rest of the bike still fits to that part, so you can change the engine, which Marek did, but it still had to fit in the original frame. 

How young builder Marek did just that is nothing short of a miracle…he built a ten-cylinder, two-stroke engine that fits perfectly in the stock frame. Ten cylinders! And so well designed, such ingenuity and precision craftsmanship. A huge technical challenge, but he managed to solve all problems and made it into a perfect running, well, 'screaming' engine that does an easy 10,000 rpm! 

Modified Harley-Davidson Winner - Jiri Riha - Hamasakr - H-D Sportster 1200 

Both men rolled out their bikes to admiring gasps of astonishment and applause. Marek's 'Bistella' fired up with just one kick. Starting Pavel's V8 is a little more complex, requiring an external starter, but it too runs like a dream, with all the 'internals' now 'externals', it is a work of engineering art - poetic in its synchronous motion, harmonious in its sound - steam punk meets precision.

Then came Tomas with his crazy 'trike' - very appropriately named 'Eczentric' - as nothing seems to be in the right place, but still it runs, powered by a 1938 CZ 175 cc engine! 

Iron Redskins Winner - Purple Haze - Indian Chief - Bike Farm Melle - Germany

Sector 66 decorated the show with cool sculptures made out of motorcycle and car parts - pieces of art just like many of the other 85 motorcycles in the custom show.

There were seven classes - Café Racer/ Brat, Chopper/Cruiser, Iron Redskins (Indian motorcycles only), Modified H-D, Old School and Radical, with additional awards for Best Paint, Old CZ Motorcycles by origin and Best of Show. 

Organizer Martin Rybar explained that the voting was done by the builders themselves, with owners and builders not allowed to vote for their own machines, and additional scrutineering and evaluation conducted by a selected expert jury - who had the same point evaluation options as the competitors themselves.

The Czech/ Czechoslovakian engineer-ing pedigree goes back nearly 150 years, and since the start of the 20th century, there have been over 100 Czech motorcycle brands - many of them short lived and with low production numbers, of course, but with the likes of CZ and Jawa, the market there has produced world leaders in the past.

Old School Winner - Marek Foltis - 'Bistella' 500

Throughout the history of the 'AMD' we have seen many outstanding examples of outstanding craftsmanship, innovative, high-quality engineering, creativity and stylish originality. 

Over four days, Motocykl Praha attracted nearly 60,000 visitors who came to enjoy what, by any measure, was a great show - even if the Prague traffic and parking issues made getting in more difficult than it needs to be.

But once in, the show itself proved to be a great success - the Czech motorcycle industry seems to be alive and well. Most of the major brands were there, presenting their 2023 line-ups, with Royal Enfield, in particular, continuing to prove its growing popularity.

www.bcmotorcycles.cz 

Triumph

Triumph Backs DGR for 10th Straight Year - May 23, 2023

Slated for global participation on May 23, 2023, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) unites hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcycle fans all over the world to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. 

DGR was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012 by Mark Hawwa. Growing year on year, today the DGR spans the world with more than 90,000 riders taking to the streets in more than 800 cities, and more than $37m raised for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health to date.

Triumph Motorcycles became the official motorcycle partner of the DGR from 2014, so this year sees the British manufacturer marking the 10th anniversary of its decision to back the initiative and is doing so in style with a black DGR Limited Edition (250 examples) Bonneville T120. 

One of the most significant contributions Triumph has made to growing awareness and motivating fundraisers around the world has been by providing motorcycles from its Modern Classic range as rewards for the top fundraisers. 

In previous years, this has included unique motorcycles, such as a one-of-a-kind Triumph Thruxton RS DGR Edition and a custom '1959 Legends' Triumph Bonneville T120 and matching Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar, awarded to the 2022 ride’s highest fundraiser as part of a collaboration between Triumph and Gibson.

"This exclusive new Bonneville T120 black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition motorcycle celebrates this landmark 10th anniversary, and we hope it will help make the 2023 DGR event the biggest and most successful to date."

Freedom Performance

Harley Softails - Sharp Curve Radius exhaust

Corona, California based Freedom Performance has these stylish Sharp Curve Radius exhausts for all Softails from 1986 to present - for use with or without rear pegs.

This system comes with a very slick, one-piece, full length heat shield - "this gives it that impeccable look from the headers down to the tip. Quiet baffles are sold separately, and it ships with O2 sensor ports and plugs in both 12 mm and 18 mm threads."

The package includes the full hardware kit and mounting brackets. "The Sharp Curve Radius not only increases the Softail's power potential by 6-8 horsepower, but it also gives an estimated 8-10 lbs. extra of torque. The deep throaty sound and performance gained with this exhaust is seriously unmatched."

FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST 

www.freedomperformexhaust.com

Feuling Parts

M-8 Oiling Systems

These Feuling HP+ and RACE SERIES oiling system kits for M-8 engines include Feuling's 7075 billet aluminum High Flow camplates - "designed to be 50% harder and stronger than the factory or Feuling OE+ equivalents."

Feuling CEO Luke Leatherman says: "We increase oil flow and volume by enlarging the oil pump reservoirs and critical oil passages, including matching the oil port holes throughout the camplate to the port holes in the engine case - this increases engine oil flow to the lifters, piston cooling jets, crankshaft and rod bearings."

Backed by a no-charge extendable one-year warranty, these kits deliver 27% more pressure and scavenge volume over stock, 42% more scavenge volume through port sizing, matched passages and holes to the engine case and 68% more oil volume to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearing.

"They are proven to cool engine temperatures by 15-25 degrees cooler and reduce oil temperatures by between 15-30 degrees with 10-30 more PSI of oil pressure." Optional Feuling X ARP bolt kits are available for the High Flow and HP+ or RS oil pump combo.

FEULING PARTS

www.feulingparts.com

Biker Fest International

Biker Fest International - 'AMD Approved'

One of Europe's longest established custom bike shows, and an event that regularly attracts up to 80,000 visitors, Biker Fest, at Lignano Sabbiadoro near Udine in Italy (May 18-21) is, effective this year, a founding member of the new 'AMD Approved' custom bike show program.

Located on Italy's Adriatic coast (100 km north of Venice), Lignano Sabbiadoro is on a spectacular peninsula that reaches out into the Adriatic - with the custom bike show staged right on the coastal strip of the resort.

Celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, the show has regularly provided several great examples of the best of Italian style custom bike design and engineering for the 'AMD' World Championship and now, under this new program, Biker Fest is recognized and 'approved' by AMD and its team of custom bike journalists as an authentic, successful, well staged and well organized contributor to the custom bike industry.

Micke Persello, of Bikers Life magazine fame and organizer of the weekend, says: "Biker Fest is the largest single annual outdoor event in Europe and is a pioneer of custom culture in Italy and in Europe.

"One of the highlights is the 'Saturday Light Parade' through the streets of Lignano Sabbiadoro that sees thousands of bikes parading along the coast with their fantastic sounds and lights.

2022 Best in Show and winner of the Italian Motorcycle Championship: Mirko, Gallery Motorcycles (Brescia) Harley-Davidson WL

"Cornerstone of the weekend's celebration of all things custom is the historic Custom Bike Show - founded in 1987, and along with the Custom Bike Show at Norrtälje, Sweden, every summer (Twin Club MC), one of the two oldest custom bike shows in the world.

"In addition to being an integral part of the 'AMD' World Championship program, and the official qualifying event for the Italian market, Lignano is also the final of the 15 custom shows that constitute the Italian Motorcycle Championship (IMC)."

News Briefs

Fox Factory Holding Corp. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Custom Wheel House, LLC (Rancho Dominguez, California), a designer, marketer and distributor of high-performance wheels, performance off-road tires and accessories. The purchase price for the transaction, which is subject to customary adjustments, is based on an enterprise value of $131.6m and will be financed through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings from the company's line of credit. CWH brands include Method Race Wheels, Tensor Tire and GMZ Race Products.

Royal Enfield North America is recalling certain 2017-2021 Himalayan motorcycles. "The salt used to treat the roads in the winter may corrode the brake calipers, causing a decrease or total loss of brake function."

Industry veteran Bill Jenkins has retired from his role as Kawasaki USA Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations after 34 years with the "mean, green machine." Bill started out as a District Manager in the Metro New York and New Jersey market in 1988.

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com

Buell Motorcycles

Buell - Super Cruiser and 1190 SuperTouring

Daytona Bike Week saw Roland Sands and Bill Melvin's Grand Rapids, Michigan based Buell Motorcycles give a public unveil to a design prototype of a 2025 Buell Super Cruiser, along with, one year on, a second look at a much-refined design of a 185 horsepower, 1,190 cc Buell SuperTouring model first seen at Daytona in 2022 that is also slated for 2025.

The Super Cruiser, first revealed at a private event on February 10 at the Roland Sands Design facility in Long Beach, CA, "has been well-received by both the media and fans. As eager riders continue to place unprecedented pre-orders on the Buell website, the Super Cruiser is exceeding expectations and generating significant buzz."

Super Cruiser

"It's the design of this bike that's got everyone going crazy," said Buell's CEO, Bill Melvin. "The response we've seen so far is overwhelming. It's clear there's a tremendous demand for a high-performance cruiser, and we're thrilled to meet it. We always knew a Buell cruiser would be big, but it needed Buell features and had to be the highest-performing American production bike ever made. 

"Lucky for us, we were the ones who innovated the kick-ass technology of the 1190 platform. So, we didn't need to reinvent that wheel. We just needed to take what was already ideal and build a cruiser around it. Refining things like steering angle, rake, wheels, tires, brakes and chassis - Roland Sands was the genius to pull all that together."

SuperTouring

Also on display was that refined 1190 SuperTouring modular superbike. "The ST provided a great opportunity for us to hear and engage with our fanbase," said Jacob Stark, Buell's engineering specialist. "It led to exploring new ideas, experimenting, and using the ST platform to stretch our comfort zone."

Created in collaboration with award-winning designer J. Ruiter to thrill Supersport and touring fans alike, the SuperTouring is "the world's fastest adaptive motorcycle," easily converting to a track bike in under an hour. Its latest modifications include a new modular front faring with headlamp assembly, higher handlebars, foot-forward controls and a new seat and bags. 

"Buell is back and building a strong reputation as a small, responsive company building bikes to order and providing a unique customer experience," said Melvin. "We've tuned our approach to match customer feedback and will continue making the changes that deliver the best riding experience possible."

www.buellmotorcycle.com 

Motoflux Inc.

Long-Time EV Proponent Mike Corbin Blazes a New Trail in Rotational Power

Long considered the Holy Grail of clean energy, the elusive magnet motor has remained more the fodder of legend than the future of energy. 

That may have changed now that California startup Motoflux Inc. has announced a functional proof-of-concept motor that generates rotational energy directly from permanent magnets. 

Founded by motorcycle and EV industry veteran Mike Corbin, this milestone marks what is sure to become a paradigm shift in motor development and green power.

"The idea of Motoflux is that we want to extract power from the force stored in permanent magnets. The Motoflux principle gives us a way to get a magnetic field to rotate and give us torque," says Mr. Corbin.

The Corbin Motoflux principle uses a unique, three-component design incorporating a radial director that distorts the magnetic lines of flux in the armature. As the flux lines seek to shorten and tighten, the armature is drawn forward to the next closest pole tip of the stator. 

As a result, the Motoflux device has shown a torque output increase of 4-25 times over input. These gains, Mr. Corbin explains, are produced solely from the power of the permanent magnets inside the Motoflux motor.

'the Motoflux principle is now available for license'

Requiring a significantly lower level of energy input to operate, the Motoflux motor consumes a fraction of the power required by current electric motor designs and therefore needs less energy storage. With more than two million electric cars already on the road in the U.S. and the potential for low-cost stationary generators, the environmental implications are staggering.

"Think of the potential of removing most of the battery mass of all those electric cars and minimizing the carbon footprint (of battery production).

"Imagine the contribution Motoflux can make to the dilemmas we have now with rolling blackouts in California. They actually mandated the sale of electric vehicles, and then they ask you not to charge them on weekends!"

The Motoflux principle is now available for license, so motor engineers around the world can design highly efficient powerplants for their specific needs. As the next logical step in the evolution of motor design, this groundbreaking powerplant offers simple, highly scalable manufacturing with minimal component.

www.corbin.com

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle DTRA Europe Hooligan Race Team

Indian Motorcycle has announced that it is to continue its support for the growth of Hooligan Racing in Europe with the Hooligan class now to be renamed the Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023.

Following the recent U.S. race team announcements, it has announced the signing of Jamie Kimber and Gerard Bailo to contend the 2023 DTRA Hooligan class in Europe. Indian Motorcycle also continues its long-term support and promotion of flat track racing in Europe with sponsorship that sees the class renamed as the 'Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023'.

Indian Motorcycle says its continued partnership with the DTRA (the UK based Dirt Track Riders Association) will "help to ensure the future of grassroots motorcycle sport and the development of youth riders in Europe. As a result, European flat track racing has grown substantially in recent years, being one of the most accessible and respected entry points to the sport outside of North America."

Anthony Brown, DTRA founder, commented: "Indian Motorcycle has helped to grow the Hooligan class in the DTRA since its inception and we are honored and happy to have them along for the ride in 2023. It will be great to see a mixture of UK and overseas riders battle it out on Indian Scouts and FTRs against the rest of the Hooligan field. With some new tracks and events to be announced in the coming weeks, the 2023 Hooligan Championship is set to be the best one yet." 

Jamie Kimber is an Indian Motorcycle Academy scholarship graduate, riding the Indian Scout Hooligan for the 2022 season, scoring 4th in the overall championship. She will ride the Indian FTR as a fully-fledged member of the team in 2023.

Gerard Bailo started in Supermoto racing, but has been committed to Flat Track since 2017. He had his best season in 2022, winning the FIM Flat Track World Championship. Gerard will compete in the Indian Motorcycle Hooligan series aboard the Indian FTR 1200 prepared by S&S Cycle.

The Dirt Track Riders Association has announced dates for a full series of seven rounds in 2023, and there will be five Hooligans rounds.

The Dirt Track Riders Association (DTRA) is run by riders and racers to promote European flat track racing. The series has grown year on year and is gaining popularity with riders from all disciplines of motorcycle sport from Rookie riders to Pro racers. The DTRA has been instrumental in growing all forms of dirt track racing outside of the USA and the DTRA supported 'Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Series' has grown to become the largest amateur championship outside of North America.

www.dirttrackriders.co.uk 

www.indianmotorcycle.co.uk

Harley-Davidson Germany

Top Three German Harley Dealers Honored

Harley is now represented by 66 authorized dealers in Germany, and for 2023 Harley-Davidson Germany GmbH has selected what it considers to be the three best.

Number 1 is Harley-Davidson Staalfabrik from Rostock, closely followed by House of Thunder (Harley-Davidson Lübeck) and Harley-Davidson Pfeiffer from Kamen. 

From left to right: Jens Pott (House of Thunder - Harley-Davidson Lübeck), Olaf Stellmach (Harley-Davidson Staalfabrik Rostock), Lars Gercke (Harley-Davidson Staalfabrik Rostock), Kolja Rebstock (Harley-Davidson Regional Vice President EMEA and Managing Director DACH) and Tom Pfeiffer (Harley-Davidson Pfeiffer)

As part of a ceremony with the German dealers at the "Motorräder" trade fair in Dortmund, Kolja Rebstock, Harley-Davidson Motor Company Regional Vice President EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Managing Director DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) handed over trophies to the representatives of the three winning companies.

Rebstock was delighted with them: "We are proud of our German dealer network, because all our authorized dealers are characterized by a high degree of authenticity, friendliness and competence. In 2023, we would like to highlight the top performances of our dealers in Rostock, Lübeck and Kamen."

In order to define the top three dealers, Harley-Davidson used both quantitative and qualitative criteria for evaluation. "For us, retail employees are the most important interface between brand and customer," added Rebstock. "They stand up for Harley-Davidson, they are the faces of our brand, and they make sure our customers are more than satisfied."

Hawg Wired

Road Glide Factory Glovebox Detents

California based audio specialist Hawg Wired has designed these new GBD152 detents for Rushmore 2015 and up Road Glide gloveboxes.

They hold the factory glovebox doors open when fully lifted and provide ease of access. The GBD152 kit is universal for all FLTR model bikes 2015 and newer and installs in minutes, with no modifications or tools required. Available directly through Hawg Wired in 5, 10, 20 and 50 pack cartons.

These high-quality injection-molded parts install with high-temperature 3M VHB double-sided tape. They have stainless steel ball bearings and music wire compression springs. All parts are Made in the USA.

The kit includes two GBD152 detent devices, two alcohol cleaning pads and the installation guide. The dealer packs can be found under 'accessories' when logged in to the Hawg Wired website, using an approved dealer account log in.

HAWG WIRED

www.hawg-wired.com

S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle - 55 mm M-8 Performance Manifold

S&S Cycle describes this direct replacement for the stock plastic manifold on '17-'21 M-8 models as a "must have for big bore engines."

"Big bore engines are all about the flow - more air in and more air out - and anything that slows that cycle down robs horsepower. The factory M-8 intake manifold does a decent job in stock form but starts getting in the way when used on 124" and larger cylinders. The stock polymer unit is also less tolerant of the additional heat that a big bore engine can make."

S&S says that the solution is this new CNC-machined, T6 heat-treated, cast aluminum 55 mm performance manifold. "It is easy to install and easily delivers between 3 and 5 extra horsepower and ships with a new rubber seal."

DRAG SPECIALTIES

www.dragspecialties.com

www.sscycle.com

Kodlin

Kodlin 2" STR8UP Road Glide Bars

Distributed exclusively in Europe by Custom Chrome Europe (CCE), these new Kodlin 2" Str8UP 'Midi-Apes' are "an extraordinary handlebar for an extraordinary look. The 2" diameter handlebar gives the bike a unique design." Suitable for heated grips, the 2" Str8UP is available in three heights: medium (280 mm), tall (380 mm) and extra tall (430 mm).

The genuine 2" bars have a 1" bar end diameter and 1 1/4" clamping area. The clamps for the clutch and brake master cylinder will need to be changed (to OEM 45138-08A). 

"Of course, a fat handlebar also requires a corresponding riser. The perfect complement is the equally extraordinary look of the Kodlin Big Block riser."

The risers are suitable for all handlebars with a 1 1/4" clamping area and are CNC-milled from billet aluminum - heavy duty handlebar bushings are recommended. They are available only in black and are designed and made in Germany by Fred Kodlin Motorcycles. They are also available for the Road Glide Special and Softails.

CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE

www.custom-chrome-europe.com

www.kodlin.com