SBS Friction

SBS Indian Brake Pad Options

Leading brake pad manufacturer SBS Friction, the official brake pad of the Vance & Hines presented American Flat Track Twins Series, has fitments for late model Indian Motorcycle Scout and Big Twin models, and for prior iterations of Indian branded bikes, including for Scouts as far back as 2001 offered in either sintered or organic compounds.
The company’s H.HS is an HH rated sinter compound for front brake use that delivers a “very high performance that is formulated for low wear, high thermal stability and excellent lever feel, while keeping brake dust to an absolute minimum” according to SBS Daytona, Florida based North American Manager Chris Lyngkilde Jensen.
The H.LS is a sinter compound specifically for rear wheel use. “It has a slightly lower friction coefficient compared to H.HS, helping avoid rear wheel lock-up under hard braking.”

Chris Lyngkilde Jensen: “We look forward to the launch of the FTR 1200 street version so that customers can reap the benefits of our work in the American Flat Track series”

High tech H.CT is a carbon based high performance compound, also HH rated and compatible with polished and cast iron rotors for “unmatched feel and control in wet or dry conditions.” It is manufactured with NUCAP NRS technology, which secures an unbreakable mechanical bond between backing plate and friction material.
Offering long life and low dust, SBS’ organic compound H.HF is formulated to be very easy on brake rotors and also manufactured with NUCAP NRS backing plate technology. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada NUCAP is a global manufacturing technology company that developed their permanent bond NRS (NUCAP Retention System) to provide safer, quieter and more cost-effective products for the braking industry.

Hundreds of steel hooks create a permanent, unbreakable mechanical bond between backing plate and friction material. The NRS mechanical attachment is widely appreciated in the braking industry for holding friction material better than any adhesive.
NRS allows brake pads to be run down to the last few millimeters of friction material, while still maintaining 100% retention, enhancing the life of brake pads and saving the rider money. NRS has earned the reputation of being “bulletproof” in its resistance to shear loads, corrosion and heat. NRS-applied pads allow friction manufacturers to engineer friction products that demonstrate an extended duty cycle by retaining overall plate/pad integrity to the absolute end of friction wear.
SBS’ Indian Motorcycle pads are branded in V-twin specific packaging “to have that exclusive visual impact.” SBS says it has the largest selection of brake pads for the Indian FTR 750 flat track bike - “as the many race teams using them have come to realize. As the official brake pad of AFT we are providing race support to all teams using SBS pads,” says Jensen. “We look forward to the launch of the FTR 1200 street version so that customers can reap the benefits of our work in the American Flat Track series.”

SBS FRICTION
www.sbs.dk

Zodiac

Zodiac additions


Bitubo Cartridge Style Front Fork Damper Kits
The advantages of the cartridge type forks that are found in most state-of-the-art sports bikes are beginning to migrate in to the custom and Harley suspension upgrade market – good kits used in the right applications provide better handling characteristics than rod-type dampers, and also offer more tuning possibilities. Italian suspension manufacturer Bitubo has created complete and easy to install fork cartridge kits that can also lower the front of the bike by up to 30 mm, depending on the application. Fork cap covers in chrome or black finish are also available.
The company’s Hypersport style single cartridge and MotoGP style dual cartridge both offer up to 30 mm lowering adjustment, 10-step adjustable preload and 20-step adjustable rebound. The MotoGP style dual cartridge also has 20-step adjustable compression. The Hypersport style is available for selected V-Rod/Night Rod and 39 mm XL1200X Forty-Eight.  The MotoGP style is also available for selected 49 mm XL forks, 49 mm Dyna and ‘14-‘16 Tourers.

TBR MX-Style Footpegs

These stainless steel Motocross style foot pegs fit mid mount controls on Dyna and Sportster models and feature rotating mounts. They are sold in sets for left and right in raw, black or polished stainless steel.

‘Combat’ Slip-Ons for M-8 Fat Bob 

 
These Freedom Performance ‘Combat’ slip-ons for FXFB and FXFBS Fat Bob are said to be easy to install direct bolt-on mufflers in 4 ¼” (114 mm) diameter that fit on the stock headers. They are available in all chrome, all black or chrome with black tip.

S&S M-8 Cam Plate and Oil Pump Kits
S&S cam plates and oil pumps are precision machined from billet aluminum and finished in anodized blue. The cam plates feature removable passage plugs for servicing and a steel plate to protect the plate body from the steel oil pump rotors.
S&S oil pumps have independent scavenge sections for flywheel cavity and cam chest, debris screens in both scavenge pickups, and a magnet in the cam chest to help prevent debris from entering pump.
There is an adjustable pressure relief valve that can be adjusted with the oil pump mounted in the engine and Zodiac says that S&S’ designs result in increased flow capacity on both feed and scavenge side. The cam plate and oil pump are supplied as complete and ready to install kits for 2017 to present water-cooled and oil-cooled M-8s.

Pingel All Electric Up/Down Shifter Kits for 2018 Softails
These all electric up/down shifter kits by Adams, Wisconsin based Pingel Enterprises are designed to deliver simple push button throttle “on”, clutchless up and down shifting for 2018 M-8 Softails - with clutch use only required for starting and stopping.
The kits include a dual button handlebar control, a chrome plated shift cylinder, bolt-on shift cylinder support bracket, a state of the art control module that quickly and reliably interacts between the button control and shift cylinder, and the ignition interruption module.
Available for 2018 FXFB and FXFBS Fat Bob, FLFB and FLFBS Fat Boy, FXBR and FXBRS Breakout, FLHC and FLHCS Heritage, FXBB Street Bob and FXLR Low Rider.

Rick’s Breakout Headlight Shroud

 
Zodiac thinks the headlight on the M-8 Softail Breakout “looks a little as if the Harley design department was not ready before the bike went into production” - so what to do? Rick’s Motorcycles in Germany has this fiberglass shroud that “hides the ugly back of the stock headlight and upgrades the total look of the front end.” Easy to bolt on, it comes in a white gel coat finish.

Müller M-8 Softail Lowering Kits

These patent-pending, TÜV approved, German designed and made Müller Motorcycle M-8 Softail specific lowering kits are “infinitely adjustable” for up to 35 mm of lowered riding height. They come with needle bearing installed and do not require the damper rod to be shortened.
They fit the stock remote adjustable rear shock on 2018 to present FLDE Deluxe, FLFB and FLFBS Fat Boy, FLHC and FLHCS Heritage, FLSB Sport Glide, FLSL Slim, FXBR and FXBRS Breakout, FXFB and FXFBS Fat Bob, with model specific versions for the FXBB Street Bob and FXLR Low Rider.

Brass Balls XL Skid Plates

Oklahoma based Brass Balls’ Sportster skid plates are more than a rock guard – “they are a full blown armor for the underside of the bike in 1/8” thick aluminum that runs the length of the underside of the bike. Contoured to follow the smooth lines of the chassis, the speed holes provide weight savings as well as allowing fluids and debris to escape. Available for 1996-2003 Sportster, featuring exposed welds and 2004 to present Sportsters with smooth side walls.




ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV
www.zodiac.nl

Arnott Motorcycle Air Suspension

Arnott Certifies Ultimate Ride Kits for 2018 Touring models

Merritt Island, Florida based Arnott Motorcycle Air Suspension has announced that it has certified its adjustable air suspension Ultimate Ride Series kits for 2018 Harley-Davidson Touring models. 

Custom-designed for the Touring series, Arnott says the kits have “thoroughly tested for fitment and ride quality on multiple Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide and Electra Glide and CVO models.
Featuring nitrogen charged FOX shock absorbers and a powerful air compressor, Arnott says that “unlike some kits which use castoff auto parts for every motorcycle, Arnott kits are specifically engineered for each make, model and year of supported motorcycles. The testing process assures customers that when fully deflated, the kit won't allow the fender to rub against the bike's rear tire, provides optimum ride quality over a wide range of road conditions and fits the motorcycle perfectly, enabling a fast and flawless installation.
“We design and handcraft our air suspension systems specifically for motorcycles, ensuring each product exceeds the highest standards in quality, functionality and safety. Our Ultimate Ride Series not only lower the motorcycle for ease and comfort, but are ideal for riders looking for exceptional ride quality, reduced bottoming, and the ability to ride longer without feeling 'beat up' by the road.”
The system features FOX street performance, gas-charged monotube shocks with an internal floating piston, optimized model-specific ride, using FOX's proprietary high-flow deflective disc, velocity-sensitive damping, 1.5-inch 6061-T6 aluminum hard body with a 1/2-inch low friction, super-finished hard chrome shaft, multi-ply Goodyear air bladder for height adjustability and air spring firmness, a powerful compressor with application-specific mounting hardware, handlebar-mounted inflation control switch and optional rebound control to enable the rider to adjust the shocks' internal damping (available in black or chrome) with matching black or chrome handlebar-mounted inflation switches.

ARNOTT AIR SUSPENSION
www.arnottcycles.com

Harley-Davidson

H-D Q2 - Profits Down as Steel Tariffs Start to Bite but "Hold That Thought"

In what appears to be a clear effort to prevent some new announcements from being overshadowed by its second quarter financial results, Harley-Davidson announced on July 24 that there will be a second press release, slide presentation and stake holder conference call on Monday July 30 in which the company will address the so far unknown impacts of its January 2016 “Next 10 Years” initiative announcements with a further series of “Accelerated Strategy For Growth” plans.

 
The company is adamant that the new announcements will be consistent with is previously unveiled plans. Those plans are summarized as growing ridership by at least 2 million new riders through training, launching 100 new models in 10 years, increasing international sales volume to 50 percent of production, and to do all this “profitably and sustainably” while keeping investor returns within the top quartile of S&P 500 performance.
However, it is clear that the new details will be a response to the so far lacklustre impacts that its plans have had on sales and will be targeting some kind of acceleration in and details of new product plans, achieving broader consumer access (“meet customers where they are now and how they want to engage with a multi-channel retail experience”) and deliver “stronger dealers” - driving a “performance framework to improve our dealer financial strength and the Harley-Davidson customer experience.”
The take-aways from this appear, first of all, to be senior management dissatisfaction with the performance (stating quite clearly that it wants “stronger dealers”) and (probably) the location of existing dealerships - the absence of urban and metropolitan consumer access has been an issue for some years. Secondly, the company plans moves (maybe ahead of MY2019 announcements?) to add some flesh to the bone in terms of at least one but possibly all of its immediate, medium and long-term product (platform?) plans.
 
“accelerated strategy for growth”
to be announced July 30

Matt Levatich, President and Chief Executive Officer, told investors that Harley needed “new types of products and channels” in drawing on the firm’s 115-year legacy and the vision of the founders may have been alluding to the long-rumored Adventure Tourer project.

Matt Levatich, President and Chief Executive Officer, told investors that Harley needed “new types of products and channels”

Either way, the company is making it sound like there is something more to come next week than simply an update on its E-bike plans, and references to a “multi-channel retail experience” may presage the introduction of an online ordering, dealer delivery program.
The company says it intends to “leverage core strengths in the business, brand and dealer network” (suggesting that the churn in the dealer network seen in the past 36 months has not been an entirely unwelcome factor in the long-term evolution of the dealer network as far as management is concerned) and “invest in opportunities that inspire increased ridership sooner and deliver sustainable growth for the future” (acquisitions anyone?).
Asked if the company felt there was a disconnect between its apparent marketing success in terms of social media metrics and the stubbornness of sales to outperform the market, Levatich emphatically thought not.
Further asked about the reaction in Europe to Harley’s decision to “eat” the approximate $2,200 average on-cost of the increased tariffs imposed by the EU, he said the reaction among dealers had been universally positive and that the fact that the company would back their commitment to Harley in this way “made them very proud” to be associated with Harley. Conversely, he said that the general reaction among U.S dealers to seeing some production transitioning overseas had been phlegmatic – he said that for the most part domestic dealers appeared to understand that the company “had to do what’s best” to keep itself healthy.

“stronger dealers”

As it happens, Harley’s Q2 Fiscals have not, actually, been as bad as many had feared. Domestic U.S. unit sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 were down by -6.3 percent, with Harley’s retail sales now nearly tracking the wider market atrophy at -6.4 percent for the quarter (46,490 units) for a second quarter in-class market share of 48.4 percent and -8.7 percent (75,800 units) YTD for a 49.2 percent share so far this year (-0.4 percent). Motorcycle shipments for Q2 were 72,593 units and 136,537 for the calendar YTD. Overall global retail sales were down by -3.6 percent for the quarter.
Harley continues to work on managing inventory levels (dealer inventory was down by some 14,100 units in Q2), saying that doing so continues to deliver the intended results in terms of profits and MRSP maintenance as it plows the ground for MY2019 models.
Levatich is quoted as stating that “our results in the second quarter reflect business performance that is in line with our expectations. With the focus of every employee and dealer, we are making progress building the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders in line with our long-term objectives. Our manufacturing optimization, demand-driving investments and commitment to manage supply in line with demand remain on target and continue to strengthen our business.” 

Harley says it has not yet decided where production of bikes for Europe will be based, but did confirm that materials and inventory are now being built up in Thailand for a previously scheduled ramp-up of production there before the end of this year

The importance of Harley’s international ambitions and the decision about where it will build bikes for European customers (in response to the tariffs farrago) were underlined by their Q2 international results.
While sales in Asia Pacific and Canada remain challenged (Japan and Australia have been notably soft for Harley in the second quarter), the welcome news is that Latin American sales are up (thanks largely to growth in Brazil and Mexico), and in Europe (EMEA) sales were +3.6 percent for the quarter and are tracking at +4.8 percent YTD, giving Harley an improved market share of 10.4 percent. 

“meet customers where they are now”
 
Harley says its European performance is being driven by “strong Softail sales,” and the addition of another 12 international dealers can’t have hurt as the company continues its plan to have added some 150 – 200 new dealers internationally in the four years to 2020.
The effects of inventory management can be seen in the fact that total revenue (at $1,525.1 billion) was “only” down by -3.3 percent despite -11.3 percent lower shipments. YTD revenue was $2,889.1 billion; the average motorcycle revenue has increased “behind favorable mix, higher pricing and favorable currency exchange.”
The 2018 motorcycles segment gross margin is down somewhat on 2017 at $532.1 million (34.9 percent of revenue) for the second quarter and $1,005.9 billion (34.8 percent of revenue) YTD due to higher steel and aluminum costs, among other factors.

American Flat Track Twins

Jared Mees Just Keeps On Winning – this Time at the Minneapolis X Games

When it rains it pours, they say, and for Jared Mees the wins just keep pouring in. The latest in a now formidable collection of victories this season - nine of eleven so far in 2018 American Flat Track Twins presented by Vance & Hines - came in Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing at the X Games Minneapolis.

Photo Credit: Andrea Wilson

Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle Rogers Racing SDI Scout FTR750) was nearly perfect on the short track built inside US Bank Stadium, winning his Heat, Semi and Main event in dominating fashion. He got good starts, grabbed his leads early and rode fast and mistake-free to secure his second X Games gold medal – his first coming in 2016.
For a while it looked as though Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Roof-Systems of Dallas/Harley-Davidson XR750) might steal Mees’ thunder in the Main, which featured just six riders – Mees, Carver Jr., Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XR750), Jake Johnson (No. 5 Estenson Racing/McCandless Truck Center Harley-Davidson XR750), Briar Bauman (No. 14 Zanotti Racing Indian Scout FTR750) and Kenny Coolbeth Jr. (No. 2 Nila Racing, Columbia Avionics Indian Scout FTR750).

Carver took the holeshot at the start and looked to have the speed to stay ahead of Mees on the egg-shaped, eighth-mile indoor track. But Carver ran wide when Mees pressured him up the inside on lap five, and as he looked over his shoulder and tried to regain the line, Mees, Bauman and Halbert passed him – and Carver Jr. found himself fourth, and floundering.
From then on it was another stellar Jared Mees performance – leading the remainder of the 15-lap Main solidly while keeping an eye on Bauman behind him in second place. Bauman, who recovered quickly from a last-place start, put in a mid-race challenge, sticking right on Mees’ rear Dunlop and looking like he might pressure the reigning AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines champion – and close friend – into a mistake. But it wasn’t to be. Mees rode without error and slowly pulled away to a comfortable margin at the end.
Factory Harley-Davidson pilot Sammy Halbert ran strong behind Bauman on the Vance & Hines XR750, and made a dramatic, last-lap/last-corner attempt to steal the runner-up spot with a typically aggressive ‘Slammin’ Sammy’ move. But Bauman didn’t give Halbert much room, and the Washington native lost the front in the loose dirt and went down, letting Johnson by for third, followed by Carver Jr. and Coolbeth Jr., Halbert came home sixth.
A revitalized and Indian-mounted Bauman finished second, 1.3 seconds behind Mees, and seemed comfortable on both the bike and the slick, tricky circuit.
Indian Motorcycle factory rider Brad Baker was involved in a crash during Sunday's practice session and was unable to participate in the event.
Next up for the stars of American Flat Track is the Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle on August 5th and Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers on August 7th.

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle and Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Partner on U.S. National Display and Test Ride Tour

Indian’s Cruisers, Baggers and Touring models are to go coast-to-coast in the United States to reach riders at events and dealerships across the country. 

Partnering with Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, the Indian Motorcycle demo tour will travel to key events and dealerships around the United States to provide riders the opportunity to test-ride Indian motorcycles. The demo tour will visit nearly every Indian Motorcycle dealership in the calendar year, along with 18 of the major motorcycle rallies in the U.S.; demo rides will be free of charge and riders can test as many models as many times as desired.
Indian Motorcycle on Tour is a traveling display that showcases select models at various motorcycle and lifestyle events, including boat shows, air shows, festivals and more. It allows the brands to connect with both existing and new riders in a very grassroots and approachable manner.
“We’re excited to be collaborating with Progressive on our display and demo tour,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director of Marketing and Product Development, Indian Motorcycle. “Our newly forged relationship creates a unique opportunity for riders to engage with both brands, and not only test- ride any of our 2018 models, but also learn more about Progressive’s robust coverage options.”
“As America’s #1 motorcycle insurance company, we understand the passion of the motorcycle community and its incredible excitement around the return of Indian Motorcycle over the last several years,” said Eric Doubler, Progressive’s Recreational Vehicle Business Leader. “Teaming up with Indian provides Progressive a unique platform to engage with riders across the country passionate about Indian Motorcycle and eager to check out its 2018 line-up.”

Magnum Shielding Corporation

Motorcycle Brake Lines
PART 1 - What is the Importance of DOT Compliance for Motorcycle Rider Safety to manufacturers and dealers?

This month AMD Magazine is restarting an industry informational and advisory content concept that we pioneered in the 1990s. The idea was simple enough – to leverage the knowledge and experience of leading vendors, industry experts and respected insiders in dealing with some of the market’s important technical issues. To get us started, we invited Scott Hurwitz, founder and CEO of Pittsford, New York based specialist Magnum Shielding, to discuss the complex matrix of issues that affect the design, manufacturing and engineering of brake lines – one of motorcycling’s critical components - and the importance of meeting DOT regulations …

A supplier to Harley-Davidson’s P&A program, Magnum Shielding Corporation also sells Magnum label brake hoses to the international aftermarket - to selected independent custom businesses and through our distribution partner Drag Specialties to its dealers.
No surprise then that rider safety is taken very seriously. Through vigorous process controls and quality standards, Magnum ensures compliance (for all their brake line categories) with DOT specifications and requirements as set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But what does that actually mean? Why is it so important, and how do the answers to these questions affect your business and perhaps your reputation? 

The name of the manufacturer must be clearly identified

As is the case with many product groups, DOT regulations make labeling as important to achieving full compliance as the quality of the product itself

Common questions often asked are: who determines the DOT criteria, how is it enforced, what are the requirements of DOT compliance (Part 2 of this series), and most importantly, how does this affect the dealer?
You may also wonder how to determine if the motorcycle brake lines being sold for highway use are compliant and legal, especially considering dealer liability if an accident occurs where brake line failure is claimed to be a cause or is argued to be a contributing factor. Unfortunately, the reality of our times is that the popularity of auto accident law firms and their “aggressive case capture advertising” make this an even bigger issue than ever.

Magnum Shielding CEO Scott Hurwitz: “For brake lines, the standard is FMVSS-106 and this standard specifies and defines labeling and performance requirements for vehicle brake hose and brake hose end fittings”

So, let’s start with the governing agencies that are running the show.
The NHTSA is an arm of the Department of Transportation (DOT). NHTSA’s mission is to “Save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes.” As part of its activities, they write and enforce the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) covering basic safety equipment (e.g. tires, headlamps/tail lamps, and brake hoses and brake hose assemblies.)  For brake lines, the standard is FMVSS-106, and this standard specifies and defines labeling and performance requirements for motor vehicle brake hose and brake hose end fittings.
The purpose of this standard is to reduce deaths and injuries occurring as a result of brake system failures from pressure loss due to leaks or ruptures. It is assumed that if a manufacturer’s brake hose assemblies meet this standard, by virtue of passing all the numerous testing criteria defined in the standard, then they will have done their due diligence and the brake lines will be safe to use.
Interestingly enough, the FMVSS-106 standard establishes performance requirements, without dictating design specifications. This is left entirely to the manufacturer of the brakes lines. However, it is illegal to market a product that does not conform to the safety standard or would take a vehicle out of compliance with it. If a product is covered by an industry FMVSS standard, NHTSA anticipates the product complies, otherwise, the company may risk product liability exposure, and NHTSA could deem the product to be unsafe.
Brake line manufacturers and importers selling assemblies intended for street driven motorcycles are required to register with NHTSA, given that such products are “covered by an FMVSS.” NHTSA then assumes “self-certification” and assigns manufacturers identification numbers associated with their chosen “Symbol” and places the company in their Manufacturer Database.
At this point, NHSTA or DOT does not “approve” the brake lines for use on licensed vehicles, neither does it require submission or proof of any documentation regarding the safety of these aftermarket parts, unless triggered by an incident or event.
Then, NHTSA has the authority to conduct an investigation and order a product removal from the marketplace should the product be found not to comply with the Safety Standard. This includes the removal of previously installed brake lines.  Given this, it would be prudent to determine if the brake lines you are currently selling are indeed compliant.  

Using multiple PLC controlled pressure testing stations such as the one shown above, all brake hose assemblies are pressure and flow tested as part of Magnum's quality control procedures. This added step further supports Magnum Shielding's commitment to providing safe and compliant products under the guidelines of FMVSS.

 

Sometimes the words “For Off-Road Use Only” are seen on packaging. Is this a legal term? Surprisingly, “off-road” and “off-road vehicles” are not terms defined in NHTSA regulations and therefore have no legal meaning. All it really means is that the manufacturer cannot control or enforce how the product will be used.
Simply put, brake lines are subject to the FMVSS, and if they are manufactured to replace equipment covered by the FMVSS, especially if they have published fitments for specific year/model on-road motorcycle (motor vehicle) applications, then the brake lines are legally required to be compliant.
With so many choices available for motorcycle brake lines, it’s not surprising to find that many are not compliant with FMVSS-106 motor vehicle safety requirements.  Dealers must be aware that in the event of a braking related accident, they may be deemed negligent for selling and/or installing an “off-road” product for a licensed motor vehicle.
So, how would one know if the brake lines, formally referred to as brake hose assemblies, are FMVSS-106 compliant?  The easiest way is to look on the product packaging for mention of DOT FMVSS-106 compliance. Another means of checking is to look in manufacturer and/or distributor catalogs for product descriptions.  Because DOT compliance is such a huge deal, not to mention a well-earned accomplishment, for marketing purposes, one would think that any savvy manufacturer’s or marketer’s catalog ad copy will surely make mention of compliance.
However, the best way to know for sure is to look for the proper identification, or “labeling”, on the brake hose assembly itself. There are three options manufacturers have to accomplish this:

Option 1
A band may be attached so as to move freely along the length of the assembly. It shall be etched, embossed, or stamped with both the symbol DOT and the manufacturer’s designation or symbol.

Option 2
The brake hose may be labeled directly in block capital letters and numerals with the symbol DOT, the manufacturer’s designation or registered symbol, the date of manufacture, the outside diameter (OD) of the hose, and HR to designate its volumetric expansion rating.

Option 3
At least one end fitting of the hydraulic brake hose assembly is etched, stamped or embossed with a designation that identifies the manufacturer and is filed with NHTSA.

Stripes
Stripes are also included in DOT labeling requirements and must be placed on the brake hose parallel to its longitudinal axis to prevent twisting during assembly and installation.  If you do not see this printed stripe on an aftermarket assembly, the brake line is not FMVSS-106 compliant. Per the Standard, aftermarket assemblies are NON-OEM hose assemblies, and torque stripes are required.

Exception
The only exception to this labeling rule is if the brake hose is OEM and manufactured for use only in a brake line assembly whose end fittings prevent its installation in a twisted orientation. 

Some manufacturers’ brake lines are TÜV approved.  Basically, this means that a TÜV station or department (Technical Inspection Association) provides European accreditation by overseeing compliance with domestic and international guidelines, standards and directives. In this case, they oversee the process of testing and documentation associated with DOT FMVSS-106 criteria.
The takeaway from this article is that DOT FMVSS-106 compliance matters and is the primary way to ensure the safety of the rider, given that brake lines are integral to the safe operation of the motorcycle.
We at Magnum Shielding Corporation feel that it’s important for you to know the details of what to be aware of and what to look for when ensuring the protection of both your customers’ safety and your hard-earned business.
Stay tuned for Part 2 - the tests and testing procedures that must be passed to make the finished line and achieve compliance.

MAGNUM SHIELDING
www.magnumshielding.co

SBS

New Canadian distributor for SBS Pads and Discs

SBS Friction has announced that Gamma Powersports of Orillia, Ontario is their new and currently only distributor for SBS products in the Canadian market.

Fast growing Gamma is capturing market share in Canada, and “shares the SBS business philosophy of close contact to the dealer base, and great customer service.”
Chris Jensen, SBS Brand Manager for North America says: “We welcome Gamma Powersports to the SBS family. With their hands-on approach, they will see great success with SBS, much like our distributors in Europe, South Africa, Japan and Australia always have done. We look forward to helping Gamma service dealers all over Canada and to attend their promotional events. There is no doubt that we will see growth from this new partnership.”
SBS will be the premier line of brake products at Gamma, allowing their sales reps to focus on teaching dealers the many features and benefits of SBS.

“Gamma is proud to add SBS brakes to its distribution portfolio,” said Judy Scott, Senior Buyer for Gamma. “SBS is well established in a world market and brings a great product to the Canadian marketplace. We look forward to working with SBS and growing the Canadian market.”
www.sbs.dk