Custom Bike Show, Norrtälje

Custom Bike Show - 

50 Years Of Influence

Norrtälje, Sweden - June 1, 2024 

Saturday June 1st, 2024 will be a big day for Twin Club MC - indeed for the entire worldwide custom bike show movement - as it marks its 50th anniversary.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the world's oldest, in fact the world's first ever independent custom motorcycle-specific bike show - think about that for a moment, that is no 'small thing' for the V-twin industry that grew out of the beginnings of a "motorcycle movement" that started as an antidote to the evolving motorcycle markets seen worldwide in the 1970s and 1980s.

Along with a small number of other 'catalyst' event programs (Oakland and Ratshole come to mind), the V-twin market grew from a petridish of misfits and enthusiasts, loners, outlaws and, above all, INDIVIDUALS who could neither afford or relate to the mainstream OEM offerings of the time, and shows such as the Custom Bike Show in Sweden gave expression to a whole new and fundamentally different way of looking at motorcycles, the riding experience and life in general.

In 2023 Göran Larsson from Eskilstuna took home two prizes - Winner in the Racer Class and the Jury's third prize with a racing-built Excelsior from 1918. 

In the respected and authentic curation of Twin Club MC in Sweden, the one-day show that is staged in a City Park at Norrtälje on the coast of Sweden around an hour northeast of the capital Stockholm, has become an internationally respected showcase for some of the world's finest custom motorcycle engineering and 'real world' custom craftsmanship.

The crucible in which the hugely influential 'Swedish Style' was forged, and the 'home show' for multiple legends of the custom bike industry, international award-winners, an AMD World Champion and now even Indian Motorcycle's own current Head of Design (Ola Stenegard), we here at AMD wish the club well for the weekend and are proud to be able to have Custom Bike Show as one of our AMD World Championship 'Approved' shows and the first ever and longest established of our Affiliates.

Classes this year will include H-D Choppers, all other Choppers, Customs, Racers, Classics, Modified, Stock, with additional Best Paintjob and People's Choice awards.

www.custombikeshow.se

Progressive AFT

Bauman Takes Ventura Short Track in 'Beachside Blowout'

Round 5 - May 11, 2024

Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) scored his first victory of 2024 in Round 5 of the Progressive AFT sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing season, with an utterly dominant performance alongside the Pacific Ocean in the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, on May 11, 2024.

Mission SuperTwins

Two-time Grand National Champion Bauman came into the weekend seeking not just his first Mission AFT SuperTwins win of the year, but his first podium of any kind. He ended that uncharacteristic drought in most convincing fashion, backing up a stirring win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge with a wire-to-wire runaway in the Main Event.

Bauman’s superiority finally brought order to what had been a chaotic affair in the early going. A red flag flew moments after the initial start due to a terrifying incident that saw Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) bounce off the wall and crash back into the crowded pack.

That triggered a chain reaction that also collected Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Big Red Super Twins/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp), who completed a full forward flip in the air after contacting the downed Lewis and his machine. Miraculously, all four returned to their feet, with Lowe managing to return for the staggered restart.

A second red was issued just as quickly following a spill by hometown hero Kayl Kolkman (No. 98 Yamaha MT-07), who would also return for the subsequent restart.

A third red flag was narrowly avoided when Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) bounced back up from a crash and immediately remounted, allowing the race to continue and at last find its rhythm.

And the beat it drummed up was a victory march for Bauman, who was never challenged on his way to a 4.613-second margin of victory.

The only rider who could even come close to keeping Bauman in sight was title hopeful Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). The Estenson Racing pilot actually started his push from fifth, slicing underneath Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) and Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) before putting himself in a position to make an honest try at reeling in Bauman.

After that challenge proved insurmountable, Daniels had to be content with second, Mees took third, VanDerKooi fourth and Brandon Robinson fifth.

There were three Indian FTR750 riders in the Top 10, with three on the KTM 790 Duke, two on the Yamaha MT-07, Dan Bromley in ninth on the Honda Transalp and Max Whale on the Harley XG750R.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Presented by KICKER

Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) secured his second victory of the ‘24 season in an action-packed Main Event that saw the tables turned more than once.

Polesitter, points leader and double defending champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) was immediately shuffled back to fifth off the line while Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) jumped at the opportunity to potentially run away with a second career victory after finally earning his maiden win last time out in Texas.

However, it wasn't to be, with Drane eventually taking the win ahead of Dalton Gauthier in second (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) and Trent Lowe third (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), with Kody Kopp fourth and Saathoff fifth.

There were four Honda CRF450R and four KTM 450 SX-F riders in the Top 10, with one each on the Husqvarna FC 450 badged KTM and Drane taking the win on the sole Yamaha YZ450F.

www.americanflattrack.com

Next Up is the rescheduled Silver Dollar Short Track (Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA) May 19 (now Round six and the last of the early season run of six Short Tracks). Then comes the Orange County Half-Mile (Middleton, NY), June 15; Bridgeport Half-Mile (Swedesboro, NJ), June 22, and the Lima Half-Mile on June 29 (Lima, OH). After two race weekends in Illinois in July, Rapid City and Sturgis, SD, in August and the Springfield Mile Double Header on August 31 and September 01, there'll be a final race on September 06 at a venue TBC.

­Race Winning Brands (RWB)

RWB Announces New Unilateral Retail Pricing Policy

­Race Winning Brands (RWB), the Mentor, Ohio based owner of Wiseco, JE Piston, Rekluse and a slew of other performance parts manufacturers, has announced that it is taking its pricing policy to a whole new level.

As part of its war on counterfeiters and its support of the mainstream 'Brick and Mortar' powersports industry dealer network and all levels of its resellers, including its distributos, RWB will transition to a Unilateral Retail Pricing Policy.

Cary Redman, Vice President of Sales and Category Management for RWB, says that "the implementation of Minimum Retail Price (MRP) for our portfolio of brands is aimed at addressing challenges such as counterfeit product sales, advertising and selling practices that focus solely on price.

"The decision to move from a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) Policy to the Unilateral Pricing Policy is a strategic response to protect the investments made by our valued partners (distributors, dealers and engine builders) and other resellers who contribute significantly to educating the consumers of all levels about RWB products. 

"This move is driven by a desire to ensure fair competition, discourage practices that solely promote products based on price, and maintain the overall reputation of quality and innovation associated with RWB brands."

Cary Redman: "Driven by a desire to ensure fair competition, this move discourages practices that solely promote products based on price."

The effective date for implementation of the new policy will be June 1st, 2024 and see RWB adopt a Minimum Retail Price (MRP) as part of its Unilateral Pricing Policy.

Redman cites counterfeit product sales and resellers' advertising practices based solely on price as reasons that have been identified as factors "potentially detrimental to RWB's quality reputation and the efforts of its resellers."

The change aims to address these issues and provide support for the resellers that make significant investments in educating the public, training staff and providing customer support. "We are committed to supporting these efforts to maintain the reputation of RWB products and to protect and promote the interests of the loyal resellers who are invested in our products for the long-term."

"The new policy is intended to defend brand integrity and investments in innovations such as the new APEX manual performance clutch that has just been released by Rekluse."

Failure to abide by the new pricing and selling policies may result in various consequences, including loss of privileges related to RWB's intellectual properties, referrals for RWB products, customer pricing discount levels and the overall ability to purchase RWB's products.

RWB says it will have distributed the complete details of the MRP policy on May 1st, 2024, allowing resellers time to adapt to the changes before the effective date. "RWB will still allow its valued partners to run limited promotions with proper approval - additional information will be shared in the new policies."

www.racewinningbrands.com

Lyndall Brakes

Lyndall Brakes Adds West Coast Sales Representative

San Marcos, Texas based Lyndall Brakes has added further to its U.S. sales team with the appointment of Greg Handren as its West Coast Sales Representative.

Handren’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Lyndall Brakes as the company returns to its Californian roots where it all began in 1998.

With a rich history dating back to its inception at Willow Springs in California, "Lyndall Brakes has been at the forefront of wheel and brake technology for over two decades. Now, as the company embarks on its next chapter of growth, expanding rapidly across regions, the appointment of Greg Handren signifies a strategic move to reinforce its presence in California, Arizona and Nevada," said founder and CEO Paul Kittrell.

"We're thrilled to welcome Greg Handren to the Lyndall Brakes family. His extensive experience and passion for the industry make him the ideal candidate to represent our brand on the West Coast."

www.lyndallbrakes.com

Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde - Official Authorized Aftermarket Exhaust System for Harley in Europe

Dutch noise management system exhaust specialist Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde has announced a product collaboration with Harley-Davidson EMEA "to give riders the ultimate sound of freedom."

Its street legal, electronically adjustable exhaust systems are now to be made available as official aftermarket products at all authorized Harley-Davidson dealers in Europe and across all the markets operated by its EMEA region office. 

"The Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde company is pleased to announce that all authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships across Europe, Middle East and Africa are now able to sell the Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust products as an official aftermarket product. The Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde company’s street legal, electronically adjustable exhaust systems can be used on all Harley-Davidson models."

Its statement went on to say that both companies will continue to collaborate closely to introduce new exhaust products "swiftly and consistently to the market, building on the success of previous collaborations," including the 'LUX' for Nightster models. 

www.jekillandhyde.nl

Le Pera

Le Pera - New Medium Size Sissy Bar Pads

Designed specifically for 2008-2023 Touring models, internationally recognized motorcycle seats designer Le Pera's new medium sized sissy bar pads fit standard height and tall H-D sissy bar uprights and low and standard height 2018 and up Softail holdfast sissy bar uprights.

Utilizing the triangular three-hole mount style (mounting hardware not included), they measure 8.75" wide x 7" tall and 2.25" thick, and also work with the popular Le Pera Dead End sissy bar bracket kit. They are also available in small and large sizes.

Le Pera celebrated its 50th anniversary as the market's design leader last year and the still founder family-owned and operated manufacturer continues to handcraft all its seats in-house at its North Hollywood, California headquarters.

LE PERA ENTERPRISES

www.lepera.com

Bare Knuckle Performance

New 'Overboards' from Bare Knuckle Performance

Paul Wideman of Hawk Point, Missouri, is a realist. He wrote to us here at AMD recently to tell us about a line of floorboards they have designed - "Let’s face it, the floorboard game has become a bit ho-hum."

"The choices are pretty much limited to a gang of look-alikes or something that looks like it's come out of a 1980s Ninja star catalog!" But all is not lost - because Bare Knuckle Performance has "got you covered."

"Our 'Overboards' feature a unique cleat design, which not only looks killer, but also keeps your feet planted exactly where you want them - they are perfect for more aggressive riding. We also give you almost 2” of adjustability front to back to fit your riding style perfectly. 

"The innovative aluminum body construction and heavy-duty stainless steel mounts are unmistakable and unbreakable. These beauties are finished off with a deep, gloss black powdercoat that will not fade like anodize and is laser-engraved with our logo in the center of the board."

Included with each kit are stainless steel mounting brackets and hardware, and "the assurance that you are buying the finest Made in USA motorcycle parts your hard-earned money can buy - built to last a lifetime," Paul says.

BARE KNUCKLE PERFORMANCE

www.bareknuckleperformance.com

Kraus Motor Co.

SX5 Inverted Front End Kit by Kraus

Kraus Motor Co. (St. George, Utah) has designed a new SX5 inverted front end to upgrade Low Rider S/ST Softails with improved tracking, stability and braking - "giving performance riders confidence to push their pace."

"We engineered the SX5 with improved geometry and stiffer components to take full advantage of the new Öhlins FF inverted fork. This kit includes Öhlins inverted front forks, known for their superior handling and ride quality, as well as new SX5 triple trees, Kraus radial brake mounts and Kraus fender mounts. 

"This kit is the result of a partnership between Kraus Motor Co. and Öhlins racing technology, ensuring top-of-the-line quality and performance. The kit is also compatible with the Kraus isolated riser system, allowing for a customizable riding position."

The kit is said to deliver "improved handling and ride quality for a better overall riding experience, increased braking power for added safety, customizable look and riding position." 

"The SX5 ensures long-lasting durability with high-quality components that are 100% engineered and manufactured in USA."

Options include choice of machine or black anodized finishes. The Öhlins FF inverted forks come with adjustable springs and valving and Kraus 108 mm radial brake mounts for increased braking power ready for upgraded calipers. 

Machined from solid 6061 billet aluminum, the broader triple tree cross-section gives increased axial strength and proprietary geometry creates improved performance and handling, and compatibility with the Kraus isolated riser system means a customizable riding position.

They are available for 2018+ Softail Low Rider S and the 2022+ Softail Low Rider ST - for 108 mm radial brake fitment only. Kraus Motor Co. designs and engineers its products to be compatible with OEM fitments. 

To complete the conversion, Kraus recommends using its SF DiGi Pro Kit with Kraus 10" kickback isolated risers for a more upright riding position and its APEX Edge footpegs for increased stability and control.

KRAUS MOTOR CO

www.krausmotorco.com