Avon Tyres

Avon Tyres Broadens Market Coverage

Avon Tyres has released a total of 11 new tires across its popular Cobra Chrome, Spirit ST and 3D Supersport lines, including seven new sizes with four established sizes optimized to suit a wider range of motorcycles.

The latest additions are said to "better match today's market requirements by increasing coverage across diverse model ranges, from older sports bikes to popular cruisers and small to medium displacement models from emerging brands." 

The Cobra Chrome range sees the largest expansion, with seven new specifications released. Four existing sizes have been upgraded with increased load and speed ratings or have undergone a change in construction tech from bias to bias belted. This allows many additional cruiser enthusiasts to fit Cobra Chrome on their bikes, "enabling them to experience the tire's high stability and excellent wet braking". 

Three new sizes are also included in this latest line extension, extending the Cobra Chrome fitment coverage across bikes such as the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Sport Glide, Low Rider S and ST, as well as the current-generation Honda GL1800 Gold Wing series. 

The launch of the new Spirit ST sizes (110/70ZR17 front and 150/60ZR17 rear) caters to a range of popular small to medium displacement models that have been released over the last decade. "Such models are popular with younger riders who rely on their bike as their sole vehicle, and the Spirit ST's state of the art tread compound and high mileage capability serves as an excellent choice for this segment."

Two new sizes also join Avon's 3D Supersport offering, with the arrival of the 120/60ZR17 front and 190/50ZR17 rear allowing owners of older sports bikes and roadsters and riders of current-model Japanese sport-tourers to take advantage of the tire's optimized handling and maximized grip.

"These latest additions are designed not only to enhance the riding experience for our loyal customers, but also to reach the next generation of riders by expanding fitment across the models they ride most," explains Don Argento, Manager Motorcycle Sales & Marketing North America, Avon Tyres.

"With its distinctive design and proven performance, Cobra Chrome continues to complement cruisers and tourers in both curb appeal and riding experience, and these new size additions represent a significant step forward for the range."

www.avontyres.com

News Briefs

Though largely Off-Road and broader powersports industry based, the list of annual 'Nifty 50' awards published by Powersports Business (PSB) includes several businesses with V-twin segment horsepower. Selected namechecks include Burly Brand, Custom Dynamics, Ikon Suspension USA, Klock Werks, Kodlin USA, Memphis Shades, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, RacingBros, Rekluse, S&S Cycle and Vance & Hines.

The latest Pied Piper survey has found that Indian Motorcycle remains the best rated dealer network for sales lead handling, with dealers in general missing half of web leads, and still failing to capitalize on digital opportunities. The 2026 Internet Lead Effectiveness (ILE) saw Indian dealers earning the highest average score at 55, marking the fourth consecutive year the brand has led these rankings. Top performers behind Indian included Harley-Davidson, Can-Am, Triumph and BMW Motorrad/PSB. The study evaluated more than 2,100 dealership website inquiries and found that more than 50% of customers received no response within 24 hours, only 47% of dealers answered customer questions via email or text, just 13% offered an appointment and only half of dealers followed up by phone/PSB.

PSB has recognized Z&M HD of Greensburg, Pa. for Community Service in its 'Best in Class' awards for 2025. "Z&M exemplifies Best In Class community service through a long-standing, meaningful impact across the greater Pittsburgh region. Their signature, Reason-To-Ride, fundraiser has raised more than $300,000 since 2016 and engaged over 13,000 riders. In partnership with Variety - a Children's Charity - Z&M helps provide adaptive bikes, strollers, and communication devices to children with disabilities. By combining accessibility, rider engagement, and visible impact, Z&M has built a sustainable model for dealership-led philanthropy."    

Following its acquisition by SEMA, ORBA (Off-Road Business Association) has relaunched with "expanded advocacy, stronger coalitions and new tools to protect off-road access. The renewed mission to be shepherded by a new leadership team, supported through updated membership levels for industry stakeholders."

Kendall Johnson

Kendall Johnson – 1965 to 2026

Well-known and widely-respected custom bike builder Kendall Johnson died in a motorcycle accident on June 3, 2026.

One of the denizens of the TV showcased 'Second Golden Era' of American custom bike building (1990s and 2000s), his Kendall Johnson Customs business produced a series of award-winning and eye-catching custom projects, building a pioneering reputation for big inch high performance engines that “sounded and ran like they meant business”.

Customizing H-D Tourers long before the concept of the Performance Bagger became widespread, seen here is 'Blade', a modified S&S 124 incher with Baker 6-Speed, Jim Nasi swingarm and zeitgeist defining Metzler 240-section rear tire. Built for Simon Solomon by Kendall Johnson Customs at Winston Salem, NC., Kendall and Simon competed with it at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at Sturgis in 2006. Note the classic Stromberg performance carbs.

It is dripping with KJ original parts and handcrafted details such as the exhausts, oil and gas tanks, fenders, handlebars, electrics. Grips & pegs, Rocker boxes and much more. Paint was by Eddie Meeks.

We send our condolences to Kendall's family and friends – we are saddened by your loss, Kendall was “one of the good guys”.

Drag Specialties

Drag Specialties - Additions

Drag Seats - Freedom 2-up

This new Freedom 2-Up seat with forward positioning features a 6" tall driver support with unique styling and is covered in high-quality automotive-grade vinyl. The seat moves the rider forward by approximately 2" and lowers the rider 1" in comparison to the stock seat. 

This seat is compatible with separately sold DS EZ Glide frame-mounted receiver mechanism, to accept EZ Glide backrests. It will also work with H-D and OEM frame-mounted backrest mechanisms and backrest pads (except H-D shock-style backrest mechanisms). 

It is available in double diamond stitch with black, silver or red thread for '24-'25 FLHX/FLHXU/FLTRX/FLTRXSTSE and '23-'25 FLHXSE/FLTRXSE models. All mounting hardware is included. 

Adjustable Brake Arms by Gilles

Manufactured for Drag Specialties by Gilles Tooling, these brake arms are constructed of CNC-milled 6082 T6 aluminum and have a double ball bearing design to eliminate free-play. "The adjustability is second to none." 

The brake arm features 18 degrees of adjustability up and down. The brake pedal adjusts 1" rearward and 3/4" forward. Available in either black or black/gold finishes for '14-'25 FLHT/FLHR/FLTRX/ FLTRU/FLTRK and FLHTCUTG/FLRT models. 

Rear Brake Master Cylinder Assembly

This new rear master cylinder assembly is a Grag Specialties branded quick upgrade for the Dyna brake system. It comes fully assembled as a direct bolt-on replacement. It is available with a high-quality chrome finish. They fit 06-17 Dyna models, replacing OEM #4247406. 

Oil Change Kits

Drag Specialties' new engine oil change kits include everything needed for a fast, easy and complete oil change. "DS3 synthetic 20W-50 synthetic engine oil offers excellent film strength and protects against heat and wear. Custom detergents keep engine cleaner with less deposits. Meets and exceeds API, CI/SL, JASO, MA2 service ratings." 

Low-restriction chrome or black oil filter (depending on application) removes more harmful contaminants. Kits for '17-'26 Touring and '18-'26 Softail models include 5 quarts of DS3 synthetic 20W-50 synthetic engine oil, chrome or black oil filter, O-ring and disposable funnel. 

Twin Cam, Big Twin and XL model kits include 4 quarts of DS3 synthetic 20W-50 synthetic engine oil, chrome or black oil filter, O-ring and a disposable funnel. 

Cush Drive Isolator

Designed as economical protection for the drivetrain while smoothing acceleration, this Drag Specialties cush drive isolator from Drag Specialties features a high-quality rubber construction Isolator. It is a stock isolator replacement for OEM #42200212. It is available for 21-26 RH1250S, 22-26 RH975/S and 21-26 RA1250/S/ST models. 

DRAG SPECIALTIES

www.dragspecialties.com

Custom Chrome Europe

Custom Chrome Europe Adds Harley Shocks by FG Gubellini

Teaming up with one of Italy's top-names in suspension technology - FG Gubellini (aka FG Special Parts) - Custom Chrome Europe has made a huge investment in being able to offer the complete FG Gubellini Harley-Davidson shock absorber program.

Hydropneumatic monoshock with internal gas compensation reservoir, designed for naked, touring, sport-touring, and road motorcycles (M8 and Pan America) with hydraulic rebound and up to 9 mm of spring preload adjustment. 

It is an extensive range, from a company who has been respected for top quality, highly engineered suspension options for decades. The CCE dealer program includes 'Made-in-Itay' high-end race-approved FG Gubellini shocks as a high-performance suspension option for a huge variety of Harley-Davidson models from 1971 and up. 

Founded in 1978 by Franco Gubellini, advanced suspension development started in the Nineties, resulting in winning 82 Italian, 6 European and 2 World Championships in various motorbike sport categories. Based near Bologna, FG Gubellini is already a hot tip for Harley customizers in Italy, yet Custom Chrome Europe is the first distributor to list the full Harley-Davidson range that is available from FG Gubellini. 

High performance Hydraulic monoshock with internal pressurized Nitrogen expansion tank - recommended for M8 and Pan America applications. A robust and compact design that allows for installation even in the tightest of spaces at an excellent quality/price ratio. It features hydraulic spring preload and three independent adjustments, with numerous clicks that make a noticeable difference.

Hydropneumatic monoshock with external gas compensation reservoir (via flex tube), designed for road, naked, sport-touring, and sports motorcycle applications. It features spring preload, up to 9 mm of variable wheelbase, hydraulic rebound and hydraulic compression adjustment. All components of these suspensions are machined from solid 7075 aluminum (Ergal/zinc alloy) and steel. "This model combines compactness, advanced technical features and an unrivaled quality/price ratio."

Due to the massive number of different H-D models in more than 50 years of production - and the highly individual custom-options of the shocks, FG Gubellini manufactured H-D shocks are available from CCE on an application specific dealer order service from Custom Chrome Europe, then manufactured to specification and shipped direct to the dealer from Gubellini.

There are no less than nine different types of shocks offered - for almost all Harley-Davidson models - with the FG Gubellini fitment tables filling ten pages in the April/2026 Custom Chrome Europe Update.

Kit consisting of springs specially chosen based on the weight of the motorcycle and additional loads, with high quality FG fork oil oil.

In addition to specifying the HD model, year and type of shock, dealers can specify additional order details such as body weight, riding style and preferred riding style in terms of with or without passenger and/or luggage. 

FG Gubellini will pre-adjust the shocks accordingly, ready to immediate installation. Most of the available pictures show shocks in the traditional FG blue color and will be delivered with black springs - or dealers can custom-ordered from a selection of additional colors on a 'special order' basis.

OEM replacement fork cartridges supplied pre-assembled and ready for installation. The cartridge radically transforms the hydraulics of the standard fork, making it more sensitive in the middle of the curve - ideal for everyday riding and sports use. Custom-made for customers according to the needs stated at the time of ordering. Advanced design with high-slip 25CrMo4 steel shaft. Steel cartridge, high temperature resistance and lapped to a roughness of 0.02. 

A pair of rear shock absorbers from the Ultimate Suspensions line. Adjustable in extension (hydraulic return), wheelbase up to +9 mm and spring preload with rings.

FG Gubellini shocks are described as "highly adjustable - so changes to the customer's riding style or load requirements are easily tuned into the shock absorber, with a 9 mm wheel-base adjustment option offering greater flexibility if custom swingarms are installed. 

Custom Chrome Europe is also offering FG Gubellini made fork cartridges and spring kits for upgrading Twin Cam and M8 front forks. 

CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE

www.custom-chrome-europe.com

www.fgspecialparts.it

Arlen Ness

Arlen Ness Cush Drive Conversion Kits

These Arlen Ness Chain Drive Conversion kits "are a true bolt on and ride solution. There is no machining of the primary required for clearance during installation. Additionally, the kit retains the factory gear ratio and is compatible with both factory and aftermarket wheels."

The Cush drive assembly is machined from billet aluminum and reinforced around the carrier bolts for maximum strength. They are also designed to match perfectly with Ness' Jagged Series Brake Rotors.

For converting 2009-up FLT Touring/Bagger models from belt to chain drive, each kit features specially designed front and rear sprockets that allow for modification free, fully reversible installation without the need for grinding the inner primary for clearance. The 27-tooth front sprocket and 57-tooth rear sprocket retain factory gear ratio.

Both sprockets feature a drilled-out, weight lightened Ness Jagged design style that is heat treated and coated for long-term durability. The Cush drive assembly is CNC machined from billet aluminum and finished in black anodize.

They require the use of 530 chains that are 140 links long. Sold separately, the chain will need to be cut down to size (130 links). The kit works with both factory and aftermarket Cush Drive rear wheels. 

The direct bolt-on design, 27/57 sprocket combination is engineered to move chain over and around the inner primary. This kit is described as delivering a smooth feel and adding reliability when using high horsepower engines. 

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

www.arlenness.com