AFT

Bauman Headlines Harley-Davidson 1-2 at Senoia Short Track 

Round 3, March 29, 2025

History was made at this year's Yamaha Senoia Short Track when Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) marked the brave new world of production bike flat track racing by hustling the Harley-Davidson XG750R to its maiden Mission AFT SuperTwins victory - having made its AFT debut in 2016. 

The Senoia Short Track saw Briar Bauman give the H-D XG750R (#3) its first ever AFT Supertwins win, with Chase Saathoff (#88) winning the Singles on the Honda CRF450R

The win three weeks after he scored a brace of second place finishes (behind Dallas Daniels on the Yamaha MT-07 DT) at the season opening Daytona Short Tracks, with teammate Brandon Robinson taking forth and six place finishes - backing that up with second place at Senoia.

Daniels was third - coming within 0.028 seconds of breaking up the Harley one/two. Daniels continues to lead the early-season championship chase but only by a single point over Bauman (62-61) with Robinson and Davis Fisher (KTM 790 Duke) tied for third.

In addition to the two Harleys, there were three Yamaha MT-07 riders in the top-10, along with two KTM Dukes, and one each of the Honda Transalp, Suzuki GSX-8S and Royal Enfield 650. 

Chase Saathoff took the win in the Singles (Honda CRF450R) ahead of Tom Drane second (Yamaha YZ450F). The two had taken a second place each at the Daytona I and II Short Tracks, behind Kody Klopp - who leads the Single championship at this stage after his two Daytona wins, despite absenting himself from Senoia. The three-time AFT Singles Champion now swaps the dirt for the asphalt. 

The weekend was even sweeter for Harley, with the American Twins 'Special Class' making its series debut. An 11-strong, 8-lap 'Single Marque' XG750R race saw Robert Lewis (Robert Lewis Racing) take the win. 

Next Up: after a four-week break, three more Short Tracks take the 2025 series first to Ventura in southern California on April 26, then to the Silver Dollar Speedway at Chico in northern California on May 3 before the Lucas Oil Speedway at Wheatland, Missouri on June 7. After that, the longer distances start-up with the two Lima Half Miles in Ohio at the end of June.

www.americanflattrack.com

BMW

BMW Focuses on Retro Twins

By Ben Purvis

Big, retro boxer twins are the order of the day at BMW for 2025 with the launch of the new R 12 S, two updated R 18 cruisers and the apparent confirmation that last year's R20 Concept is also heading towards production.

BMW's last launch in 2024 was the R 12 S, a largely cosmetic rework of the relatively new R 12 nineT that harks back to the R 90 S by adding a nose cowl, seat hump and iconic orange and silver paintwork, albeit in a slightly more vibrant tone than the original's Daytona Orange. 

It might be essentially a parts bin creation as the fairing, tail unit and 'Option 719' dress-up parts fitted to the R 12 S are all available optionally on the standard model, as is the Headlight Pro system, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips and cruise control that come with the R 12 S as standard, but uprating the stock R 12 nineT to the same specification is considerably more expensive.

The brand's first new model launches of 2025 have been a pair of updated R 18 cruisers - the base R 18 and the R 18 Classic. They both gained a slightly reworked, Euro5+ version of the massive 1,802 cc boxer twin, as do the other 2025 models in the R 18 range, with unchanged peak power of 67 kW but a slight increase of torque from 158 Nm to 163 Nm, and changes to their wheels and styling.

The base R 18 switches from wire wheels to cast alloys and its rear wheel goes from 16 inches to 18 inches for 2025. The changes also include new front and rear mudguards and a much simpler, more attractive exhaust with two circular-section tail pipes instead of the fishtailed design used before. The shrouds that hid the forks on the original version have been deleted in another move away from the retro look of the previous iteration.

The R 18 Classic bagger is also updated, with a slim 19-inch front wheel instead of the earlier version's fat 16-inch design. A new fender extends much further around the wheel than before, as well as the same updated rear fender that appears on the standard 2025 R 18. It retains the more traditional look with fork shrouds and wire wheels.

One surprise is that the R 18 models haven't adopted a larger, 2,000 cc version of the engine, particularly after BMW teased that motor with its R 20 Concept in early 2024. However, and R 20 is on the horizon as BMW has filed multiple trademark applications to use the name 'R 20' on motorcycles for commercial purposes. The R 20 Concept, which essentially combined an enlarged version of the R 18's massive, air-cooled twin with a chassis and style similar to the much smaller R 12 nineT, looks like a near-certainty for production soon.

News Briefs

For Q3 of its 24/25 financial Year (October, November and December 2024), Honda has reported Group Unit Sales of 15,508,000 total units worldwide, a +11.1% increase over Q3 of 2023, with 11.884 million of those units sold in Asia (+1.332 million); 374,000 of those units were sold in North America (+39,000); 324,000 were units sold in Europe (+37,000) with 158,000 sold in Japan (-23,000) and 1.360 million sold in other regions. For the 9-month period total global motorcycle unit sales were 15.508 million (up from 10.398 million units in the first 9-month of the prior year) with sales revenue arising of 2,706.9bn yen for a segment operating profit of 501.6bn yen at an operating margin of 17.5%. Total European unit sales for the 9-month period were 361,000 units (+1%).

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will honor its next class of Hall of Fame inductees during the 2025 AMA Hall of Fame Days on October 23-26, on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

Yamaha has reported total global motorcycle sales of 4,961,000 units for its January to December 2024 Financial Year, up from 4,827,000 in 2023. Of those, 226,000 were sold in Europe (up from 209,000), 82,000 in north America (76,000 in 2023), 72,000 in Japan (down from 76,000) and 3,863,000 units in Asia (down from 3,883,000 in 2023). Total revenues in its 'Land Mobility' segment (which mostly comprises its PTW business) were 1,715.4bn yen (an increase of 130.1bn yen or 8.2% compared with the previous fiscal year) and operating income was 85.5bin yen (a decrease of 42.0bn yen or 33.0%). Demand grew in Europe's major markets, resulting in higher numbers overall than 2023. Unit sales in emerging markets went up, primarily driven by higher demand in India and Brazil, as a result, the entire motorcycle business recorded higher unit sales. Revenues for the motorcycle business went up thanks to the higher unit sales and higher prices per unit in Brazil and India. For operating income, while improved supply of premium segment models in emerging markets led to higher unit sales, soaring prices elevating labour costs, and higher SG&A expenses from provisions for product warranties and other payments all resulted in profits roughly equal with last year.

Miami, FL based Star8 Corp. (OTC: STRH) has merged with Abruzzo, Italy electric motorcycle manufacturer TOMAHAWK SRL. Founded in 2019 by brothers Gianluca and Denis Scarponi, it had developed three models under the Scarponi Motorcycles brand during 2020. In 2021 it established a manufacturing and R&D facility in Italy with homologation of all three models for all EU countries achieved in May 2023, followed by production in June 2023. "The merger with Star8 Corp. will allow us with not only access to the capital markets for funding, but also to new distribution channels into the America's and beyond." The company says it plans to expand productions levels and begin marketing of its EV Motorcycles to the rest of Europe, Americas and Asia; www.scarponimotorcycles.com

For Q3 of its 24/25 Financial Year (October, November and December of 2024) Kawasaki has announced total global wholesale motorcycle sales of 180,000 units, which is down by 18,000 over its Q3 23/24 sales of 161,000 units. Developed markets were up by 20,000 units at 151,000 with 79,000 units sold in north America, 46,000 in Europe, and 18,000 in Japan. Emerging market sales were down by 18,000 units at 180,000 for the quarter, though with Philippines, by far the largest 'emerging' market up by 31,000 units at 134,000. Global four wheel and PWC unit sales were down by 15,000 units at 47,000. However, overall revenue in its 'Powersports and Engine' segment was 417.2bn yen, up by +12.8% YTD with Q3 at 137.2bn, up over the 148.5bn seen in Q3 of 2023. Developed market motorcycle sales revenue was 158.6bn yen (+22.6bn) YTD. The company said that the European retail market "remains strong, and our market share is growing due to recovery of supply and launch of new models".

Suzuki has announced worldwide PTW unit production 1.52 million units (+6.6%) for the third quarter of its 24/25 financial year (October, November and December of 2024). The big success story for Suzuki was India, where unit production was +15.1% at 828,000 units. Global sales were 1.548 million units (+7,1%). In Europe sales were +21.4% at 34,000 units with North America up by +4.3% at 24,000 units. 

Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Spring NVP Product Expo

2025 Spring NVP Product Expo

Louisville, Kentucky, January 2025

The fifth annual Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Spring NVP Product Expo at Louisville, Kentucky (January 25-26) saw 300 plus exhibitors making the journey in good weather for what was widely acclaimed as a very successful start to the year.

Going into the event there had been concern as to whether the dip in the market seen from mid-October 2024 would continue, but with the new year came fresh optimism. Although it was widely expected that nothing could be taken for granted for 2025, the broad consensus was that a market anywhere between single digits down or improved would be good and result and likely outcome.

For reasons of multiple trade expo trips and multiple magazine deadlines, this edition is being compiled in early March, which is already some six or seven weeks since the show. By the time the print copies will have 'hit desks' in late March it could well be that such optimism may be being challenged.

Either way though, the consensus is that the mid-October decline notwithstanding, 2024 was a pretty good year for the V-twin sector - that despite it having been an awful year for Harley-Davidson. The company's Q4/FY24 results were published in the days before the show and were met with no surprise by the assembled vendors and dealers. 

The expo featured a diverse range of new brands and new products that showed an uptick in activity from the past post-Covid three or four years - there is innovation being seen again. 

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry-leading brand representatives and explore the latest innovations in the market. Notably, the event included E-bike demonstrations, E-bike sales, and a drawing on Sunday where two E-bikes were given away to dealers.

On Saturday evening, participants gathered for the iconic Meet & Greet at The Sports & Social Club, located in Louisville's vibrant 4th Street Live Entertainment District. The event offered a blend of food, drinks, games, and live entertainment, fostering networking and camaraderie among industry professionals.

Paul Devine, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, commented on the event's success, stating, "The Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties NVP Expo continues to solidify its position as a premier gathering for industry professionals, innovation, and the exchange of expertise."

Looking ahead, the next NVP Expo is scheduled for September 6-7, 2025, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, aiming to continue to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors and attendees, offering an expanded space for future events.

Bagger Nation: Paul Yaffe's design credentials need little introduction to AMD dealers. Right now, he is inviting customers to "Roll a Fatty" with his 'High Roller' - just one of his SRT (Steam Roller Touring) Big Wheel Performance front end kits. The 20x5 'High Roller' wheel features an industrial/mechanical look and feel, with each spoke edge machined and dimpled, almost resembling a riveted look. "Classic five-spoke styling never goes out of style," says Paul, "and the changing contours of this design command attention." Available single or dual disc, ABS or non ABS, Bagger Nation SRT kits include a choice of BN Designer wheel, wide raked triple tree kit, rake neck kit, SRT Wide 'Thicky' front fender and spacers and the wide SRT 'Yaxle' in black or chrome; www.paulyaffeoriginals.com, www.baggernation.com

Le Pera: Internationally recognized boutique motorcycle seat designers (and Sturgis Hall of Fame inductees) Bob Jr. and Christine Le Pera are 'keeping the flame alive' - one lit by their father Bob LePera Sr. in 1972. Still handcrafting seats in-house at the company's North Hollywood, California headquarters, features include durable black Biker Tec covers, an ever-expanding selection of stitch styles, molded 'Marathon' foam and Le Pera's signature 16-gauge powder-coated steel baseplate with carpeted bottom; www.lepera.com

Barnett Clutches and Cables: Confirmed as sponsor of the Barnett Clutches Super Street entry level class in the Bagger Racing League for a second consecutive year in 2025, recent new products from the Ventura, California based specialist include clutch spring conversion kits for 1998-2017 Big Twins (except 2013-2017 narrow primary models) with CNC precision-machined 'bolt-on' billet aluminum pressure plate and two sets of six heavy-duty coil springs to replace the stock diaphragm spring/pressure plate assembly. The two sets of springs provide different tension ratings allowing for three different spring pressure options for smoother shifting and more progressive linear clutch engagement in stock to high performance applications. There's a hydraulic version also available; www.barnettclutches.com

Koso North America: Based in Quebec, Canada, popular instruments for Harley applications include the Koso DL-04HD Multifunction gauge, for those who are tired of the stock analog look. This is a new version of the DL-04 plug and play gauge - a classic round shape and high-tech negative LCD screen featuring a variety of functions such as speed, odometer, tripmeter, hour meter, as well as six indicator lights. It fits models with bar mounted gauge; www.kosonorthamerica.com

Baker Drivetrain: Recent new products from the workshops of Haslett, Michigan drivetrain legend Bert Baker include a new Outer Bearing Super Support - specifically engineered for 1970-1984 OEM 4-Speed and BAKER 6-into-4 applications. Designed to address the critical need for mainshaft support in setups without a motor plate, it combines sleek, minimalist design with unmatched versatility. Engineered from high-grade 6061 aluminum, it accommodates wider tire configurations, supports both O-ring and non-O-ring chains, and delivers enhanced main shaft reinforcement for open primary setups; www.bakerdrivetrain.com

Car ADAS Systems

Car ADAS Systems Still Struggling to Detect Motorcycles 

by Ben Purvis

Radar and camera-based 'advanced driver assistance systems' (ADAS) are commonplace on modern cars and becoming mandatory on new models in the EU under the latest New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2) - but testing in the USA shows that these systems still struggle to 'see' motorcycles despite recent improvements.

One of the elements of these driver assistance systems is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which is designed to detect obstacles and automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to do so. While these systems are shown to be effective in reducing rear-end crashes by as much as 50%, tests by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in the USA on 30 new cars showed that a substantial percentage didn't react in time to prevent rear-end crashes when approaching a stationary motorcycle dummy.

Of the 30 cars and SUVs tested, seven were given a 'poor' rating and hit the motorcycle dummy even at the lowest testing speed of 50 km/h, with some barely slowing at all. And even stepping up to the cars rated as 'acceptable', all hit the stationary bike when the testing speed was increased to 70 km/h, albeit reacting enough to reduce their speeds before impact.

The results do represent an improvement over the previous IIHS tests, carried out in April 2024, when just one out of ten vehicles tested achieved a 'good' rating. In the new test, 16 of the 30 cars were rated as 'good', preventing or substantially mitigating crashes at up to 70 km/h.

The EU's GSR2 rules have required new cars in the European market to be fitted with AEB since July 2024, as well as so-called 'Intelligent Speed Assist' (ISA) that warns if you're speeding (but can be switched off), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) intended to detect how tired a driver is, and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) intended to keep cars between the white lines. 

From July 2026, there will be additional requirements including more driver distraction technology and enhanced AEB specifically intended to work better when it comes to detecting small targets like cyclists and pedestrians. That should also spark further improvements in detecting motorcycles, but there are inevitable concerns that drivers may become increasingly reliant on these automated systems.

At the moment there's little to no indication that motorcycles themselves will be forced to incorporate riding-assist technology, but the growing number of bikes fitted with radars and the rapidly improving state of the technology means it could become a consideration in the future.

KTM

KTM Restructuring Approved by Creditors

by Ben Purvis

KTM creditors met and approved the company's proposals for restructuring, but there's still a large element of uncertainty as the deal requires KTM to pay € 584 million by 23rd May to settle 30% of its debts.

The plan was approved on 25th February at the regional court of Ried im Innkreis, Austria, that has been overseeing KTM's case since the company entered self-administration on 29th November last year. That process gave 90 days to come up with a viable route forward - one that assured that they creditors would be repaid at least 30% of the money they're owed. 

Gottfried Neumeister

KTM's plan involves paying back that legal minimum of 30%, but instead of the full two years that could have been allowed under the self-administration rules, the company only has until 23rd May this year to meet that obligation. While creditors will therefore only get back part of the debt, it does meant that the payment will be relatively soon in theory. 

The creditors had little option other than to accept the proposals, as the alternative - breaking up KTM and selling its assets to pay debts - was calculated to return only 14.9% of the money.

The next challenge for KTM and its parent, Pierer Mobility, is to raise the money, plus the additional sum needed to get parts supplies flowing so production can get back underway. In total the company says it needs to raise around € 800 million to get back on course. Initially, it's had an injection of € 50 million from existing shareholders (BAJAJ) to get started in the right direction, and with the restructuring plan approved it's now possible for the negotiations to get underway with potential investors - with Citibank hired to pitch the opportunity.

There's no shortage of rumours as to where the investment will come from. Initially it's believed Citibank had a shortlist of 23 potential investors, which has been cut down to a reported seven interested parties since the plan was approved. No names have been officially mentioned, but potential investors are likely to include Bajaj - already a major shareholder in Pierer Mobility - and KTM's Chinese partners at CFMOTO. Wilder rumours in the media have even suggested BMW could be interested, although that idea has been dismissed by well-placed insiders.

Stefan Pierer, who handed over his position of KTM CEO to Gottfried Neumeister (but remained as Co-CEO during the self-administration process), has now stepped down altogether. He does however remain Co-CEO of Pierer Mobility AG, KTM's parent company.

Horsepower Inc.

Cast M8 Throttle Body Upgrade Service

Indianapolis, Indiana based performance specialist Horsepower Inc. has added to its Milwaukee-Eight throttle bodies line up.

Seen here, the company has recently manufactured a cast aluminum throttle body for a more cost-effective way to upgrade the stock H-D M8 throttle body. It is available in the same popular size options as its billet throttle bodies - 58 mm, 62 mm and 70 mm, plus a 65 mm option as well.

"The process is easy for dealers. Just send in your customer's stock core throttle body, and you can expect a 3–5-day turnaround with a complete upgrade including a fully CNC ported aluminum intake manifold."

HORSEPOWER INC

www.horsepowerinc.net

Lyndall Brakes

Lyndall Touring Perimeter Mounted Rotors

San Marcos, Texas based Lyndall Brakes, has announced the release of new, precision-engineered touring rotors, designed specifically for the 2024 and 2025 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide models. 

With the emphasis on advanced braking technology, performance and durability, 30 years brake product R&D goes into every new Lyndall design. These new precision machined touring rotors leverage that experience to seamlessly integrate with the updated braking systems 2024 and 2025 Harley models.

Made from 410 Martensitic steel (JFE410DB-ER to be specific), these perimeter mounted rotors are fastened to the spoke of the wheel and float on a wave spring. 

They are 320 mm overall diameter with 4.5 mm thickness. The 2024 and 2025 non-CVOs utilize the same HD Brembo calipers that Harley has used since 2008. Front calipers on CVO and CVO ST models in 2024 and 2025 were upgraded to an OE style Brembo 100 mm radial caliper, with the release of the inverted front end for touring bikes.  

"Our rotors are heat-treated, double-disc ground, and CNC machined to precise tolerances - never laser cut or stamped," says Lyndall's CEO Paul Kittrell. "Our design features a unique gas slot that ejects hot air much better than the traditional laser-cut or stamped holes. We are so confident in our materials and methods that we lifetime guarantee our rotors against warpage (when used with Lyndall Brakes brake pads).

"Advanced metallurgy and superior rotor geometry define these new rotors. We engineered them to handle the demands of high-performance touring bikes, enhancing braking efficiency while offering reduced weight and improved heat dissipation - critical factors for long-distance riders and those pushing their bikes to the limit.

"We've always believed in putting performance, reliability, and safety first, and our new rotors for the 2024 and up Road Glide and Street Glide are no exception. We've spent countless hours in development so that rotors to ensure they deliver the best possible braking experience for Harley riders, with a product that's built to last."

These are subjected to a rigorous testing process that ensures maximum performance in all riding conditions. "Whether you're cruising on a long ride or navigating tight city streets, Lyndall's rotors provide the superior stopping power that serious riders demand."

The new 2024+ touring rotors are now available for order through Lyndall Brakes distributors such as Parts Unlimited, WPS (HardDrive), Zodiac International, and Rollies in Australia.

LYNDALL RACING BRAKES

www.lyndallbrakes.com