Slamtail

Slamtail Appoints Thunderbike and Trijya

Australian suspension specialist Slamtail has appointed distributors for Europe and Japan for its M-8 monoshock Softail rear suspension lowering system.

In Europe, the company will be represented by Thunderbike in Germany, believed to be Europe's largest authorized Harley-Davidson dealer by volume and one of the European V-twin industry's most prolific custom bike builders and parts and accessory designers.
Founded, owned and still operated by Andreas Bergerforth, a one-time AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building winner (in 2012 with 'PainTTless', a thinking man's Ironhead Sportster), Thunderbike will have the monoshock Slamtail available from inventory for dealers throughout Europe.

ST5 'Slamtail' mono shock assembly

Vice-mounted spring compressor assembly for 'Slamtail' fitment,
or any work required on the M-8 Softail mono shock assembly

In Japan, the Slamtail will be available from respected Osaka based custom motorcycle engineer and parts/accessory importer and distributor Trijya Custom Motorcycles.
We first saw Slamtail in AMD in 2015 with an all-new rear suspension lowering system for Twin Cam Softail Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 1999. As an alternative to the conventional "airbag" type kits in which 'Hydraulic Rams' are used, the Twin Cam Slamtail reused Harley's OEM spring and shock units, rather than scrapping them, therefore offering better value, with the original ride quality retained and no change to damping and spring rates - the brainchild of ex-Formula 1 senior suspension design engineer Ken Rutherford (who numbers the Benetton F1 team among his impressive credentials).

Softail shown at maximum lowered height - the mechanical limit on the
replacement polyurethane bump-stop

Last year Ken stepped it up with a new design for the monoshock Softails - wide and standard frames. With the system fully raised, the ride quality and suspension travel is the same as the OEM original, and the system re-uses the OEM Showa shock unit, replacing the OEM coil spring with a bespoke high-stress steel tapered wire coil spring with a progressive rate. 

'Slamtail' mono shock ram shown at lowest height

The Slamtail-equipped bike can be ridden at any height whilst still retaining the stock ride comfort. The new system lowers the ride from stock height to an absolute minimum, with supplied polyurethane bump-stop installed. An additional 10 mm of preload adjustment is available for specific rider/pillion demands. 

ST5 mono shock system handlebar-mounted key-fob

Side stand mounting clevis for lowered suspension

The ride height of the new Slamtail monoshock Softail upgrade can be controlled via a key fob or cylinder head-mounted onboard toggle switch. The standard kit includes the hydraulic power unit, monoshock hydraulic ram, onboard toggle switch, two remote control key fobs, new polyurethane bump-stop (to replace the OEM bump-stop) and a ‘C’ spanner for manual static coil spring preload adjustment. 

Power unit installed behind transmission

A new side stand mounting clevis is also included in the standard Slamtail kit, for use with any aftermarket lowered M-8 Softail (including all air systems). It replaces the OEM side stand clevis and allows the bike to be safely lowered without falling over. Optional kit extras include handlebar- mounted key fob bracket and dummy preload adjuster knob to replace the original preload adjuster knob, filling the hole left in the RHS side cover.
www.slamtail.com
www.thunderbike.de
www.trijya.com

Andreani

How to Choose Your Suspension Tuning Dyno

We have featured Italian suspension specialist Andreani's DB4 Suspension Dyno before in the pages of AMD, but we have never shown its standard DB4 and the more advanced DB4 Plus side by side and looked in depth at the differences between them.
Though they look similar and share some common features, such as the adjustable speed range (0-2000 mm/s) and stroke range (15-100 mm), the plug-and-play control and acquisition software (with advanced data processing and export functions), the optical temperature sensor and the same maximum load (5.000 N), the DB4 and the DB4 Plus differ in a number of ways.
First of all, the Plus version of this tool (part of a family of Andreani Suspension Dyno machines) has an even more powerful engine than the base model (a 5.5 kW three-phase motor against the 4 kW in the standard DB4), plus an even more sophisticated suite of software tools that allow professional suspension technicians (motorcycle and automotive) to explore a wider range of speed-load combinations.
The choice between the two largely revolves around the kind of suspension tuning that it is going to be required for. For example, on models where the maximum stroke is up to 30 mm (such as shocks for touring bike applications), where the maximum velocity is limited to 620 mm/s, the standard base model DB4 has all the features and software tools that will be needed.
Equally, the standard base model is also fine for applications where even though the maximum stroke is up to 100 mm, the load produced is below 2.000 N., for example mountain bike forks or road shocks.
The standard base model DB4 is a great allrounder on which technicians can test a wide range of forks and shocks with several travels, with pretty small loads at larger strokes.
However, it is for strokes 50 mm or more (off-road shocks and forks) and heavy loads that the DB4 Plus is the better option as it has greater capacity and precision for heavy duty suspension loads.
Due to the 5.5 kW 380V three-phase AC motor it can reach higher speeds and forces than the base model (which has a still excellent 4 kW engine), allowing specialized technicians to calibrate and tune the highest possible suspension forces and highest speed suspensions.
Among its advanced functions, the DB4 Plus features software that includes hysteresis analysis and dissipated energy and damping coefficient calculations, and it is equipped with a sophisticated electronic controller board that ensures stable and reliable automation and extremely precise data acquisition.
It also offers real-time visualization of the suspension load-speed graph with an intuitive graphical interface, the possibility to compare different click settings and valve options, to measure dynamic suspension parameters and to detect any operating anomalies. Custom software also available upon request.
Like the DB4, the Plus model is equipped with a series of adapters to test every kind of suspension and it is delivered with its laptop with software already installed.
www.andreanigroup.com

Biltwell

'Murdock' Oversized Pullback Risers

Now available with 2" of backsweep, Biltwell says its bulletproof 'Murdock' risers are built to accept oversized 1 1/8" O.D. bars and put the control center "right where it needs to be for maximum control and comfort." 

14”

Available with 6", 8", 10", 12" and 14" rise height options, they have investment-cast steel, one-piece top clamp designs with threaded lower mounting bungs and TIG-welded 0.120" wall 4130 chromoly steel uprights. The 1/2 - 13 threaded holes on the mounting bases accept stock H-D hardware; the handlebar clamp bolt pattern fits the speedo/tach bracket on many stock Harleys.
"TIG-welded 0.120 inch (3 mm) wall x 1" O.D. 4130 chromoly uprights and CNC lathe-turned mounting bases create a handlebar riser with unrivaled stiffness and strength for aggressive, technical and high-speed riding. The mandrel-bent uprights provide two inches of rearward bar."

10”

The mounting holes on 3.5 inch centers and the hardware is stainless steel 5/16-18 t.p.i. bar clamp. After TIG welding the finished unit is hand polished and triple chrome or satin black plated for style and durability. 

6”

"Biltwell handlebars and risers that have received TÜV verification are among the strongest and most thoroughly well tested motorcycle parts in the world. Our precision-crafted chromoly steel riser is a top choice among high-speed, modern Harley riders. Murdock's stiffness and reliability compared to cast or CNC'ed aluminum risers is instantly apparent. Combined with any O/S handlebar from our line of Tracker bars, 'Murdock' O/S risers create a cockpit you can depend on for life in the fast lane." Straight risers are also available.

BILTWELL INC.
www.biltwellinc.com

Feuling Parts

M-8 3" Velocity Stack

This 3" tall billet aluminum velocity stack from Oceanside, California based Feuling Parts fits the 2017 and up M-8 throttle body bolt pattern.
Feuling's Luke Leatherman says that it delivers "impressive horsepower and torque gains on engines running modified and ported cylinder heads and intakes with larger throttle bodies" and that it is a "great performance part for racing and for those who want to head to the track on the weekend."
It has a 4" diameter opening with an internal taper down to 2.4" and is internal diameter matched to 62 mm throttle bodies; available in natural aluminum finish and will require a custom breather system or will bolt up to aftermarket air cleaner backing plates that have internal breather systems.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
www.feulingparts.com

Magnum Shielding

DOT Extended Length Touring ABS Lower Brake Lines

Upstate New York based specialist Magnum Shielding says it is finding that one of the most popular performance upgrades for ABS Touring models is the addition of radial brakes and/or aftermarket calipers for increased braking ability.
When doing so, the caliper is relocated, resulting in the stock brake line to the caliper being a few inches too short. Indeed, replacing the stock caliper with an aftermarket version can also cause the same type of problem. "As always, when there is a demand for a particular product, Magnum Shielding comes to the rescue," says General Manager Tom Vierthaler.

Magnum's extended length lower brake line options fit 2014 and up
Harley-Davidson Touring models with ABS. 

"In this case, by designing a brake line that mounts on the bike just as if it came from the factory, but with length options so it can reach to the calipers."
Magnum's extended length lower brake line options fit 2014 and up Harley-Davidson Touring models with ABS.  Selections include both dual disc and left-side only lines in plus 2- and plus 4-inch length increments. Left-side only lines allow for easy dual to single disc conversions when using aftermarket calipers on one side, "showing off that great looking, expensive tire and rim combination or when installing a big wheel kit." Additionally, the left-side only lines are also available in the stock length.
Premium braided Designer Series extended length lower brake lines for ABS equipped Touring models incorporate CNC precision bent tube assemblies that fit the OE brake line bracket "like a glove." Add to that Magnum’s highly polished, chrome or black chrome plated EZ-Align banjos and fittings "for a recipe that makes for trouble-free installations."
Manufactured with inner PTFE tubing, braided with DuPont Kevlar aramid fiber reinforcement, they feature a premium Magnum STERLING CHROMITE II or BLACK PEARL braid that color and weave matches all other Magnum control cables and brake lines, and a crystal-clear outer PVC jacket "that offers exceptional protection against scuffing paint or chrome and will never discolor.  

Left-side only lines allow for easy dual to single disc conversions.

"These DOT brake lines are designed to be compatible with Harley-Davidson ABS requirements for stock and alternate lengths. Aramid fiber reinforcement greatly reduces line expansion for the ultimate in high-performance braking - a great addition to your customer's brake system upgrade."
Magnum Shielding has been a Tier-1 manufacturer of matching braided products for over 37 years, including brake lines, control cables and ignition wires. Every Magnum Shielding brake line is pressure-tested and fully compliant with all DOT FMVSS-106 specifications and is assembled in the USA.

MAGNUM SHIELDING
www.magnumshielding.com

Renegade Custom Motorcycle

Renegade 'Tracker' Wide Tire Front Wheel

Georgia based HHI/Renegade Custom Motorcycle  Wheels continues to add designs to its custom wheels program - the new 'Tracker' billet wheel seen here is available in Phantom Cut, chrome and black. The Tracker comes in 18, 21 and 23 x 5.5 front wide tire sizing with matching 11.8 and 13-inch true floating brake rotors and additional sizing available on request.
Adding the 5.5" width to the Renegade offer was one of the first things that Hawg Halters did when it acquired Renegade a couple of years ago and has been making the new fitments available as part of its versatile front end and Builder Kit programs.
Available options in the Road Hawg wide tire kits include fenders, triple trees, lower legs, fork covers, forward controls and 4 and 6-piston calipers. The Tracker joins other leading Renegade Wheels designs such as the 'Tempest', 'Instigator', 'Force', 'Racine' and 'Vail' 18 x 7 trike wheels.

Builders looking to finish off a package for their customers can also purchase matching air cleaners and derby covers as well as floating rotors and pulleys for an integrated custom look.
Owner Mark Thompson told AMD Magazine: "HHI/Renegade Custom Motorcycle Wheels maintains a core philosophy of offering premium quality and uniquely styled, well designed, precision- engineered products that reflect the needs of our dealer base. Production of these exciting new wheels will continue in our joint production facilities located in Georgia and Southern California."
www.renegadewheels.com

KessTech

KessTech - Euro 4 Compliant Electronic Sound Experience

Based near Würzburg in Germany, multi-mode exhaust sound management specialist KessTech has expanded from its core Harley-Davidson and BMW product base with a new application for Indian Cruiser, Bagger, Touring and Challenger models.
Using their proven and established ESE system - Electronic Sound Experience - with Active Engine Protection and 'Power Feature', the rider can automatically turn electronically controlled management of the sound from the Euro 4 approved exhaust system on and off, and select from the three sound modes from the handlebar, without compromising performance while riding.

KessTech has a 25-year pedigree in the development of initially manual and, since 2006, electronically controlled sound management to enable Harley riders to enjoy the deep, rich tones that characterize the traditional sound of the Harley exhaust, while riding within the strict EU and German TÜV noise regulations.
ESE is not an upgrade to its original Electronic Sound Management technology, but a completely newly developed system that "perfects the unique driving experience and the distinctive sound that KessTech has been known for in the past" - one that brought KessTech technology to Euro 4 compliant exhausts for the first time when it was first introduced in 2017.
 

ESE saw KessTech not only improve and change the multi-mode functionality of the handlebar control, but redesign and reprogram the electronics and install new control motors for the completely redesigned control valve flap.
A year later KessTech took another giant leap forward in what electronic exhaust sound management can bring to the rider with their added Active Engine Protection and 'Power Feature', allowing the rider to activate an additional performance boost in both the OFF and MEDIUM mode.
The 'Power Feature' automatically detects when more power is needed (for example when overtaking or in a dangerous situations) and delivers it immediately without having to change modes.
 

Additionally, Active Engine Protection automatically and dynamically tunes the system when needed. For example, when in OFF mode, if  ESE notices that the engine is getting too hot (for example at a red traffic light), it will open the exhaust valve flap automatically to reduce the exhaust gas back pressure and allow heat to escape. If the driving profile changes to a thermally less critical level, the system automatically readjusts.
Electronically adjustable muffler sound systems with EC type approval have become an increasingly competitive corner of the custom exhaust market in Europe in the past decade. With more than 50,000 systems already sold for Harley and BMW applications - with many thousands of those successfully sold and installed by authorized Harley-Davidson dealers - KessTech claims market leadership with some justification.
Being ISO 9001:2015 certified has allowed KessTech to be so sure of its quality control that they sell their stainless steel exhaust systems with a 4-year warranty and offer backwards compatible ESE software upgrades at no cost.

KESSTECH GMBH
www.kesstech.de

BDL

Enclosed Conversion for Early Tapered and Splined Shaft Kicker Models

BDL's enclosed SK-2 drive - part #61-39-SK-2 - is designed specifically for fitment to 1955-1964 H-D Big Twins. The "S" in SK stands for splined engine shaft and the "K" stands for kickstart only. 

This is an 8 mm enclosed primary drive kit that accepts the OEM clutch hub most commonly known as the 3-finger hub. The 61-39 indicates sprocket tooth count, 39 front and 61 rear. These two pulleys are the smallest BDL makes for the early model bikes in 8 mm. 
The kit will work on several other splined shaft kickstart models. BDL also offers this conversion for tapered shaft models 1936-1954.

BELT DRIVES LTD
www.beltdrives.com