Twin Power

Twin Power Shocker Batteries

Twin Power's popular Shocker batteries are "endurance and laboratory tested for long and reliable performance with a heavy-duty OEM style case," says Brand Manager James Simonelli.
"They are made using Absorbed Glass Mat technology and come factory-activated and sealed with flush mount threaded posts with dual connection points.

"The beauty about our Shocker battery design is that there are no terminal adapters or spacers required and we used extra thick plates for extreme vibration resistance - these have been designed and tested by daily Harley riders for daily Harley riders who simply want to know that they have a durable and robust battery that they can rely on over and over."

TUCKER V-TWIN
www.tucker.com/v-twin
www.twinpower-usa.com

Design Engineering Inc.

DEI Celebrates "25 Years of Innovation"

Avon Lake, Ohio based thermal barrier and sound control products specialist Design Engineering is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Founded in 1995 by performance industry veteran Dale Markley and his wife Nancy, Dale's son David has been at the helm since 2001 and has overseen the company earning an international reputation for its dynamic pioneering solutions to combat power-robbing heat issues.
"Over the years we have designed and created unique 'thermal tuning products' for the powersports, racing and performance aftermarket, as well as related industries such as aviation, marine and even locomotive," says John Gabriel, Powersports Manager.
"DEI is also well known for its 'build to spec' contract work for commercial, industrial and military-related businesses, along with a myriad of other industries.

"Our extensive product list includes a wide variety of heat shields and thermal containment products, exhaust and pipe wraps, line and hose sleeving, sound control barriers and absorbers, headliners and accessories, safety gear and CryO2, which is designed to harness the cryogenic properties of liquid CO2 to lower intake charge temperatures, resulting in more horsepower."
Seen here, DEI's bodywork protection kit is designed to keep excess heat from melting plastic and frying bodywork. It is great for use on fairings, air boxes, seat pans, rear fenders, etc.
"This kit is great to use when adding an aftermarket exhausts or replacement plastics that didn't include any heat shielding. The superior materials can also provide an upgrade over worn out OEM heat shielding. All materials have a self-adhesive backing and can be cut easily to shape."
The kit includes one 12" x 24" DEI Reflect-A-Cool heat reflective sheet, one 1-1/2" x 15 ft roll of Cool Tape, and two 10" x 10" sheets of Extreme Heat Barrier.
www.deipowersports.com

Vance & Hines

VO2 X Air Intakes

These Vance & Hines VO2 X air intakes "extract the maximum performance from any machine by utilizing the K&N Xstream high-flow air filter." Features include CNC-machined billet cover, high-capacity washable air filter element, backing plate, venturi and breather assemblies. They are available in chrome or black contrast finish.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
www.vanceandhines.com

W&W Cycles

W&W Cycles Additions

VG Big Twin Swingarm Frames

 
These Dutch made reproduction frames can be used as stock replacements or as a basis to build a bobber or chopper from scratch. Dimensions and details closely follow the factory originals. Most castings feature raised numbers and markings just like the factory used them. They are made in steel/nodular cast iron (ductile iron or spheroidal graphite iron) with 30-degree rake. Versions are available for 1958-'64 Panheads, '65 Panheads and '66-'84 Shovelheads.

VT-Cycle ULR Cylinder Heads

 

Made in Finland, these ULR cylinder heads are made in cast aluminium. While they look quite original (cast finish), on the outside they feature an advanced combustion chamber design for improved combustion and breathing. The chamber volume is 100 cc, giving 6.1:1 compression on a 74" and 6.5:1 on an 80" motor. Substantially more material allows for custom milling and pop-up pistons. Another update are the 14 mm spark plug threads (3/4" long) for modern and more common plugs.
Dyno tests have shown 18% power and 13% torque increases over a stock 1946 UL with medium compression heads - "true rear wheel numbers - the power was up big time and the torque curve is impressive! Remember, torque is the most important figure with flatheads." For '36-'48 Harley 74" and 80" Flathead Big Twins.

Bates 'BattBoy' 65

 
Modern gel or Li-ion batteries offer a significant advantage - they are leak-proof. Those who have ever experienced spilled acid in the battery tray, on the frame or on the swingarm will highly appreciate this fact. On the other hand, owners of classic bikes do like the looks of the original battery and the corresponding cover and mounts. With a Bates 'BattBoy' battery box you can have the best of both worlds - what looks like a period 32 amp 12V on the outside can house a safe, modern battery within. Just hook it up with two eyelet wires to the terminals on the bottom of the lid; when using suitable Antigravity versions, you even have stash space left for a few small spare parts, safety vest, tools etc. Fits FL, FLH 1965-'84 and Sportster '67-'78 with electric start. It is made in black ABS, with outer measurements of 202 mm wide x 167 mm high x 129 mm deep.

PanAm Oil Pads

 
This oil pad soaks up two liters of fluid, for example oil or gas. A reinforced top and an anti-slip foil on the bottom side make the PanAm oil pad a useful helper in the workshop, garage or living room. Made in Germany in black polypropylene.

W&W CYCLES AG
www.wwag.com

Harley-Davidson

Is Harley Dreaming of an Electric Strip?

Press released just a few days before Harley announced it was to end its hugely successful Factory Drag Racing relationship with Vance & Hines in favor of supporting dealership race efforts (coincidence?), a new 10-minute video released by Harley blows more smoke in the direction of the LiveWire and an electric future for drag racing.

"Science of Speed" allows enthusiasts to "see what it takes to win in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship and the future of drag racing with the 10-time champion Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team. Team racers Eddie Krawiec, Andrew Hines and Angelle Sampey talk through the skills, strategies and experience of running a motorcycle through the quarter-mile dragstrip."
"Science of Speed" looks at how electric vehicle propulsion will change the sport of drag racing by comparing a 2020 Harley-Davidson FXDR motorcycle to a 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle. "With the LiveWire motorcycle's immediate torque and seamless twist-and-go acceleration, the racers are immediately aware of what the future of fast can bring: more time for preparation before launch, thrilling, instant acceleration and seamless speed to the finish line."

As reported in September 2020, Sampey, a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, set new records for elapsed time and top speed by an electric-powered production motorcycle with the LiveWire on a drag racing course. "She stepped off her Harley-Davidson FXDR™ Pro Stock competition motorcycle to pilot the LiveWire bike to capture world record-breaking runs on the quarter and eighth-mile, covering the eighth-mile distance in 7.017 seconds and the full quarter-mile course in just 11.156 seconds at 110.35 mph. The 2020 LiveWire motorcycle's top speed is limited to 110 mph."
Maybe the possibility (probability) of an all-electric future for drag racing, of all classes, indeed of entirely new class concepts, has got something to do with its race program rebuild, maybe it hasn't.
Maybe, in drag race terms, the dealer teams that the factory will look most kindly on for a share of their support dollar largesse in the future will be those who develop LiveWire based endeavors. Maybe, maybe not. What price a Harley pimped electric Drag Race class or series?
If new CEO Jochen Zeitz remains serious about the electric future and going back to Harley's legacy in order to build its future - an important part of which was building brand through track success - then why not? Just sayin'!

News Briefs

Ducati has recorded its best third quarter ever, with 14,694 motorcycles delivered worldwide and a total of 4,468 motorcycles delivered in September, "despite the complex global situation." The Panigale, Ducati Scrambler and Multistrada are the families with the best results; China, Switzerland and Germany recorded higher sales compared to the same period in 2019.

In USA Polaris has donated a further $97k in grants to off-road organizations (through its T.R.A.I.L.S. grants program) in line with its commitment to providing support for the development and improvement of trail systems. Ten non-profit organizations received a Fall 2020 T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant, with awards ranging from $8 to $10k - adding to the 12 that were announced in June, making nearly $210k awarded to 22 organizations in 2020. Since it was founded in 2006, the program has supported 315 off-road and ATV organizations with more than $2.7m in grants.

Merritt Island, Florida based air suspension specialist Arnott has purchased the assets of the former AccuAir Control Systems suspension company. "The purchase enables Arnott to expand its industry-leading air suspension products within the performance and luxury light vehicle market, as well as within the powersports industry." The AccuAir range will be re-launched in early 2021.

Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF - a subsidiary of the Italian Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Aprilia owner) is to start next stage business application trials of its 'Gita' robot carrier as it looks for opportunities to follow up its consumer launch in sectors such as travel, hospitality, real estate, retail and local food delivery.  One of the first pilot programs to be launched will include Cincinnati International Airport (CVG). Manufactured in the new PFF facility in the Charlestown district of Boston, 'Gita' will be used to clear the path for contactless, digital, concierge services for travelers and to assist elsewhere in the airport in processes like luggage and cargo transport. With a 20 kg payload and 4-hour battery life, 'Gita' is a "follow-me" robot carrier designed to follow users indoors and out, at a top speed of 10 km/hour.

A H-D patent filing appears to show Variable Valve Timing being used on a new engine for the Sportster - though sources say that whatever bike it may be used for (if at all), as plans go, it is still, at best, some way off. Indeed, until Project Rewire, the XL family had been slated to see its demise with MY2022, bringing a close to what will by then have been a 65-year run. However, that decision is now back in the 'nix mix' as all bets are reconsidered.

 

Royal Enfield recently inaugurated a brand-new production plant in Argentina in collaboration with local distributor Grupo Simpa. The country has become an important market for Royal Enfield since it entered the market there in 2018. The new Buenos Aires plant will source materials from RE's home base in Chennai, India, and assemble the Himalayan, Continental GT and Interceptor 650 there, with production expected to begin as early as September 2020.

The Royal Enfield AFT Production Twins racer made an impressive race debut at the Williams Grove Speedway Half-Mile I at Mechanicsburg, PA., with professional flat track racer Johnny Lewis scooping sixth spot. A joint effort between Royal Enfield and Lewis' proprietary race team and flat track academy MotoAnatomy, the project has seen an impressive roster of collaborators - not least the globally recognized British road racing chassis builder Harris Performance and engine tuning specialists S&S Cycle.

In a multi-year deal, Progressive Insurance has been named the AFT Series Entitlement Sponsor - the Title Sponsor and Official Insurance Company of America's premier motorcycle racing championship, American Flat Track. The sponsorship includes a $50,000 year-end points fund, awarded to the top performing riders in the AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines, AFT Production Twins and AFT Singles divisions.

#1 Cycle Center H-D in State College, PA - home of Penn State University - is for sale as the seller is looking to retire.

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

Billet Proof

Billet Proof Acquires Aeromach Product Range

Collegeville, Pennsylvania based Billet Proof Designs has been on the expansion trail - in April of 2020 they bought the manufacturing and distribution rights to Paul Aiken's Aeromach Mfg product line.

Damian Ercole founded Billet Proof Designs in 2012, manufacturing and selling motorcycle parts out of a 600 sq ft garage, with a backyard shed as a warehouse and a spare bedroom as an office.
"Our goal was to get the everyday guy more involved with the parts they were putting on their bikes," explains Damian. "Customizing is a very personal thing, and while there are many great volume produced parts out there, it can be tough for riders to be able to get exactly what they want and to try to make that crossover from just buying something to having parts on their bike that they have had a stake in making.

Dan Doyle (left) and Damian Ercole - who founded Billet Proof in 2012

"Our first product line was laser-cut steel battery boxes that could be bent by hand and welded by the average fabricator. From there, we have grown into a 6,000 sq ft facility with thousands of SKUs. We are a small company and pride ourselves on the level of attention we give our customers. Our team has built choppers, café racers, dirt bikes, scooters and more, and we’re happy to offer technical support and advice to people even if they haven’t made a purchase with us, and we understand the frustrations that riders with a vision of what they are looking for often run up against."

 

Damian Ercole started as a chopper builder

Damian grew the Billet Proof line to include floorboards, footpegs, shifters, highway bars, covers, motor mounts and kits, handlebars, risers and mirrors and hard to source parts such as weld-on tabs and bungs.
"We make most of what we sell but also stock selected, complementary products from well-known brands and manufacturers such as Ness, Fat Baggers, Joker Machine, Rick's Motorsports Electrics and more, so the Aeromach range of luggage racks, floorboard relocation kits, levers, kickstand extensions, license plate frames and such like just fitted really well with what we already make - especially with the emphasis on parts for Indians.
"Since we already had CNC manufacturing capabilities in-house, and we were already familiar with the Aeromach product line as we carried a number of its parts, this has been a perfect fit. The majority of Aeromach’s products are manufactured by us right here in Collegeville, PA, with the same attention to detail that Aeromach’s customers have come to expect."
www.billetproofdesign.com

Twin Power

Twin Power Rotors

Produced in the United States for Twin Power by a "premier manufacturer", its direct bolt-on rotors are "specially ground to help prevent warping," says Brand Manager James Simonelli.

"They are laser-cut 11.5" rotors and include an alumimum adaptor ring to fit 1984 - 1999 H-D models with 2" center hole. On floating rotors, the carriers have been precision CNC-machined."
The aluminum adapter ring adapts 2 1/4" rotors to a 2" hub to "give a tight fit and plenty of braking power."

TUCKER V-TWIN
www.tucker.com/v-twin
www.twinpower-usa.com