Top Down Shredder Series
WHEN Top Down Products were approached by a customer who wanted a set of axle spinners reminiscent of those used in films by such characters as Ben Hur and James Bond, the company took him seriously and began working on designs. The end result has now been made publicly available as the Shredder Series axle spinners, which spin freely when mounted to the stationary ends of the bike’s axle.
The shape of the three rotating blades on each spinner was influenced by medieval double side axles, and are CNC machined from billet aluminum. To allow them to spin freely, stainless steel bearings are used throughout.
Although this exact blade shape is exclusive to the particular customer, other blade styles can be produced to give a variety of appearances.
Following on from the introduction of the axle spinners, Top Down is now producing matching Shredder floor boards. The Shredder floor boards mimic the shape of the Spinner blades and incorporate elliptical cutouts to break up the surface, a beveled outer blade edge and more than 50 polished stainless steel spikes to provide a durable boot grip.
The Shredder axle spinner fits all Harley-Davidson models, and floor boards are a bolt-on fit for Harley-Davidson Touring models.
TOP DOWN PRODUCTS
Exton, Pennsylvania, USA
Tel: 610 812 4089
info@topdownproducts.com
www.topdownproducts.com
Dealers say inventory balanced but traffic weak
The quarterly AMD/Baird dealer report conducted in July and August revealed that US new bike retail is tracking up three to five percent versus last year, but was expected to weaken in the fall.
Dealers report that traffic remains "challenged", but that inventory appears "balanced" with dealer sentiment on pricing suggesting that Harley made the right decision to cut production.
The dealer consensus outlook for 2015 new unit sales suggests that most are expecting to be up by low single digits.
The weaker than expected retail, attributable to slower traffic trends, appears to have been affected in July and August by a range of factors, including poorer than anticipated summer weather.
Despite retail trends tracking positively through July and August (+3 to +5 percent), comparisons for September and beyond get tougher as Harley laps the impact of the Rushmore launch last year, which saw a +20 percent spike in fall sales.
Baird are therefore saying that they are maintaining their Q3 US retail estimate of -3 percent.
Internationally Canadian dealers are reporting that new bike retail declined approximately 30 percent and are citing a weaker economy and unfavorable pricing during the third quarter; however, international markets outside North America appear to be seeing new bike retail increase by between one and three percent.
During the survey period one dealer is reported as stating that "traffic has been terrible since the second price increase"; another reported "very limited floor traffic - tons of calls and emails put out by sales, but still limited traffic overall", with another saying that "floor traffic is down considerably, but conversion rates are up."
The weather has clearly been a big factor, with one dealer saying that "it has rained almost every day at one time or other"; another that "the weather has been killing us. Rain and colder temperatures have been the norm lately - it looks more like spring than summer"; with yet another reporting that his store was "hoping for a warm fall and a late winter. We still have 14s to sell", and that in their opinion there was "no need to duplicate the FLHX and the FLTRX - just make the special model."
One dealer told AMD / Baird that "our local economy is terrible. Bike sales are down 20-24 percent over last year and still down 80 percent from 2006." That said, while one dealer has reported that the "used bike market fell", another said "used bike sales have increased over the last year and new bikes have held steady."
Dealers indicated that new bike inventory is "balanced" for this time of year, with 56 percent of dealers saying that inventory is "about right".
Dealer commentary suggests that inventory is heavy in Softail and Dyna categories, but that Rushmore and MY2015 inventory remain "appropriate - if not lean."
Additionally, dealers have reported tight used inventory, and Baird say that they've seen this reflected in healthy used bike values.
Some 76 percent of survey respondents indicated that inventory is "about right" or "too low" for the time of year, and Baird say that the sequential improvement in inventory comfort levels likely reflects Harley's decision to cut shipment guidance after weaker first half results - reflecting the company's commitment to protecting used bike values.
Based on Harley data and Baird's tracking, the average US dealer had 63 bikes at the end of Q2 - up from 60 last year.
One dealer is quoted as saying "2015 model year inventory is low and used bike inventory is lower than desired"; another stated that "even though we are down saleswise, both district and region, our new remaining 2014 and current 2015 inventory is just about right"; however, another dealer said that "new inventory should have been slashed in April when we all saw the slowdown and promotions should have been initiated sooner"; with another saying that "Harley has dealers with too many 2014 Softails and Dynas", with yet another stating that "new Softail, Dyna and Sportster inventory is way out of whack."
Referencing one of Harley's promotional campaigns, one dealer told the AMD / Baird survey "this .99% promo is crazy stupid. Hardly anyone qualifies, and if they do, then no one makes any money.”
In a sharp departure from recent conditions 82 percent of dealers are selling bikes below MSRP. After a slow start to the season Harley and its dealers became more promotional to clear out inventory in anticipation of the MY2015 launch, and in July management acted to help restore balance by cutting production.
"Carry-over 2014 models are causing creative pricing on left over Cruisers, but Touring family bikes are holding good margins" said one dealer; another stated that "not every dealer is discounting, and we don't, but it's amazing that some are already doing so on the 15s."
Another dealer told AMD / Baird that "dealers in this area seem to think that they have to drop their pants right away and give everything away. I say hold your ground, the customer will buy. We have the best game in town”, but another dealer told us that “looking at H-D sales ranking reports in this district over the last couple of years it’s real easy to see what's happening. A lot of good, honest dealers out there with negative Rushmore sales growth.”
Dealers are reporting that overall the consumer financing environment remains stable (88 percent of dealers say credit has remained stable or eased recently) and that HDFS is responding to inventory feedback by "buying deeper and offering some really good low rate promos for Cruiser models."
Baird recently established a Harley-Davidson Dealer Sentiment Index, capturing both current and longer-term (3-5 year) dealer perspectives.
Current dealer sentiment has tracked down on a year over year basis (67 versus 73), likely due to the excitement dealers felt after the highly successful Rushmore launch last year. However, Harley dealers still hold an optimistic 3-5 year outlook (70 versus 72 last year). Sentiment readings are calibrated from 0-100 with 50 providing a "neutral" outlook. Baird say that their Harley-Davidson Dealer Sentiment Index indicates a high level of dealer confidence, and that while dealers expect retails sales to be essentially flat in 2014, their outlook improves to low single digit increases in sales for 2015.
In terms of opinion on the new models, Baird say that while the highly successful Project Rushmore launch last year was a "home-run" and the MY2015 Road Glide received overwhelmingly positive dealer feedback this year, their research validates that the absence of the Road Glide was a retail headwind in late 2013 and early 2014, and Baird say that they expect retail to benefit over the next year from the substantial Road Glide upgrade.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. is an employee owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management and private equity firm that was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company says that it currently has $105 billion in client assets.
Any AMD readers who would like to see this or future AMD/Baird quarterly Harley-Davidson dealer surveys in full, or any authorized Harley-Davidson dealers who would like to participate in future surveys, can contact AMD’s Information Editor Sara Viney by email (sara@dealer-world.com).
S&S rebuilds stock engines
FOLLOWING Harley-Davidson's decision to discontinue its factory engine remanufacturing program, S&S Cycle have issued a timely reminder that their rebuild program is available to authorized Harley-Davidson as well as S&S dealers, and that the program is for remanufacturing of H-D (stock or modified) as well as S&S engines.
The company says that they offer a fast ten working day turn-around from receipt and that you get the same engine back, meaning that you get to keep the original VIN.
Engines are rebuilt with Premium Viola V-Twin service parts and can be rebuilt to stock specifications or have an S&S performance kit installed, with existing performance upgrades retained if they are still serviceable.
S&S say that their rebuild program features a 30 day labor and one year parts warranty, and that their beneficial freight rates mean that they offer no cost shipping to their dealers on engines for rebuilding.
Traditionally only available to S&S dealers, if you do not currently have an S&S Cycle account, no problem, because the company says that an engine rebuild package meets or exceeds their annual account spend criteria.
New parts and seats from Drag Specialties
AMONG the latest product releases from Drag Specialties are these slotted wide blade lever sets. Designed to be used to upgrade worn and weathered stock levers, the sets feature forged aluminum construction with CNC-machined slots.
In a choice of chrome or matt black, the lever sets fit ‘14 FLHT and FLHX models with the OEM hydraulic clutch.
A second part, which can be used to replace or upgrade the stock unit, is the Drag Specialties electronic combined speedometer/tachometer, which measures speeds from 0-220km/h, with the tacho measuring rpm from 0-8000. It has a black face that matches the stock gauge look and also features an LCD odometer, trip meter, and all stock indicators, including a Check Engine light.
Drag Specialties’ electronic speedo/tacho is a direct plug-in installation on ‘99-‘03 FLHR and ‘99-‘03 FXST, FLST and FXDWG models. It will also fit ‘96-‘98 models, which require a sub-wire harness, and all ‘96-‘03 models require the use of a tachometer wiring kit, sold separately.
Among the latest seats being offered by Drag Specialties are the Mini King and Queen seats for Panhead and Shovelhead applications. The seat features molded polyurethane foam and automotive-grade vinyl on the sides and seating areas and a 3/16in ABS thermoformed seat base. The fully carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers help protect the bike’s paint.
All Drag Specialties sissy bars, as well as most Harley-Davidson bars, will fit with the seat, and buyers have the choice of scorpion stitch, flame stitch, diamond stitch, diamond red velvet or diamond blue velvet designs. Matching sissy bar pads are also available to complete the look.
Seats fit ‘58-‘65 Panhead and ‘66-‘84 FX, FL and FLH Shovelhead models.
A 3/16in ABS thermoformed seat base also features on the Drag Specialties Predator seat for FXS and FLS models, as does solar-reflective leather in the seating area and automotive-grade vinyl on the sides.
Predator seats, available in smooth or flame stitch style, fit with all Drag Specialties and most Harley-Davidson sissy bars, and all mounting hardware is included to fit the seat on ‘11-‘13 FXS and ‘12-‘14 FLS models.
Alongside its seats for H-D applications Drag Specialties also has options for Victory Motorcycles such as its Low Profile Touring seats for the Victory Hammer ‘05-‘14. The use of solar-reflective leather in the seating area and automotive-grade vinyl on the sides is claimed to reduce surface temperature by as much as 25 degrees for a cooler seat, higher durability and longer life than conventional leather or vinyl. The seat also has flexible urethane foam for maximum comfort.
The seat can be used with or without driver backrest, while the 3/16in ABS thermoformed seat base with carpeted bottom protects the bike’s paint. All mounting hardware is included with the seat, which is available in a choice of mild or flame stitch pattern.
DRAG SPECIALTIES
Janesville, Wisconsin, USA
Tel: 608 758 1111
drag@dragspecialties.com
www.dragspecialties.com
PARTS EUROPE
Wasserliesch, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)6501 9695 0
sales@partseurope.eu
www.partseurope.eu
Bolt-on Sportster trike conversion kits
PAUGHCO’S new trike conversion kit has been designed for the Sportster. The custom swingarm and rear axle pieces used in the conversion kit bolt directly in place of the stock swingarm assembly and utilize the stock belt or chain, depending on model. Once fitted all that is needed is a choice of GM 5 x 4.75 bolt pattern wheels and tires.
The rear axle assembly used in the Paughco kit features a 70T 1-1/2in wide belt pulley or
51T chain sprocket, brake rotors, chrome four-piston calipers and limited slip differential. The stock shocks bolt directly to the new swingarm and OEM shock mounts. Rear axle assemblies are finished in black powdercoat and the swingarms are shipped as raw steel.
Paughco Trike swingarms are offered for XL models ‘86-’10, and the axle assemblies can be ordered for both chain and belt applications.
PAUGHCO
Carson City, Nevada, USA
Tel: 775 246 5738
info@paughco.com
www.paughco.com
Twin Tec tuner for J1850 Bus equipped models
DAYTONA Twin Tec’s newest fuel injection controller has been created specifically for use on Twin Cam Touring models from ’08-’13 that have the J1850 Bus. The TCFI Gen 6 unit from Daytona Twin Tec is a fully programmable plug-in replacement for the 73-pin controller with J1850 Data Bus used on Touring models with electronic throttle control.
The company states that the controller is the only system that offers real-time and continuous auto-tuning with monitoring, control and override capability. In addition it is also the only one to feature built-in extended data logging to help diagnose real world problems. The Data Flash memory stores 60 minutes of operating data at 10 samples/seconds.
While not legal for sale or use in California or on pollution controlled vehicles, Daytona Twin Tec offers the controller in ‘Alpha N’ or ‘Speed Density plus’ additional versions for turbo and supercharged applications.
DAYTONA TWIN TEC
South Daytona, Florida, USA
Tel: 386 304-0700
allen@daytona-twintec.com
www.daytona-twintec.com
Exhaust options from SuperTrapp
SUPERTRAPP has a crossover conversion available for 2010 Street Glide and Road Glide models that allows users to turn the OEM 2-into-1 exhaust into a 2-into-1-into-2. The company’s crossover conversion, which connects to the stock head pipe and keeps the OEM catalytic converter in place, crosses under the frame. Heat shields are included with the Crossover conversion, which is compatible with all of SuperTrapp’s Bagger slip-ons including SuperTrapp Stout 4in slip-ons, Kerker Stout 4in slip-ons, SE Series Kerker slip-ons, Internal Disc Series, Megaphone Series, FatShots and Mean Mothers slip-ons.
Under the Kerker name SuperTrapp has the 2-into-1 SuperMeg system for Dyna models, which is said to shift the power curve to the top end, providing high rpm power. This system includes a 2.5in non-baffled mechanical core, with the core and packing rebuildable. The Kerker 2-into-1 SuperMeg is available in chrome or black and the black version features a black chrome head pipe and black ceramic coated heat shields and muffler body.
Kerker 2-into-1 SuperMegs fit ’91 – ’14 Dynas, 230 and 250 wide tire customs, ’84 – ’14 Softails, ’04 – ‘13 Sportsters and ’85 – ’14 Baggers.
The Kerker Imposter pipe can also be added to the system by riders who want a True Dual look with the Kerker 2-into-1.
SUPERTRAPP INDUSTRIES, INC.
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Tel: 216 265 8400
sales@SuperTrapp.com
www.SuperTrapp.com
Roaring Toyz Pin Stripe package kit
ROARING Toyz is now offering the parts in its Pin Stripe Series as a complete package for ‘08-13 Harley-Davidson Touring models.
The Pin Stripe Series of parts are CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum, before being anodized black and then re-machined. The company also offers the parts with a chrome finish.
The complete package for Baggers is made up of front and rear floorboards, clutch and brake levers, which are profiled like the stock levers, but have finger steps for comfort on long rides, ignition switch cover and front brake reservoir cover.
ROARING TOYZ
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Tel: 941 953 4423
robert@roaringtoyz.com
www.roaringtoyz.com
.jpg)
