Bagger Nation

Bagger Nation 'Swoop' Rear Fender for H-D Trikes

Paul Yaffe's Phoenix, Arizona based Bagger Nation has added further to its extensive range of fender options with its 'Swoop' trike fender. "These swoopy beauties will transform an ordinary stock looking trike into a fat fender Hot Rod," says Paul.

"Our direct bolt-on 'Swoop' stretched trike fenders remind us of a mid-century custom street rod cruising the boulevard! With the rapid growth in popularity of Harley's Trike platforms, and with the introduction of the Free Wheeler, there are more trikes than ever out on the road.
"We offer fitment options for both H-D Electra Glide Trikes as well as the new H-D Free Wheeler - these big swooping fenders look great with the stock wheel size, but are large enough to accept a 20" x 8" wheel without any problems."

Each Bagger Nation trike fender "is 3-D molded from the highest quality materials and handlaid by skilled Arizona craftsmen to assure a perfect fit and finish every time." These direct bolt-on replacement fenders include all the needed install hardware and are just one of the many Bagger Nation parts that fit H-D Trikes.

PAUL YAFFE'S BAGGER NATION
www.baggernation.com

Barnett Clutches & Cables

Barnett Clutch Tools

Ventura, California specialist Barnett Clutches & Cables' decades of experience as a leading clutch and primary components manufacturer has translated into an unparalleled range of specialty clutch tools.

From diaphragm spring compression tools to clutch 'lock plates' that assist in removing inner hubs, Barnett clutch tools make clutch replacement and maintenance a lot easier.
Available for Sportsters through 1970, 1986-present Sportsters, 1941-84 Big Twins, 1990-'97 Big Twins and 2001 and later Victory models. Clutch tools designed specifically for use with the Barnett Scorpion line of clutches are also available.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde

'Project 21' - Electronically Adjustable 2:1 'Clubstyle' M-8 Exhaust

Famous for its EU approved electronically adjustable exhaust systems, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde (J&H) has a new Clubstyle 2:1 that is the result of "months of design, prototyping and testing," according to J&H's Sjoerd Ottenheim, the Product Manager for the project. "Finally we are ready to present the 'Twenty-One' - a unique and electronically adjustable 2:1 exhaust for Milwaukee-Eight Softail models."

Staged at the Venray Circuit in the Netherlands (formerly known as Circuit de Peel), the launch took place with the unveiling of a new project bike and group of Clubstyle motorcycles that showcased the sound of the exhaust - "a full, deep sound," says Sjoerd.
“The Twenty-One produces a sound that really takes the power of the M-8 engine to new heights - it really is a surprise, and the better feedback from the exhaust really enhances the riding experience. It challenges the rider to demand that little extra from the M-8, and the 'Twenty-One' delivers.
"The exhaust has been subjected to extensive sound tests to create this exceptional sound experience. It has been designed with input from a specific group of performance and Clubstyle riders. 

"First as a design in the computer, then as a 3D model, after which we could proceed to make a prototype. There was more to making this exhaust than just the sound of course. While sound management is what we here at J&H are best known for, the materials, the finish, the emissions and the power, in terms of hp and torque, all influenced the development and the final result. 

“The headers and muffler are made of stainless steel to achieve the balance between performance and legal requirements. There are different color end cap options available, all specially developed for the M-8, but we also expect to be able to evolve this first M-8-specific 'Twenty-One' for additional models in the future - additional Harleys and other brands too."
The 'Secret Sauce' that J&H brings to exhaust sound management is its unique electronically controlled and handlebar-operated valve system.

"Our exhaust systems embody three different personalities: the Dr. Jekill mode, Dynamic mode and Mr. Hyde mode. With a simple push of a button, the valve that is placed halfway up the muffler closes or opens, which provides more sound and performance. According to the riding circumstances you can choose whether you are in the Dr. Jekill mode (mild), Dynamic mode (responsive) or Mr. Hyde mode (not so mild!). The rider decides.
"Either way, the Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust is a completely street legal system and complies with European legislation and laws - in short, while your riding style might be able to get you into trouble, with J&H the exhaust can't!"
The production edition 'Twenty-One' will be available in heat resistant brushed or matte black finish and offered for M-8 Softails.

THE JEKILL AND HYDE COMPANY
www.jekillandhyde.com

Tech Spec for 'Clubstyle'
H-D Softail Low Rider S
by Mario Kyprianides, Chopper Kulture

• Engine: 114" H-D M-8
• Air intake: Ness (CCE)
• Cam chest kit and vented dip stick: Feuling
• Gaskets: Cometic
• Clutch cover, forks, sprocket: Cera Carbon
• Clutch cable: Barnett (CCE)
• Tuning: Don Performance
• Exhaust: Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde
• 'Project 21' two-into-one
• Frame and wheels: Harley-Davidson
• Skidplate: Speedmerchant
• Adjustable suspension: Hyperpro
• Brakes: Rebuffini and Brembo
• Brake lines: Goodridge (CCE)
• Saddle: Saddlemen
• Indicators: Kellermann, Atto Black
• Hand controls, grips and mirrors: Rebuffini
• Fairing: Memphis Shades
• Handlebars, levers and Flo footrests: Factory Frankfurt
• Handlebar bushings: CCE
• Carbon side covers: Italian Performance Parts
• Powder coating: MBT
• Paint: Chikos Pinstriping, Chicano paint job

Text: Robin Bradley
Photography: Onno "Berserk" Wieringa (madnessphotography.nl)

Regina

Regina Launches Lube-Free Z-Ring HPE Chain

Founded in Italy in 1919, Regina is introducing what it says is the world's first motorcycle chain that eliminates the need for 1,000 km periodic and workshop service interval re-lubrication.
The company describes its High Performance Endurance (HPE) chain as a Z-ring chain that is the result of extensive lab and street testing to demonstrate that it has a reliable useable life that is at least equivalent, if not greater, than a traditional, regularly re-lubricated Z-ring chain.

The magic ingredient is a hydrogen-free Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon (ta-C) coating, currently considered to be the most advanced among DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings, often used on front forks, that is applied to the HPE chain bushing and roller surfaces.
"The ta-C coating reduces energy dissipation and increases efficiency in the secondary transmission, combining the very high hardness of the coated surface with a low coefficient of friction. The elimination of chain cleaning and lubricant spatter during operation minimizes environmental impact.

"The innovative ta-C coating process was developed through intense R&D activity by Regina engineers and is entirely carried out in our Cernusco Lombardone (LC) plant in Italy [between Milan and Bergamo].
"The elimination of the periodic re-lubrication and the greater efficiency of power transmission raise the HPE chain to an extremely advanced technological level compared to traditional sealed chains - unthinkable until today and unparalleled on the market," said Paolo Garbagnati, CEO of Regina.
"We would like to thank all the women and the men who made the achievement of this important goal possible, including all the passionate riders, who, confidentially and professionally, contributed to the project with many extensive test rides." The HPE chain will be available on the aftermarket starting January 2021 and works with the same front and rear sprockets used with traditional sealed chains.

REGINA
www.reginachain.net

News Briefs

 

Authorized Harley dealerships continue to tumble like ninepins as changing market conditions continue to affect the network. One of the latest has been Brian Bentley's Brian's Valley Forge H-D (Norristown, PA.). Bentley is keeping his primary store open - Brian's H-D at Langhorne PA. - and is quoted as saying that the decision has nothing to do with COVID-19 and that he thinks he can continue to serve his catchment areas from the primary store.

PSB reports that authorized Harley dealership closures in the USA announced since June this year (for various reasons) include H-D Southampton, Greenfield, MA; Barnett's Las Cruces, NM; Calumet, Munster, IN; Goe H-D, Angleton, TX; Iron Town H-D, New Berlin, WI, and, controversially, Abernathy H-D at Union City, TN.

Just as H-D pulls its own manufacturing facility from the Indian motorcycle market, news that following a decline triggered by India's economic downturn in 2019, the market there has grown strongly this year despite the COVID-19 emergency. Market leader and H-D proto-partner HERO Motocorp has reinforced its market leadership there with sales up by +16.1% to 697,293 units for September alone. Honda India is in second spot, with newly minted Norton owner TVS third, KTM and Triumph partner Bajaj in fourth and Royal Enfield fifth.

As this edition of AMD went to press, PSB's Dave Mahon had additionally reported that owner Shelly Embrick had ended the 45-year relationship that her Cycle World of Athens, Georgia store has had with H-D. Embrick said the decision to part ways was driven by market sales and Harley's plans to "drastically" reduce the number of motorcycles it produces annually. The store will still continue to sell and service pre-owned Harleys along with new and used Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris vehicles and remains a Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Polaris partner.

We here at AMD magazine were saddened to hear of the death of industry veteran, custom bike builder and 2020 Sturgis Hall of Famer Skeeter Todd.

Founded by lawyer Mark McCormack in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1960 with legendary professional golfers Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as its first clients, the modern-day iteration of (now) New York City based IMG is a very different business. The now private equity owned global conglomerate's latest (but not first) brush with the powersports industry has seen it signing a new multi-year partnership with Russian owned MV Agusta - "to build a licensing program focused on brand extensions and lifestyle products that reflect the company's commitment to performance, quality, innovation and consumer engagement within local communities" and to "expand its presence globally through a new range of consumer products."

AMD was saddened to hear of the death of Carl Morrow of Carl's Speed Shop, Daytona fame. Carl opened his Speed Shop in Daytona in 1969 and was respected worldwide as a leading street, drag strip and Salt Flats performance engineer and tuner with records aplenty. Carl believed that the best performance was reliable real-world performance. His 2" CV Typhoon slide carb design is still spoken of in hushed tones and his friendship will always be valued by hundreds.

Speaking of Daytona, AMD sends its best wishes to Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles who is recovering from a horrendous motorcycle accident involving a driver who made a left turn in front of him. A former AMD World Championship competitor from the days when the event was staged at Sturgis, we wish Bill a speedy recovery. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Bill's recovery.

H-D was in 7th spot in market share terms in Switzerland for the eight months to August, having sold 1,622 units, which was down by 9.44% over the same period in 2019. Indian Motorcycle is up to 10th spot in its European home market, selling 523 units through August. Yamaha is market share leader in Switzerland, ahead of Kawasaki, BMW, Honda, Triumph and KTM. The Yamaha MT-07 is the best seller there, ahead of the Kawasaki Z 650 and Z 900, the BMW R 1250 GS, and the Yamaha MT-09 in 5th spot.

Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com

Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines

Vance & Hines and H-D to Race in Different Directions

In what has to be fall-out from CEO Jochen Zeitz' Project 'Rewire', the hugely successful Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines' 20-year race partnership is to end, with both businesses taking new paths to checkered flag glory.
It is not known what, if any, role the recent success of the Latus Motors H-D race team's AFT success may have played in Harley's decision to reposition its race efforts - the Gladstone, Oregon dealership delivered Harley its first 'new era' AFT Championship title when James Rispoli won the riders' and manufacturers' Production Twins Championship on the XG750R at Daytona on the final weekend of the rebuilt 2020 AFT series.

 

Vance & Hines has stated that with Harley choosing not to field factory racing teams in American Flat Track (AFT) or NHRA drag racing in 2021, it will be redeploying its racing development team "towards creating high performance products for a variety of vehicles, brands and race series in both two and four-wheel segments.
"We thank Harley-Davidson for being a partner with Vance & Hines for 20 years. Together, in AFT and NHRA, we have celebrated 116 wins and 11 championships," said founder Terry Vance. "Harley-Davidson has been one of the best partners we've ever had."  
The company has said that the Indy Operations Team will be refocused on performance products for two and four-wheel vehicles and will be redeployed under the name Vance & Hines Racing Development Center (RDC).  "Vance & Hines will continue its racing tradition in 2021 with sponsored riders in a variety of racing series."
In addition, Vance & Hines will remain the sole licensee, manufacturer and seller of Harley-Davidson XG750R Production Twins motorcycles and Harley-Davidson XG750R Super Twins motorcycles. This racing variant of the Harley-Davidson Street 750 was the motorcycle with which Rispoli and Latus Motors won the AFT Production Twins championship in 2020. The Production Twins bike is being manufactured and shipped to Harley-Davidson dealers at this time. 

"Vance & Hines is having its best year in over a decade. We're strong and we have a strategy that drives our growth and expansion in our current markets and in new ventures," said Mike Kennedy, President and CEO. "While we loved our time running the factory race teams for Harley-Davidson, we couldn't be more excited about the future."
Vance & Hines has been contracted to run factory race teams for a range of companies during its 41-year history including Suzuki, Yamaha and Ducati. The partnership with Harley-Davidson was focused on drag racing and flat track racing.
Meanwhile, in what is an interesting move and one in-line with what is known so far about the firm's future intentions in terms of supporting "stronger and better dealers," Harley-Davidson has said that it will "refocus racing efforts on dealers' competitive programs" with support in AFT SuperTwins, Production Twins and NHRA Pro Stock Competition.
In doing so it says it is "harkening back to the foundations of the company's competitive spirit by refocusing on building within the brand and celebrating the heritage of grassroots flat track racing by offering support to its entire dealer network through the development of contingency programs."

"Harley-Davidson's heritage is rich with racing lore and legacy, and throughout our brand's history, Harley-Davidson dealers have been the cornerstone of our racing programs," said Jon Bekefy, General Manager of Brand Marketing. "We are excited to continue to support the XG750R racing motorcycle and NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle efforts through our dealers."
The company went on to say that "as it leans into a more grassroots approach, Harley-Davidson would like to thank the Vance & Hines organization, the riders, team members, and every individual involved with the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle and American Flat Track (AFT) team efforts for their passion, commitment and expertise for over a decade of winning competition and championship titles.
"Over the past 18 seasons, the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle team has been wildly successful, generating 107 wins and ten championships, proving to be one of the most successful programs in the history of the sport.
"Additionally, Vance & Hines has been instrumental in ushering a new era of flat track competition with the development of the Harley-Davidson XG750R SuperTwins and Production Twins motorcycles and earning a championship in AFT Production Twins for the 2020 season. Vance & Hines will continue to manufacture and support the sale of XG750R SuperTwins and Production Twins bikes to qualified teams.
"In a return to the foundations of Harley-Davidson's racing efforts, the company will refocus efforts by offering support to dealer racing programs in 2021, including the development of contingency programs for AFT. To kick off, Harley-Davidson is already committed to supporting Latus Motors Harley-Davidson as they campaign their XG750R in the AFT SuperTwins series."
www.vanceandhines.com
www.harley-davidson.com
www.latus-hd.com

S&S Cycle

S&S 540 and 590 Torque Cams for Big Bore M-8 Models

As a follow-up to its 50-state legal 475 cam/calibration for M-8 Touring models, S&S Cycle, the  Viola, Wisconsin based masters of 'Proven Performance', has released 540 and 590 torque cams for Big Bore and even bigger Big Bore M-8 models.
As a next step, the new 540 torque cam for Big Bore M-8 models is designed to work with 124" and 128" big bore kits and produce "stump pulling torque" down low in the rpm range as well as maintain respectable horsepower numbers. 

540 torque cam for Big Bore M-8 models

Available in gear or chain drive and in a complete cam chest kit with pump, plate, pushrods and tappets, you can check out the dyno charts for the 540 online. S&S is citing an impressive 130+ lb-ft on a conservative 124" build!
The S&S 590 cam for even bigger bore M-8 models "is capable of making massive power! It happily accepts big bore kits, stroker cranks and, of course, high lift cams."

590 torque cam for 131" M-8 Stroker kit applications

The primary supplier of that sort of go-fast stuff is S&S Cycle of course, and the new 590 lift cam is designed to work with the 131" stroker kit and other huge bore combinations. "Producing massive horsepower, especially in the higher rpm range, the 590 is available in gear or chain drive and is specifically for use with monster bores, ported heads and high rpms to make maximum horsepower. Not recommended for stock bore engines!"
You can check the dyno charts for what S&S has seen this cam making online, but the company is citing 146 hp and 145 lb-ft torque on a 131" stroker build.

S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com

Postponed Shows

Custombike-Show/Germany Postponed to December 2021; Motor Bike Expo/Verona Postponed to Spring 2021

Following the financial problems encountered this year by custombike magazine publisher and show organizer Huber Verlag, the operators of the Bad Salzuflen, Germany, regional expo center, where Huber had staged its annual Custombike-Show on the first weekend of December each year, had taken over ownership of the show and hoped to be able to stage it as usual in December this year.

However, with infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths on the rise again in Germany and the rest of Europe, the show has been postponed until December 3-5, 2021.
Meanwhile in Italy, Motor Bike Expo (the 'Verona' Show) has announced the postponement of its 2021 show from the planned January dates to later in the spring of 2021.
"Aware of the difficult situation we all face, we have come up with an alternative solution. With the hope that the international situation will soon take a significant turn for the better, we are convinced that the best choice at the moment is to postpone MBE 2021 to the beginning of spring.

"At this stage it is impossible for us to guarantee the expected level of success of the event, both in terms of commercial results for exhibitors as well as offering the full, dynamic visitor experience.
"For these reasons - and above all for the protection of everyone's health and to offer an even more significant and satisfying edition of the event - postponement is the best option."
The organizers of Motor Bike Expo are looking at the positives where they can and have quite rightly pointed to one big upside of a spring timing, namely that many more visitors will be able to come to the show by motorcycle.
"As with every situation which may initially seem negative, we focus on the positive implications and new opportunities that this scenario can present to us, such as the possibility for visitors to reach the event directly by motorcycle, further expansion of exhibition spaces with greater use of outdoor areas, strengthening of test ride activities and an increase in outdoor entertainment activities.
"Longer days and milder weather can be a winning combination and we look forward to being able to deliver a different kind of show when we all hope the world will be in a 'better place' in terms of this health crisis."
www.custombike-show.de
www.Motorbikeexpo.it