German motorcycle registration

Germany: Motorcycles +4.56% for the Eight Months to August

Germany's apparently relentless march to market recovery continued in July and August with the latest data from the IVM, the motorcycle industry trade association in Germany, showing new model registrations massively up over August last year at +41.09% (12,704 units), having been +41.25% (17,393 units) in July and +21.64%/14,010 units in June.

That means the German market has now largely put the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on new motorcycle registrations into its rear view mirror with YTD new model registrations now in the positive for the YTD at +4.56% for the first eight months of 2020 (100,920 units).
In the context of 2020, the motorcycle registration statistics in Germany for 2020 so far have been remarkable. The market demonstrated the same promising start to the year that was seen elsewhere in Europe, having been +37.14% (4,446 units) in January. After the start of a decline in February (-3.98%/9,252 units) as Germany responded to the upcoming health emergency hard and early, motorcycle registrations were -18.70% in March (16,581 units) and -28.14% (14,524 units) in April, but started to recover spectacularly in May (+6.33%/14,524 units), suggesting that demand hadn't gone away, with consumers buying when they judged the moment right to do so.
Indeed, in total PTW terms, it looks very much like the theory that the urban mobility and isolation messages that PTWs have in their favor are being taken up by commuters. Total PTW registrations in July were up +54.95% at 29,977 units and +59.57% (23,146 units) in August, putting the YTD at +18.03% for the first eight months (163,986 units).
Harley remained in 6th spot in German market share terms for the year to August with a reduced share of 8.32% and 8,394 units sold YTD (-4.10% decline over the first 8 months of 2019). Their top seller was the Street Bob (987 units, the 27th bestselling model in Germany YTD), followed by the XL 1200 X (686 units) and the Sport Glide (622 sold).
Indian Motorcycle was up to 12th spot in market share terms for the first eight months of the year with a 1.45% share and a massive 43.60% bump in unit sales YTD to 1,459 units sold there.
In overall motorcycle market share terms, BMW remains 'Top Dog' in its home market with a modestly reduced 20.91% share YTD (21,103 units sold and six models in the Top 20 best sellers in Germany YTD), followed by Kawasaki, Honda, KTM, Yamaha and Harley.
The top selling model was BMW's R 1250 GS (7,338 units YTD), followed by the Kawasaki Z900 (Z650 in fourth), Yamaha MT-07 third (Ténéré 700 in 9th), KTM 690 SMC, 790 Duke and 390 Duke in 5th, 6th and 8th spots, Honda CMX 500 Rebel in 7th and BMW S 1000 XR 10th.
Last year saw the German motorcycle market grow by +4.38% to 113,039 units, with PTW sales growing by +6.53% to 165,311 units.

Polaris

Polaris in Zero Motorcycles EV Partnership

Minnesota based Indian Motorcycle manufacturer Polaris Industries has signed a 10-year exclusive partnership agreement in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles as Polaris embarks on a new EV strategy that it is calling 'rEV'd up'.
Polaris says that this "transformative partnership" will combine "Polaris' industry leadership with Zero's proven technology in electric powertrains" with co-development of the first of several electric vehicles to debut by the end of 2021 already underway.
'rEV'd up' aims to "position Polaris as the powersports EV leader" with the plan to be in a position to offer customers an electric vehicle option within each of its core product segments by 2025.

"Thanks to advancements in power, pricing and performance over the last several years, and with customer interest surging, now is the right time for Polaris, with Zero Motorcycles as a key strategic partner, to implement our 'rEV'd up' initiative and aggressively accelerate our position in powersports electrification," said Scott Wine, Chairman and CEO of Polaris.
"Zero Motorcycles' pioneering electrification experience, proven leadership and electric powertrain technologies are unmatched in the market. We believe this transformative partnership will enable us to leapfrog technological hurdles around range and cost while providing a tremendous speed-to-market advantage – an instant offense. Leveraging the strengths of our teams and a shared culture of innovation and passion for this industry, Polaris and Zero will collaborate to shape the future of powersports."
For Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel is quoted as saying: "All of us at Zero Motorcycles are delighted and honored to be a part of this industry-changing strategic relationship with Polaris as we collaborate and co-develop the technologies and vehicle platforms that will power the future of electrification in powersports.
"This revolutionary partnership is bringing together two incredibly talented teams aimed at dramatically expanding the electric options in powersports. Our EV expertise and millions of miles of real-world, rubber-meets-the-road EV experience, coupled with Polaris' broad product portfolio, scale, supply chain and market leadership, makes this a game-changer for every powersports enthusiast."
Polaris went on to say that "with our scale and broad product line-up, this strategic partnership will be the largest in Zero Motorcycles' history. Under this 10-year exclusive agreement, Polaris will develop, manufacture and sell electrified ORVs and snowmobiles using Zero's powertrain technology, hardware and software. Zero Motorcycles has been designing, manufacturing and advancing electric motorcycles since 2006, and this partnership gives Polaris access to more than 14 years of unmatched experience and intellectual property. 

Scott Wine, CEO Polaris Industries: "Thanks to advancements in power, pricing and performance over the last several years, and with customer interest surging, now is the right time for Polaris, with Zero Motorcycles as a key strategic partner, to implement our 'rEV'd up' initiative and aggressively accelerate our position in powersports electrification."

"Zero Motorcycles is the only motorcycle company to successfully bring an entire electric product line to market and is regarded as the leader in motorcycle EV technologies, subsystems, components and designs.
"As the global leader in powersports with nearly a decade in the electric vehicle space, Polaris is well positioned to accelerate the development of its premium electric vehicle offering across its product lines and to lead the powersports industry in electrification. Building on Polaris' past experience in electric, 'rEV'd up' will accelerate customers across Polaris' positioning within the industry by launching a new electric option to each of its core business segments by 2025.
"rEV'd up' is about more than just having a presence in the electric vehicle space; this is about leveraging the next generation of technology to develop industry-leading electric offerings within the right vehicle segments for our riders and our business. This is about taking a bold step to do big things," said Wine. "With over $1bn in electric vehicle sales over the past decade, we have built a valuable foundation in both the commercial and passenger vehicle markets. By leveraging capable partners, like Zero, we will expand on that groundwork to profitably deliver electric vehicles with the range, value and performance characteristics that both existing and prospective customers want."
Polaris' past and current product portfolio includes several electric options. In 2011, Polaris acquired both Goupil, a French manufacturer of on-road, commercial light duty electric vehicles for the European market, and GEM street-legal passenger and utility electric vehicles. Four years later, the company acquired Brammo Electric Motorcycles whose technology was leveraged in the RANGER EV. The RANGER EV was one of the first electric vehicles in the off-road industry and is the No. 1 selling electric off-road vehicle in North America to date. With its broad range of electric commercial and industrial vehicles, Taylor-Dunn was acquired by Polaris in 2016.

Harley-Davidson

Say Hello to Gina Goetter - New Harley CFO

A month after CEO Jochen Zeitz announced his pick as Chief Digital Officer, a new Chief Financial Officer was named to replace Matt Levatich's trusty sidekick John Olin. Gina Goetter, "a top finance executive at Tyson Foods" joined the company effective September 30.
With "more than twenty years of experience driving strong financial and operational results and leading transformational change, Goetter most recently served as Senior Vice President and CFO of Tyson Foods's prepared foods segment, where she led the reinvention of the segment's business model to stabilize cash flow and right-size the cost structure" - in other words, she canned a bunch of people.

"Prior to Tyson Foods, Goetter held various global leadership positions with General Mills, Inc., where she led business model re-engineering and optimized procurement strategies and logistics. Goetter earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and an MBA with a dual concentration in Finance and Marketing from Boston College."
Jochen Zeitz is quoted as saying: "Gina is a CFO with the experience to drive a transformation of core processes and reporting for improved operational efficiency, build a global shared services model and modernize accounting and controls. She will add to the fresh perspectives and new capabilities now represented at the leadership level that complement the experienced talent that has been promoted from within.
"We have a diverse management team structured in a new way that is designed to fuel Harley-Davidson's brand desirability and lead Harley-Davidson as a high-performing organization." Darrell Thomas, who assumed the role of interim CFO, will continue as Vice President and Treasurer.

Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts

Power House Gasket Kits

Hazelwood, Missouri based Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts' Power House brand gasket kits are a high quality USA made range of gasket and seal options for a wide range of models, platforms and years.

Primary gasket kit for M-8

Seen here, this rocker cover kit for Evolution Big Twins 1992 - 1998 includes the rocker rubbers/center, a metal rocker base gasket and copper rocker washers, umbrella pin and pushrod O-rings.

Rocker cover kit for Big Twin Evolution

Cam change gasket kit for M-8

For M-8 applications, options include this complete cam change kit (cam bearing, tappet and cam cover and exhaust gaskets and all needed O-rings) and primary gasket kit (including primary and housing gaskets, retaining ring and all needed seals) for all 2017 and up M-8 models.

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

Magnum Shielding

Indian Scout and Challenger Brake Lines and Cables

Upstate New York based brake line and control cable specialist Magnum Shielding has expanded its selection of brake lines and clutch cables for Indian motorcycles. DOT brakes lines are now available for Scout and Challenger with ABS, along with more clutch cable options.
In addition to current offerings that cover 2014 through 2020 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, Roadmaster and Vintage models, Magnum is introducing clutch cables and ABS upper brake lines for the Challenger and upper and lower ABS brake lines for 2018 to 2020 Scout models.

XR All Black Indian Chief clutch cable

Magnum routes the upper ABS brake lines for all Indian bikes from the ABS controller directly to the master cylinder, and both the upper and lower lines incorporate the exact CNC bent tube assembly needed for an OE style fit, giving the installer an easy, trouble-free installation.
The lines are available in a stock fitment to plus 8 inches over and fit the following models: Challenger, Scout, Scout 60, Scout Bobber and Bobber Twenty. Scout owners also have the choice of single disc non-ABS DOT brake lines.
Premium Magnum Shielding DOT brake lines are manufactured with inner PTFE tubing braided with DuPont Kevlar Aramid Fiber reinforcement, a Signature Magnum over-braid, and a crystal-clear outer PVC jacket "that offers exceptional protection against scuffing paint or chrome," says Magnum's Tom Vierthaler.
"They will never discolor, and our STERLING CHROMITE II and BLACK PEARL signature braids match in color and weave with Magnum clutch cables. Both products feature high quality polished and plated fittings.

Sterling Chromite challenger upper brake line

"As a lower price-point alternative to the Premium Series, XR STAINLESS DOT brake lines incorporate PTFE inner tubing braided with heavy duty, stainless steel reinforcement embedded in a tough nylon outer jacket. Economically priced, XR STAINLESS DOT brake lines are available in either clear coated stainless braided line with chrome fittings or black coated stainless line with a choice of either chrome or black chrome plated fittings.
"The Premium STERLING CHROMITE II and BLACK PEARL clutch cables feature matching braid, a durable clear coating, and are manufactured with components that equal OE. XR cables are available with stainless braid or OE style black vinyl with chrome or black chrome plated fittings. All cables fit like factory and have the built-in quality Magnum is known for. All the products we offer for Indian motorcycles are made in-house at Magnum’s manufacturing plant."
 Magnum Shielding has manufactured 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

HardDrive

HardDrive adds Metra

Boise, Idaho based HardDrive (WPS) continues to add to its V-twin product line with several new brands and many new products from existing brands now available and ready to ship to U.S. dealers - from National Cycle screens to ODI Lock-On V-twin grips, from Flo Motorsports adjustable levers and MX style footpegs to KB Super Duty Series pistons, replacement service items from Cycle Pro, audio products from the likes of BOSS and, as seen here, audio and electronics from Holly Hill, Florida based Metra Electronics. 

Sound control and hands-free accessories

From Metra's V-twin Saddle Tramp brand, HardDrive is stocking the likes of the amp install kits and mounting brackets, plug'n play flasher modules, LED lighting, radio install and DSP kits, saddlebag and Tour-Pak speaker lids, lower fairings and speaker pods and dual dash cam/driver kits.

Tour-Pak lids and hardware

WPS/HardDrive completed a new 245,000 sq ft warehouse at Midway, Georgia, in January this year as an upgrade to its former Memphis, Tennessee facility. The company also completed expansions at its California facility and Idaho headquarters warehouse in 2019 - taking its six strong distribution center network in the United States (which also includes Texas and Pennsylvania) to over 1 million sq ft in total. 

Radio dash kits

HARDDRIVE V-TWIN
www.hdtwin.com
www.metraonline.com

Mupo

Mupo Race Bred Shocks for FTR 1200

Italian suspension specialist Mupo has a range of options available for the Indian FTR 1200 - all with similar features and the same genuinely race bred quality and durability that they build into its Super and Hypersport sector sport bike suspensions.
Ideal for both the road and on the track, the Mupo AB1 rear shock features “plug and play” adjustments with independent rebound and extension adjustments that work in synergy to ensure optimum balanced suspension performance.

All components are CNC-machined from solid, 100% dimensionally checked and then subjected to selected high-tech component-specific surface treatments for the optimal functioning of each individual part.
The Mupo nitrogen gas pressurized AB1 monoshock has a 46 mm piston machined from solid in Ergal 7075 (zinc and aluminum alloy, which has excellent mechanical properties, good ductility, high strength, toughness and good resistance to fatigue) with a reduced thickness 46 mm steel cylinder and 16 mm anti-friction PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coated rod, with Ergal top and bottom mounts.
Hard anodized for maximum strength, the design incorporates a separator diaphragm between the oil and nitrogen and 24 clicks of low speed compression.
For maximum performance, Mupo recommends installation of the hydraulic preload option, which allows dynamic real time adjustment of the shock absorber in response to changed loads or changes in road or track conditions.
Mupo shocks are entirely handbuilt and have a wide range of springs available, so dealers can customize the shock for weight and riding style at point of order. All Mupo products are completely serviceable and have a 2-year warranty. This can be extended up to six years by carrying out periodic reviews and maintenance per the use and maintenance booklet.
Founded in the heart of Italy's famed 'Motor Valley' in 1993, Mupo has garnered more than 70 world, European, Italian and other national championship titles in the time since and distributes worldwide. In addition to these FTR 1200 shock absorbers, Mupo also offers selected Harley-Davidson suspension options, including the company's highly rated 22 mm 'Eagle' front suspension cartridge - complete with 40 positions of compression and rebound and chrome-silicon steel spring options.

MUPO S.R.L
www.mupo.it

Zodiac

Zodiac Additions

Arlen Ness Method Forged Fork Brace

These fork braces are CNC-machined from forged aluminum, eliminating flex in the front fork. The race-inspired design allows for simple and fast installation without disassembly of the front end. They are available in anodized black or chrome for 49 mm forks on Dyna models 2006-2017, except FXDWG Wide Glide and 39 mm forks on FXR models with 19" front wheel and Sportster models 2000-2017, except XL883N Iron, XL1200N Nightster, XL1200NS Iron and XR1200.

Daytona Connecting Rod Set for Twin Cam

 

H-D don't supply a connecting rod set for Twin Cam models, they only supply complete flywheel assemblies, but this connecting rod set that features the tapered style small end, as used in 2007-2017 models, fits all Twin Cam engines from 1999-2017. The set comes complete with crank pin, bearings and washers.

Fehling 1 1/4" Superbike Bars for 1" Diameter Risers

 

These German made handlebars for 1970 and later Harley-Davidsons (except XG Street models) take standard and aftermarket H-D handlebar controls and risers designed for 1" handlebars and a one-piece, 4-hole riser top clamp. They are not suitable for Throttle-By-Wire electronic throttle control as introduced in 2008 on Touring models. The bars are available in chrome or black powder coated (both in dimple style C).

Reduced Reach Forward Control Kits for Dyna

 

This forward control conversion kit repositions the existing forward controls back and up by about 1" (25.4 mm) closer to the rider, adding comfort and confidence. The kits include heavy-duty steel mounts, shortened brake rod and required hardware, and re-use the forward control supports, footpegs and brake and shift levers. The kit is available in chrome or black.

SuperTrapp Megaphone for XG Street

This stainless steel slip-on muffler for 2014 to present XG500 and XG750 Street and XG750 Street Rod features the SuperTrapp 4" tunable disc system which allows the rider to adjust the exhaust sound.  The exhaust comes with 15 discs and end cap, replacement collector heat shield and all necessary hardware.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV
www.zodiac.nl