Hawg Halters Inc.

Hawg Halters - 25 Years of Innovation

Founded in 1999, Hawg Halters Inc. "challenged the status quo of a rapidly evolving V-twin industry at that time - creating an award-winning product line of stylish and highly technical parts - HHI has carved out a leading position in the marketplace for its Dahlonega, Georgia manufactured parts."

Great parts don’t just happen. As Mark Thompson says: "They come from constant evolution and adoption of industry-leading technologies and processing systems. Constant monitoring of the latest CAD and solids-based computer systems lead to the fine-tuning of product design and execution. 

"Materials choices are among the most important decisions a motorcycle parts manufacturer can make. We carefully select raw materials of the highest quality, including custom-developed 6061 aircraft grade billet aluminum, made to our own specifications. High-strength steel alloys and the latest stainless steel materials all contribute to delivering the best performing products in their categories.

"Hawg Halters now proudly manufactures classic V-twin performance parts, including our popular 4 and 6 piston billet calipers, triple trees, Road Hawg wide tire kits, billet fork leg kits, front ends, forward controls, the X Series of bolt-on neck rake kits and our recently introduced Performance Bagger billet swingarm."

Mark and Beth Thompson

Unveiled at Daytona Bike Week this year, the new swingarm is a classic example of how HHI continues to respond to the ongoing evolution of the V-twin marketplace and a classic example of the innovation that is the HHI hallmark.

"Manufacturers should help to drive the emergence of new product sectors and the business opportunities that their dealers have. We are proud of having done so regularly throughout our 25-years.

"For example, HHI has been one of the handful of manufacturers who have been at the forefront of helping the Performance Bagger segment to grow, with key new products making it accessible to more riders. We have been leading the way with successive new product designs - such as our evolutionary Dominator mid-control kit, the Dominator billet swingarm, a new Dominator axle adjuster and integral shock relocator kit, the Dominator stock replacement billet triple tree for both on track and street application and new six-piston billet radial front and rear brake caliper kits.

"Here at HHI we ride what we build and believe that our commitment to quality allows us to deliver the finest American made products for the V-twin motorcycle."

www.hawghalters.com

Budweis Indian Motorcycle Custom Show

McWilliams Added to Budweis Custom Show Jury at Indian Riders Fest

Ceske Budejovice ('Budweis'), Czech Republic

June 13-16, 2024

The only custom show 100% dedicated to Indian motorcycles, the 'AMD Approved' 2024 Budweis Indian Motorcycle Custom Show is slated for the 2024 Indian Riders Fest (IRF) in the Czech Republic from 13 to 16 June. After the success of the 2023 show, the organizers have achieved a lot for 2024 and anticipate another record attendance.

With entries allowed right up to the event (competitors can pre-register online in advance if they want to), this year's Judging Jury already features noteworthy industry professionals such as Brian Klock of Klock Werks fame, AMD World Championship Brand Director Onno Wieringa, Carey Hart and Indian Motorcycle's Head of Design Ola Stenegärd.

The latest news is that they will be joined in their mission of awarding recognition to the year's crop of the finest Indian Motorcycle platform custom projects by Indian Motorcycle Racing's internationally respected race legend and 'Bagger Meister' Jeremy McWilliams.

Event Director Jean-Marie Guyon told AMD:  "We are delighted to have Jeremy representing the performance culture that has always been the beating heart of Indian Motorcycle, ever since its earliest days. Jeremy's exploits in the 'King Of The Baggers' race series in the United States in recent years have brought the track racing star to a whole new audience. When it comes to checking out the handling and performance chops of custom builds, we couldn't have asked for a keener eye.

"Indian Motorcycle continues to increase its commitment to Indian Riders Fest each year, and we couldn't be happier than having its backing to help keep Indian Riders Fest and keeping it as the largest Indian Motorcycle rider gathering and owner festival in the world."

Indian Motorcycle's Head of Design Ola Stenegärd

Brian Klock

The 'AMD Approved' 'Budweis' Bike Show at this third edition of the event is slated to occupy one complete hall on the IRF site at Ceské Budjovice (Budweis) in the South Bohemia area of the Czech Republic.

 'Back in Time'

This year, Indian Riders Fest is themed "Back in Time" and will showcase the 1970s, 80s and 90s - "a time when music fueled our freedom and life thrived without social media," says Jean-Marie. "We invite everyone to embrace the freedom of those decades, let music take us back in time and celebrate the essence of personal connections. 

"IRF24 isn't just a music trip - it's an opportunity to build genuine friendships with fellow Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts, share our tales and celebrate the joy of real face-to-face interactions. Join us to honor simpler times."

This year's Indian Riders Fest will be featuring the biggest fleet of demo bikes yet - with enthusiasts able to test ride around 20 of the latest 2024 Indian Motorcycle models. There will be exclusive guided motorcycle tours at IRF24 (pre-registration essential), and for those who have journeyed through Europe, the gates are opening early this year - on Thursday, 13th June, at 14:00 hrs.

Jeremy McWilliams

There will also be a new Parade Ride Route this year, with a 40 km fully safeguarded, national and local police endorsed route, with roads being closed specifically for the event. 

Plus, a chance to 'Win Big' in the Indian Riders Fest 2024 Grand Lottery with a range of great prizes headlined by the chance to win a brand new Model Scout 2025 101 Edition.

In addition to the 2023 classes, the 'Budweis' Custom Show sees the introduction of a ClubStyle/Performance Bagger class and, to allow even more creativity, the new Freestyle class is the only category where entrants do not need to be road legal - however, competitors in all classes must be able to start and ride their builds onto the podium to accept their awards.

The seven classes are:

• Indian Scout

• Indian Chief/Non-Fairing

• Indian Motorcycle Bagger

• Indian Motorcycle Vintage

• Indian FTR/Sportbike

• Indian Motorcycle ClubStyle/ Performance Bagger

• Indian Motorcycle Freestyle

www.budweiscustom.show

www.indianridersfest.eu

LeMans Corporation

LeMans Hires Former H-D Executive as New Supply Chain VP

LeMans Corporation, the Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited parent company, has hired Kipp Podlewski as its new Vice President of Supply Chain.

"With a rich background of senior-level roles in multinational corporations, Mr. Podlewski is set to bring a high level of expertise to LeMans Corporation. In his role as Vice President of Supply Chain, Kipp Podlewski will be responsible for overseeing purchasing and all other facets of supply chain. 

"This includes developing and implementing innovative strategies for procurement, logistics and distribution - further enhancing LeMans Corporation's position as a key player in the powersports aftermarket sector."

Kipp comes to LeMans Corporation with an impressive background in the industry, having over 24 years in diverse roles within Harley-Davidson and 30 years with Supply Chain and Operations in total. He looks forward to rekindling longstanding supplier relationships and building new ones throughout the industry. 

"His extensive knowledge and expertise are expected to be invaluable in guiding LeMans Corporation through its next phase of growth and development. LeMans Corporation is confident that Kipp Podlewski’s addition to the leadership team will be a difference-maker in the company's success."

www.dragspecialties.com

MIC

Q1 2024 USA On-Highway Unit Sales +2.1%

The MIC has reported that among leading brands, sales of new motorcycles and scooters decreased by -5.6% through the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period the previous year.

ATVs decreased -4.8% among leading brands. However, through March, On-Highway sales rose by +2.1%.

Scooter sales were down by -5.6%; after strong recent growth, ADV models (aka 'Dual Sport) were down by -6.0% (-1,117 units); Off-Highway motorcycles were down by a massive -18.3% as the explosive dirt bike and MX pandemic era growth appears to be continuing to unwind (-7,047 units). 

Motorcycles and scooters accounted for 76.4% of total new unit sales through Q1 and ATVs represented 23.6%; total powersports industry vehicle unit sales as monitored by the MIC were down by -5.4% for a total Q1 loss of -8,848 units compared to the year-ago period.

www.mic.org

Bagger Racing League (BRL)

Ultracool Oil Coolers Signs as Official BRL Partner

Bagger Racing League (BRL) has signed a sponsorship deal with Ultracool Oil Coolers for the 2024 "Battle of the Baggers" season.

Developed by John 'JJ' Petchel's Murrieta, California based PC Racing operation, the patented and award-winning UltraCool 3.0 oil cooler is a unique (and uniquely effective) dual fan-assisted, bolt-on cooling solution that has serious Bagger Racing chops - having been used by three-time BRL Championship winner Shane Narbonne and the Trask Racing team.  

Boasting an impressive oil cooling ability of up to -50 degrees F, M-8 Bagger and Softail riders can add an extra 10 degrees of cooling by additionally using the purpose-designed UltraCool FLO oil filter for optimal performance, even under high rpm race conditions.

"UltraCool has been involved with BRL race bikes from the very beginning," said 'JJ', "but we are excited to now be an official sponsor and help more racers keep their bikes UltraCool.

The patented and award-winning UltraCool 3.0 oil cooler is a unique (and uniquely effective) dual fan-assisted bolt-on cooling solution that has serious Bagger Racing chops - having been used by three-time BRL Championship winner Shane Narbonne and the Trask Racing team.

"Developed specifically for the V-twin market, these are the most powerful oil coolers available. Harley would have everyone believe that with the M-8, it has addressed the notorious heat issues that have plagued its 45-degree V-twins since, well, forever. 

"However, the reality is that while the M-8 is marginally better than the Twin Cam, which in turn was modestly better than the Evo, the fact remains that even after relatively modest rides, you could fry eggs on those heads!

'developed specifically for the V-twin market'

"Harley's so-called 'liquid-cooled' engines only water-cool the exhaust ports on the engine. The stock cooling system simply is not enough to keep the larger M-8s from overheating in traffic and city riding. Adding a FLO oil filter and our 3.0 UltraCool oil cooler gives the M-8 engines the performance of a FULLY liquid-cooled engine."

There are UltraCool kits for a wide range of Harleys, including Touring, Softail, Sportster and even Dynas, plus Indian Motorcycle models and S&S engines. Options include chrome or black radiators and horizontal or vertical mount radiator designs, depending on the application. There is even an option for use on non-liquid-cooled M-8 Touring bikes that have H-D lower fairings.

The version 3.0 UltraCool for FLH M-8 frames 2017 to current dual liquid-cooled or non-liquid-cooled with lower fairings is a side mount "Naked" design (no covers) that occupies the space on the lower fairing air door.

A version 3.0 oil adapter and thermal switch with waterproof connectors automatically turns on the powerful dual fans when the oil reaches 210 degrees. UltraCool's goal is to keep the oil at the optimal temperature of between 210 and 230 degrees. The 3.0 has a specially designed dual pass aluminum heat exchanger with turbulators for maximum heat dissipation, sealed, waterproof IP68 dual fans that produce an amazing 220 CFM of airflow and a plug and play wiring harness with relay and waterproof connectors that all connect to the battery under the seat for simple installation.

Additional features include black, nylon coated stainless steel braided oil lines with AN6 fittings, an LED indicator light that indicates when the fans are operating, with an LED toggle mount included in the kit. Black or chrome 1" clamp handlebar LED mounts are separately available; a specially designed oil line fitting wrench and detailed instructions are included.

PC Racing offers a one-year parts only warranty from date of purchase and 30-day "no hassle" return/exchange policy.

www.UltraCoolfl.com

www.pcracingusa.com

Harley-Davidson

Harley Completes 4-Hour German Endurance Cup at the Nürburgring

German Harley-Davidson racing teams were on the track with Performance Baggers and Hooligan Bikes for the May 11 4-Hour German Endurance Cup second round at the iconic 20 km/13 mile long Nürburgring, the first in the world to take part in endurance races on Harley-Davidson bikes and not on Supersports models.

"Although the tough competition demanded a lot of man and material, the H-D riders fought several adrenaline-filled battles with their competitors throughout the race, until finally both Harley teams crossed the finish line."

Under the direction of team principal André Jäger, the experienced riders Thilo Günther and Andreas Schäfer (Team Performance Baggers) as well as Yves Grund and Christoph Lietsch (Team Hooligan Bikes) "stirred up the Superbike class full of enthusiasm and energy." Two- and three-cylinder engines with more than 1,000 cm3 and at least 90 hp at the rear wheel are allowed to compete. 

Their machines are called "Lap Record" and "Plan B" - project bikes based on the Sportster S and Pan America 1250 models - as well as "Lil Baggy" and "From Road to Race", two race bikes based on the Road Glide ST that have been endurance race-prepared by Harley-Davidson Rhein-Neckar, Harley-Davidson Düsseldorf and Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde. 

In addition to the Dutch exhaust specialist, Wilbers Suspension Products, Metzeler, Don Performance and Thunderbike Harley-Davidson Niederrhein are committed to the teams. Parts Europe supported with the supply of spare parts.

www.harley-davidson.com

Galfer

Galfer Announces "Generational" Management Change

A year after celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary, Galfer has announced a change in its general management with Umberto Milesi, who took the position in 2008, leaving behind a legacy filled with successes. 

On a business level, Galfer has achieved record figures in the last three years, while on a sporting level, Galfer has won more than 100 world titles across the various competitions in which the brand supplies teams with braking products. 

"Umberto Milesi has had a decisive role in the development of the company, its products and its image around the world, and will continue as a member of the Galfer Board of Directors.

"In mid-2023 he was succeeded as CEO of Galfer by Francisco Catena Martínez. Francisco developed his skills in business analysis, trade marketing and sales management roles in multinationals in the infrastructure, perfume and cosmetics and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer goods) sectors. 

Catena stated: "I face this challenge with enormous enthusiasm, energy and a sense of great responsibility. Galfer’s future is full of opportunities and turning them into reality is the job for us all. 

Galfer recently added new versions of its popular 'Disc Wave' rotor designs in six color finishes.

"The companies that identify their strengths and reinforce them in their search for excellence are the companies that lead the market. A passion for two wheels, innovation, technology, performance and unique designs has allowed Galfer to achieve very high levels of success. 

"We must continue to build on our history without setting ourselves limits or barriers. For this we need the engagement of all our employees, partners, clients, distributors and collaborators: we must share our objectives and look to the future with the same enthusiasm and determination. The future is ours if we know how to differentiate ourselves and connect with our consumers.”

www.galfermoto.com

Progressive American Flat Track

AFT Confirms Season Finale for Lake Ozark

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has now confirmed the venue for its September 14 final race of the season, staging the 2024 Grand National Championship season finale at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri.

The inaugural Lake Ozark Short Track is destined to be a centerpiece attraction of the 18th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, which will draw more than 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Lake of the Ozarks to celebrate the area's beautiful scenery and incredible twisty roads from September 11-15.

This will also mark the first occasion the series will visit Lake Ozark Speedway. The venue, which opened in 2004, is a 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval with seating for more than 5,000 spectators.

Progressive American Flat Track will serve as one of the title partners of Bikefest to maximize awareness of what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated finales in recent memory as living legend and reigning Mission AFT SuperTwins king Jared Mees makes his bid for immortality via an unprecedented tenth Grand National Championship.

Ed Schmidt, Bikefest member, said: "We're thrilled to bring Progressive American Flat Track racing to this year's Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest. The racing is incredible and should prove to be a hit alongside all the other new attractions we have on tap. With more than 300 bars and restaurants, over 50 live music and entertainment shows, a Harley-Davidson giveaway, and tons of vendor areas, we have every expectation that 2024 will be the largest Bikefest yet."

www.americanflattrack.com

Bitubo USA

High-Performance Shocks for the FXR                                                                  

Bitubo USA says chrome finally does "get you home" with the only true high-performance shocks available in a genuine chrome plated finish.  

Its WME model twin shocks are monotube style and built with an internal floating piston that helps separate the nitrogen gas from the shock oil to better control damping in any condition. 

The WME also features stepless five-position rebound adjustment and fine-threaded preload tuning that will allow riders to achieve the perfect balance of FXR traction, comfort and control.

They are a simple installation, available in 12", 13" and 14" height options and with standard or heavy-duty spring rate options to make these a "solid choice for custom builds and upgrades." Also available in black with applications for Touring, Dyna and Sportster, like all Bitubo products, the WME can be completely rebuilt and serviced.

Covered by a long-life warranty, Bitubo also offers matched fork cartridges "for a true Italian performance ride."

BITUBO 

www.bitubo.com 

www.bitubousa.com

Bare Knuckle Performance

Pan Am License Plate Bracket Relocation Kit

Harley got a lot right with the RA1250 Pan America, but hidden away in the details there's always room for improvement, right?

Paul Wideman, founder of Bare Knuckle Performance thinks so. Last month we featured the company's 'Overboard' floorboards for Softails and Touring models, this month the Pan America is in his sights with this "super easy install license plate relocation kit."

One of many Pan America innovations in the Bare Knuckle Performance line-up, this kit relocates the license plate much higher - at the same time bringing the turn signals in tighter and higher. This means greater clearance and less mud and debris accumulation - while also decreasing chances of breakage or loss while on the trail.  

"Our innovative aluminum construction weighs approximately 60% of that of the OEM component, which not only increases strength and decreases weight, but gives the tail section a much tidier and more finished appearance and aesthetic," says Paul. "And like the rest of our product line, it's made right here in the USA."

Available in tumbled aluminum or matte black anodized finish, this kit allows the customer to utilize stock wiring, factory lights and plate illuminator. It will also work with most bag configurations, however, some bags may require additional spacing. Cover for the OEM bracket, all necessary hardware and adhesive tape for illuminator included. 

BARE KNUCKLE PERFORMANCE

www.bareknuckleperformance.com

AFT

Champions Mees, Kopp Star at Inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track

Round 6 - May 18, 2024

Nine-time SuperTwins Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) and reigning Singles Champion Kody Kopp emphasized their credentials, taking the wins at the inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at the Silver Dollar Raceway, Chico, north of Sacramento … 

Mission AFT SuperTwins 

Mees treated the big crowd that turned out for the inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at Chico, California, to a virtuoso performance in taking the SupertTwins Class win. Having been fastest in both practice and both qualifying sessions, and in his heat, and in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and, and, and - a sweep of Short Track skill and speed - Mees had been dominant coming into the race.

However, it wasn't exactly as clear cut as might have been anticipated. Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) grabbed the early lead from holeshotter Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), but then came under heavy pressure from Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750).

In fact, Halbert actually worked his way into the lead at one stage, after Mees and Daniels had broken free from the pack. 

Mees finally broke Halbert’s challenge and set about building up a big lead at the front. Halbert in turn then slugged it out with Daniels for second. But the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07-mounted Daniels wasn't to be denied second spot and quickly closed in on Mees’ factory Indian FTR750 after dispatching of Halbert and his venerable Harley-Davidson XR750.

Halbert completed the podium in third, but only after reclaiming the position from fourth placed Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) on the race’s final lap. The prior weekend's winner, Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke), completed the Top 5. 

There were four FTR750 riders in the Top 10, two KTM 790 Dukes, one Yamaha MT-07, one Honda Transalp and two Harleys - uniquely though one of them was the venerable XR750 in third, with the XG750R in ninth.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Presented by KICKER

Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) continued his march towards a third Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship by scoring his third Short Track victory of the ‘24 season.

While Kopp would eventually take hold of his customary position out front, the opening stages of the contest saw his primary challengers, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), wage their own battle over first, trading the lead back and forth with intersecting lines.

However, while Kopp and Saathoff took first and second, Red Flag drama cost Tom Drane a podium chance, finishing sixth, behind Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) third and Californians Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) fourth and fifth.

Next Up: June 15 - Orange County Half-Mile (Middleton, NY); June 22 - Bridgeport Half-Mile (Swedesboro, NJ) and June 29 - the Lima Half-Mile (Lima, OH). After Illinois for the Memphis Shades sponsored July 6 DuQuoin Mile and the July 28 Peoria TT, the series then heads west again - for a unique Double Header at the 85th Sturgis Rally.

First up will be the Black Hills Half-Mile at the Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD, on August 6 and then the all-new, innovative Sturgis TT on a Half-Mile course in downtown Sturgis on August 11 - the final day of the Rally. Starting and finishing at the Harley-Point between Lazelle and Main Street, the race will see the debut of a new concept - a Tracker Class for production based ADV bikes.

After Sturgis, it is back to Illinois for a Springfield Mile Double Header on August 31 and September 01, with the final race now confirmed as a September 14 series debut Short Track at the Lake Ozark Speedway at Eldon, Missouri, during the Lake of the Ozarks Bike Week.

www.americanflattrack.com

Bagger Racing League (BRL)

BRL - Rounds 1&2 - Hastings, Nebraska

The Bagger Racing League (BRL) kicks off its 2024 season with the first of its four double-header race weekends at the Motorsport Park Hastings in Nebraska this coming weekend - May 24-26, 2024.

This year, there are three Bagger Classes and three more Twins Classes …

Andrews Bagger GP - the Premier Bagger Racing Class

Pro-Street Bagger - the intermediate level Bagger Racing Class

Barnett Clutches Super Street Class - the new entry level Bagger Racing Class

Zippers Air-Cooled Twins - for H-D and Indian Big Twins without bags etc.

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

American Twins Unlimited (ATU) - a classic 'Run What You Brung' race opportunity.

Introducing - 

BRL welcomes UltraCool Oil Coolers as its latest series sponsor. Noted for V-twin-specific cooling technology that can reduce engine temperatures by up to -50 degrees F (-60 degrees F when used with its FLO oil filter), the UltraCool helped power Shane Narbonne and Trask Racing to a 'very cool' haul of three consecutive BRL Championships in 2021-2023.

The patented and award-winning UltraCool 3.0 oil cooler is a unique (and uniquely effective) dual fan-assisted bolt-on cooling solution that has serious Bagger Racing chops - having been used by three-time BRL Championship winner Shane Narbonne and the Trask Racing team.

After Nebraska, the series heads for the Gingerman Raceway, MI (June 28-30), then into Canada for its first ever international race weekend at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario (August 9-11), before wrapping up with a finals weekend at the legendary Willow Springs International Raceway in Southern California (November 16-17).

www.baggerracingleague.com

Rekluse

Rekluse Adds Product Manager

Boise, Idaho based clutch specialist Rekluse has appointed former OEM motorcycle industry specialist Randy Mullinix as its new Product Manager.

Randy brings an impressive background in the powersports industry, having gained experience during tenures spanning two decades at leading OEM manufacturers like KTM, Polaris, Sherco and Suzuki, meaning "Randy is well versed in the unique processes of product management for powersports."

"From product development and innovation to manufacturing operations, sales and marketing, Randy will work with the various talented teams throughout Rekluse and Race Winning Brads (RWB)," said Nick DiBlasi, Director of Product Management for RWB.

“Randy's strategic insights and hands-on approach will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success and growth as we continue to innovate and deliver cutting-edge products to our customers." 

DiBlasi added: "Welcoming Randy to the Rekluse team is another indication of our commitment to our new product growth goals and commitment to innovation in the V-twin and off-road markets."

www.rekluse.com

Harley-Davidson

Harley Adds Sixth Customizer to 2024 'Builder Program'

Danbury, Connecticut based American Metal Customs' co-founder Josh Allison is the latest custom bike builder to be selected by H-D for its 2024 'Builder Program'.

The select group of six for this year's iteration of the program additionally includes Mark Atkins (aka Rusty Buther, California), Randy 'Detroit' Hayward, Zach Hindes (Prism Supply, Charlotte, NC), Oliver Jones (Long Beach, California) and Pat Patterson (Led Sled Customs, Dayton, OH).

Participants are given the opportunity to choose a brand-new 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycle for customization - which they get to keep! The deadline for the builders to complete their fully customized versions of the motorcycles is set for June. The unveiling and showcasing of these custom bikes will take place at the annual Born Free Motorcycle Show at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California, on June 22-23.

After their debut at Born Free, the custom motorcycles will embark on a tour with Harley-Davidson to various bike shows and rallies across the country until March 2025, before being returned to the respective builders. 

These shows include the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota; Virginia City Round Up in Virginia City, Nevada; Congregation Show in Charlotte, North Carolina; Born Free Texas in Yellow Rose Canyon, Texas; Paradise Road Show in Palm Springs, California; Chopper Fest in Ventura, California; Flat Out Friday/Mama Tried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona, Florida.

TecMate

OptiMate - "Helping Your Customer to Choose the Right Charger"

TecMate has created a rider-friendly webpage that lists the 2024 range of OptiMate battery chargers for powersport applications - designed to help the rider choose the right charger for their needs and their budget.

It arranges the OptiMate range by three levels - Easy, More and Best - according to function, popularity and the rider's battery knowledge. 

The EASY Group 

The OptiMate DUO battery charger concept has been developed for the "modern rider" who, most likely, will not know technical details of the 12V battery in their vehicle - they simply want a cost-effective battery maintenance option. 

All OptiMate DUO battery chargers can charge and maintain a stored vehicle's 12V battery. More specifically, they can automatically charge and maintain a 12V Pb/lead-acid (flooded, VRLA, AGM & GEL) or a 12.8V/13.2V LFP Lithium (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate/LiFePO4).

All the rider has to do is connect the DUO to their 12V battery and it will automatically adapt to the battery type and take care of it. 

The Bronze series OptiMate 1 DUO is the most popular choice, with OptiMate 2 DUO offering 2A of charge current for a faster charge. OptiMate 2 DUO is also available in a two- and four-station format. 

If riders do not have AC power where their vehicles are stored, the Off-Grid series includes solar powered and DC to DC powered options. The OptiMate SOLAR DUO 10W is ideal for maintenance of any 12V powersport battery, with the 20W and 40W versions offering a faster charge. 

The OptiMate DC-DUO sources power from a 12V vehicle system or separate 12V battery, ideal if the vehicle is stored in underground parking or if the rider wants to charge a 12V battery on the go (e.g. powersport vehicle on trailer or at the racetrack). It can also reset the smart BMS (Battery Management System) of a LFP lithium battery. 

The MORE Group

These chargers in this group are battery-chemistry specific - which enables them to apply the correct recovery mode to bring the connected dead-flat battery safely back to life. 

This group is popular with motorcycle OEMs or knowledgeable riders who prefer a battery charger that is designed for the specific battery in their vehicle. 

The Silver series OptiMate 3 can save, charge, test and maintain a 12V Pb/lead-acid (flooded, VRLA, AGM & GEL). OptiMate 3 is also available in two-station and four-station format. 

The LITHIUM series OptiMate Lithium 4s 0.8A can reset the BMS and then save, charge, test and maintain a 12.8V/13.2V LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate/LiFePO4) lithium-ion battery. It is also available as a four-station option. 

The BEST Group

The Gold series OptiMate 4 Quad program has all the features of the EASY and MORE group combined into a single smart battery charger, and it can maintain the battery of a BMW motorcycle via its CAN bus controlled 12V socket. This makes it the popular choice of BMW motorcycle riders and riders of other brands that prefer a single battery charger that can do it all. 

OptiMate 4 Quad offers four selectable programs to save, charge, test and maintain 12V Pb/lead-acid (flooded, VRLA, AGM & GEL) or a 12.8V/13.2V LFP Lithium (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate/LiFePO4) battery directly, in or out of the vehicle, or charge, test and maintain via the CAN bus controlled 12V socket of BMW motorcycles. 

Two models are offered, and both are identical in operation. The standard OptiMate 4 Quad program includes a handlebar hanging hook, a set of battery clips and a separate fused battery lead harness. The OptiMate 4 Quad program Premium edition also includes the SAE-to-DIN plug adapter that enables connection to the 12V power socket on BMW and Triumph motorcycles. 

TecMate CEO Martin Human says that "no matter the choice made by the rider, all OptiMates in the line-up share features such as 'no supervision required' automatic operation, 'connect and forget' 24-7 battery maintenance and eco-friendly efficient power conversion technologies that reduce electricity usage, i.e. the rider's battery is kept in tip-top shape at the lowest cost." 

TECMATE

www.tecmate.com

Zodiac International

Zodiac International Additions

Ken's Factory 'Next Level' C-Thru Air Cleaners

Featuring internal venting, these billet aluminum air cleaners are said to increase horsepower and torque and have a robust, durable, clear polycarbonate window to allow the working of the intake system to be seen. The washable and reusable air filter element is made from pre-oiled cotton.

Ken's Factory 'Next Level' Floorboards

These billet aluminum floorboards have been thoroughly tested on Kenji Nagai's personal FLTRX and several other shop bikes. They are designed to optimize grip and comfort and have ergonomically correct mounting points. They are 14 3/8" (36.5 cm) long, sold in sets for left and right and bolt straight onto the stock brackets.

Ken's Factory 'Next Level' Risers for 1" Handlebars

Finished in black anodize, Ken says that he designed these billet aluminum risers to "carry the straight lines from the bottom of the lower fork yoke to the upper triple tree clamp and, on some applications, to the top of the drag bars." 

For those who are going with the 'Next Level' gauge relocation kit, Ken has left mounting points available, so everything tightly installs right in place. The risers have an "X" design mono-piece top clamp that reinforces the feeling of security and strength.

Lowbrow Customs Rabbit Ears Handlebars

These U.S. made 1" mild steel bars are made in .20 wall tubing that has been bent at 100 degrees. They are threaded for 1/2-13 thread pitch bolts and fit most Harleys and many other makes of motorcycles with risers on 3 1/2" centers.

Lowbrow Customs WX Style Split Gas Tanks 

Designed for early Big Twins, these WX style split gas tanks have been styled by Brunswick, Ohio based Lowbrow Customs after the WR Factory Racer narrow gas tank and are the perfect tanks for a custom. Lowbrow co-founder Tyler Malinky says that "the beauty and simplicity of this tank is that with the included innovative rear mount, they will bolt right up to your stock Big Twin frame from 1936-1984. Get a custom narrowed look with a tight gap between the tanks with no fabrication required." 

The two tank halves together have a capacity of 2.25 gallons (8.5 liters) and feature both a vent and fuel crossover and accept a stock-style 22 mm H-D petcock and standard cam-style Harley-Davidson gas cap. 

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV

www.zodiac.nl