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Wednesday 28 February 2024

Harley-Davidson

H-D Announces Contingency Programs For 2024 Race Season



Harley is boosting its support for racing competitors for the 2024 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $570,000. 

This will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the American Flat Track series, and the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

The H-D Factory Racing Team will compete in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King Of The Baggers Road Racing series in 2024 with riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli aboard race-modified Road Glides powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 performance crate engines. 

In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.


Mission Foods King Of The Baggers

Offering exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 King Of The Baggers series is expanded to 16 races over eight doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. 

The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 7-9. Harley will offer a $263,000 cash contingency program for qualified H-D racers competing in the series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus. 


Mission Foods Super Hooligan

New for 2024, Harley will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship brought to you by Roland Sands Design. The road racing series features 750 cc-and-up high-bar race-prepared street bikes. 

Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the Super Hooligan Championship includes ten races over five double-header weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway March 7-9. 

Harley will offer a $123,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley racers, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. 


Progressive American Flat Track

Harley will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the premier SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2024 Progressive American Flat Track series, committing $185,000 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins class riders. 

Harley contingency will pay first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. The season opens March 7-8 with the Daytona Short Track double-header at Daytona International Speedway. 


2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 3

2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 3

Louisville, Kentucky - January 20-21, 2024


Universally acknowledged by the vendors and dealers in attendance as an excellent show, the Drag Specialities and Parts Unlimited 2024 NVP Product Expo at Louisville, Kentucky, in January proved to be a great 'season-starter' for Drag vendors who were there. 




At a time when even the customary uncertainties of the annual business cycle are themselves uncertain, it left all concerned a lot more optimistic about the business landscape for the year than might otherwise have been the case. 

As beautifully well planned and executed as always, with a new 'variation on a theme' of high speed but still intense distributor 'Rep Training' getting everyone's vote as a good new formula.

Some seventy plus V-twin specialist vendors and brands and a whole slew of cross-over business opportunities kept the attending dealers busy and hopeful that 2024 will be a year when, to channel Fred Fox, "everyone will get to go to the bank happy" ...



Total Fuel Systems Fi2000 & PowrPro Tuners: Cobra USA private labeled the Fi2000 & PowrPro Fuel Tuning Systems for many years, Total Fuel Systems being the OEM.  About four years ago there was a mutual decision that Total Fuel Systems would take over its own Sales & Marketing. Since then, it has expanded the fitment list and is still producing one of the only plug & play auto tuners in the market. With the patented "autotune" feature and phone app, it works after the motorcycle's ECU and therefore is invisible to ECU's and does not trip the security features in any ECU. It monitors the motorcycle and adjusts for the best air to fuel ratio 80 times per second, giving the most optimal 'sweet spot' for the rider's chosen combination of upgrades; www.fi2000.com





Hogtunes: The Canadian motorcycle audio specialist's kits "sound better and install easier" with straight forward, faster ordering - "motorcycle audio, made better"; www.hogtunes.com



Rick's Motorsport Electrics: Based in Hampstead, New Hampshire, Rick's offers a new universal style regulator for single phase Harley-Davidsons that is made to work with lithium batteries.  The 'Hot Shot' brand regulator/ rectifier is a 50 amp unit made with cooling Mosfet technology. Founded in the late 1970s, Rick's started out as a small motorcycle salvage business and has grown to be an internationally recognized, highly reputed brand name in specialty motorsports electrics circles, offering a full parts line of motorsport charging and starting systems and electrical ignition components for the widest possible range of makes and models;  www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com



Kibblewhite Precision Machining: Founded by James L. Kibblewhite in 1939 and owned and operated by his some Will Kibblewhite since 1989, the Pacifica, California valvetrain specialist's Black Diamond and White Diamond valves are "as close to a H-D application 'go-to' as you can get for quality and performance, unless you turn to KPMI Tensilite Titaniums for M-8 engines that is." Manufactured from solid titanium bar, the bar is cut, forged and the stem pulled from the forging process and cross-sectionally reduced. These one-piece forgings are made from 6-2-4-2 titanium alloy for superior strength, hardness and thermal characteristics. After final grinding and machining, they are encased in a hard Chromium Nitride (CRN) shell of resistance to impact, abrasion and corrosion; www.kpmi.us



Revolution Performance: New from the Plymouth, Wisconsin based manufacturer is its 55 mm intake manifold for 2017-2023 M-8 applications - described as the "ultimate cost-effective upgrade," says Chief Sales Manager Jeff Meyer. "High flow means extra horsepower and torque just by bolting on our manifold." Replacing the stock plastic design with the company's precision CNC-machined 356 T6 heat-treated cast aluminum upgrade will, on average, "boost your Harley's performance by a remarkable 3-4% horsepower/torque by just bolting on our manifold. Pair our manifold with a simple tune and see 5-6% horsepower/torque gain. Add our CNC-ported cylinder head package with the manifold and tune to see 12-14% horsepower/torque increase"; www.revolution-performance.com



­­SBS Brakes: The Danish brake pads, rotors and clutch leader has recently been at the leading edge of embracing the new generation of forward-facing product initiatives that meet the 'Better Brakes' regulations for reduced use of rare earth minerals and pollution production - and guess what? The world didn't end, the sun still rose each morning and people still rode their bikes. The real shocker? Not only less waste, but reduced heat, improved stopping distances and no great impact on brake pad pricing. Who'd a thunk it! www.sbs.dk 


Kodlin USA: With designs by noted German customizer Fred Kodlin, Kodlin USA is a Morgan Hill, California based joint venture enterprise between former Custom Chrome and MAG/Kuryakyn man Holger Mohr and Kodlin's son Len; www.kodlinusa.com



Horsepower Inc: The Indianapolis based manufacturer is still leading the way in performance V-twin products with an upgrade throttle body option for every model of fuel injected Harley-Davidsons.  The newest upgrade is an OEM 45 mm replacement for 2001-2005 Big Twin/Twin Cams, with features including zinc coated throttle shaft, double sealed roller bearings and factory OEM bolt pattern. No dyno tuning or re-tuning required;  www.horsepowerinc.net


Magnum Shielding

Free Magnum POP with $400 Orders Through Drag Specialties


The Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Dealer and Parts Expo at Louisville saw Upstate New York based specialist manufacturer Magnum Shielding unveil a new Point-of-Purchase display for Drag Specialties dealers.

Listed as a dealer merchandising item for $28.95, it is available for free if a dealer orders $400 or more of Magnum brand products on any one order through Drag Specialties - they will get a POP display included in with their order when shipped. 

There is one free POP display per dealer and this special promotional program will be offered through April 2024.

Noted for advanced designs, quality materials, precision manufacturing and great finishes, Magnum specialises in control cables, DOT compliant brake lines, complete kits and handlebars.

This new POP display features SIGNATURE Braids - all of which perfectly match the cables and brake lines for a complete custom look - and their XR cable finishes, which offer an economical alternative to the premium braids in Stainless Steel and "OE" Black.  The display is a physical showcase of Magnum's finishes in a small footprint, enabling customers to make a purchasing choice in a way that a flat catalog picture or pixelated image can't do.

Starting with their proprietary Sterling Chromite II, Magnum SIGNATURE braids also include their Polished Stainless, Black Pearl, and KARBONFIBR braids.  The latter being a unique blend of grey tone and black wires giving it the high-tech look of carbon fiber.


Magnum Shielding at the recent Drag Specialties NVP in Louisville

Sterling Chromite II is Magnum Shielding's premiere product line and the most popular color of matching braided control cables and brake lines. "Its patented braid and weave is designed to look like chrome and is offered on all of our assembled, braided products" says Magnum's Reese Hurwitz. "The non-yellowing, crystal clear, high tech outer jacket provides exceptional protection against scuffing paint."

Magnum Shielding's premium products are distributed exclusively through Drag Specialties in the U.S. or at

www.magnumshielding.com




LA Choppers

LA Choppers - 2024 Digital Catalog


Huntington Beach, California based LA Choppers has released a new digital catalog for 2024 - "this isn't just a product showcase, it's a roadmap to building the ultimate motorcycle," says VP Sales and Marketing Dustin Boyko.

"Every page brings realizing the full potential of your customer's ride closer, with cutting-edge products that are as reliable as they are stylish.




"Our catalog is packed with everything from classic favorites to the latest innovations in motorcycle parts and accessories. Whether a complete overhaul is planned, or just a few tweaks, our catalog is your go-to resource for custom style and quality."

LA Choppers is owned and operated by Tolemar Inc., the parent company of Trinity Racing, Todd's Cycle and Baron Custom Accessories.


VP Sales and Marketing Dustin Boyko

"Specializing in our own unique style, LA Choppers has been a long-standing innovator in the motorcycle industry," says Dustin. "Custom parts range from exhaust to handlebars, fenders, lowering kits, cable kits and billet aluminum accessories." 

After starting as a custom bike building business, LA Choppers turned its focus to making its custom designs available to the market and establishing its brand presence. 

www.lachoppers.com



Biltwell

A 'Bonanza' of Options


Never ones to stand still, Temecula, California based Biltwell's 2024 'Bonanza' open-face helmet updates see new colorways and the return of an old favorite.

Described by Biltwell co-founder Bill Bryant as "a quiet best seller," 'Bonanza' line is a lightweight, well made and comfortable, generously padded price-point helmet that doesn't compromise on safety with a rugged, injection-molded ABS outer shell and full DOT compliance in the United States.

Metallic Cherry Red

Scallop Gloss Vintage White


New this year are colors it is calling Metallic Catalina and Metallic Cherry Red, the Scallop Gloss Vintage White/Black, Gloss White, Black and Storm Gray solids, a Flat Black (aka Matte Black) and, returning for 2024, the Rootbeer MegaFlake.

MegaFlake Rootbeer

Metallic Catalina


A price-point helmet the 'Bonanza' may be, but it is far from a feature-free 'budget lid' with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) safety liner that dissipates impact loads without compromising comfort, snaps on the brow that accept all Biltwell and select other brand bubble shields, visors and optical accessories, and removable and replaceable comfort liner and cheek pads that feature brushed fleece Lycra touch points to absorb and evaporate perspiration - also seen on the adjustable strap end retainer equipped chin strap.


Gloss Storm Gray


BILTWELL INC. 

www.biltwellinc.com

Bitubo

Updated Bitubo Bagger Shocks 


Italian suspension manufacturer Bitubo has been building premier level racing suspension for the superbike side of the market for decades and more recently has ported that experience over to the V-twin space with a line of true European high-performance shocks and fork cartridges. 




Performance suspension is a must-have on a well sorted bagger, and Bitubo used every bit of its racing experience when the company created the WMM remote piggyback system.  

These shocks feature compression and rebound adjustments that genuinely make a difference and a fine threaded preload adjuster that allows riders to tune feel and performance to match their riding style. Available in 12" through 14" lengths for 2014+ Harley-Davidson Touring models. 


For 2024, Bitubo has updated its top shelf remote reservoir suspension for baggers with blacked out hose fittings, cleaner line routing and a revised reservoir bracket for better fitment with factory Tour Packs.


BITUBO 

www.bitubo.com

www.bitubousa.com

Metalsport Wheels

The Don Juan Love Affair


It's not often that product designs, especially wheels, stay in demand for more than a decade. It does happen, of course. There are those 'timeless' designs that become custom staples, that almost become a foundational product line, but when a new product comes to market, even one that is destined to be a success, it is never a 'given' that demand will sustain for that long.

Especially in times that have seen such change in taste and demand, and vendor 'churn', of the kind that we have witnessed since 2007. The trick is to not be afraid to allow the design of a top-seller to evolve with tastes and to listen to your customers.

One design that has stood the test of time is Metalsport's 'Don Juan' wheel, and it has done so because it is a case study in exactly that - design evolution and a customer-centric feel for the demand that is being seen.

When Metalsport opened its doors in the latter part of 2007, the designers immediately produced more than twelve designs in the 3D format, including the 3D Don Juan. 

This design remained an unchanged favorite with riders for the next five years until 2013, when its designers 'tweaked' it by adding a bend/curve to the spokes. 

Both the 3D Don Juan and the 3D Don Juan Torque maintained their popularity, but Metalsport says that it was asked many times why it didn't offer these styles in the 2D format. In 2016, Metalsport debuted the Don Juan and Don Juan Torque in the 2D format. 

"Since 2007, these designs have been considered one of our most popular designs. Along with our Corleone, Impression and the Whip, they have been a design portfolio staple for us," says MSI sales manager Lizette Hotinger.

Fast forward to late 2019, and Metalsport's designers decided to tweak the Don Juan family once again by adding more spokes to the Don Juan Torque and crossing the spokes. Like all the best families, the Don Juan has gone forth and multiplied. In January 2020, two more styles were added - the 3D Don Juan 10 and the 3D Don Juan Crossblade - and the family was now starting to look more like a tribe.

These designs are available in over 30 sizes in the 2D format and over 20 sizes in 3D format - from the 16" to the 34" size. Going into 2024, Metalsport Wheels offer 25 designs in 2D and 33 designs in the 3D format. 

"With 15 years of continual evolution locked into its genes, including design collaborations with designers and custom builders such as Chip Foose, Shannon Davidson and Paul Yaffe, dealers and their customers can expect more exciting Don Juan designs to be making their debut soon.


METALSPORT WHEELS 

www.metalsportwheels.com


TAB Performance

Lightweight 2-into-1 Muffler Upgrade for Challenger and Pursuit


Fast growing Lincoln, Nebraska based custom parts and exhaust manufacturer TAB Performance has added to its range of mufflers with this 2-into-1 for Indian Motorcycle Challenger and Pursuit models.


"If you are seeking to enhance the sound, performance and looks of a customer's Indian motorcycle and are in the market to upgrade with a 2-into-1 exhaust system, all while keeping the costs under control, then our ground-breaking new Indian Motorcycle performance 2-into-1 muffler could be just what you are looking for."

TAB owner Justin Pflanz told AMD: "This innovative product is the first of its kind, offering a cost-effective solution to elevate the motorcycle without compromising on quality. Designed to optimize the riding experience, this Indian 2-into-1 muffler allows you to retain the factory head pipe and heat shields, eliminating the need for costly replacements.


"Thanks to its lightweight design, the cross-under and heavy stock mufflers can go - an easy install that provides improved performance and the desired sound that every motorcycle enthusiast craves."


TAB PERFORMANCE, INC.

www.tabperformance.com


Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde

Sound-Adjustable 2-into-2 for Indian Challenger and Pursuit Models


Last month we featured a pre-production prototype 2-into-1 for Indian Chief models that Dutch electronically adjustable exhaust system manufacturer Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde was about to put into production.

Seen here, this 2-into-2 is for Indian Challenger and Pursuits, and the company claims that "with its exceptional sound and distinctive design, this exhaust system is set to revolutionize the riding experience for Indian riders."



Its 'secret sauce' is a handlebar switch that operates an exhaust valve that allows riders to cycle through three different sound modes and personalities on-the-fly. There is a modest, calm, 'Jekill' mode, the mid-range 'Dynamic' mode and the "wake up the dead" (well, not quite!) 'Mr. Hyde' mode. 

By a simple push of the button, a valve inside the muffler closes, opens halfway or opens fully to give the exhaust more power and performance. You can choose which to use, based on the circumstances through which you are riding - and the really neat part of the deal? 

The software is programmed to close the valve automatically when the parameters set by law and legislation are reached, so these systems can be street legal in Europe and are backed by a four-year warranty. 

J&H celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and, for U.S. customers, now have a Jekill & Hyde distribution operation out of Henderson, North Carolina.


THE JEKILL AND HYDE COMPANY 

www.jekillandhyde.com

GIVI

GIVI Pan America Luggage and Accessories


Founded in 1978, Italian luggage and accessory specialist GIVI has been a trendsetter in the ADV market for decades, practically inventing the ADV luggage space as we know it today.

Respected worldwide for the 'Monokey' top case security and mounting hardware technology, like many 'mainstream' parts and accessory manufacturers, the launch of Harley's Pan America is bringing it to the attention of an entirely new market segment.





Seen here is a selection of its model-specific fitments for the Revolution Max 1250 cc engined ADV from Milwaukee, and as alternates to the stock accessory luggage, authorized and independent dealers alike could do a lot worse if they are looking for a high-quality, robust, feature-rich luggage program that places a premium on durability and ergonomics.

Its entry level rear rack in black anodized aluminum for Monokey series top cases (SRA8400) has a maximum load rating of 6 kg without assembly of the GIVI stop light kit or the remote control device on the top case.

In addition to the MonokeyCam side case mounting hardware, GIVI offers its model-specific PL ONE-FIT MonokeyCam side configuration case mounting system for its popular Outback Series side cases - manufactured from 18 mm diameter black powder-coated steel tubing.

Additional accessories include the all-important engine guards - Harley doesn't offer engine guards as stock (at all) on the standard RA1250, and these represent a tried, tested and proven upgrade on the accessory options and RA1250S fitment.





GIVI model-specific TN8400 engine guards are manufactured in powder-coated black 25 mm diameter steel tube.

Also seen here is the BF65 Tanklock series tank ring, BF65 flange for fitting any of the GIVI Tanklock series tank bags and HP8400 ABS hand guards.


GIVI USA 

www.giviusa.com


Tuesday 20 February 2024

Comment by Editor-in-Chief, Robin Bradley

Capital is the Ficklest of Mistresses


My remarks last month, concerning the palpable disappointment that might reverberate around Wall Street if the second half of Harley's MY2024 model announcement and 2023 Q4 and Full Year Fiscals failed to live up to expectations, has been borne out. 

I am writing this piece some three days after getting back from the excellent Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Parts and Dealer Expo at Louisville. The second part of Harley's MY2024 announcement had dropped, but as is often the case, this edition will have gone to press 10 days before the financials are disclosed. 

Featured at length in this edition, the 'Louisville' show was very well attended, and as a bellwether for the year ahead, the sentiment was a great deal more positive than might have been expected. 

Vendors and dealers alike appeared to be accepting of the variables that they are faced with and determined not to let fear and uncertainties shape their outcomes. There was more, newer product in evidence than in recent years - though still not quite yet a return to pre-pandemic levels of R&D creativity - but overall, the "trend data", emotional and practical, appeared to be headed in the right direction. 

Which, regrettably, is less than can be said for Harley at this time.

Last month I was anticipating that the "Dawn of a Brand-New Era" that Harley had been pimping must mean, at the very least, that the VVT and larger displacements introduced with the CVOs last summer would now start to trickle down to the mainstream of the Touring platform. But alas, no, not yet.

I had also been hopeful that Harley would leverage the good start (in terms of industry reaction if not sales so far) that had greeted its long overdue entry into the ADV (aka 'Dual Sport') sector would see it respond to that sector's direction of travel with a lower displacement version of the Revolution Performance 1250. But alas, no, not yet. 

"scarcity and desirability not intrinsically linked"

The 'newest' of the so-called new models, the CVO Road Glide ST, leverages its King Of The Baggers success, and likely justifies its CVO $38k price tag with a 127 horsepower, 145 ft lb torque High Output version of the 121" M-8. Though it will always remain a 'thing' with me that an 800 dry weight can conceivably represent a "reduced weight" version of any motorcycle, least of all a track-derived example of the breed.

Nonetheless, I am sure it will sell well, as will the CVO Pan America (despite its extra weight and less than stellar spec) and the "new" Street and Road Glide models will no doubt be well received too - despite being on the 117-inch M-8 and without VVT.

While in and of themselves they are unlikely to be available in large enough numbers to materially add to the showroom overstock problem that many dealers currently have, it would appear that the Harley board's Hardwire strategy of (initially) reducing inventory availability to increase scarcity and desirability (AKA price) has backfired so far.

Why anyone can think that those two strategies are automatic bed fellows was beyond me from the get-go. They can live in perfect harmony and drive each other towards a happy-valley balance sheet, but not because they are intrinsically linked or functions of each other.

Manufacturing has been littered with examples of scarcity not driving desirability, and of plentiful supply in fact driving desirability. Indeed, such outcomes are way more commonplace than the tricky play that Hardwire had committed Harley to, and its approach to that play has not proved to be convincing yet.

The day after the MY2024 announcement, the Harley share price was down at around $33.42, which is up from the 12-month low of £25.88 plumbed in October last year, but down (rather than up) on the immediate pre-announcement level, down on the $37,25 seen just after Christmas 2023 and still way off the 12-month high of $51.72 seen in January 2023.

New model range launches for a brand such as Harley need to be aspirational, inspirational and motivational, but to the outsiders that it needs to convert to insiders, it has been none of those things.

The launch video was, instead, superficial, shallow and patronizing. Harley is back to the absurd proposition that all you need in order to give your life purpose and value is to swipe your plastic or load up with debt.

It was as if Harley's view of its potential new customers are men and women who are unable to build their own storybook without the help of a lifestyle councillor. That they are incapable of making a rational and informed decision on product feature grounds. That rather than being an expression of individuality the brand now needs to be defined by groupthink. That its customers cannot be leaders, but only sheep. That is not clever, that is condescending.

Top-ticket CVO models may feed the balance sheet, but it is Royal Enfield 650s and Bullets, Ducati scramblers, Triumph triples, R nineTs, Honda Nakeds, KTM Dukes, Suzuki SV650s and Yamaha MTs and Ténéré 700s that are inspiring imaginations, driving desirability and feeding the riding souls and stories of the future-critical 21-35 YO cohort.

The reliance on used examples as the new brand entry-level was always destined to only ever be an interim solution to growing the next generations of customers. Maintaining a focus on $30 grand plus bikes simply reinforces the perception that Harley can only ever be an older rider's brand.

I realize that in the short-term, it was emissions compliance (especially in Europe) that drove the decision to can the EVO Sportsters, for example, but it was also cowardice. You're Harley-Davidson ffs, or at least you used to be! You should be engineering your way out of such corners. 

A high price-point solution may suit investors, dealership groups and quarterly bonuses, but can never work for all potential customers. Capital is a very demanding mistress - they who live by the investment generally find themselves being skewered by the investor sooner or later.



2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 2

2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 2

Louisville, Kentucky - January 20-21, 2024


Universally acknowledged by the vendors and dealers in attendance as an excellent show, the Drag Specialities and Parts Unlimited 2024 NVP Product Expo at Louisville, Kentucky, in January proved to be a great 'season-starter' for Drag vendors who were there. 




At a time when even the customary uncertainties of the annual business cycle are themselves uncertain, it left all concerned a lot more optimistic about the business landscape for the year than might otherwise have been the case. 

As beautifully well planned and executed as always, with a new 'variation on a theme' of high speed but still intense distributor 'Rep Training' getting everyone's vote as a good new formula.

Some seventy plus V-twin specialist vendors and brands and a whole slew of cross-over business opportunities kept the attending dealers busy and hopeful that 2024 will be a year when, to channel Fred Fox, "everyone will get to go to the bank happy" ...



BS Battery: The French battery and charger specialist distributes exclusively through Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited in USA. "Charging smart, charging safe!" - its BK20 is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that is ideal for factory-activated batteries, especially lithiums that require a specific charger; www.bs-battery.com


Alloy Art: Robbie Lane's Bagger racing investments continue apace. Alloy Art Bagger products include a reduced weight race stem in nickel plated chromemoly for the 2014 and up H-D touring frame; 2014-2024 'Spreading Eagle' chain tension reliever; low profile 2014 and up M-8 comp cam cover that helps create increased ground clearance; 'Boom Box' max. volume M-8 air cleaner kits and 2009 and up weight-reducing, improved stiffness Gen II complete Bagger rear subframe; www.alloyart.com


Cometic Gasket: The Concord, Ohio based specialist's M-8 MLX head gaskets are "precision-crafted to withstand the rigorous demands of M-8 engines, effectively sealing the combustion chambers, cylinder heads and other critical components." Precision-made with meticulous quality control, Cometic says that it uses top quality materials for these gaskets and that it "engineers them to perfection, ensuring an unparalleled seal that offers unrivaled protection." They have a compressed thickness of .032" with a round bore shape and are offered in 3.937", 4.250", 4.320", 4.430" and 4.500" sizes. Featuring a three-layer design, these MLX (Multi-Layer-Xtreme as opposed to its MLS Multi- Layered-Steel) gaskets have been developed for high cylinder pressure applications, high compression, turbo, supercharger and nitrous applications. They feature a center stopper layer with bore edges that fold over itself, simulating an O-ringed head; www.cometic.com



Rekluse Motor Sports: The innovative Boise, Idaho clutch manufacturer was originally best known for its off-road automatic clutches, but those not yet familiar with its fast growing Harley program never fail to be surprised by what the Rekluse brand has to offer for the V-twin dealer - from RadiusX auto clutches and TorqDrive manual clutches to Radius CX, CoreEXP and CoreManual TorqDrives for Sportsters - plus M-8 clutch baskets and manual slave cylinders; www.rekluse.com


Bagger Racing League (BRL): For the first time ever, in 2024 the BRL's four double-header race schedule includes an international round - in Canada. Round 1 - May 24-26, Motorsport Park, Hastings, NE; Round 2 - June 28-30, Gingerman Raceway, MI; Round 3 - August 9-11, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, ON; Round 4 - Finals November 16-17, Willow Springs International Raceway, California. New classes this year will include the SUPER STREET and LIQUID TWINS - in addition to the Bagger GP (premier class), Pro Stock Bagger, Air-cooled Twins and American Twins Unlimited (ATU) - the BRL's 'Run What You Bring' class. SUPER STREET is a new entry level class any riders who want to build a Performance Bagger and test their skills on the track; www.baggerracingleague.com


Trask Performance: With three consecutive Bagger Racing League championships in the back pocket and its award-winning turbo charger on Gary Chip's FBI Drag Specialties 'FatBook' cover bike for 2024, times are good for the Phoenix, Arizona based 'Palace of Performance'. Expect a major 'ASSAULT' (geddit?) on further racing laurels in 2024; www.traskperformance.com


TecMate: TecMate has been exclusive with Parts Unlimited & Drag Specialties in the USA since 2015. TecMate also manufactures the co-branded Moose Utilities Division, Moose Racing and Drag Specialties OptiMate battery chargers sold through Parts Unlimited & Drag Specialties, Parts Europe and Parts Canada. Says Martin Human CEO of TecMate: "We enjoy working with Le Mans Corporation as our exclusive powersport aftermarket distributor in the USA. Supporting their Louisville NVP expo is a 'no brainer' and beneficial to both";  www.tecmate.com



Motion Pro: Based near Sacramento, the California based cables, controls and tools specialist was founded in 1984 by six-day ISDT Gold Medalist Chris Carter. A long-term Official Tools and Cables contingency partner of Progressive AFT, "from top tier racers to casual weekend riders, Motion Pro products are designed to help keep your customers riding and limit garage downtime;" www.motionpro.com

Race Winning Brands (RWB)

Race Winning Brands Expands Powersports Network Support with Brands That Shine


Mentor, Ohio based Race Winning Brands (RWB), the Wiseco, Rekluse, JE Pistons and ProX Racing Parts parent company, is to partner with Jessica Shine and Gunnar Heinemeyer of Brands That Shine fame for 2024 to "expand support and communication with distributors, dealers, builders and partners for our powersports products and brands."

Jessica Shine and Gunnar Heinemeyer of 'Brands That Shine'

Brands That Shine will work closely with RWB to help drive growth in awareness, knowledge and sell-through for RWB's powersports products. Jessica and Gunnar each have extensive backgrounds consisting of professional experience in both the production and sales side of powersports. "The pair's background in the V-twin sector is driven by passion and hands-on experience, which extends into their comprehensive understanding of powersports performance across multiple other segments."

Jessica Shine is quoted as saying: "Most shops around the country are familiar with each of the RWB brands, but one fun part of our role has been going into more detail about the features of each of the brands and seeing the positive response from dealers receiving the information. Having that instant gratification of teaching something new every day is very rewarding to us."


Cary Redman at the recent Drag Specialties NVP at Louisville

RWB commented: "By continuing to invest in and align with top industry talent, the addition of Brands That Shine to our team of representation will help build and maintain key connections with the entire powersports distributor, dealer and builder network. RWB is committed to growing relationships and support with every level of its powersports industry partners, customers, racers and enthusiasts."

Cary Redman, VP of Sales and Category Management for RWB, said: "We are very excited to have the experience of this duo representing RWB powersports brands of Rekluse, Wiseco, JE Pistons and ProX. Their industry knowledge, coupled with RWB's, will bring new excitement to the powersports performance network!"


www.racewinningbrands.com

www.brands-that-shine.com