Zero Motorcycles

From Zero to Hero 

California based electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero has agreed to collaborate with Indian manufacturer and former Buell partner Hero MotoCorp on new premium electric vehicles.

Hero MotoCorp, one of at least three Asian manufacturers which claims to be "the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters," is to invest up to $60m in Zero Motorcycles.

Zero CEO Sam Paschel

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said: "Our partnership with Zero Motorcycles is a significant milestone in our journey towards ushering in an era of sustainable clean technology in the mobility space. With Zero as our partner, we look forward to accelerating the transition of electric mobility in India and across our global markets."

For Zero, CEO Sam Paschel is quoted as saying: "We are delighted to have Hero MotoCorp as our partner. Our companies are both committed to transforming the riding experience and bringing remarkable, innovative products to the world. With these shared passions, we look forward to delivering exceptional value, performance and fun for our customers."

In keeping with its vision 'Be the Future of Mobility', Hero MotoCorp is addressing the emerging mobility space, including electric vehicles, through a range of third-party and in-house developed initiatives and has an advanced R&D facility based in Munich, Germany, to help it develop state-of- the-art solutions. Under its emerging mobility brand, VIDA, Powered by Hero, the company has already launched its first EV, the VIDA V1 scooter, and has initiated operations of its public charging infrastructure in India.

Pawan Munjal recently introduced three new products in Turkey - the Xpulse 200 4V motorcycle and its Dash 110 and Dash 125 scooters.

Zodiac International

 Zodiac Product Additions

Arlen Ness Stocker Mirrors

The head and stem of these Arlen Ness clean, smooth flowing design mirrors are forged from aluminum. They feature heavy duty stainless steel internal pivot hardware and come with SAE and metric mounting hardware for easy installation on American, European and Japanese motorcycles.

The mirror head is 4 1/2" wide and 2 3/4" high. The overall width is 6 1/4" (15.9 cm), and the overall height 5 3/8" (13.6 cm). 

Arlen Ness Ventilator Performance Air Filter Element

This Arlen Ness Big Sucker washable cotton gauze air filter element is higher than the standard one found in Screamin' Eagle ventilator air cleaners for M-8 models. The filter provides 22% more filter area surface, which can give up to a 5 hp power increase. It comes complete with spacers and other hardware for a quick and easy installation.

OptiMate Pro 1 Duo Battery Charger for Professional Use 

This OptiMate 12 volt, 10 amp battery charger can also be used as a battery tester, as well as a constant power supply. It is perfectly suited for when using diagnostic software, even when the bike is running. This charger works with all kinds of lead-acid and lithium batteries and an input of 100-240 volt at 50-60 Hz and has selectable output. 

The charger has a built-in IEC C8 connector and is supplied with a power cord with a standard continental plug. Mating C7 to other style plug power cords can be purchased locally. 

For professional use, the specifications are 12V lead-acid STD and AGM from 3-50 Ah and 12.8V/13.2V Lithium LFP (LiFePO4) from 2-20 Ah, with 0.4 A to 10 A variable (Ampmatic) charging amps. Charging volts are 12V lead-acid: 0.5V to 22V. 12.8V/13.2V Lithium LFP (LiFePO4): 0.5V to 14.4V with an 11V to 13.6V power supply.
The case includes rubber bumpers, with wall-mount or hanger bars, and a wall storage receiver and bar hanging hook are included. It is sold with a two-year limited repair/replacement warranty.

Bobber Rear Fender for Dyna

This steel rear fender is a replacement for stock on 2006-2008 FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide and can also be fitted to all other 2006-2017 Dyna models.

Mask Goggles

These goggles have a detachable, strong but lightweight face mask for improved protection. The goggles have a high scratchproof lens, ventilation and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit on both the helmet and face.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV

www.zodiac.nl

NAMZ Custom Cycle Products

NAMZ - Mating Pigtails

Jeff Zielinski's NAMZ Custom Cycle Products (Oreland, Pennsylvania) has introduced some new pigtails for late model Harleys "to help shops and dealerships keep their customers' bikes on the road," says Jeff.

OEM replacement OEM rear black fuel injector connector with terminals, wire seals and secondary lock, '17-up models. (HD# 69201393). Includes 3/16" heat shrink.

"The mating pigtails concept was born when a customer emailed us and said that having EFI and component connectors pre-wired as pigtails, with OEM color-matching wire, would be awesome. Why not - a MIL SPEC machine-crimp, matching wire colors and ready to install, it doesn't get any easier. The end of the wire is stripped, but the jacket is left to prevent wire fraying."

Replacement OEM fuel induction module/throttle body, 2008 through 2016 Dresser models. (Connector HD# 72483-08BK, Terminal HD# 72168-07). Includes 3/16" heat shrink.

All the options come with a 3/16" heat shrink and include a replacement OEM fuel induction module/throttle body for 2008 through 2016 Dresser models and a four-position single row OEM replacement OEM TMAP sensor connector kit that includes wire seals and terminals for 2007-2017.

OEM replacement OEM TMAP sensor connector kit, includes wire seals and terminals. Fits 2007-2017, four-position single row. (HD# 72406-07A, 72407-07 & 72408-07). Includes 3/16" heat shrink.

An OEM replacement 2017-up TMAP sensor female connector kit with wire seals and terminals and an OEM replacement rear black fuel injector connector with terminals, wire seals and secondary lock for '17-up models. 

OEM replacement 2017-up TMAP sensor female connector kit. Kit includes wire seals and terminals. (OEM # 69201441). Includes 3/16" heat shrink.

Celebrating 21 years in business, NAMZ and Badlands products are available through Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Tucker, Mid-USA, J&P Cycles, V-Twin, Parts Canada, Parts Europe, Custom Chrome Europe, Motorcycle Storehouse, W&W, Zodiac, Rollies Speed Shop in Australia and Performance Cycle Wholesale Limited in New Zealand.

NAMZ CUSTOM CYCLE PRODUCTS 

www.namzccp.com

Mid-USA

Mid-USA Parts Additions

Le Pera 'Tailwhip' for Touring Models

North Hollywood, California based Le Pera recently celebrated 50 years as the internationally recognized boutique custom seats design leader. Now available at Mid-USA, the 'Tailwhip' seat for 2008 and up Touring models gives riders the support of a whipped-up tail, without compromising the comfort of the passenger seating area. 

Still handcrafting all its seats, all Le Pera seats feature an optimized rider seating area, a highly detailed, powder-coated steel, carpeted base plate, specially poured high-density 'Marathon' molded foam foundation and double-stitched, handcrafted 'BikerTec' custom cover with bonded polyester thread for durability.

S&S Big Bore Kits

Seen here for 132-inch M-8 117" conversions, S&S says these kits deliver the largest big bore possible with a slip-in kit. They have 4.320 bore by 4.5" stroke, black cylinders with highlighted fins and work with the stock crankcases - no machining or modifications are needed. The powder-coat finish matches the factory finish. 

Features include MLS (multi-layered steel) head gaskets and optional use of a high lift cam, without case mods or engine removal. Also available as a 129"-inch conversion for M-8 107" engines.

Dynojet PV4 Performance Tuner

New to Mid-USA this year, Dynojet's Power Vision 4 allows riders to flash-tune their ECU from their phone while 'on the go' and use the screen as a real-time EFI 'dash board'. No set-up is required - riders just need to create an account, select their tune of choice from the vast database of pre-loaded tunes for different configurations and they are 'good to go'. 

The pre-loaded and custom tunes are easily downloaded and managed, and riders can record real time engine data for display in the WinPEP 8 Data Center. Downloadable for iOS and Android and optimized for remote tuning, the PV4 allows riders to easily ride, record and share data logs and tunes, read, review, clear and share diagnostic trouble codes (DTC - with built-in descriptions). PV4 is available for M-8 Big Twin models 2021 and later; Softails 2011-2020; Touring models 2014-2020; Dyna 2012-2017 and Sportsters from 2014 and up. Phone not included. 

MID-USA

www.mid-usa.com

www.mid-usa.ca

Feuling Parts

Feuling M-8 Cylinder Head Breathers 

Machined from billet 6061 aluminum with square surfaces, these new cylinder head breathers for M-8s from Feuling Parts (Oceanside, California) are designed to promote "excellent umbrella valve sealing" and feature longer main breather exit nipples with dual O-rings "to promote better breather system sealing."

Properly sized breather inlets and location can optimize engine breathing, and these unique Feuling Parts designs maximize breather volume and allow for easy serviceability.

The breather bodies have multiple drain ports located on the inside floor and with ports chamfered on the internal diameter yet squared off on the exits to deter filling from splash oil, the design allows easy and, importantly, effective drainage.

Anodized Feuling red, the kits include the billet breather housings, billet covers, breather filter elements, umbrella valves and quality hardware.

"These breathers work," says Feuling Parts CEO Luke Leatherman. "They seal well so that they hold an engine vacuum. Testing shown on a healthy engine will see 3-4 oz of oil in the sump and once the dipstick is removed another 3-4 oz will drain. For this test, no external venting can be used, meaning a sealed dipstick and trans cover must be used.

"The factory plastic OEM breathers can be problematic, we find that the material easily distorts, especially after seeing excessive heat - then the internal umbrella valve struggles to seal, causing oil carry-over. Another issue found with the OEM breathers is cracked and/or broken exit nipples, which can be caused by heat distortion and/or improper fit and poor installation."

Feuling Parts CEO Luke Leatherman: "The factory plastic OEM breathers can be problematic, we find that the material easily distorts, especially after seeing excessive heat - then the internal umbrella valve struggles to seal, causing oil carry-over. These breathers are a stock replacement for M-8 engines on Touring and Softail models.

These breathers are a stock replacement for M-8 engines on Touring and Softail models. Replacement rocker cover gaskets are separately available. These breathers come with a web-form extendable one-year warranty.

FEULING PARTS

www.feulingparts.com

Arrowhead Engineered Products

Genstar Capital Moves to Shake Up the Senior Management at Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP) with New CEO and CFO

In a mid-April release, the Board of Directors of San Francisco based Genstar Capital, the owner of Blaine, Minnesota based Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP), announced what appears to have been the immediate termination of CEO John Mosunic's contract as CEO of AEP.

"We thank John Mosunic for his leadership and dedication to the organization during his tenure. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

New Arrowhead CEO Bill Canady

Mosunic was at the helm when Genstar acquired AEP from Riverside in 2021, and was the CEO who, under Genstar's ownership, oversaw rapid expansion with the acquisition of Western Power Sports (WPS - Boise, Idaho; Fly Racing, HardDrive etc.) and Bihr, one of Europe's largest (largely 'mainstream'/'metric') parts and accessory distributors in 2022.

Genstar moved quickly to announce that Mosunic was being replaced by Bill Canady ("effective immediately"), saying that "Bill has led several organizations to unprecedented growth" and that he is a "proven leader with a track record of driving results through innovation, strong business insights and financial discipline" - including at OTC Technologies - a provider of "industrial and manufacturing solutions" and a member of the Genstar Capital group of owned companies.

Canady is quoted as saying: "I'm pleased to have been chosen to lead Arrowhead, a company with an incredible workforce and loyal customer base. With the confidence of the board and in partnership with the leadership team, we will improve our business performance, continue to take market share and deliver long-term value for all our shareholders. I'm confident that our best days are ahead."

Speaking for AEP, Rebecca Shaffer, Senior Director of Communications, told AMD: “Arrowhead Engineered Products is embarking on its next growth phase. With over 30 years of global business leadership experience, Bill Canady's proven track record of successfully leading industrial businesses for Genstar Capital-sponsored companies means he is the right leader to take the organization to the next level. He will continue in his leadership role across other Genstar portfolio companies working to drive growth across the businesses.”

As CEO, Canady has acted equally quickly to appoint Adam McMahon as CFO, with existing CFO Jim Buckelman "remaining in his role for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition."

Genstar went on to say: "Over the next 100 days, Bill will focus on improving revenue, EBITDA and business performance. The recently announced Global Operating Model is paused as we concentrate on executing the day-to-day basics."

Founded in 1988, Genstar is a big player in the "private equity space" with some $35bn of assets "under management." It says it is currently managing its tenth fund "and actively looking for investment opportunities in founder-owned companies, public company orphans, corporate carve-outs and traditional buyouts."

Describing itself as a "leading global engineer and omnichannel distributor of non-discretionary, proprietary branded, aftermarket replacement parts," AEP "leverages data and digital capabilities to provide mission-critical parts for powersports and adjacent markets, such as outdoor power equipment, golf cars, specialty vehicles, agriculture and other diverse markets." AEP cites having distribution and sourcing locations in North America, Europe and Asia, servicing over 100,000 customers globally.

In addition to WPS, AEP numbers several other American powersports businesses and brands in its ownership, including the All Balls Racing program, Cylinder Works, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Pivot Works and Tiger Lights.

In Europe, Bihr had already been on the acquisition trail prior to itself being bought by AEP - owning Paaschburg & Wunderlich and LSL in Germany, and the Moto Direct/RST apparel operations in the UK. AEP also owns Vertex Pistons in Italy and motorcycle parts distributor H-I Level Enterprises in the UK.

 

AFT

Mees Takes Dallas Half-Mile Win

Reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) penned the latest chapter of a career of Half-Mile heroics with a victorious run in the Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems (Round 5) at the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, on April 22.

Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle

The premier-class king was one-quarter of an early scrap for the lead, along with a trio of Yamaha-mounted challengers in JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07).

The opening stages of the contest proved to be a battle of extreme high and low lines. The high line showed itself to be the fast track up the order initially before giving way to a high-risk, high-reward tight-rope line at the bottom.

Just prior to half-distance, Mees and Daniels (second) exploited that tricky low line to break free and settle into a rematch of their Senoia shootout. Meanwhile, Beach (17th) and Bromley (sixth) fell into a five-rider fight for the final spot on the podium after being reeled in by the charging Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750 - third), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere's BMC Racing Indian FTR750 - fifth) and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke - fourth).

Daniels made a couple of determined attempts to zero in on Mees, but never got quite close enough to make a serious attempt at an overtake. A small bobble on the part of Daniels with less than a minute remaining gave the champ a bit of breathing space. He was then ceded even more as his young rival called off the assault to accept second.

The win was the 34th Half-Mile win of Mees' historic career, placing him just one short of the all-time record held by Scott Parker.

Positions 7-10 were filled by Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), in that order.

After the weekend, Daniels continued to hold down the championship lead with 113 points in his pocket following his 1-1-2-2-2 start. Mees now ranks second with 96 points, while two-time champ Bauman (78) edged ahead of Beach (76) for third.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) can finally call himself a Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event winner after repeatedly knocking on the door of that landmark achievement for years. 

Lowe's maiden Progressive AFT victory headlined a race that represented a monumental reversal of fortune compared with the four rounds that led into it.

After getting off to a slower-than-expected start to the season, the American Honda-backed Turner Racing team entered the day with just one podium between its talented trio of Lowe, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R - third) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R - second).

The three went straight to the front and turned the first half of the race into a glorified poster shoot for the team, running side-by-side-by-side, with the field struggling to stay in their wake.

Lowe eventually shook free while the pack closed in on second-placed Saathoff and third-placed Mischler, but they ultimately held strong to secure the podium lockout.

Meanwhile, the championship's "usual suspects" struggled before coming good in the end. Defending champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) ran as low as eighth before securing fourth by a mere 0.172 seconds, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was seventh and Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) scored fifth. Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) was sixth.

Next Up: The series now heads to California for the Ventura Short Track (May 6), followed by the Sacramento Mile on May 13, then onto the Red Mile at Lexington, Ky., on May 27. After another three-week gap, Round 9 will mark the half-way point in the 2023 Championship, with the last in the sequence of Mile races at DuQuoin, Il., on June 17. After which the first of a four-race run of Half- Miles kicks-off with the popular Lima, Ohio Half-Mile on June 24, followed by the West Virginia Half-Mile at Mineral Wells, WV, on July 1st and the Orange County Half-Mile at Middletown, NY, a week later (July 8).

www.americanflattrack.com

Royal Enfield - Build.Train.Race.

With four rounds each at MotoAmerica and AFT races this season, Royal Enfield's Women Riders 'outreach' program to bring new female talent into racing had its first Flat Track outing for 2023 at the Mission Dallas Half-Mile race at the Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, on April 22.

With all racers on air/oil-cooled Bosch fuel-injected Royal Enfield INT650 parallel twins that they themselves have race-converted and prepared, star of the weekend was Morgan Monroe, who took the win by five laps ahead of Kenzie Luker in second, ahead of Zaria Martens by 0.638 second.

Rider, team and series sponsors include Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, S&S Cycle, chassis specialists Harris Performance Products, Arai, Öhlins Suspension and Maxima Racing Oils.

The Road Race series, on Royal Enfield GT 650s, will kick off at Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI) in June. The next three BTR Flat Track races will be at the Ventura Short Track meet in California on May 6, the Mineral Wells, West Virginia Half-Mile on July 1 and the Bridgeport Half-Mile at Swedesboro, NJ, on July 22nd. 

Jim Preisler

Jim Preisler 

1942 - 1923 

AMD was saddened to learn of the death of Jim Preisler earlier this year, aged 80. Jim was a Design Engineer by profession, but that doesn't even start to cover his talents and achievements. One of the 'gang' at the original Drag Specialties - back in the days of Tom Rudd's ownership, Jim started there in 1970 - his product designs and development follow-through did much to propel the business to an annual $28 million in sales. Jim was President of Drag Specialties in the 1980s, and after Fred Fox had taken ownership of Drag, Jim was President, COO, and owner of the remaining core of the manufacturing business from 1991 (D.S. Manufacturing at Pine Island, Mn.) until its sale to Lincoln Industries in 2015. During that time, Jim focused on the design, development and building of the Khrome Werks line of motorcycle exhausts and accessories and overseeing the contract manufacturing portion of the business. Jim was an U.S. Army Veteran and an avowed lifelong petrol head who had several records to his name - Jim was a passionate race performance engineer and motorcycle drag racer, initially as a professional NHRA drag racer, then as a hobbyist racer and life-long pleasure rider. In 1973, Jim held a national record in the quarter mile of 8.44 seconds at 170 mph on his double engine Harley. Jim was also a skilled woodworker and journeyman cabinet maker. In 2015, Jim embarked on a sizeable HO model train layout, feeding off his life-long love of trains. Most importantly, Jim Preisler was one of the genuinely 'nice guys' of the aftermarket. Our thoughts are with his wife Cheryl and their family and friends - their loss is also our loss.