AFT

AFT 2024 - Senoia Short Track

Round 3 - March 24

Reigning Mission SuperTwins champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) returned to his successful 2023 script, rebounding from quiet season openers at Daytona with a statement performance in the Yamaha Senoia Short Track at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia …

Mission Super Twins

Delayed to Sunday March 25, the factory Indian star was involved in a minor pre-race dispute and was forced to line up on the far outside of Row 1 after believing he could select the slot at the bottom. 

Even if it went against his wishes, the swap either gifted him the ideal position or the motivation required to make it work, as Mees promptly blasted into the lead once the race got underway. Initially Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) slid underneath Mees, to steal away first less than a minute into the Main Event.

But Mees reclaimed the front position a short two laps later and then went about steadily working his way to what proved to be a 1.591-second margin of victory, with Daniels taking second 1.59 seconds behind the reigning Champion.

The fight for third was a hard-fought three-way affair for much of the race, led for a long spell by Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) with Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) jammed up close behind.

Eventually it was Robinson who took the third podium spot, with Bauman fourth and a charging Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), fifth after circulating as low as ninth in the early going.

Lewis did well to keep Robinson and Bauman corralled behind him for the majority of the contest, but their superior pace ultimately won out, with Lewis eventually finishing sixth.

The remainder of the top ten consisted of a pair of premier-class veterans – Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTBR Yamaha MT-07) and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) – and class rookies Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R) in 10th.

There were four Indian FTR750s in the top-ten, with two Yamaha MT-07s, two KTM 790 Dukes, Lewis's Royal Enfield 650 and Max Whale's H-D XG750R in 10th spot.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Reigning two-time Parts Unlimited AFT Singles king Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) continued to build his case as the most accomplished rider in class history, earning a record-tying sixth career Short Track win.

While the victory ultimately proved a lonely one, his win was born from chaos.

Former class champion Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) grabbed the holeshot with title fighters Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F ), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), and Kopp running alongside while sorting out second in shadow.

In one fell swoop, that fight for second became one for the lead as Drane (ultimately second) and Saathoff (third) both went under Gauthier while Kopp ringed around the outside at the same moment despite no obvious mistake on Gauthier’s part.

Kopp continued to work the high line, using it to overhaul Drane and then make his escape in relatively short order. At that point, the top three broke apart, while Gauthier lost one final position to Aiden RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), who ran just removed from the lead pack for the entirety of the race for fourth with Gauthier fifth.

Kopp’s win was on one of four KTM  450 SX-Fs (plus the near identical Husqvarna FC 450), with three Yamaha YZ450F and a pair of Honda CRF450R in the top-10.

www.americanflattrack.com

Next Up is the Mission Texas Half-Mile (Texas Motor Speedway – Fort Worth, TX on April 27; Silver Dollar Short Track (Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA) May 04 and the Ventura Short Track at the Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA on May 11. New York, New Jersey and Ohio follow in June; two race weekends in Illinois in July; Rapid City and Sturgis, SD in August; with the Springfield Mile Double Header on August 31 and September 01 before a final race weekend venue remains to be confirmed for September 06, 2024.

AIMExpo 2024

It's Pipe and Drape - But Not as We Know It

AIMExpo 2024

Las Vegas, February 6-8

The 10th AIMExpo was a success. No question about it. But it continues to emerge as a radically different style of industry expo to those we associate with the traditional motorcycle industry shows in the United States. Available space is tight here, so you can read more of my theories about where AIMExpo is headed and why in my 'Comment' piece on page four. Meanwhile we present our signature AMD style of review of selected exhibitor news - with the emphasis on the V-twin and international sectors, rather than on the considerable OEM and electric action to be seen at AIMExpo …

National Cycle: AIMExpo saw the Maywood, Illinois windscreen manufacturer introduce its new Quantum+ rain repellent coating - "a world first breakthrough in windscreen coatings," says International Sales Manager Paul Gomez. "We are elevating and setting a new standard in hydrophobic coating. Our legendary Quantum hardcoating has been hugely respected ever since it was introduced, but the new Quantum+ takes its protective properties to a new level. While some aftermarket companies use acrylic material, those who prefer the strength and reliability of polycarbonate use the same standard FMR hardcoating that was first developed decades ago. We here at National Cycle have always used polycarbonate as our screen material of choice, due to its widely accepted superior strength. But as an alternate to FMR hardcoating, to resist the scratch and graze from road debris, the environment, UV exposure and simple daily use, we developed our own superior proprietary Quantum coating to reduce surface deterioration and boost durability. The highway is a hostile environment at the best of times, and our Quantum hardcoat was developed to deliver optimized, robust and durable optical clarity under even the worst of riding conditions. It literally has been a 'Quantum' improvement in the surface hardness of polycarbonate windshields that are exposed to years of wear"; www.nationalcycle.com

Drag Specialties: With a booth this year that paid tribute to late founder and industry icon Fred Fox, LeMans' support for AIMExpo is important to the legitimacy and future direction of the show. While its embrace of AIMExpo is mostly strategic, at this time, its own NVP Dealer and Parts Expo programs (Louisville in February and, from September this year, Milwaukee) have been crucial to the health of the motorcycle parts and accessory industry during a decade, indeed some fifteen years of great market churn, consolidation, decline and instability. Though focused exclusively on its  own dealers and vendors, the LeMans show investment has done much to fill the void left in the Midwest (especially) by the demise of the long-time established, independent trade show duopoly of Dealer Expo at 'Indy' and V-Twin Expo at 'Cinci'. a void deepened by the MIC's own decision to drop the AIMExpo anchor in the southwest after judging its post Orlando, Florida experiment at Columbus, Ohio, to have failed. It remains to be seen what turns of the wheel the future of the U.S. trade show market has in store. However, regardless of how long the present expo landscape remains intact, for sure and certain there will be evolution eventually - change is the first law of trade show thermodynamics! www.dragspecialties.com

TecMate: A replacement for its OptiMate PRO-4S professional multi-station charger, a 4 x 4 amp independent charging station design that is well liked by dealers, the updated OptiMate PRO-4 DUO design places the emphasis on power efficiency to beat the strict global power draw regulations mandated by various countries, yet delivers 20% more charging power per station. Drawing only 1.5 amp @ 240V (2.9A @ 120V) when it delivers 5 amp through each of its four independent charging stations - for a total of 20 amp (4 x 5 amp) the PRO-4 DUO is certified to CE, UL/CSA, PSE, SAA and UKCA and offers three selections per station - Pb (lead) for all 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard flooded and sealed (valve-regulating lead-acid) AGM and GEL batteries; LFP for all 12.8V 4-cell-in-series Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LiFePO4/LiFe) and the 60' channel - an improved sixty minutes quick activation function for any powersport battery; www.tecmate.com

SBS Friction: The Danish brakes specialist has taken another step along its 'Better Brakes' series pathway with a new improved braking performance compound developed specifically for V-twin models. H.LS V-Twin compound gives dealers the option of offering SBS 'Better Brakes' options at both front and rear - "achieving improved brake performance throughout their system, while also reducing their environmental footprint when riding motorcycles," says Marketing & Product Manager Thomas Midtgaard-Jørgensen. "When it comes to stopping distance, the new LS compound has a significantly improved performance of +8.5% compared to our prior V-twin fitment. All SBS brake pad products will be equipped with integrated NRS Technology, which locks the compound material to the backing plate, and all compounds for public roads will be approved according to ECE R90; www.sbs.dk

SENA Technologies: The San Jose, California/USA operation of the 1998 founded Korean based rider comms specialist states that its communication headsets rocked an entire industry - "from mesh and Bluetooth integrated helmets, headsets and cameras to remote controls, adapters and accessories - we've got you covered.  Its top-of-the-line 50-Series (50C) features "premium mesh communication, 4K camera and sound by Harman Kardon"; www.sena.com

Rewaco Trikes: Ahead of its time when founded in Germany by Harald Schmitz and Andreas Hauri in 1990, Rewaco's range of long wheel-base trike designs pre-dated the contemporary 'Roadster' concepts now seen from brands such as BRP's CanAm and Polaris' Slingshot. The first model in 1991 was based around a 53 hp VW Beetle engine, but the range evolved, and in addition to classic trikes, Rewaco also produced conversion trikes from the likes of Suzuki, Victory and Triumph right up to 2016. Since then, it has focused exclusively on classic trikes with modern components such as ABS, automatic transmission, cruise control and up to 177 hp performance. The company employs a total of around 90 people in Germany, Poland and China; www.rewaco.com

Andrews Products: The Mount Prospect, Illinois based performance cams specialist is one of the slew of aftermarket brands that has invested in the Bagger Racing League in recent years - as title sponsor of the Big Twins Class; www.andrewsproducts.com

Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde USA: Best known to date for its Hendersonville, NC based Wunderlich USA operation, 2023 saw Edward and William Plam add the Dutch made Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde electronic sound adjustable exhaust program for select Harley, Indian, BMW and Triumph model applications; www.jekillandhyde.us

Harley-Davidson

H-D 2024 Icons and Enthusiast Motorcycle Collections

Harley-Davidson has unveiled the latest additions to its limited-edition Harley-Davidson Icons Motorcycle Collection and the limited run Enthusiast Motorcycle Collection.

Showcasing "premium factory-direct custom paint and graphic treatments and paint application technology," both collections were on show during Daytona Bike Week at the factory's display area at the Speedway.

The fourth instalment in the Icons Motorcycle Collection, the 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model, based on the 114 V-twin M-8, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1949 introduction of the Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension for Harley E and F models.

Icons Collection: 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival

The Icons Motorcycle Collection is an annual program for the limited release of a new model that "offers a fresh interpretation of an iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle." A limited collection, each model is individually numbered and produced only once. Global production of the Hydra-Glide Revival model will not exceed 1,750 units.

The 2024 Tobacco Fade Enthusiast Motorcycle Collection celebrates the "burst of collective energy released by live music at the corner tavern, at a motorcycle rally or the live stage at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival. The Tobacco Fade paint and graphics scheme, inspired by the classic sunburst wood finish first seen on rock and roll guitars, bass and drums of the 1960s, make this a special motorcycle for any music lover. 

 Enthusiast Collection: (Left to right) Tri Glide Ultra, Low Riders ST, Ultra Limited 

This collection is available in limited quantities - no more than 2,000 per model - across a curated selection of three motorcycle models: a Low Rider ST, Ultra Limited and Tri Glide Ultra.

"The Tobacco Fade paint treatment is applied by Harley-Davidson using state-of-the-art precision paint tools designed to execute faded panel detailing." Special styling features on each model include Tobacco Fade premium paint, vinyl record-inspired fuel tank medallion unique to this scheme, stylized guitar pick graphic on front fender and an Enthusiast Collection branded logo on top of the Tour-Pak luggage carrier or rear fender.

S&S Cycle

S&S in MotoAmerica Sponsorship; Announces KOTB/BRL Contingency Program

S&S Cycle has announced a sponsorship agreement with road racing series - MotoAmerica said that "S&S Cycle is now on board as an official supporting partner of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship."

"S&S Cycle started in the motorcycle business in 1958 when George Smith chose to follow his passion for motorcycle racing and chasing performance to the extreme to open S&S Cycle. Now, over 65 years later, S&S Cycle's goal is the same: go faster, make more power and do it more reliably than stock."

S&S Cycle, the performance company behind the S&S Cycle/Indian Motorcycle team, is on board as a supporting partner of MotoAmerica. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

For the Viola, Wisconsin Masters of "Proven Performance", Head of Marketing Jon Montgomery said: "We are excited to come aboard as an official supporting partner of MotoAmerica this year and can't wait to see the Indian Motorcycle racing team return to the top of the podium."

In addition to its partnership with MotoAmerica, S&S is already a major player in the Mission King Of The Baggers series as the company behind the S&S Cycle/Indian Motorcycle team of Tyler O'Hara and series newcomer Troy Herfoss, as they go after the 2024 Mission King Of The Baggers Championship with their two Indian Challengers.

"Having such a storied performance company as S&S Cycle join MotoAmerica as a supporting partner is awesome," said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica's Director of Sponsorship. "These guys have been around the block more times than you can count, and they are heavily involved in racing. This year promises to be the best as we celebrate our ten-year anniversary, and we are stoked that S&S Cycle is a part of that."

2024 will see S&S offering a $30,000 contingency program in this year's Mission King Of The Baggers series. Paying out down to third place, contingency cash will apply to both Indian and Harley touring models (KOTB and/or BRL races) and the company says it will be building custom race exhausts for each.

www.sscycle.com

Western Power Sports (WPS)

WPS Adds to Sales Management

Boise, Idaho based Western Power Sports (WPS) has made sales management additions, hiring Jamie Nutzman and Troy Ozias.

Jamie Nutzman knows the V-twin market, having been Vice President of Sales at Kuryakyn and Mustang Motorcycle Products before Somerset, Wisconsin based Kuryakyn was absorbed into Tucker Powersports and MAG parent Monomoy Capital Partners sold Mustang Seats to its present owners.

Troy Ozias

While at Kuryakyn, Jamie orchestrated global growth in B2B and B2C channels and oversaw a $50m sales portfolio.

He then became the Director of International Ecommerce and Strategic Accounts at Tucker Powersports, where he managed domestic and international sales teams that delivered growth on over a $165m book of business and expanded Tucker’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) Amazon business. 

Jamie Nutzman

In this new role as Director of International Sales for WPS, Jamie will be leveraging his international experience with responsibility for all international relations and distributor sales performance for FLY products. "While liaising closely with our internal sales, apparel, procurement and logistics teams, shipping vendors and other stakeholders invested in FLY, the international team of Courtney Schroeder, James Clough, Manuel Rodriguez and Taylor Mowry will report to him. In addition, Jamie will be responsible for management of WPS’s strategic marketplace positioning with Kendra Keene."

Troy Ozias joins WPS as Senior Director of Field Sales, most recently having worked at The Parts House based in Jacksonville, FL, as Regional VP. Prior to that, he led the sales team as Regional Sales Director at WURTH USA, responsible for 20 districts and over 250 sales reps. Troy will be responsible for the strategic day-to-day operations of the entire WPS national sales operation, leading the Regional Sales Managers, and working alongside department managers to drive overall sales business and growth. 

www.wps-inc.com

Bagger Racing League (BRL)

Drag Specialties BRL - Barnett, Andrews and DP Brakes Confirm 2024 Class Sponsorships

With Drag Specialties having been confirmed as the series title sponsor - extending its partnership for a fourth straight year - the Bagger Racing League (BRL) has also released news about some of the class sponsorships for 2024.

California based Barnett Clutches & Cables is the title sponsor for the new in 2024 Barnett Super Street class. Mount Prospect, Illinois based Andrews Products has returned, taking up the sponsorship of the Andrews Bagger GP class sponsor, and sintered brake pad specialist DP Brakes is also back, this year as  the sponsor of the new DP Brakes Liquid Cooled Twins class. 

Shane Narbonne, the 2023 Bagger GP Champion for Trask Performance - its third straight championship win.

Chance Darling, Senior Operations Manager at Barnett, said: "We jumped on the opportunity to sponsor the Super Street class as this was the original concept behind the Bagger Racing idea - get your FatBook and build a bike! 

"This class allows racers, and prospective racers, to go and have some fun without having to spend a fortune. This class is important to Barnett, and we want to help foster the revolution!"

BRL founder Rob Buydos added: "We're thrilled to welcome Barnett as a sponsor for 2024, bringing its legacy of quality and innovation to our journey ahead. The partnership between BRL and Barnett signifies a shared commitment to excellence and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of bagger racing.

"As the 2024 Bagger Racing League season unfolds, riders in the Barnett Clutches Super Street class will be able to rely on Barnett for top-notch performance upgrades and support."

baggerracingleague.com 

www.barnettclutches.com

www.andrewsproducts.com

www.dragspecialties.com

www.dp-brakes.com

2024 CLASSES

3 Bagger Classes

Andrews Bagger GP - the Premier Bagger Racing class 

Pro-Street Bagger - the intermediate level Bagger Racing Class

Barnett Clutches Super Street - the new Entry Level Bagger Racing Class

Plus... 

Air Cooled Twins - H-D and Indian Big Twins, without Bags etc

DP Brakes Liquid Cooled Twins - Twins of all platforms, without bags etc

American Twins Unlimited (ATU) - ‘Run What You Brung’

2024 Schedule 

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.

All Rounds are Double-Headers

BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad - 2023 Record Unit Sales

BMW Motorrad says it has crowned its centenary year with the highest sales in its history - a total of 209,257 motorcycles and scooters delivered to customers in the calendar year - an increase of +3.1% year-on-year, its highest-ever sales.

Said to be a "passionate rider", Markus Flasch has replaced Markus Schramm as the Head of BMW Motorrad, having held vehicle development and conception roles since he joined the company in 2025.

The company says that its Europe, Asia, North and Latin America regions, in particular, all posted "new sales highs and made a vital contribution to BMW Motorrad's record sales.

"The brand's compelling line-up, with successful products that define its respective segments, along with the market introduction of popular new models, like the powerful M 1000 R and the iconic R 1300 GS touring enduro, were strong factors in its successful performance in 2023."

For Q4 2023, worldwide unit sales were 44,348, which was +1.8% on the final quarter of 2022 - itself a record year for BMW Motorrad. 

 

The much-hyped new 1300 cc iteration of BMW's category-defining GS ADV platform is expected to sell record numbers in 2024. 

Burly Brand

Brawler Kits for Sportster and Dyna Models

Cerritos, California based Burly Brand has announced a new line of Brawler Kits for Sportster and Dyna models.

Brand Specialist Josh Rowlands says: "From drifting and rolling burnouts to poppin' wheelies and hitting 12 o'clock, there's a new generation of riders on the scene - they do things with their Harleys that prior generations of riders just didn't." 

Clearly engineered for strength and designed to do double duty as highway bars, they are manufactured from the highest quality steel and feature replaceable Delrin sliders and a knurled area on the front bar. "They are finished off with a sleek black powder-coat finish for a look that kills and a quality that defends the bike in the event of a wipeout."

TIG-welded for maximum durability, Burly Brawler Kits have 7-gauge mild steel mount/gussets and come with 1/2"-13 socket head cap screw hardware included. For additional protection, the kits also include shock-mount sliders.

In addition to Sportster and Dyna models, Brawler Kits are also available for M-8 Softails and for Touring models; the kit features protective bars both for the front and the rear bags.

"Whether it's the timeless appeal of classic designs or the latest cutting-edge trends, the world of motorcycling in the 21st century has no shortage of riders pushing the limits. These high-quality construction Brawler Kits deliver style and protection and are designed to take serious abuse."

BURLY BRAND

www.burlybrand.com

Drag Specialties

"Big Power, Bold Colors" - the 2024 'FatBook' Cover Bike

Our thanks to Drag Magazine and Edge Advertising for these pictures and story.

The annual Drag Specialties 'FatBook' catalog cover bike is always an interesting insight into the way the wind is blowing in P&A demand terms, and this year's Softail by Gary Chipp and the team at Fat Baggers Inc. (FBI - Chariton, Iowa) is no exception.

Based on a 2018 FLXR Softail Low Rider with a Trask turbo kit, it shows that big power and bold colors never 'get old' - "a showcase of just how far you can push the performance envelope with a stock motorcycle, using parts from the Drag Specialties catalog."

"It was a challenging build," said Chipp. "We typically do bagger bikes - complete custom builds from the frame up. So, to take a stock bike and be given a parts list to create with, was something new for us. But it is such a neat honor to be asked to build a Drag Specialties cover bike, we just couldn't say no."

The standout part of the bike is the turbo kit from Trask. "I think we got the very first production kit off the line," Chipp said, "and I have to give a huge credit to Trask. The turbo kit went on flawlessly. 

"We did not have to make a single tech call or modify anything when we installed it. It just plugged right in and worked."

Chipp said that other parts of the build took a bit more work. "There aren't a lot of parts out there for this model of bike," he said. "For example, we wound up having to customize the stock rear fender. We smoothed it, trimmed it and fitted the license plate holder. 

"Same with the front fender - it is a Paul Yaffe front fender for an FL Touring bike. We modified it to make it work and had to make custom spacers for mounting it."

The handlebars were another area that needed work. "We didn't have a set of bars for this bike," Chipp commented. "So, we decided to develop some Fat Baggers EZ Install bars that will work with this type of bike. They are likely going to be a production item in the near future." They are a lower, reduced-reach type of handlebar.

"Reduced reach handlebars - that is a number one request we get at events we attend, especially from women riders," Chipp said. "There are a LOT of women riders out there, and a popular request is for reduced reach style bars. So, the process of making handlebars for this bike kind of pivoted off to that design. It worked out kind of neat."

Talking about the paint choice, Chipp says: "I was working with a stock bike and a parts list, so my chance to really customize was a bit limited. So, I told the Drag Specialties team 'It's going to be pink!' There is no reason a cool, fast bike can't also be a 'girl's bike,' so to speak. As I said, there are lots of female riders, and they like to go fast too! So, Jason Harter here at FBI designed a really cool look and chose colors that really make it stand out."

And it is definitely a fast bike, Chipp said. "It is a runner, a real hot rod. The turbo kit was part of the original build idea. The thought was to make a Pro Stock-style motorcycle. But during the build process we kind of changed it up, went with a different look. And it turned out great."

Fat Baggers has been a dealership for approximately 50 years, Chipp said. "And we always have the Drag Specialties FatBook on the counter. We use it all the time. We always enjoy seeing the cool cover bikes. Now, to see a bike we designed as the cover bike, knowing it is on dealer counters worldwide, that is a pretty big honor."

www.fatbaggers.com

www.dragspecialties.com

Matris

Suspension Options for VT 750 Shadow

Italian suspension specialist Matris has recommended front and rear suspension options for the Honda V-twin 750 Shadow custom cruiser.

For the front, dealers can install the company's plug and play, 100 percent fully reversible install top-seller - the Quad-Valve technology F15K asymmetric 20 mm hydraulic cartridge. It transforms the original non-adjustable fork to a fully adjustable upgrade with compression, rebound and preload settings.

Matris also has two entry-level options available, FSE and FKE kits - both are also modification-free direct upgrade replacements for the original fork.

For the rear, Matris recommends the top-level M40KC 'Dark' series twin shock set-up, which offers fully adjustable compression, rebound and preload. Matris also has its entry level M40D option available for the VT 750.

MATRIS S.R.L. 

www.matrisdampers.com

PIERER Mobility

PIERER Mobility: Early Takeover of Majority Stake in MV Agusta

PIERER Mobility AG, parent company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, has increased its ownership stake in MV Agusta to give the Austrian company a 50.1% majority ownership stake in the Schiranna (Varese), Italy based manufacturer.

This represents an early increase of the first stage 25.1% investment that Pierer AG made in MV in November 2022. At that stage, it had been planned that PIERER Mobility subsidiary KTM AG would likely take a majority position in early 2026.

That call option was to be based on the annual MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. financial statements as of December 31, 2025. However, that option has now been exercised prematurely, at a purchase price for the additional 25% equity based on the MV Agusta results to the end of 2025, based on the agreed EBITDA multiple valuation method.

Meantime, PIERER Mobility had taken over the supply chain and purchasing of MV Agusta in October 2023. In addition, MV Agusta's product range also became distributed, in part, through PIERER Mobility's global sales network. 

The premature exercise of the call option means that KTM AG/PIERER Mobility AG will take over the majority ownership and industrial management of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. immediately instead. In the medium term, an annual production volume of more than 10,000 MV Agusta premium motorcycles is planned at the site in Varese.

Hubert Trunkenpolz, member of the executive board of PIERER Mobility AG, is taking over the role of CEO and Chairman of the Board of directors from Timur Sardarov, who will continue to be available to the company as Vice Chairman, brand ambassador and consultant. 

Production at MV Agusta's facility at Schiranna, Varese, is planned to increase to 10,000 units a year "in the medium term."

Timur Sardarov announced the news as the "successful completion of the five-year plan to revitalize" MV Agusta. The company stated that "his objective to bolster the historic Italian brand was completely fulfilled, resulting in stability and substantial advancement for the 'Made in Italy' icon. 

"During this period, measures have been taken to steady the company financially and substantial improvements were made to both processes and products, while also ensuring job security in Varese."

The company statement went on to say that "the focus on quality and reliability has resulted in the consolidation of MV Agusta's reputation and credibility among a growing global customer base. As a result, the company is now on track to achieve net profit for the first time in many years. In 2023 alone, MV Agusta introduced five new models, and all limited series were sold out within hours of their launch. Additionally, a new dealer network was established, further reinforcing the brand identity.

Timur Sardarov is to remain involved with MV Agusta as Vice Chairman, brand ambassador and consultant. 

"With this move, the Austrian group reaffirms its interest and commitment to the MV Agusta brand, considering the strong results achieved in recent years under the guidance of the Sardarov family, who will maintain joint control and a 49.9% stake in the company."

Sardarov went on to state that "MV Agusta embodies passion and a unique sense of romance that captivated me, a seasoned entrepreneur, from day one. The personal challenge of guiding the company out of crisis and steering it towards success through innovative business strategies, team expansion and new product developments has been conquered. It is an honor to play a role in shaping MV Agusta's legacy. 

A PIERER Mobility AG executive board member, Hubert Trunkenpolz will take over as CEO and Chairman of the Board at MV Agusta.

"Over the past five years, both the company and I have evolved significantly. Our growth together is a testament to the transformative journey we've shared. My time with MV Agusta has been a pivotal chapter in my life, filled with mutual joys and challenges. As I continue to serve as a dedicated Vice Chairman, I am committed to supporting the company and its ongoing success.”

2024 NVP & Parts Expo Part 4

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" ...

­­Puig USA: The Barcelona, Spain based manufacturer is best known for its dominant position in the European 'mainstream/metric' motorcycle parts and accessory market. However, it also has a strong custom accessories program for Harley models and a fast growing model-specific line for the Pan America that leverages its ADV experience with BMW, Yamaha, Triumph, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki models; www.puigusa.com

Progressive Suspension: Founded in 1982 by Don Rickard and Jay Tullis, Progressive Suspension recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and always was, and still is, respected for its R&D investments. Innovative features such as the IAS (Inertia Active System), a forerunner of the FST system that enabled shocks to automatically differentiate between low-speed chassis movements and high-speed wheel movement, have made Progressive a V-twin industry 'go-to' brand; www.progressivesuspension.com

Pro-One Performance Products: New Pro Board V2 Floorboards have been "designed with performance in mind," says Operations Manager Willie Woo. "They are CNC Machined from T6 6061 billet aluminum and include traditional BMX style traction pins that provide fantastic grip. Featuring a tapered design for additional clearance in the heel area and a replaceable scrape pad to protect the edge of the board from hitting the ground, they measure 10" long by 5" wide." They are available in black anodized, chrome and gold (titanium nitride coated) for all Touring and Dyna Switchback models; www.pro-one.com

Vance & Hines Racing: With a new race sponsorship deal in the bag with RevZilla, and dual championships in the trophy cabinet for 2023, for the Santa Fe, California based exhaust manufacturer it's already been 18 months since the introduction of its hugely popular torque boosting generation of Power Chamber Exhaust (PCX) versions of its most popular exhaust systems - with included catalyst to ensure EPA emissions compliance. At the time, the company was able to say that its new PCX technology delivers higher performance and rider comfort while retaining the popular styles of its exhaust systems. What's more, shows like Louisville expose the V&H staff to regular dealer comments extolling the virtues of the deep, "satisfyingly sonorous" sound that its customers love; www.vanceandhines.com

RidePower: Innovative Jacksonville, Florida based cable and accessories manufacturer founded in 2014 by Steve Young. Having developed a charger cable for his phone, which connected directly to his SAE battery connector cable, he incorporated advanced electronics circuitry into the cable and began selling to the powersports network. The rest, as they say, is history. Young, in partnership with GloDea, has grown the RidePower collection from a single phone charger cable to a recognized brand that includes phone charger cables, power connector cables, adapters for the phone and power, inductive charging phone mounts and more; www.ridepower.com

Show Chrome: The Rice Lake, Wisconsin based accessory brand is carving itself a leading position in the 'reverse trike' Roadster accessory market with model-specific designs for the Polaris Sling Shot, Can Am Spyder and Ryker - and don't go thinking it doesn't have anything for V-twins, it does - from lights to luggage racks and more, including the recently acquired Ultra Guard range of motorcycle and trike covers; www.bigbikeparts.com

Klock Werks: You've just gotta have Flare! Brian Klock's top-selling 'Kolor Flare' windshields were chosen for multiple top award-winning custom projects in Europe last year and are one of those product designs that come along once in a while and catch a wave - the right idea in the right place at the right time; www.getklocked.com

ODI Grips: The Riverside, California specialist is best known for its best-selling Old School classic VANS 'Waffle' pattern grip sets, and is now making a name with Its V-twin Lock-On grips sets. The clutch side billet alloy lock-on clamp "delivers 100% slip-free security," with the throttle side featuring a model-specific molded-in throttle tube. They are available in both Hart-Luck or VANS models with many choices of colorways for 1984 and up H-D cable-actuated, 2008 H-D Throttle-by-Wire and 2018 and up Indian Touring TBW models; www.odigrips.com