Polaris

Grand Touring Model Joins Slingshot Line-Up for 2019

Polaris has updated its three-model Slingshot line-up for 2019 “delivering again on its promise to create the most fun you can have on three wheels” with the addition of the “highly popular and fully loaded Grand Touring model” making its full-time debut for model year 2019.

“The Grand Touring comes well equipped with features and accessories straight from the factory. Featuring quilted comfort seats, a color-matched Slingshade top and rear fender, tall wind deflector and Ride Command with navigation, the Grand Touring is the ultimate in comfort, style and technology.
“Since its ground-breaking introduction in 2014, the desire for a one-of-a-kind joyride has been answered by the three-wheeled, open air experience of Slingshot,” said Josh Fulkerson, Slingshot Sr. Director. “The new 2019 line-up continues to deliver a high fun factor, while elevating the overall product experience.”
Each Slingshot model packs a GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine and delivers 173 horsepower by way of a five-speed manual transmission. Starting at $19,999, the entry-level Slingshot S model comes in White Lightning with gloss black cast aluminum wheels. The SL model, starting at $25,499, is available in Black Pearl and Orion Blue.
The SL comes standard with Ride Command, a 100 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, rear view camera, a clear wind deflector, 18” and 20” front and rear cast aluminum machined wheels. “Both the S and SL feature sleek head-turning design and style ready for customization.”
Rounding out the 2019 line-up is the top-of-the-line SLR. Starting at $28,999, the SLR features a race-inspired Sparco steering wheel, shift knob and pedal covers, two-piece composite brake rotors, exclusive SLR bolstered sport bucket seat and a 20”/305 mm rear forged aluminum wheel.
SLR comes standard with Ride Command with GPS navigation, phone integration, customizable vehicle display screens and more.  Owners can personalize their Slingshots with a variety of “Slingshot Engineered Accessories” that deliver customization, interior upgrades and performance.  In 2019, Slingshot S owners can significantly upgrade the interior with Ride Command, comfort seats, Rockford Fosgate audio, wind deflector options, LED lighting and storage bags.
“Slingshot also offers its owners a color-matched Slingshade top for sun protection and rear fender for additional style and spray protection in the rain. The performance customer looking to further enhance their Slingshot, can step up with an adjustable BILSTEIN shock kit, two-piece lightweight rotors and lightweight aluminum forged wheels and tires. “

HardDrive

Rocket Cams with S&S Compression Release

Developed from years of NHRA Pro-Stock motorcycle, Bonneville land speed racing and street building experience, Chris Rivas V-Twin (Fresno, California) is confident that with its Rocket Cams “you are getting the highest quality American made camshafts for your twin cam engine.”

Available from HardDrive American V-Twin Products, Chris Rivas Signature Series Rocket Camshafts also feature the Easy Start centrifugal compression release system, licensed by S&S Cycle for easy starting with large displacement and higher compression ratios motors.
HardDrive says that “these performance cams are a bolt in application that will utilize the stock valve springs but will need adjustable pushrods and we recommend additional enhancements such as a high flow air cleaner and performance exhaust. Each is designed specifically for a particular riding style with a smooth, strong power band that kicks in right where it’s needed.”

Cams available include the Rocket 514 Cruising Style Hi-Torque Cam, with peak performance between 1500 to 5000 rpm. “With incredible low rpm pulling power the 514 is recommended for heavier bikes with compression ratios up to 9.5:1.”
The Rocket 554 is a Powerful Cruising Cam, with peak performance between 1500 to 5800 rpm. “The 554 delivers strong, above average mid-range passing power and is suited for stock 88” to 107” big bore motors with compression ratios up to 10:1.”
HardDrive says its #1 bestselling Rocket Cam is the 574 - “a powerful Street/Cruising Cam with peak performance between 1500 and 5800 rpm and above average mid-range power that works great with compression ratios up to 10:1”.
Its second most popular, the # 584 is a “hot high-lift cam for engines with displacements of 103 ci. to 110 ci. Peak performance is in the 2000 to 6000 rpm range. It delivers constant power while reducing detonation and is best used with ported heads and a minimum compression ratio of 10:1.”

HARDDRIVE V-TWIN
www.hdtwin.com

Barnett

Complete Clutch Kit for Indian

Barnett has added two clutch kits to its line-up for the 2014-‘17 Indian Chief/Chieftain/Roadmaster and 2014-‘17 Scout. 

These complete clutch kits feature Barnett’s exclusive Carbon Fiber (Chief) and Kevlar (Scout) segmented friction plates. Said to provide better oil flow for cooler clutch temperatures, they deliver smoother, more consistent performance and longer life.
Completing the kit is a set of tempered steel plates and a set of heat-treated, heavy-duty coil springs.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

Lowbrow Customs

KR Style Bolt-On Hardtails for Ironhead Sportsters

Inspired by the early Harley-Davidson looped KR style race frames, this KR style bolt-on hardtail from Brunswick, Ohio based Lowbrow Customs fits stock front frame sections on Ironhead Sportsters from 1967 to 1978. 

LowBrow’s ‘High Brow’, Tyler Malinky, a man known for assiduous attention to detail and authenticity, says “Harley-Davidson produced the KR factory race bike in 1952, and it dominated the track until production ended in 1968. Until now, KR style looped hardtail frames were unavailable.” 

Fortunately, Lowbrow Customs is known for producing original, high-quality custom motorcycle parts and this KR Style hardtail is no exception. It accepts the stock rear wheel, axle and brake, and includes axle adjusters. The unique style and simplicity of installation provide a perfect base for any Ironhead Sportster bobber, chopper or race bike build.
“Each frame is hand-made from 1” x .125” wall crew tubing with 5/16” thick axle plates and designed to bolt right up to your frame with ease. Lowbrow KR hardtails are approximately 4” stretch over stock wheelbase and 2” drop (2 inches lower than stock). Each hardtail frame section is proudly made in Cleveland, Ohio exclusively for us, to our own design.”

LOWBROW CUSTOMS
www.lowbrowcustoms.com

Bitubo

WME22V2

Italian precision hydraulic spring preload adjustment custom shock options

Founded in 1963, Italian suspension and vibration dampening specialist Bitubo entered the motorcycle suspension market in 1975 and since then has become a familiar name in the street, sportsbike and MX markets with a fine pedigree of track success and product innovation.
The brand name of ‘Bitubo’ originates from a famous pair of shock absorbers connected by two compensating rubber pipes that were an immediate hit in the paddocks of MotoGP and other race series.
Fast forward to the 21st century and Bitubo’s product for their Harley aftermarket and custom V-twin applications is gaining a growing reputation for their construction quality and race-bred technology.
An upgrade for Harleys and custom bikes, WME22V2 shocks feature stepless rebound and compact hydraulic spring preload adjustment than can be tuned manually with a simple hex tool or the optional 20 click adjustment knob that delivers 10 mm of spring preload tuning.
The shock body is constructed from high-resistance alloy steel with a CNC-machined aluminum head. The shocks are Nitrogen gas pressurized with internal oil/gas floating piston. The shock body is completely black; the piston rod is in steel alloy and the springs are in chrome silicon steel alloy and available chrome or black.

They are also available in longer and shorter hydraulic spring adjustment versions.
Also available in longer or shorter versions, the added compression tuning on Bitubo’s top-of-the-line WMT22V2 ‘Dark Edition’ custom shocks allows for a more sophisticated and precise set-up with more adjustment options, meaning the installation can be tuned to the rider’s weight and the use of the bike (two-up, luggage, urban cycle, highway cruising etc).

BITUBO
www.bitubo.com

AVON

Avon Agrees Multi Year AMD World Champion and Freestyle Class Sponsorship

Leading custom tire manufacturer AVON has signed a multi year agreement to be Freestyle Class sponsor at the 2018 and 2020 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building - the winner will be the ‘Avon World Champion Custom Bike Builder’.

 
One of the oldest motorcycle product manufacturers of any kind in the world, Avon traces its origins back to 1885. The company entered the motorcycle and sidecar tire market in 1911.
Always an avid supporter of motorsport, Avon’s dominance in motorcycle racing was historically so great that in its 1957 to 1963 ‘Glory Years’ every solo world champion, including legendary Britons John Surtees and Mike Hailwood, rode to victory on Avon motorcycle tires (Surtees remains the only man to have won World Championships on two and four wheels).

Avon traces its origins back to 1885. The company has been making tires in Melksham, England since 1905 and entered the motorcycle tire market in 1911

In the 1970s Avon’s reputation as the custom motorcycle tire of choice was cemented through its association with industry legend Arlen Ness – an early adopter of Avons for his custom builds, and still an Avon enthusiast. Avon Venoms quickly became established as the preferred option for custom bike builders worldwide.

Avon added two new Cobra Touring
front and rear fitments last year

Always noted as an innovator, with technologies such as Variable Belt Density, the inverted V-pattern and Force Following Grooves becoming widely adopted, fifteen years ago the company did much to facilitate what became known as the “Fat Rear End” boom and popularity of single sided swingarms and right-side drives as it made a series of wider tires available, including their 300 in 2003 and still popular 330 in 2004.
Avon was acquired by Cooper Tire of the USA in 1997 and investment capital did much to position the business for the 21st century. In 2007 Avon capitalized on the popularity of its Venom series tires with the launch of the all-conquering Cobra line. In the years since, Avon has added to the strength in depth of Cobra options with four additional new fitments to suit the latest Harley-Davidson Big Twin model updates added to the line as recently as January this year.

Reigning World Champion Suicide Customs from Japan marked a second consecutive World Championship in which the winner built with Avons as their tires of choice

Cobras are renowned for their distinctive tread patterns, outstanding mileage and long life. They are noted for their unique combination, super-tough construction of the kind necessary for heavy-duty custom loads and long distances, with leading sports tire technology for improved handling and performance. 

“Nurb’s”, the Avon shod BMW engined 2014 AMD World Championship winning bike by Krugger Motorcycles, Belgium

Dave Cook (Cook Customs, Milwaukee) became the first and to date only United States AMD World Championship winner with “Rambler” - shod with Avon 21-inchers front and rear

In recent years the example set by Arlen Ness has been taken up by hundreds of leading customizers and bike builders worldwide. Since its inception in 2004, more AMD World Champions, Freestyle class top twenty bikes, World Championship class winners and competitors of all kinds have favoured Avon tires than any other single tire brand - including the reigning World Champion and half of all the AMD World Championship winning bikes so far. 

Avon can expect to see
demand for its TrailRider ADV
tires grow markedly once
Harley's new Pan American
is 'in-play' in 2020

“This was the jumping-off point that made a collaboration between Avon and ‘The AMD’ compelling,” says Avon Marketing Director Michiel Kramer. “As a company Avon is proud of its heritage and as a custom bike tire market leader we are especially proud of our heritage as the tire of choice for so many of the market’s greatest and most innovative designers and craftsmen.
“The AMD World Championship has always been a showcase for that heritage, so forming an alliance was an obvious idea. We look forward to working with the AMD team and continuing to make a contribution to the outstanding work and achievements of this market’s talented and passionate professionals and amateurs alike.”
Speaking about Avon’s decision, AMD’s Robin Bradley said: “We have always been very careful about the brands and businesses we engage with, where the work of the custom bike building community is concerned. Having successfully transitioned the AMD World Championship to Europe and into the superb INTERMOT ‘Customized’ Hall 10 ‘Show-within-the-Show” at Cologne, we feel we are ready again to start allowing selected vendors to share in what “The AMD” means to custom bike builders.
“We couldn’t be happier that Avon is the first vendor we have been able to welcome into the family and know that the profile and value they will generate for our competitor community will help them to further their careers and recognition of their achievements and abilities.”

Harley-Davidson

Harley Targeting “Many Roads” Out of its Present Impasse with Dealer Strategy and 2022 Product Plan Reveal

As revealed when Harley-Davidson released its Q2 2018 Fiscals (July 24), the Motor Company subsequently unveiled what it had trailed as its “accelerated strategy for growth” announcement on July 30.
Called “More Roads to Harley-Davidson”, it is a growth plan for the period through to 2022 and adds detail to the “what next” question (following the M-8 Tourers and Softails) in the context of CEO Matt Levatich’s 10-year strategic announcements made in January 2017.

We need stronger dealers who will drive a performance framework to improve dealer financial strength and the Harley-Davidson customer experience

“In a fast-changing world with new consumer demands, these accelerated actions support Harley-Davidson’s 2027 objectives with increased focus and strategic investment to reinvigorate the U.S. business while accelerating the pace of international growth.”
Levatich states that “the bold actions we are announcing leverage Harley-Davidson’s vast capabilities and competitive firepower - our excellence in product development and manufacturing, the global appeal of the brand and, of course, our great dealer network. Alongside our existing loyal riders, we will lead the next revolution of two-wheeled freedom to inspire future riders who have yet to even think about the thrill of riding.”

‘keep current riders engaged’
 
Described as being the result of a “comprehensive, top-to-bottom assessment” incorporating a “customer first” perspective, the “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan addresses three broad strategic areas - new products, dealer strategy, and how the plan will be funded – in short, the latter is basically to fund the new products from judicious management of resources and smart fiscal governance.
The headline news is of the new products – in addition to the outcome of the ‘Project Livewire’ program resulting in new electric powered Harleys on sale at some point in 2019, the company has confirmed its long rumored entry into the Adventure Tourer market, which with a new ‘modular’ engine platform will address the calls for it to finally make its brand a significant player in the burgeoning middleweight motorcycle market, and to take the ‘Bar ‘n Shield’ into the lightweight displacement segment, especially in Asia.

“Our existing world-class dealer network is an integral part of the company’s accelerated strategy and critical to overall success”

In terms of its response to its tariff driven announcements of June though the company is still not yet ready to announce where its European inventory will be manufactured.
However, of equal significance to the new model plans is that Harley has now gone public with an insight into the frustration it clearly has been feeling with its traditional core dealer network. Whilst they are making every effort to assure its long-standing dealers, they clearly see their legacy dealer footprint as being as much of an obstacle to the skin-shedding that the company clearly needs to conduct as it is to being an opportunity for it to move forward.
Either way, Harley has responded to the pressure it has been under from many investors, analysts and commentators, to say nothing of urban dwelling potential ‘New-Gen’ consumers to start finding a way to take the brand “downtown” that is not limited to PG&A and aftershave.

In new product terms, Harley says its mission is to “keep current riders engaged and inspire new riders by extending heavyweight leadership and unlocking new markets and segments.”
In terms of addressing dealer performance, Harley states quite openly that it believes it needs “stronger dealers” who will “drive a performance framework to improve dealer financial strength and the Harley-Davidson customer experience.” 


 ‘the company’s first Adventure Touring motorcycle’

Speaking to dealer geography and to better embrace the buying transaction habits of the new consumers it needs to engage with, Harley says it is to invest in “broader access” and to “meet customers where they are,” and facilitate how they want to engage with a “multi-channel retail experience.
“We expect this plan will result in an engaged, expanded Harley-Davidson community with a more diverse rider base, along with industry-leading margins and cash flow,” says Levatich.

“Leveraging our industry-leading design and strong manufacturing capabilities, Harley-Davidson plans to offer its most comprehensive line-up of motorcycles, competing in many of the largest and fastest growing segments with a full portfolio of motorcycles across a broad spectrum of price points, power sources, displacements, riding styles and global markets.
“The highlights will include extending the company’s leadership in heavyweight motorcycles by continuing to develop improved, more technologically advanced Touring and Cruiser motorcycles that will keep existing Harley-Davidson riders engaged and riding longer.
“Introducing a new modular 500 cc to 1250 cc middleweight platform of motorcycles that spans three distinct product spaces and four displacements - starting with the company’s first Adventure Touring motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250; a 1250 cc Custom model, and a 975 cc Streetfighter model, all of which are planned to launch at the beginning of 2020. Additional models to broaden coverage in these product spaces will follow through 2022.”
 

 ‘new modular 500 cc to 1250 cc middleweight platform’

Harley also states that it is to develop “a more accessible, small displacement (250 cc to 500 cc) motorcycle for Asian emerging markets through a planned strategic alliance with a manufacturer in Asia.  This new product and broader distribution is intended to fuel Harley-Davidson’s customer access and growth in India, one of the largest, fastest growing markets in the world, and other Asian markets.”
Ambitiously, Harley also states that it intends to lead the electric motorcycle market by “launching Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire, in 2019 - the first in a broad, no-clutch “twist and go” portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport. LiveWire will be followed by additional models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride.” It is thought that these will include electric scooters and mopeds, ‘PedElecs and bicycles.
In terms of its “broader access” pledge, Harley-Davidson will “advance its market delivery approach and meet today’s customer needs by creating high-engagement customer experiences across all retail channels – including improving and expanding the company’s global digital capabilities by evolving the Harley-Davidson.com experience to integrate with and enhance the dealership retail experience for existing and new customers.
“Establish strategic alliances with global leading e-commerce providers to extend access to Harley-Davidson to a pool of millions of potential new customers” and develop “new retail formats - including smaller, urban storefronts globally to expose the brand to urban populations and drive sales of the expanded Harley-Davidson product portfolio and expand international apparel distribution.”
 
 ‘develop new retail formats’

Clearly aimed at leveraging the very different character of much of its dealer network as it plans for the mid twenty-first century, Harley’s requirement for “stronger dealers” will have to be managed in the context of its existing network. The company says that its existing “world-class dealer network is an integral part of the company’s accelerated strategy and critical to overall success.
“The company will implement a performance framework to significantly enhance the strength of the dealer network and the customer experience, enabling the best-performing and most entrepreneurial dealers to drive innovation and success for themselves and Harley-Davidson - while providing the premium customer experience the brand is known for across an increasingly diverse product and customer base.
“Harley-Davidson is iconic because we’ve never been static,” said Levatich. “In moving forward, we are tapping into the spirit that drove our founders back in 1903 and every one of the employees and dealers who rose to the challenges faced along the way.  Our plan will redefine existing boundaries of our brand – reaching more customers in a way that reinforces all we stand for as a brand and as a company, and we can’t wait to kick it into gear.”
Addressing the “funding and financials” the company says that “in addition to building riders, the company expects “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” to create more value, stabilize and strengthen the existing business, improve Harley-Davidson Motor Company Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), increase revenue and earnings, and allow the company to return more cash to shareholders.
 
 ‘meet customers where they are’

“The accelerated strategy will require significant investment to change the trajectory of the business globally, and the company plans to fund it entirely through comprehensive cost reduction and reallocation of previously planned investment and resources including operating investment through 2022 of $450 to $550 million and capital investment through 2022 of $225 to $275 million.  In total, the company plans “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” to generate more than $1 billion of incremental annual revenue in 2022 as compared to 2017.
The company says that it “believes its accelerated strategy is in line with and reinforces its objectives to drive revenue growth and expand operating margins and expects to fund strategic opportunities while maintaining its current investment and return profile and capital allocation strategy.
“Harley-Davidson’s funding principles will focus on stabilizing and strengthening the existing business, enhancing the premium brand, and investments in profitable, growth-oriented projects. We expect these principles, along with a disciplined capital allocation focus, will allow Harley-Davidson to execute with improved cost competitiveness and overhead efficiencies.”

Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG)

MAG signs Buettner and Peiser to Board of Directors

Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG), the parent company for several leading powersports brands, distributor of aftermarket products and powersports retailers (Vance & Hines, Performance Machine, Tucker Distributing, Kuryakyn and J&P Cycles among them) has named Mike Buettner interim CEO of MAG and Bob Peiser as Chairman of the MAG Board of Directors. 

 
Buettner is joining the MAG Board of Directors and serving as interim CEO until the search is completed for a permanent CEO to replace the retiring Andy Graves.
He previously served as MAG’s Chief Financial Officer and SVP of Finance and Administration from 2005-2007. His experience also includes Chairman of the Board for S&S Cycle and executive positions within Moog Automotive.
“I’m excited to come home and re-engage in the powersports market,” said Buettner. “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and establishing new relationships. As guardian of some the most iconic brands in the industry, we must support not only the brands but also the industry. 

Bob Peiser becomes Chairman of MAG after a long career in senior powersports industry management, including at America’s Powersports Inc., a leading dealership group

“While the market is going through a transformation, our strong balance sheet, growing new product pipeline, and an employee base whose horsepower is about to be unleashed, I see only exciting times ahead.”
With fifteen years of CEO experience and as many years of Board experience, MAG say that “Peiser is a natural addition to the senior leadership team as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He brings valuable knowledge from working with America’s Powersports Inc., a leading dealership group representing Harley-Davidson, Honda, Polaris, BMW and other OEMs, and strong aftermarket distribution experience.”
“Like Mike, I am excited to join MAG and look forward to working with our entire management team to serve our vendors, as well as our dealer and rider customers during the industry’s transformation,” said Peiser.

Mike Buettner returns to MAG having been Chief Financial Officer and SVP of Finance and Administration from 2005-2007. Since then his experience also has included being Chairman of the Board for S&S Cycle and executive positions within Moog Automotive

Both leaders will join the MAG team at the 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to meet dealers, vendors and customers. They will also participate in the American International Motorcycle (AIM) Expo in October.
“The addition of these experienced leaders demonstrates the investor groups’ commitment to growth via leveraging powersports expertise,” said David Robbins, a member of the MAG Board of Directors and a Managing Director of Monomoy Capital Partners, one of the company’s major shareholders.
“The fact that dealer registrations for the 2019 Tucker Dealer Show are already expected to be 20 percent higher than last year is proof that our dealer and vendor customers support our strategic direction.”
www.maggroup.com