Tech Cycle

Tech Cycle - "25 Years of Quality"

Tech Cycle Performance Products Inc. has designed and engineered isolator electric start kits for 2006 Dyna models and 2007 and up Dyna and FL models, available with a choice of a 2" or 3" wide Cyclone primary belt drive or its 530 O-ring chain drive system.
The Penndel, Pennsylvania based manufacturer is celebrating 25 years in the industry "providing quality products. We manufacture high torque gear reduction starters for all applications as well as 4-speed electric start kits for Flathead, Knuckle, Panhead, ratchet top, rotary top, 5/4, 6/4, early FXRs, 5/6 speed Evo, Twin Cam, Dyna, FL and all late models.

"During our 25 years we are proud to say that we have built a reputation for precision, reliability and quality. We have become a trusted manufacturer of H-D starters, belt drives and accessories because we understand that 'the Left Side Matters'!"
Tech Cycle Performance Products has been a pioneer, and among the first products they designed, engineered and manufactured were 4-speed and 5-speed electric start conversion kits for open primary H-D and V-twin kickstart motorcycles.
A complete line of engineered high torque, gear reduction starters for 1965-88 closed primary models followed, and once in the marketplace, the industry embraced Tech Cycle and recognized its high-performance gear reduction starters as a great starter option - especially for cranking big- inch, high-compression motors.
Over the years, Tech Cycle has expanded its product lines to include a complete line of high styled open primary belt drive systems and engine components. The product line is broad and deep - from 1936 Knuckleheads/Panheads through to Pan-Shovelheads, Shovelheads, 'Cowpies', Evos and Twin Cams right up to current H-D production. 
"We have become standard equipment on many custom bike builder and OEM offerings, and we continue to look to the future with great optimism - offering the market an ever-expanding line of products engineered for excellence.
"Our mission is to remain the leading supplier of motorcycle starter solutions worldwide through product innovation, manufacturing consistency and enhancement of customer productivity with product efficacy and service solutions."

TECH CYCLE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
www.techcycle.com

Bitubo

Bitubo 'DigiShox' Custom Kit for 2020 Softail and Touring models

Last year saw Italian suspension manufacturer Bitubo add to the applications available for its popular DS ('DigiShox') electronic suspension system with fitments for Harley models. The company now says that its R&D team have validated the system for 2020 Softail and Touring models.

Operated from a smartphone app, the DS system consists of Bitubo's proven and multi-patented ECH cartridges, its XXF rear mono shock and a Bluetooth control unit. The control display indicates the status of the settings in use from a choice of twelve available suspension tuning options.
A button allows the rider to choose the set-up that suits his or her riding style and load, while an E-lean drop sensor and a GPS sensor determine speed, with the value used to adapt the suspension's setting automatically whenever required by the rider.
The Bitubo ECH cartridge kit is equipped with hydraulic adjustment of the manual spring preload and electronic adjustment of compression and rebound. Bitubo XXF mono shocks are equipped with electronic adjustment of rebound, compression and preload. 

Bitubo says that using "the smallest and most efficient micromotors ever used by any suspension producer allow increasing the speed more than 30% compared to any other similar system. The unit is equipped with nine adjustments that are pre-set by Bitubo and not modifiable, together with three more that can be personalized by the user.
"The included color choice map is visible on the display through the choice of position 1, 2 or 3, and further personalized set-ups are available via an Apple Store or Android Market downloadable app. After downloading the app and selecting it, the user will be faced with the nine adjustments pre-set by Bitubo and the three more that are customizable to suit the user.
The user can then send his personalized set-ups through the application to the control unit via Bluetooth wireless technology. The set-ups are selectable through the handlebar selector - parked or on the go - with a system reaction time of the system of just 100 milliseconds.
The system is a 'Plug & Play' fully reversible installation.

BITUBO
www.bitubo.com

Drag Specialties

Drag Specialties Additions

Brake Parts Cleaner

This new brake parts cleaner from Drag Specialties quickly removes dirt, grease, brake fluid and grime from critical brake components. It flushes contaminants with a highly pressurized, fast-evaporating spray without disassembling the brake unit and restores smooth brake operation. Its 10% VOC formula is 50-state compliant and non-chlorinated, hexane-free and trichloroethane-free.

Predator Seats 

 
Now available for '18-'20 FLFB/FLFBS models, the Predator seat features a molded polyurethane foam for maximum comfort and styling. The ABS thermoformed seat base provides the perfect fit, while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protect the paint.  Compatible with all Drag Specialties and most Harley-Davidson sissy bars, the seat is available in high-quality automotive-grade vinyl or solar-reflective leather, which can reduce surface temperature by as much as 25°F and provide higher durability and a longer life than conventional leather or vinyl.  Mounting hardware isincluded.

Battery Cable Kits

 
Drag Specialties battery cable kits are now available for '09-'17 Softail models. These kits contain all the cables necessary when replacing OEM cables. Cables are manufactured with pure electrolytic-grade, 36-gauge tinned copper strands ensuring flexibility without sacrificing current transfer and feature 1/4" and 5/16" terminals. "Drag Specialties battery cable kits provide maximum current boost to the starter motor."

39 mm OEM-Style Fork Tubes

 
These new, highly durable 39 mm chrome fork tubes "improve seal wear, offer less drag and accept all OEM components." Tubes are sold in pairs and available in four lengths: 24.25", 24.81", 26.25" and 26.81" long. For '91-'05 FXD/FXDL, '87-'00 FXR and '87-'07 XL models (except 1200S and '00-'05 FXDX/FXDXT). 

Bullet Style Rear Turn Signal Kit

 
This Drag Specialties turn signal kit replaces the stock rear turn signals and mounting bar with bullet-style rear turn signals with amber lenses and a narrower-profile mounting bar. Kit includes 1156-style bulbs and is DOT compliant. Available in black.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com

Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts

V-Factor Gear Case Covers

Available in year/model-specific versions for Shovelhead, Evo and Twin Cam Big Twins, these V-Factor gear case covers from Hazelwood, Missouri based Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts are available chrome plated for alternator-style engines from late 1973 to 1992 (with end oiling pinion bushing) and 1993 and later Evo models, and black or chrome for 2001 and later Big Twins.

Gear case covers for Shovelhead and Evo Big Twins (1993 and up seen here)

Gear case cover for 2001 and up Big Twins

Mid-USA says that "these top quality V-Factor die-cast gear case covers are machined to exact tolerances and are complete with installed bushings and cam seal and, with the 2001 and later versions, can be used for new builds to replace a tired looking stock polished cover."

Crank position sensor

Also seen here and "an often overlooked electrical wear item," this top quality V-Factor crank position sensor fits Touring, Softail and Dyna models from 2001 and later and 2006 and up Sportsters.

MID-USA
www.mid-usa.com
www.mid-usa.ca

JIMS

M-8 Rocker Shaft and Hardware Kit

In an effort to perfect Milwaukee-Eight engine valve train geometry, while improving durability, JIMS has developed performance rocker shafts and proprietary hardware.
The rocker arm shafts are precision-machined from a low alloy nickel, chromium, molybdenum case- hardened steel. The hardware flats on the end of the shafts are held to a .0005” parallel tolerance, assuring the rocker is seated in the correct position with the pushrod cup and valve stem tip when installed correctly. 

JIMS has taken it one step further and also developed a 4130 stud and nut kit to replace the stock hardware used to secure the rocker shafts. Compared to a stock “bolt”, these JIMS manufactured studs allow the technician the assembly finesse required when torquing the rocker arm shafts on the cylinder head during engine assembly.
These shafts not only improve the stock head configuration, but JIMS says "they are a must in a performance application with increased spring pressure." Available as a set or separately.

JIMS
www.jimsusa.com

DC V-Twin Performance

M-8 High Flow Injectors

Known for enhancing the performance of Harley-Davidsons with its engine performance packages, in April this year we featured new direct bolt-in M-8 cams from Derek Churchwell's DC V-Twin Performance - cams that Derek said deliver almost a 25% gain in horsepower and 20% torque gain when coupled with an aftermarket exhaust and air cleaner.

The latest news from the Perry, Georgia based specialist is now offering high flow injectors for M-8 applications. These injectors provide a fuel delivery rate of 6.2 gps (grams per second) or 49.2 lbs per hour compared to the stock flow of 4.1 gps. This is an increase of well over 40% increased flow, "they are a must for Big Bore upgrades like the 124 and 128 ci packages we are doing for the stock 107 and 114 inchers," says Derek.
"These injectors are a direct replacement bolt in for all Milwaukee 8 engines.  If you are thinking of going to a bigger bore, porting heads or installing a larger throttle body then these injectors are what you need to get the job done."

DC V-TWIN PERFORMANCE
www.dcvtwin.com

FXR Bible

Harley-Davidson FXR Bible

Respected author Timothy Remus has a new book available - the FXR Bible.
Though the Harley-Davidson FXR may have been missing from dealerships for over twenty years, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lively interest in the bike - one that many people think is one of, if not the best machine Harley ever made. If the number of clubs and Facebook sites dedicated to the FXR is any indication, the old bike is not only alive and well, but back in vogue.
Casual riders and hard core FXR enthusiasts will find the book both entertaining and informative. The front section includes a series of short chapters: history, year-by-year changes, the FXR frame, electrical issues, drivetrain options (i.e. Twin Cam), and planning a complete build.
The heart of the book is a series of detailed features on a wide variety of mostly modified FXRs. Starting with the Shovelheads, everything is here from Café models to asphalt ripping Twin Cam powered race bikes, to over-the-top FXRTs. And yes, there are a few Dynas as well.
www.wolfpub.com

 

AMD World Championship 2020

AMD World Championship 2020 - Over 70 Bikes From 20 Countries Already Slated to Compete

Following news last month about the growth of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building's Official Affiliate event program, as we enter 2020, the year of the 14th World Championship ('AMD' XIV), there is news of further growth in the number of pre-entries for the October 2020 Championship.

At the time of writing there are still nine months to go before entries for the 'AMD' close, and there are already up to 60 'Builders' and over 72 bikes from over 20 countries (including four builders and their bikes from the USA) slated to compete in the five classes at INTERMOT Customized, Cologne, Germany, (October 6 to 11).
This is well above the comparable stage for any prior year, with 53 confirmed entries and another 19 Affiliate event winners receiving automatic entry - either for their Affiliate event winning bike or a new build – 2020 looks set to be another banner year. Plus, if 2018 is anything to go by, more than half the bikes this year will have been built specifically to make their global debut at the 'AMD'.

This year will see the first significant refinements to the World Championship class structure for a decade. The primary class from which the competitors (and selected prior competitors and VIP judges) will choose their 2020 World Champion will again be the Avon Tyres Freestyle class, and Avon are again offering free tires to builders for competing bikes.
The Modified Harley-Davidson class has been renamed Modified American V-twin class to allow Indian models that meet the criteria to compete head-to-head with Harleys for the first time.
The start-point must be a 1984 or later Harley-Davidson, or 'Gilroy', 'Kings Mountain' or later/current Indian engine and frame as the basis. The stock frame geometry must be maintained; the only modifications allowed are smoothing of welds and other moldings, sheet metal additions, tab and/or bracket relocation or removal and arising smoothings/ moldings (such as exhaust bracket relocation for example).
Swingarm/rear end changes, of any kind, including replacement swingarms, are permitted; fat or skinny rear end conversions are permitted; as is frame or rear end lowering or raising, provided the basic stock frame geometry is unchanged. Case internals can be replaced, along with cylinders, heads and internals. Turbochargers, superchargers, NOS kits etc. are permitted. Screamin' Eagle/JIMS and Gilroy Indian era S&S engine cases are permitted. Frames/cases can be from two different models (from the same manufacturer).
The Retro/Modified class is for any modified motorcycle with any drivetrain on any chassis configuration that is based on a pre-1984 engine, styled to have the appearance of a motorcycle manufactured prior to 1984. Use of some contemporary parts/design elements is permitted.

Dmitry Golubchikov of Zillers Garage was the first Russian winner of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in 2018 with 'Insomnia', a Yamaha SR 400 based masterpiece.

Entirely new for 2020, the Modified Street Custom class is for all manufacturers/brands with a 1984 or later major OEM volume production engine and frame as the start-point. The neck may be cut to rake or stretch the frame, and hard tail sections and wide tire alterations are acceptable, but the bike must be a two- or three-wheel motorcycle configuration.
Previously two separate classes, Café and Street Performance have been combined as a class designed to showcase customs where the primary intention of the customizer is to improve the street use performance of a motorcycle, and showcase the customizer's streetable performance engineering, tuning and handling skills and techniques. This class is open to all or any kind of motorcycles, of any platform or drivetrain, air-cooled or liquid-cooled (or even alternative energy) - 'metric', Whitworth/AF and SAE measure motorcycles, all kinds of performance engineering and enhancement/tuning techniques, including supercharging, turbocharging, NOS, fuel injection etc., with vintage or modern café racer, drag or sport bike styles among those permitted.
Also new for 2020 are a series of 'Cross Class' Awards - including the Detlev Louis sponsored Public Choice (as selected by public ballot) and New Energy Vehicles (NEV) - to be chosen from entries utilizing electric, hybrid, hydrogen or fuel cell power, or any other energy sources considered to qualify.
INTERMOT Customized fills Hall 10, one of the largest at the Cologne Exhibition Center complex, and one of the six halls in use for INTERMOT this year, with the 'AMD World Championship' as the center piece. Set-up day is Monday October 5th; Press Day is Tuesday 6th; Trade and Preview Day is Wednesday 7th; Public days are 8th - 11th October, with the live streamed awards ceremony at 3:00 pm on Sunday 11th.