AFT

Daniels Wins Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile 

DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, Illinois

R-8 July 05-07-25

Mission Supertwins

Dallas Daniels won the DuQuoin Mile by the narrowest of margins, official 0.037-second margin of victory following a hectic five-rider showdown to the very end. Riding the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT, an early eight-rider scrap whittled down to six after a few minutes of fighting. 

It then took its final form of five - which included Daniels, title rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R), James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTB Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) - after Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere's BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) was forced out due to mechanical issues. 

Ott was eventually second, ahead of Bender in third, with Robinson fourth and Bauman fifth. It was an all Yamaha lock-out of Podium spots for the Yamahas with the two Harleys in fourth and fifth followed home by five more production bike brands, to make seven in the top ten in total - the Kawasaki Ninja 650 (Dalton Gaulthier) , KTM 790 Duke (Jared VanDerkooi), Honda Transalp (Trent Lowe), Suzuki GSX-8S (Dan Bromley)and Royal Enfield 650 of the Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield team in tenth (Max Whale).

Picture from - AFT/Tim Lester

AFT Singles presented by KICKER 

In just over the span of a week, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) took a protracted wins drought and vulnerable AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship position and transformed it into a three-race victory streak and a commanding 20-point advantage. 

The Australian did so in an intense Main Event that saw an eight-rider lead freight train storm past the checkered flag separated by a combined 0.342 seconds. As it went, the heated rivalry between Drane and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) got that much hotter - Saathoff came up just 0.020 seconds in claiming second.

Eventual third-place finisher was Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) with Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/Reel Medics Yamaha YZ450F) fourth and Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) fifth. 

There were two Yamaha Yz450F riders (Drane and Bauer); four Honda CRF450Rs (Saathoff, Brunner, Tarren Santero eighth and Jared Lowe ninth); two KTM 450 SX-Fs (Brandon Pfanders sixth and Tyler Raggio tenth) with two Husqvarna FC 450 badged KTM's in fifth (Evan Renshaw) and seventh (Chad Cose).

Next Up: The Lucas Oil Speedway hosts an AFT debut Short Track on July 18 (Wheatland, Mo.) before the series heads to the Black Hills of South Dakota. During the 75th Rally, production manufacturers will be competing for attention in the midst of a captive audience of some 500,000 or more riders. From a tentative single race first outing two years ago, Sturgis is now a three-race residency - two Jack Pine Short Tracks on August 4 and 5 (the August 5 race will feature a second outing for the AFT's Mission Triple Challenge format concept) before wrapping the Rally up with a downtown TT on August 10. 

Straight after Sturgis it's the Peoria TT in Illinois on August 16, then the Springfield Miles I & II on August 30 and 31( the August 30 Springfield Milke I will see the final of the three experiments the AFT has been trialling this year - the Mission Triple Challenge format concept) before the season finale, a Short Track at Ozark, Missouri on September 13. 

www.americanflattrack.com

News Briefs

BRP has reported fiscal year 2026 Q1 results with revenues of $1,846.9m, down by -7.7% compared to last year; net income of $161.0m, an increase of 278.8%; EBITDA of $200.8m, a decrease of 34.7%. Diluted EPS of $0.47 was a decrease of $1.11 per share, and diluted earnings per share of $2.19 was an increase of $1.63 per share, compared to last year. North American retail sales were flat compared to last year, resulting from strong end-of-season retail in Snowmobile, offset by a decrease in Year-Round Products retail mainly due to the industry's slowdown. BRP has agreed to sell Telwater Pty, Ltd. (Australia), and closed the sale of Alumacraft's assets.

The MRF reports that the US House of Representatives has passed two bills crafted to overturn regulations approved by the Biden Administration, allowing California to mandate more electric trucks and cars be sold in the state. "The bills received bipartisan support and will help to protect the internal combustion engine, a top legislative priority for the MRF."

The AMA has added three established racing series to its schedule - J Day Off Road in New York/New England, the Grassroots Off Road Series in Nevada, Idaho and Utah becomes a new AMA Featured Grand Prix Series and the 10-round plus Grand Prix event American Woods Racing Championship Series in Pennsylvania and Ohio all joining the AMA's racing slate this year.

Brembo has released Q1 results showing revenues at € 957m (approx $1,088m) down by -4.7% compared to Q1 2024. EBITDA was € 153.3m at a 16% margin; net profit was € 51.1m. Its net financial debt was € 778.6m, which was up by € 249.1m due to the € 362m Öhlins acquisition. Executive Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi: "Our Q1 results reflect an extremely challenging market context, as we had expected."

Shock absorber manufacturer Fox Factory Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:FOXF) has reported Q1 2025 net sales of $355m, up by $22m or 6.5% over prior year. Net sales increased over prior year across all segments, with Aftermarket Applications Group (AAG), which includes its aftermarket motorcycle shock absorber business, saw net sales up by $10.1m (+9.9%).

BRP

BRP Flagship Store

Canadian powersports vehicle manufacturer BRP Inc. has opened its first European flagship store in partnership with its new dealer, Canadian Motors. Located in the heart of Paris at 8 Boulevard du Montparnasse, the new store is set to offer "an innovative and immersive brand experience in an exclusive setting." 

It hosts the Corporation's Can-Am brand with its full range of on-road vehicles, namely the recently introduced Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin electric motorcycles as well as Can-Am Canyon, the newest addition to Can-Am's three-wheel family.

This flagship store is the first one in Europe in BRP's 22-year history. Designed as a retail, experiential, and demo centre, the store is over 144 square metres. Canadian Motors already operates three motorcycle dealerships in France and has a strong experience of selling electric bikes. In addition, BRP will "support Canadian Motors with a diverse range of marketing activities, ultimately helping to bring more foot traffic in the door". BRP currently has a network of more than 450 dealers and distributors across the EMEA region.

www.brp.com

Tecmate

Pro Battery Care Redefined

Battery preparation can become a time-consuming hassle unless you have the right equipment readily available. That applies for new battery activation and recovery of batteries that may have been stored for a long time.

TecMate CEO/CTO Martin Human says that they "have the right, professional battery chargers that make it easy - guaranteeing that those new batteries will work right and last long."

The OptiMate PRO DUO series includes a 4-bank (4-station) and a single bank/station diagnostic battery charger. Both products are global use rated, accepting 100 - 240V 50-60Hz through an IEC-C8 socket that accepts an exchangeable IEC-C7 power cord. 

"The OptiMate PRO4-DUO (p/n: TM670) is the ideal new battery activator. Each of four stations deliver up to 5 amps, with current automatically regulated by the AmpMatic processor to match the selected battery chemistry and the battery's capacity, that is smaller batteries get less current, bigger batteries get more." 

There are 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' (sixty minutes) for quick activation of any power sport battery. 

'easy for dealers to save time and money'

"The 60' mode allows speedy activation of 'dry' charged AGM back to full charge before being fitted to a vehicle, or bring a factory activated AGM or LFP Li-Ion battery delivered at below 30% charge level (as mandated for shipping,) to full charge before fitment."  

A dead-flat powersport battery can be recovered and then tested, with result displayed on a 3- LED (red-yellow-green) panel.  Each station can save a 'dead flat' battery from as low as half a volt for Pb (lead-acid) and from zero volts for LFP (Lithium) - the LFP mode also includes a manually activated BMS reset to bring new smart lithium batteries out of sleep mode or reset the over-discharge protection and safely recharge the battery. 

"OptiMate PRO-1 DUO (p/n: TM650) is the ultimate technician's battery charger. With selection for Pb (lead-acid) and LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) batteries, it can activate or 'wake up' all new power-sport batteries or recover a neglected battery. 

"The powerful OptiMate PRO-1 DUO delivers up to 10 amps of charge to get even the biggest powersport battery ready quickly, but charges small batteries equally well as the AmpMatic processor automatically regulates charge rate to match battery size." 

A key feature is the PS (power-supply) mode that provides stable battery support at 13.6V to the vehicle's battery and system during diagnostic service or troubleshooting. A removable hanging hook allows for portable use at the vehicle, with the integrated rubber feet and side bumpers preventing damage to vehicle surfaces.

Martin says that "the OptiMate PRO DUO range has redefined professional battery care and makes it easy for dealers to save time and money."

TECMATE

www.tecmate.com

www.optimate1.com

Drag Specialties

Drag Specialties - Additions

Short Lever Sets

Measuring 2.5" in length (which is 2.27" shorter than OEM levers) these Short Lever Sets feature die cast aluminum construction and are available in chrome or matte black. They are sold in pairs and include anti-rattle clip and clutch lever pivot bushings. Available for '14-'22 XL (except RH Sportster). 

Quick Connect Braided Upper Clutch Cables

Quickly and efficiently replace the OE upper clutch cable with this quick connect braided upper easily with its quick-connect OE lower clutch cable section fitment to significantly reduce installation time - and there is no need to drain the transmission fluid. Cables also come pre-lubricated for smooth, consistent long-lasting action. 

The design meets or exceeds the OE specifications, and the OE cable cover and housing can be re-used. They are available with stainless steel, black/chrome or black/black cable housing and fittings in stock cable lengths for 24 FLHX and 23-24 FLHXSE models. Replaces OEM# 37200574A

Drag Specialties Seats - Predator III Extended Reach 2-Up

For the driver, this seat extends the seating area back 2" and features a 6.5" tall driver support with a narrower design at the front for better leg clearance. For the passenger, the rear portion of the seat measures 9" wide and is contoured for maximum comfort. 

The 3/16" thermoformed ABS seat base gives the perfect fit while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protect the bike's paint. The seat fits with most Drag Specialties and H-D sissy bars. 

It is available in Smooth high-quality automotive-grade vinyl or Smooth solar-reflective leather for 23-24 FLHXSE, FLTRXSE and 24 FLHX FLTRX, FLTRXSTSE models. 

Adjustable Passenger Footpeg Mounts

These Drag Specialties Adjustable Passenger Footpeg Mounts are designed to fit existing passenger peg mounts and come with all necessary mounting hardware. Available in both chrome and gloss black finishes, they provide a sleek look to match any bike's style. 

The mounts are fully adjustable, allowing approximately 2" of movement up/down and fore/aft, ensuring a comfortable fit for almost any passenger. Available for H-D models with standard male-mount passenger footpegs (repl. OEM #50763-09).

Predator III 2-Up Seats 

These Predator III 2-up seats feature a 6.75" tall driver support with a narrower design at the front for better leg clearance. For the passenger, the rear portion of the seat measures 9" wide and is contoured for maximum comfort. The 3/16" thermoformed ABS seat base gives the perfect fit while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protects the bike's paint.

The seat fits with most Drag Specialties and H-D sissy bars.  It is available in Smooth high-quality automotive-grade vinyl or Smooth solar-reflective leather for 23-24 FLHXSE, FLTRXSE and 24 FLHX FLTRX, FLTRXSTSE models. 

Pan America Mechanical Clutch Lever and Brake Lever  

Featuring a lightweight aluminum construction, these Drag Specialties mechanical clutch and brake levers are direct replacements for stock levers for 21-24 RA1250/1250S models. They are available in a matte black finish; sold individually. 

High Efficiency One-Piece Clutch Cables 

The Drag Specialties High Efficiency (H.E.) Clutch cables have a low effort, maximum efficiency cable design that meets or exceeds OEM specs for fitment, construction and endurance. Their chrome-plated fittings, tempered steel inner wire and nylon inner sleeve provide smooth operation while the non-yellowing clear coated braiding offers abrasion resistance. 

These high-performance cables use the latest technology of longitudinally winding the outer housing lengthwise rather than spiral winding.  This allows the cable to bend in a more natural arc and eliminate spring compression.  They are available in stock length with a braided or black vinyl outer housing for 21-24 FLHR/FLHRXS models. 

DRAG SPECIALTIES

www.dragspecialties.com

S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle M8 VPP Clutches

S&S Cycle has added a line-up of Variable Pressure Plate Clutch options on M8 Softail and Touring Models with cable or clutch actuated hydraulic controls.

Available for cable or hydraulic operated clutches

Described as an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade the stock H-D clutch in a Touring or Softail model, they are said to providing 40-50% more clamping force while retaining the stock clutch lever feel at lower RPMs.

Available for M8 Touring and Softail models

"The S&S Cycle Variable Pressure Plate Clutch works like a lock up clutch with increased torque capacity," says Howard Kelley. "The strength of engagement increases with the RPM. They are a simple, modification free, fully reversible installation and fit behind the stock derby and primary cover."

S&S CYCLE INC.

www.sscycle.com

Paul Yaffe

Yaffe Has the Clamps

Paul Yaffe, of Paul Yaffe Originals (PYO) and Bagger Nation Fame has a super selection of super clamps with style choices and tech specs optimized for a wide range of applications and model styles.

The all-new Super Digital Riser Clamp is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum anodized in a choice of black or gold. These clamps work with 1" bars and OE Harley-Davidson or Koso Digital Gauges.

Weld wing super riser clamp

The patented Bagger Nation Weld Wing Super Riser Clamp is a practical front-end tidy-up that protects and adds detailing for a custom look. The patented "No-Slip" Weld Wing Super clamp covers the unsightly welds and steps up 1.25″ handlebars. Available in black accent cut or chrome their performance style looks great on Softails, Dynas, FXRs, Sportsters and V-Rods.

A must when installing internally wired custom handlebars, this incredibly strong design is CNC-machined from a solid block of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum - with an innovative design that incorporates a series of three locking set screws that virtually lock their ever-popular tall Monkey Bars (or any bar) in place. 

The Weld Wing Super Clamp also covers the unsightly welds and steps on 1.25" handlebars with a 1" clamp area (note - will not fit 2015 to present Road Glides/FLTR or 1.25" bars). This easy bolt-on Super Clamp design eliminates bar slippage the factory engineers never considered.

Super riser clamp

Finally, for this selection, the NO SLIP Super Riser Clamp all but eliminates the potential for handlebar slippage that is common with tall bars and big riders. 

A must when installing internally wired custom handlebars, "our incredibly strong design is CNC machined from a solid block of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. This innovative design incorporates a series of three locking screws that virtually lock tall bars in place."

Options include 10", 1.25" or 1.00" handlebar center section, with 2023 and later "Next Gen" Road and Street Glide coming soon.

Additionally, 2007-Earlier HD Touring models have a 2-piece top clamp system that can create a safety problem when handlebars are used with internal wiring. A large wiring exit hole is required on handlebars designed for internal wiring. This design factor can create a stress riser or breakage point where the handlebar is weakest at a point where the leverage is greatest at the same time. "The use of our Super Riser Clamp practically eliminates this stress area and makes the wire exit of the handlebar the strongest, not the weakest point.

"The Bagger Nation Super Riser Clamp and its 1-piece design, with bar-locking set screws machined into the clamp, will prevent inferior handlebars with poor knurling from slipping. Our Super Clamp has a wire relief incorporated into its design specifically for internal wiring applications. This design displaces pressure off of the center of the handlebar, making the handlebar stronger and more secure. This becomes especially important when using 1" handlebar styles and internal wiring."

PAUL YAFFE ORIGINALS

HOME OF BAGGER NATION

www.baggernation.com

Super digital riser clamp

American Prime Manufacturing (APM)

Comp Master - Extra Plates for More Power

For those who don't have the budget to upgrade from the lacklustre performance of the stock Big Twin clutch with a complete replacement clutch, performance replacement clutch packs are a tried and tested way to go.

TPP variable pressure clutch assist

Harley's clutch designs have simply not kept pace with the extra power that late-model Big Twins are capable of pushing out. Replacement clutch packs have become an increasingly popular alternative to complete replacement performance clutches – especially for those dealers who want to be sure they are able to cater for riders who are "on a budget."

Stock replacement clutch packs

American Prime Manufacturing (APM – Ben Kudon) has a wide range of Comp Master options, starting with this springs-inclusive extra plate stock replacement clutch pack. They install using all the stock components and are available for a wide range of H-D Big Twins from 1990 up.

Also seen here, APM's TPP Variable Pressure Clutch Assist to the Comp Master clutch increases the amount of power the clutch will hold and further decrease wrist strain. It is available for hydraulic and cable actuated applications. 

AMERICAN PRIME MANUFACTURING

www.americanprimemfginc.com

Comment by Editor-in-Chief, Robin Bradley

Floating On a Sea of Debt - Mk. 3.0

Remember the 2007-2009 Financial Crisis? When unregulated credit swaps and derivatives trading brought global capitalism to its knees? Well, high-risk securities are back.

The Shadow Banking Sector is a newly emerged and almost entirely discrete and unregulated variation on the madness of 2008. The sector is trying its hand at trading in debt-based products such as Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs - see also Broadly Syndicated Loans/BSL).

In this era of deregulated interconnected and interdependent systems controlling markets there is no available framework, no lens, through which these risks can be analysed.

Some 16 years on from the chicken-into-steak smoke and mirrors of sub-prime domestic mortgage-backed securities, increasingly alarming reports and forecasts are emerging that point to the potential triggers for the next great financial industry meltdown. Government malfeasance aside, the most likely such source is widely thought likely to be Wall Street's latest bonus machine du jour - bundled loans that are linked to highly indebted companies backed by private equity firms.

A major part of the growing but opaque portion of the financial system, the Shadow Banking Sector is populated by financial businesses that face little to no regulation (compared with traditional lenders) that have been engineered from the ground up to be able to 'prosper' outside the reach, competency, capital and security reporting requirements of financial regulations.

It's a game of whack-a-mole. You regulate stuff, but the financial system finds ways around the regulation very quickly. 

Every time any of us hear or read about someone in the financial services industry (or a politician) suggesting that they should be freed from the capital and liquidity requirements of systems such as Basel 1, 2 and 3 (or others, such as the already gutted Dodd Frank Act) you are hearing someone lobby in favor of increasing risk and reducing protection for 'Main Street' savers, pension investors and consumer or commercial borrowers. 

"chicken into steak again"

Those Shadow Banking Sector businesses include entities such as hedge funds, private credit providers, money market funds and private equity firms and funds. 

One of the indisputable common denominators between them is that these are financial intermediaries that provide credit and liquidity transformation, similar to traditional banks, but that are more closely aligned to the chicken into steak of 16 years ago, and who operate outside of standard banking regulations. 

Theoretically, these institutions, often referred to as "non-bank financial intermediaries," offer potential benefits like increased credit availability and a more diversified financial system, but by definition, due to their lack of transparency, regulation and oversight, they also offer increased risk and reduced stability.

So, try this on for size - spoiler alert: reading on could seriously ruin your day. The lowest estimate I found of the value of today's global securitization market (more jargon designed for deflection) is some $6.4tn of assets, of which (as at September 2024) $3.128tn was owned in the U.S. The median estimate of Private Equity held AUM is $10.8tn. Some metrics place the figure way, way higher.

As an aside, as of May 2025 total global debt is put at $324tn, against total global 'GDP' of only $106.43tn to produce the capital to fund that debt. U.S debt is some $36tn on a GDP of around $26tn. How smelly is that?

The 'CLOs' I mentioned are types of securities that are backed by a pool of debt. They include loans to companies with low credit ratings (namely subprime borrowers - ringing any bells?) or capital constrained, start-up or mature and often family or founder owned small to mid-cap businesses (up to $1bn revenue) that generally have a low debt-to-asset ratio, or no debt at all. Namely, they are 'healthy' businesses that have been snapped up by private equity firms with the help of big loans - known as leveraged buyouts - which those businesses will have to repay to the private equity investor. Which means they can never, ever, be as 'healthy' again. 

If anyone ever tells you that such deals are good value, good for the seller, good for the community or good for the economy - run away. Quickly. This is debt-as-product. Debt as civic duty. Debt as fiscal drag. Debt is the enemy of business performance and robs business of the capital resources needed to continue organic growth or M&A activity. None of this is rocket science.

So why should we in the motorcycle (or any other) industry care about this? The amount of assets managed by private equity businesses globally grew at an annual rate of about 13% from what now seems like a modest $2tn in 2012, to around $8tn in 2023. Then by the end of last year, Private Equity AUM hit an all-time high of $10.8tn, reflecting an 11.6% increase in just 12 months.  

This is insane. This is out of control, and it is deregulated. Private equity's long-term expansion has seen market values surging 636% since 2009 and more than doubling since 2019. Which means those market values are themselves castles built of sand.

Many observers, analysts, economists and even many bankers, traders and politicians are now adding to the crescendo of siren voices warning that we are fast, and ever faster, approaching a tipping pint whereby business indebtedness grows exponentially, becoming a runaway train racing downhill in the dark with no brakes and no lights.

Just as was seen in 2008 this train has the potential to sweep away all before it, crashing through all guardrails and burying western economies under a tsunami of debt that will take not just 3-5 years but decades to start rebuilding from. That's why we in the motorcycle industry, all industries, need to be afraid. Very afraid. 

Sources referenced in the research for this piece include but are not limited to: WSJ, FT, The Economist, New York Times, London Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, CNBC, OECD, IMF, Word Bank, IIF, Statista, The Guardian

News Briefs

Reports suggest that promising Vancouver based electric sportbike manufacturer Damon Motorcycles will likely be removed from the NASDAQ stock market as its shares have "lost all value". Another example of an over optimistic EV start-up finding out the hard way that going public probably wasn't the best idea. Having lost one of its co-founders (Jay Giraud) its CEO, CMO and CTO Derek Doresteyn, the brand is now back in the hands of the other co-founder Dominique Kwong as CEO. Doresteyn was the man behind SF Bay Area Alta Motors and its much-admired Redshift MXR electric off-roader - before Harley screwed that pooch (having previously done much the same to Mission Motors - another Bay Area WV start-up). Damon has stated that it was back, and that it is moving into the mobility space, as well as open to licensing its safety and electric powertrain technology to industry partners. 

BRP's Design and Innovation Team has been recognized with the coveted Red Dot Design Team of the Year 2025 award. Presented since 1988, prior recipients include Ferrari, Thule, Apple and Porsche.

In a pre-emptive move ahead of likely tariff impacts, Garland Tx. based price-point UTV', off-road, on-road and marine manufacturer Massimo (NASDAQ: MAMO) has moved its MVR Golf Cart Production to the U.S. to "enhance quality control and market positioning." Founded in 2009, Massimo is a manufacturer and distributor of internal combustion engine and electric powered powersports vehicles and pontoon boats. The company's 376,000 square foot factory is in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas in the city of Garland; www.massimomotor.com

Pirelli is to become the Official MotoGP tire supplier from 2027 - Michelin will remain the exclusive supplier for MotoGP and MotoE until the end of the current technical regulations, at the close of the 2026 season. Pirelli is already the 'spec-tire' for Moto2, Moto3 and much of the Road to MotoGP. A new five-year contract will run thru 2031 inclusive; www.motogp.com

RideApart reports that Indian manufacturer Royal Enfield sent a year's worth of bikes to the US to beat tariffs - that's a 9,000-motorcycle stockpile, which is said to be well above its usual annual North American sales volume.

With the Progressive AFT Racing Series switching to an all-Production model formula for 2025, manufacturers, sponsors and race teams need to keep a close eye on whether the change will improve or reduce the effectiveness of their investments. The AFT Viewership & Metrics Dashboard delivers downloadable and up-to-date numbers that show exactly who's tuning in and how fast the audience is growing; www.amaproracing.com

AMA will award multiple racers with prestigious AMA National No. 1 Plates during the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, which runs June 29-July 5 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill. There will also be a slew of special awards also up for grabs, such as the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, and the Youth Racer and Vet/Sr. Racer of the Year Awards. Prior winners of the Nicky Hayden Award have included Jared Mees, Briar Bauman, Kody Kopp and Dallas Daniels; www.americanmotorcyclist.com

SEMA has welcomed the end of EV Mandates in the US. A successful bipartisan effort to end EV mandates are said to have marked "the result of a monumental, years-long effort to educate voters and lawmakers on the importance of preserving vehicle choice in the U.S. By halting a California-led effort to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles through EV mandates for 40% of the nation's population, the Senate, and, before it the House of Representatives, has shown courage in the face of radical policymakers and exhibited confidence in American innovation and ingenuity borne out of the automotive aftermarket industry." California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation "jeopardized a significant sector of the American economy. A third of the specialty automotive aftermarket is based on ICE technology. The Senate vote to end California's national EV mandate and ICE vehicle ban protects $100bn of annual economic impact to the nation's economy and the more than 330,000 American jobs that these policies threatened."

AMA has applauded Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) for signing Act 312 into law on March 18, establishing inherent risk for off-road motorcyclists and enhancing protections for event organizers throughout the state. The Act offers greater protections for private landowners who provide access to their land for off-road recreation and competition.

AFT

Supertwins and Singles Debut for Mission Triple Challenge

Lima Half Mile I & II  

Allen County Fairgrounds, Springfield Ohio 

Rounds 6 & 7, June 27 & 28

In an AFT season characterized by change, the first of the two rounds (6 & 7) over the Allen County Fairgrounds half mile oval at Springfield, Ohio on June 27 (the Lima Half Mile I) saw another big change with a first outing for the 'Mission Triple Challenge'.

Why have one Main Event race when three will do, right? The points boosting idea to increase the 'BOOM' factor for fans and manufacturers alike sees three races - over 10, then 15 and, finally, over 20 laps - for the hard-of-math that's 40 laps of 'Derring-do' to give plenty of time in which anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. 

At least that's the theory. But now that we are talking production bikes maybe reliability won't be the fickle mother of 'DNF' that it generally always has been in motorsport.

Time will tell whether what appeared to be a positive public response at the track translates into those all-important online and on-TV views that is the primary form of competition that AFT appears to be engaged in these days, but there are three races in this inaugural year, over the three different distance disciplines in which AFT and the AMA will be able to make that judgement.

This June 27 Round 6 over the Half Mile distance is to be followed by the Jack Pine Gypsies Short Track at the Sturgis Rally on August 5 and the Springfield Mile I on August 30.

The 'Lima I' half mile saw wins for Dallas Daniels in the first (10-lap) and third (20-lap) races on his Yamaha MT-07, ahead of Bauman, who took the win ahead of Daniels in race two (the 15-lap race) on his H-D XG750R, and the two seconds behind Daniels in races one and three.

Robinson (H-D), Bromley (Suzuki GSX-8S and Declan Bender, racing an MT-07 for the Memphis Shades/Corbin backed OTB-Racing team) also scored Podiums. This all meant that Daniels took the overall Lima I win, ahead Bauman, Robinson and Bromley in fourth. 

In the Singles it was a Honda CRF450R) lock-out in the overall Tripple Challenge standings, with Australian rising star Tom Drane toking the overall win, Honda, ahead of Tarren Santero second and Chase Saathoff third.

The following evening, in the Lima Half Mile II (Round 7, June 28) Bauman took the win ahead of Daniels, second and Brandon Robinson third for a H-D 1 and 3 in the Supertwins. Bender was fourth with James Off fifth to give Yamaha a 2, 4, 5 finish.

Drane triumphed again in the Singles, ahead of Saathoff in second this time and Tervor Brunner (Honda) third. Kage Tadman was fourth on his KTM 450 SX-F with Walker Porter fifth on another Honda. 

Next up: Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile, July 5 (Illinois); then to the Black Hills of South Dakota for three Sturgis races - two Jack Pine Short Tracks on August 4 and 5 before wrapping the Rally up with a downtown TT on August 10.

BRL Drag Specialties "Battle of the Baggers"

BRL Drag Specialties "Battle of the Baggers"

Presented by Memphis Shades

GingerMan Raceway, South Haven, Michigan, 

Rounds 5 & 6, June 29, 2025

Report by Carl Schlacht; Picture – NVUS Images

Bagger Racing League's Drag Specialties "Battle of the Baggers" ignited the GingerMan Raceway with heart-pounding rounds 5 and 6 of the five-race weekend, ten-round 2025 season, South Haven, Michigan on June 29.

Delivering a high-octane, tiresmoking spectacle, America's fiercest V-twin and Bagger motorcycle racers unleashed raw power, razor-sharp skill, and unrelenting passion on the 2.2-mile, 11-turn circuit, leaving fans roaring with excitement. 

Under perfect Saturday skies for Round 5 and sweltering near-90-degree heat on Sunday for Round 6, the weekend was a full throttle celebration of motorcycle racing glory. A Motorsport Mecca, nestled in the picturesque lakeside town of South Haven, Michigan, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant summer vibe along Lake Michigan, GingerMan Raceway has been a motorsport haven since its founding in 1995. 

Designed by Alan Wilson, this 2.2-mile road course is a rider's dream, blending high-speed straights with technical corners that demand precision and courage. South Haven's charm and GingerMan's legacy as a testing ground for both amateurs and pros made it the perfect stage for the Bagger Racing League's high-stakes showdown, drawing fans from as far as Wyoming to witness the action.

Round 5 Recap (June 28, 2025): Full-Throttle Fury

Saturday's ideal weather set the stage for a day of relentless battles at GingerMan Raceway. The V-twin and Bagger beasts roared to life, with riders pushing their machines to the edge across multiple classes. Fans packed the grandstands, buzzing with anticipation as the asphalt sizzled with competition:

• Andrews Products Bagger GP: Cody Gilmore stormed to victory, mastering the circuit with precision and power.

• Pirelli Pro-Stock Bagger: Jake Masters owned the field, showcasing unmatched control.

• Barnett Clutches & Cables Super-Street Bagger: Brendan Foley blazed to the top, leaving rivals in the dust.

• Zippers American Twins Unlimited: Tyler Elliot carved through the pack for a commanding win.

• Air Cooled: Anthony Bangma dominated with a masterclass in speed.

• DP Brakes Liquid Twins: David Lancaster powered through for the win.

• Metric Twins: Cody Gilmore doubled down, adding another podium to his weekend haul.

Round 6 Recap (June 29, 2025): Sizzling Action Under Scorching Skies

Sunday dawned with South Haven alive and electric, as fans flooded GingerMan Raceway, their bikes lining the vibrant vendor row in a sea of chrome and horsepower. With temperatures soaring near 90 degrees, the heat only amplified the intensity on the track. Riders' nerves were as taut as their throttle cables, and the racing was wild, hot, and heavy. From superbikes to baggers, the GingerMan circuit became a battleground of heart-pounding action:

• Andrews Products Bagger GP: Cody Gilmore doubled up, powering to another podium-topping performance.

• Pirelli Pro-Stock Bagger: Jake Masters continued his reign, untouchable in the class.

• Barnett Clutches & Cables Super-Street Bagger: Brendan Foley delivered another dominant victory.

• Zippers American Twins Unlimited: Anthony Bangma stole the show with a precision-driven win.

• Air Cooled: Anthony Bangma outran the pack for a second straight victory.

• DP Brakes Liquid Twins: David Lancaster sealed the deal with a checkered-flag finish.

• Metric Twins: Cody Gilmore capped the weekend with another commanding victory.

2025 Championships Clinched: Legends Crowned at GingerMan

Rounds 5 and 6 at GingerMan Raceway weren't just about the races - they were about making history. The following riders clinched their 2025 Bagger Racing League championships with grit, consistency, and sheer determination:

• Zipper's American Twins Unlimited: Carl Schlacht roared to the title, now 2X ATU Champion.

• Metric Twins: Cody Gilmore cemented his dominance.

• Middleweight Superbike: Christopher Muck ends the season with championship glory.

• Unlimited Superbike: Rob Oliva powered through to secure the title.

• Next Generation Superbike: Kraig Bailey etched his name in the history books.

Next Up: AMA Bagger Championships at Mid-Ohio - The Bagger Racing League now shifts gears toward the AMA Bagger Championships (no series points) at the iconic Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Featuring the Pro-Stock Bagger and Super-Street Bagger classes, this showdown promises more high-octane thrills as the season charges toward its climax - July 26, 2025.

S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle Announced the Passing of Warner Riley

S&S Cycle has been understandably saddened to share information about the passing of Warner Riley. Warner was an integral part of the S&S Cycle history. In announcing his passing they turned to Ken Smith, George Smith Jr. and Sam Scaletta for a brief look at the many contributions Warner brought to the Viola, Wisconsin manufacturer as the man who started putting much of the proof into S&S' 'Proven Performance' credentials. 

Warner Riley was "the complete package". His relationship with S&S Cycle began back in the mid-1960s, first as a customer and then as a friend. 

Early on, he had purchased some parts from S&S to build a larger displacement Sportster he had. He was doing some weekend racing at local drag strips around Chicago, and he wanted to make it more competitive.

S&S Cycle Sadly Announces the Passing of Warner Riley 

During construction of the engine, he ran into a problem when fitting the intake manifold to his cylinder heads.  Thinking there was a problem with the machining, he called S&S Cycle owner George Smith.  After talking for a while explaining what he encountered, Warner asked if he could bring his engine so George could look at everything at his home in Blue Island, Illinois -Warner lived on the North side of Chicago, so it seemed like the best solution.  

After inspection, George determined that the problem was not in the machining of the manifold, but in the way the aftermarket big bore cylinders Warner was using were made. Warner, a graduate mechanical engineer, immediately understood after the problem was diagnosed.

The two conversed for quite a while picking each other's brains, talking about Harley performance and racing, and Warner thought it would be interesting for George to attend a local race and see for himself what was going on at the track.  

At the time, George was working on a new project - a high-performance carburetor for Harleys that was his life-long dream, so some trips to the racetrack seemed like a great idea.

It wasn't long before a friendship evolved between the two.  Warner's love for competition and going fast and George's suggestion soon lead to racing at the "great white dyno," the Bonneville Salt Flats.  

It turned out to be the perfect venue for S&S Cycle to test the durability of its products and for Warner to satisfy his "need for speed."  Quickly George saw the complete package in Warner. He was a smart, college trained engineer, with a good knowledge of the motorcycle industry, Harley-Davidsons and racing, and was articulate - so he could put his thoughts and actions into words.

During the first few years of racing at Bonneville, the pair established themselves by setting record after record, at least 16 total at one time, with the highlight being Warner's entry into the coveted motorcycle 200 mph club.  Along the way, they both were part of the Harley-Davidson team that sponsored the Denis Manning motorcycle streamliner in 1970 that set the motorcycle land speed record, which still stands, with Warner building and supplying the engines and George Smith supplying his new carburetor and doing the tuning.

Warner became news for the motorcycle publications, and because of his ability to convey a message, he began writing a monthly magazine column.  His knowledge about the magazine industry and association with the publications enabled S&S Cycle to more efficiently advertise on a broader scale, making the public more aware of the company, and that greatly helped sales of S&S products.

Meanwhile, Warner's relationship with the Harley-Davidson factory and racing department blossomed beyond his primary interest of simply going fast. His training as a mechanical engineer and ability as a motorcycle rider put him in a unique position to test and evaluate Harley handling characteristics, performance, and features, and to serve as an expert witness in many court cases. His experience in court also helped S&S avoid legal issues during product development.

On another side, our friend Warner was a guy with other interests. When S&S cycle relocated to Viola, WI, he would make the drive to visit and combine business with pleasure, often bringing a dirt bike or new gun to shoot. On one trip, a Saturday was planned where any of the S&S shop employees who had a favorite firearm could bring it to the farm and shoot at a junk foreign motorcycle he donated. You can guess the brand.

With little left to prove, he retired from active Bonneville racing for S&S Cycle shortly after George Smith Sr. passed away in 1980.  His friendship with the business and family did not end there though, and nor did his enthusiasm for the sport. 

He would often attend Bonneville Speed Week to watch and talk with old friends.  He became a friend of George Smith Jr., who had taken over as the company President and was responsible for research and product development. Much like his father, George Jr. ventured into Bonneville racing and on occasion, Warner would help him when he had a problem.

When George senior was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis in 1994, Warner said he had to be there to say a few words.

All that can be said is, what a guy!  Warner was the complete package, a great friend, and will be sorely missed.

SPECTRO

SPECTRO Red Dyed Shop Lube

Last month AMD had news about a new, convenient size for an established SPECTRO Performance Oils best seller – a new 1-gallon bottle for its V-twin specific Heavy Duty Platinum 20w50 Full Synthetic.

This month, news of a new version for one of SPECTRO's popular shop products – Assembly Lubricant – which is now offered dyed red for improved visibility during application. 

Specifically designed for engine builders and mechanics, the red dye makes it easier to see the lubricant’s coverage, ensuring that critical engine components receive the proper amount of lubrication during assembly.

It may not be rocket science, but that doesn’t stop this simplest of ideas being a good one!

SPECTRO Performance Oils

www.spectro-oils.com

Feuling Parts

Reaper 487 CHOP Cam

Feuling Parts is well known for its long established 'Reaper' brand cams program, and seen here is the 487 Reaper CHOP cam - described as a great all-around camshaft and Feuling's go to for 4 1/2 stroke 114-117 applications for which an aggressive bolt-in chain drive cam is sought.

"The 487 has that nasty CHOP idle sound while producing a wide powerband that the Feuling cams are known for," says CEO Luke Leatherman. "It responds very well to increased bore and compression, upgraded exhaust system and performance air cleaner. We have built it in such a way that the use of performance valve-springs is not required, but they may result in a quieter, smoother running valve-train."

The intake delivers .478 Valve Lift, 20.5 Open, 37 Close, 237 Duration @ 50, .180 lift @ TDC, 98.5 Lobe Centerline. The exhaust gives .487 Valve Lift, 44 Open, 17.5 Close, 241.5 Duration @ 50, .146 lift @ TDC, 103.25 Lobe Centerline; with 38 overlap and cam specs measured in the engine on the lifter @ 0.050 using a 1.61 rocker arm ratio.

FEULING PARTS

www.feulingparts.com

Baker Drivetrain

Outer Bearing Super Support 

The new Baker Outer Bearing Super Support is specifically engineered as a "next level solution" for 1970-1984 OEM 4-Speed and Baker 6-into-4 applications. 

Designed to deliver the durability and precision required to reliably address the critical need for mainshaft support in setups without a motor plate. Without the inner primary mainshaft bearing support, added stress is placed on the mainshaft. The Baker Outer Bearing Super Support efficiently addresses this issue, fortifying the setup with strength and reliability.

Combining sleek, minimalist design with unmatched versatility, it is engineered from high-grade 6061 aluminum, accommodates wider tire configurations, supports both O-ring and non O-ring chains, and delivers enhanced mainshaft reinforcement for open primary setups. 

"With easy installation and a rugged raw machined finish, this support is built for both form and function," says Bert Baker. "Crafted for durability and purpose, it's specifically designed for open primary applications, giving riders reliable support where it matters most. The support's versatility allows it to work seamlessly with both standard offset and dished offset sprockets, fitting O-ring and non-O-ring chains. Each kit includes hardware for straightforward installation."

Fitment includes 1970-1984 OEM 1" shaft 4-Speed transmissions, Baker 6-into-4 and BDL Open Belt Drives not running an inner support plate.

Dealers and their customers are invited to check-out the enhanced functionality, searchability and easier navigation of Baker's new, faster, cleaner look website.

BAKER DRIVETRAIN

www.bakerdrivetrain.com

Gaslock

Gaslock J164 Radiator Caps

Noted for its high-tech precision engineering, advanced design and quality materials, German manufacturer Gaslock's new motorcycle radiator cap offers a unique and stylish look for Harley-Davidson water-cooled models. 

They are easy to handle and install and designed with a unique stainless-steel screen and beautiful UV resistant, fade free red anodized ring. Fitted with replaceable seals, this radiator cap is designed for Harleys but will fit a vast array of most water-cooled motorcycles.

Designed to open and relieve high temperature pressures at 20 psi or 1.4 bar, coolant escapes into a small holding tank. Once the coolant temperature reduces, a vacuum is created, and the coolant returns into the cooling system. 

Available with outer ring and breather mesh colorway options

At 20 psi (1.4 bar), the coolant is allowed to maintain a higher boiling point temperature - due to higher pressures. This is a matter of physics. It is critical to control the pressure in order to ensure the integrity of the coolant system. These specifications meet SAE J164 standards.

The Gaslock radiator cap has been designed and tested extensively over thousands of cycles. Each new cap is tested after assembly before shipping, to ensure it is functioning properly and given a laser etched date code.

In addition to its standard product range, Gaslock can provide capabilities for specific designs for your needs. It can offer several different processes - including laser etch, CNC machining, anodizing and paint – and offer extensive laser etched and electro-formed design options and details. The company is open to hearing from customers to discuss preferences and needs in order to develop a unique radiator or gas cap to your specific design.

Gaslock has been in business for close to 30 years. The company's capabilities involve several different products for many different industries. "One of our specialties is the complete manufacturing of gas caps for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. These gas caps require a high level of integrity which speaks to the versatility of our capabilities and extent of our engineering experience."

In addition to radiator and gas caps, Gaslock's additional product lines include accessory parts and level indicators.

GASLOCK

gaslock.de

Comment by Editor-in-Chief, Robin Bradley

Successful brand cultures can no longer be monocultures

The recent power struggle at Harley-Davidson has been one of the most unedifying spectacles in recent U.S. corporate history - certainly the most embarrassing outbreak of boardroom incompetence and self-interest in Harley's history.

Those whose fingerprints have been on this saga - on either side of the arguments - should hang their heads in shame and crawl into a deep, dark, cold space under a 'Rock of Shame'. They should be doomed to forever dwell in a cave of darkness, a "Bog of Eternal Stench"!

I am writing this the day after Harley's May 14 annual shareholder meeting. One that shunned the once former practice of making such meetings a celebration of brand and corporate culture. Instead, the opaque, paranoid Zeitz era resulted in this highly controversial 'gathering' being no kind of 'gathering' at all. 

It was almost Stalinist in its closely controlled stage management - at an undisclosed location, online only and restricted to shareholders of record only. Unlike the meetings of yore, brand loyalists and enthusiasts who have the ultimate 'skin in the game' were certainly not welcome.

These days this isn't an unusual way for corporations to try to exert control over their deliberations - the 'cone of silence' is their friend. But at this time the board needs all the friends it can find. From the Harley board's point of view the way the proceedings played-out must have felt like a pretty unfriendly environment - borderline toxic in fact.

However, those on the other side of the aisle who were seeking the board's ouster (or at least seeking the blood of three of the most prominent board members) have no reason to be quite as self-congratulatory about the outcomes as their spin suggests they are entitled to be.

By the primary interpretation, Harley won and H Partners lost. But, in reality, there were no winners,H Partners have played a shoddy game of 'Hedgie Hubris' throughout. Yes, the three directors that they wanted out - Zeitz, Linebarger and Levison - will all now have resigned from the board of Harley-Davidson Inc. by the next annual shareholder meeting (May 2026), but as the second largest shareholder in HDI (9.3%) H Partners have no justification for claiming "a clear referendum for change."

Though the outcomes of the meeting met their specific objectives, whatever happens now it is the interests of Harley-Davidson's dealers that are the ones that need to be put back into the crosshairs.

When you buy shares in an engineering-based company such as Harley, the primary asset value you are investing in is the ability of the dealer network to sell the product and earn money for all concerned. The ability of the workforce to build a product that is fit for purpose, and the ability of engineering teams to develop products that the ultimate brand ambassadors in this equation - the riders who buy the products - actually want.

Hello H Partners - it is not, in fact, all about you. It is not in fact about how smart you are (or are not) in making investment decisions. "Freeing the Eagle" is not about recouping your investment, that luxury doesn't come until the dealers, employees and engineers have been freed to do their thing.

For my money, the whole board should have voluntarily submitted their resignation the moment the 2024 annual results were published on May 1, 2025. 

They should have been replaced by an interim Board of Directors consisting of one representative form the largest shareholder as interim Chairman (Blackrock - step forward Larry Fink, or his anointed Padawan learner); Jonathan Root (the present CFO and President, Commercial) as interim President - maybe, ultimately, as CEO; Chief Engineer Ben Wright; Michael Edmunds, the present VP Motorcycle Operations; a representative chosen by the dealer network and with Paul James and Bill Davidson as the 'Keepers of The Flame'.

"it's about the dealers, stupid"

Yes, the next CEO should be from outside of the company, but it should be someone from the inside the Motorcycle Industry - Rod Copes maybe? Scott Miller? If not an American, then the company and its followers should not hold their noses at the thought of someone from the Japanese or European motorcycle industries. 

The worst that could happen by recruiting a CEO from within the international motorcycle industry would be that, for what I think would be the first time ever, Harley would have someone who has looked at the motorcycle industry from the inside, but through a non-Milwaukee lens. Someone who knows the motorcycle industry from a wider perspective. Someone who understands the Harley brand's weaknesses and strengths from seeing it being operated in a competitive context.

If that individual had also spent time rising through the ranks elsewhere with dealer development chops, then all the better.

The only way Harley is going to be able to kick-start itself down the 20-year survive and thrive turnaround pathway that it needs to embrace, is to start building a company that can take customers from other manufacturers. 

The primary task of any CEO is to build a business that is capable to redirecting as much revenue as possible from competitors' customers bank accounts and into his or her own balance sheet instead. It's called capitalism, it's called competing - it's not called sticking your head up your ass and wonder why the lights have gone out.

If somebody wants to engage with your brand the job of the CEO is to have built a business that offers the options the buyer wants and needs; to have equipped the sales network to be able to say "Hello, yes of course we can help, do please come in, you are welcome here."

Harley needs to embrace the changed attitudes that consumers will have (already have) to the motorcycle ownership and riding experience in the future (and yes, that can even include electrics - of the right kind, at the right time), but by definition that change cannot be found in the aging out boomer demographic and even given recent inflation, will rarely be found at north of $25k.

The successful motorcycle factories of the future will be those whose production combines several often seemingly irreconcilable differences of objective. They need to become multi-platform - regardless of what they are called - and they need to become multi-buyer in price-point and riding preference terms.

When it comes to 'making that sale', diversity of buyer and product offering are not your enemy. Successful brand cultures can no longer be monocultures.