‘Reaper’ Chubby bars for Baggers
Those looking for the “ultimate custom 1.25” handlebars for their Bagger” should check out Wild 1’s Chubby Bagger ‘Reaper’ bars.
Combining maximum comfort with a flatter wrist angle and attitude, these Chubbys ”not only make your bike look badass, but you sit up straighter and feel way better riding,” says Nate Schultz. The Chubby Bagger ‘Reapers’ come in sizes of 10, 12, 14 and 16” and, like all Chubbys, are drilled for internal wiring.
“They are made with the same double wall construction as all our other Chubbys with 1.25” diameter tubing. We take special care in the manufacturing process to make sure the inside corners are smooth, so the electrical doesn’t get hung up during installation (no shredding wires!). They are designed to lean you back on your ride and give you a much more comfortable wrist angle than stock.”
The 10” works with stock cable lengths on 2014 and up Baggers. They’re available in show chrome, satin black powder-coat or a raw finish. The Bagger ‘Reaper’ Chubby has been designed to fit all H-D Bagger models. All Wild 1’s products are 100% made in the USA since 1996.
WILD 1 INC.
www.wild1inc.com
www.chubbyhandlebars.com
XL racing style swingarm
German customizer Fred Kodlin has introduced a large range of Sportster styling parts, including a Cafe Racer style rear fender and racing style rear fender. Added to his racing line for Sportsters, this racing swingarm accommodates 200 rear tires on Sportsters from 2004 and up. It comes black powder-coated with rear stainless steel axle, axle adjusters and TÜV approval.
Custom Chrome Europe, Germany, www.custom-chrome-europe.com
Magnum XR handlebar installation kits
Upstate New York based specialist Magnum Shielding Corporation unveils its new XR Handlebar Installation Kits, which feature a great fit and excellent quality at an economical price. Magnum offers the “convenience of easy to order part numbers (by application and handlebar heights) with everything needed for installation included right in the kit.”
XR installation kits are available for popular ABS and non-ABS Harley-Davidson motorcycles with 12” to 17” ape-hanger style handlebars installed and can be ordered either through Drag Specialties or directly from Magnum.
Two color combinations are available - OE black vinyl or clear coated stainless steel - with both featuring highly polished, chrome plated fittings.
All XR (which stands for ‘extreme response’) brake lines use an enhanced construction of heavy gauge stainless steel embedded in a tough, abrasion resistant nylon outer jacket that provides “outstanding durability and a superior braking response for safe riding.”
Magnum says that these brake line assemblies are not generic or universal style plumb together lines, but rather complete brazed assemblies that duplicate OE style fitments’ optimal appearance and easy no hassle professional installations. They are designed to exceed all DOT FMVSS-106 requirements for safe on-road use.
The stainless steel braided control cables are coated with a clear PVC non-yellowing jacket. As with the OE style black vinyl cables, both styles offer “exceptional protection” for paint or chrome. All cables have a low-effort, high-efficiency design that meets or exceeds all OE specifications for fitment, construction and endurance.
The kits include throttle and idle cables or throttle-by-wire extensions, clutch cable or XR hydraulic clutch line, XR brake lines, copper crush washers, hardware, turn signals and switch wiring extensions.
Noted in the market for premium Sterling Chromite and Black Pearl braids, Magnum’s General Manager, Tom Vierthaler, told AMD that “these new XR Installation Kits are the first economically priced kits we have ever offered, and given our reputation for accurate kit length fitments, this is nothing short of a home run for the industry.”
Company Founder and Owner Scott Hurwitz added that “while the pricing is easy on the wallet, there’s no compromise on quality. These kits offer all the performance, function and fitment attributes that our popular ‘Designer Series’ kits are known for, and are backed by the same warranty policy.”
MAGNUM SHIELDING
www.magnumshielding.com
‘Shortshots Staggered’ for 2018 Softails
Available for the 2018 Softail Street Bob, Low Rider, Slim, Deluxe, Heritage and Fat Bob, Californian manufacturer Vance & Hines describes their ‘Shortshots Staggered’ as a “timeless classic” and that their ”clean, compact lines transform the Milwaukee-Eight Softail into a ready-to-go custom.”
With what the company describes as an “aggressive hot rod sound” and “sleek” one-piece full coverage heat shields, ‘Shortshots Staggered’ are available in blue-proof chrome or matt black, with two optional levels of quiet baffle available.
These exhausts will not fit the 2018 Softail Fat Boy or Breakout.
VANCE & HINES
www.vanceandhines.com
‘Red Shift’ bolt-in M-8 cam boosts power “right where you ride”
Noted performance Elkridge, Maryland, based specialist Zipper’s has added to its popular ‘Red Shift’ performance cams program with their 468 bolt-in grind for 107” and 114” Milwaukee-Eights.
Said to deliver “significant power improvements and throttle response right where you ride, the ‘Red Shift’ 468 is designed to complement the M-8 heads’ high intake flow, while its unique design overcomes the restrictive exhaust port for big gains in both torque and horsepower.”
The 468 “provides instant acceleration below 2,000 rpm while pulling strong to 6,000, really shining in the 2,000-4,000 rpm cruising range. Cranking compression is unchanged for easy starting, and the proven proprietary ‘Red Shift’ cam’s ramp design delivers quiet operation and longer valvetrain life.”
ZIPPER’S PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
www.zippersperformance.com
MAG’s capital and debt restructuring designed to allow it to “exploit growth opportunities”
By AMD Magazine Editor-in-Chief Robin Bradley
The news that the Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) was eliminating approximately $300 million in debt through the Chapter 11 process (November 15, 2017) sent shockwaves around an already nervous industry. The Company’s release that announced the news was quite detailed and transparent, but that didn’t stop the rumor mill going into overdrive, with some online media outlets rushing to “false and dramatic conclusions rather than reporting the facts.” MAG is clear that it is “undergoing a balance sheet restructuring, not an operational one.”
I followed up on my February 2017 interview with MAG CEO Andy Graves a week later to add some context to the story.
Back in February, when I interviewed him at the Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice Dealer and Brand Expo in Texas, I did so in the context of industry rumors about the Group’s viability at that time following a round of cost control measures in the late summer of 2016.
In February one of the first questions I put to him was whether or not the company was trading profitably. He assured me that the business was profitable at that time. So, after the initial industry noise about the recent filings had calmed down somewhat, that was again the first questions I put to him.
“Absolutely,” was Graves’ immediate response. “In fact, if we were not profitable, then we wouldn’t have been able to put together this kind of capital restructuring plan at all.
“When Lacy Diversified Industries (LDI) bought MAG and merged it with Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice in early 2014, the motorcycle parts and accessory market had two or three years of growth under its belt. At that stage the motorcycle industry was one of many specialty leisure based consumer markets to have seen some recovery, and the widespread expectation at that stage was that, even if modest, there would continue to be at least some form of growth in the years ahead.
“Based on those judgements, LDI financed the transaction with a fairly high leverage. It is only ever with the benefit of hindsight that such judgements can themselves be judged. As everybody now knows, the three years since then simply have not seen that growth sustain.
“The company could have continued to manage through to the 2020 and 2021 due dates on its long-term debt, but given what we have all been seeing in the market this year, the decision was taken to use this off-season to act now and restructure that debt in such a way that the company could continue to meet whatever market conditions lay ahead.
“This recapitalization of our balance sheet is designed to make sure that we are sufficiently well financed to ensure job security for out valued team members, and that the business can continue to pay its way and to exploit the undoubted growth opportunities that it has. We have a fantastic line-up of products, a very talented and dedicated team, and even in a down market, we will now be able to make the investments needed to help our brands, vendors and dealers prosper.
“The filing is based on a financial transaction that will reset our capital structure. It is one that will have very little effect on our day-to-day operations – certainly very little negative impact.
“There will be no layoffs arising from this, it is business as normal. The maximum possible level of vendor payables as permitted by the courts will be met, and that is something we are going to be petitioning the courts hard to allow us to maximize.
“The structure of the deal is a a debt for equity swap. This means that certain of MAG’s lenders will be trading our existing debt, the roughly $300 million, for equity in the reorganized Company. In other words, these lenders will be the new owners of MAG upon emergence. In addition, this same group of lenders is providing additional financing as a show of support and belief in MAG. Without this debt, our balance sheet is stronger and MAG is poised for growth.
“This means that LDI, Leonard Green & Partners (LGP) and the other legacy stake holders will no longer be a part of the ownership equation. In taking the hit, LDI and LGP are taking responsibility for the judgements they both made at the time of the merger.
“It is precisely because of the profitability of our trading position and the positive cash-flow generation position of the business that the new owners have been enthusiastic to provide us with this solution.”
“Moving forward, the business has the necessary capital to transition through the process and will have a substantially improved capital reduced debt position once it emerges.”
Graves thinks that the somewhat less than $50m of long-term debt that the company will be left with is a “perfectly manageable sum for a business of this size” and says it will form part of the asset backed revolving line of credit that the business has access to for funding day-to-day operations.
“In fact, the available line of asset backed credit we will have access to will go up to $115m, so we are well equipped to fund operations and make strategic decisions.
“Post restructuring we’ll have gone from $400m of debt, $350m of which was term debt, to less than $100m of debt in total. That is certainly a very manageable debt structure for us and it removes the burden that restrained us.
“In the meantime, we have access to $125m of court approved Debtor In Possession (DIP) financing to fund ongoing operations.”
Some of the wilder internet reports had suggested that MAG may have filed under the pressure of total indebtedness approaching $1 billion, but Graves is keen to assure the market that this is far from true and explains that a look at the petitions supports this fact.
“Unfortunately, a blogger took all of the petitions and added the liabilities numbers together which is where the incorrect figure came from. That approach, is not how one get to the total liabilities number. What folks don’t understand is that this is a very transparent process, everything is public and accessible to anyone who is interested. The danger however, is assumptions made by those who are not versed in this legal process making incorrect assumptions,” says Graves.
With regard to vendor payables, Graves says that all orders placed since the November 15th petition must be paid in full pursuant to the bankruptcy code. “That is the law, and that is what we are well funded to ensure.
“In an effort to ensure our vendors are not impaired, we are asking the Court for permission to pay any outstanding amounts owed vendors prior to the filing. Any goods received by us in the 20 days prior to the petition being filed will be paid in full. Older debts are then subject to bands and percentages based on age and what the bills were for. However, we will be certain to make every effort to ensure that the maximum possible amount is paid within the limits of the law, and we will be working the discretion that the courts have. We will make sure that the courts understand that our vendor partners are critical to the interests of all concerned on a moving forward basis.”
Turning to the future, Graves is positive about the outlook. “We think the work we have done to restructure and refine our business in the past 18 months has put us in good shape in strategic terms.
“We believe we are well structured and will now be well financed for the current market environment and for that environment in the coming years.”
In which connection, Graves agrees that reasons for cautious optimism appear to be emerging. “It is impossible to put a timescale on it at this stage, but even if we are faced with a season or two of an essentially flat market, there are signs that we should have seen the worst of the decline by now. Tucker Rocky has weathered the decline in the ‘metric’ market, where we have been essentially flat in a down market. For everyone though I think the decline in the V-twin sector has reflected quite directly and quite quickly into parts and accessory sales.
“However, we are seeing some signs of improvement in some parts of the country and some parts of the market. Oil industry regional employment appears to be picking up, and farm prices have improved, so with rural areas being so important for the powersports industry, it may be that the national employment statistics and still very good macro-economic indicators point to some improvement coming soon.
“I think that Harley’s new product program will start to see their numbers improve, and that Indian will continue to grow well. There are some signs that some of the newly emerging customer groups may be going to start to migrate towards mainstream custom platforms before long too.
“I think there are more positive trends emerging in the V-twin market than we’ve seen in the past couple of years. Certainly, from our point of view, I think our brands and their product lines are well positioned for whatever lies ahead. We have great product for traditional cruiser riders, and we also have the brands that can speak to the emerging generations of consumers, too. I think we are uniquely well placed in that respect.
“That is more reason why the timing of our capital restructuring makes sense. We want to be sure that we are able to respond to whatever demand emerges and capitalize on the strengths the business undoubtedly has.”
A feature length version of Robin Bradley’s interview with MAG CEO Andy Graves will appear in the next edition of AMD Magazine.
Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited makes two-year AIMExpo commit
Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited have made a two-year commitment to exhibit at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide for 2018 and 2019. The deal will see them exhibit at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas in October 2018 (11 – 14) and then at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in September 2019.
The global parts and accessories distributor will join the greater powersports industry as “a vital addition to the annual platform that creates the opportunity for industry, dealers, vendors and media to come together in one place at one time to highlight key brands and showcase new product, conduct business, network, and address industry challenges and opportunities.
“Drag Specialties/Parts Unlimited and its host of brands extend the line-up of exhibitors represented at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide as the first major distributor, a key category important for continued growth of the show.
“Parts Unlimited has deep roots in the industry and it’s pivotal to be among our peers to assess the health of the sport and industry while also creating the opportunity to make connections with new and existing dealers and vendors,” said Mike Collins, CEO. “The MIC produced event provides a highly important place for powersports businesses to come together.”
Founded in 1967 by Fred Fox, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties is the world’s largest distributor of powersports aftermarket parts and accessories and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Along with sister companies Parts Canada and Parts Europe they sell to dealerships worldwide. The company portfolio includes noted brands Thor, Icon, Moose, Z1R, Arctiva, Slippery and AMS.
“In just over five years, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide has established itself as North America’s annual gathering place for all powersports, and the addition of iconic distributor Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties signifies the platform’s value and importance for all industry constituents,” said Larry Little, Vice President and General Manager, MIC Events. “Post-show research confirms that meeting with distributors is a top reason for dealers to attend the event, and we look forward to partnering with them to expand the core value for dealers joining the greater industry in Las Vegas and Columbus.”
www.aimexpousa.com
Arnott Air Suspension: The company has extended the range of applications for its ‘Ultimate Ride’ and ‘Smooth Ride’ height-adjustable air suspension systems to include 1991 to 2017 Dyna models. Arnott’s completely redesigned line of TruAIR motorcycle air suspension kits are available in two options, ‘Ultimate Ride’ and ‘Smooth Ride’ kits. Arnott’s ‘Ultimate Ride’ kits for the Dyna feature two nitrogen charged FOX shock absorbers with optional rebound control knobs. Custom-designed for the Dyna, they replace the OE shocks on Dynas, including the Street Bob, Low Rider, Fat Bob and Wide Glide, “providing the rider with superior control, ride comfort and height adjustability.” Arnott’s patent-pending design adds a rugged Goodyear air spring, “ensuring superior ride quality and durability.” Arnott pairs the shocks with a small but powerful compressor, application-specific mounting bracket and air distribution valve block, which includes a muffler to control how fast air is released. Available in black or chrome and backed by Arnott’s Limited Lifetime Warranty; www.arnottcycles.com
Liqui Moly: Last year the German oil specialist signed an exclusive distribution deal with fast growing Corona, California based distributor MTA Distributing. Founded as Motorcycle Tires and Accessories in 1979, these days MTA is owned by Motovan of Canada and sells from warehouses in California, Louisiana, Ohio and South Carolina. In addition to its streetbike, powersports and automotive product lines, Liqui Moly offers a range of oil formulations for V-twin applications; www.liqui-moly.us
Samco Sport: Founded in the UK in 1990 at a time when there were very few manufacturers of silicone rubber goods, the Samco Sport brand of silicone hose products has become one of the “go- to” motorsports market leaders. Samco have offered silicone hoses for liquid-cooled motorcycle engines for several years, but with increasing numbers of new Harleys now adding water or water/oil cooling, Samco is now offering silicone hoses for selected Harley models and applications. Look out for a full report in an upcoming AMD Magazine edition, meanwhile full details are available from the exclusive distributor Racebikebitz; www.racebikebitz.com, www.samcosport.com
DNA SPECIALTY: The Californian wheels, front end and trike conversion parts specialist has new spoke and billet wheel designs, sizes and colors on offer this year, including a 26 inch addition to its 'Mammoth' spoke wheel line and upgrades to its Softail, Dyna, Touring and Sportster trike axle kits; www.dnaspecialty.com
Wiseco: The big news from the Mentor, Ohio based manufacturer is of its new ‘Black’ pistons for late model Harley applications featuring two new proprietary coatings, what Wiseco describes as an “industry first” ArmorFit coating on the piston skirt, and an ArmorX coating on the entire piston. Said to offer superior protection against wear, higher compression, smooth and quiet operation and maximized efficiency, they are available for M-8s and popular Twin Cam and Rushmore model engines (SE heads). ArmorX coating comes from a proprietary electrochemical process using high-strength materials that create an armor-like coating on the piston dome and ring grooves. The company’s patented Wiseco ArmorFit coating “comes from a ‘moly’ (molybdenum) based dry film. Moly is naturally a dry lubricant, providing great lubricating qualities, even in the presence of zero liquid lubricators”; www.wiseco.com
J.W.Speaker: The Germantown, Wisconsin based specialist’s Adaptive Series headlights “represent a genuine evolution in motorcycle headlights”, and are described as “the world’s first dynamically adaptive motorcycle headlight.” Designed to address the issues of lighting blind spots created by fixed lights when a motorcycle is leaning or cornering, they use onboard sensors and advanced electronics to calculate bank angles on a real-time basis, automatically directing the light array up or down as the motorcycle leans. The “integrated optical system” includes both an adaptive low beam as well as J.W. Speaker’s proprietary ‘ComfortLite’ high beam. Together these optics are said to provide “best-in-class foreground illumination and light above the horizon that dramatically improves operator comfort and safety for night-time driving; www.jwspeaker.com
Race Tech: Though best known for its sportsbike and race products, the Californian suspension specialist has decades of Harley-Davidson suspension development experience. With shocks and front suspension products for Sportsters, Dynas, Softails, V-Rods, Baggers and Tourers, check out the company’s gold valve cartridge emulators. Said to “transform damping rods to perform like well-tuned cartridge forks,” they eliminate “orifice” style damping, allowing for a set-up that will “absorb small bumps, increase bottoming resistance and reduce front end dive”; www.racetech.com
K&L Supply: One of the leading suppliers of equipment, tools and hard parts for the powersports industry; www.klsupply.com
