Baggertail conversion kit
RBS Custom Parts, from near Hamburg in Germany, have a series of 'Baggertail' style conversion kits available for Softail and Twin Cam models from 1986 right up to 2016.
Said to be the ideal solution for converting Softails into convincingly Bagger styled and road-capable touring bikes, the bolt-on, modification-free kit combines lowered seat height and reduced weight to bring the practical advantages of touring models to the classic looks and chassis of Harley's Softails.
Suitable for two-up touring, the conversions allows the installation of the standard or aftermarket seat, with accessories, with the kits connecting to the existing mounting points without drilling or welding.
The package includes a Bagger style rear fender, hard shell cases, including stylishly curved lids, and a hard shell case mount for both bags in black powder-coat with locking system and chrome bezels.
The kit has been manufactured in Germany from high-strength fiberglass and allows the individual assembly of the license plate, rear lights and indicators. Detailed installation instructions are included.
RBS CUSTOM PARTS
www.rbs-custom-parts.de
Morphing, Millennials and Platforms
Congratulations to AIMExpo for their latest custom market initiative – “Custom Culture.” Without wanting to get directly into the debate here about V-Twin Expo Vs. AIMExpo (except say that I don’t see it as ‘Vs.’ at all – there is room and need for both and they are polar opposites of each other in all the most important respects – timing, venue, formula etc), seeking to embrace the emerging new “Millennial Beards” is smart, and necessary.
As the slew of new shows, shops and sites that have opened up in recent years shows, there is a new “space” there, but thinking that this represents some kind of economic powerhouse is wide of the mark - at this stage.
It is too early to think that the “new scene” will want to embrace “the man” - yet! Indeed, thinking it will, this soon, misses the lesson of history and misses a critical variable that this new generation of riders actually shares in common with the original Boomers - platforms. They are “platform diverse”.
The Boomer- Boom that fuelled the emergence of the custom parts and accessories parts aftermarket for the past thirty or more years started out as a reaction against crated riding solutions costing more than any young rider could possibly afford and only became, itself, an economic powerhouse once the waistlines and wallet books had fattened.
The good news is that the Millennials will, no doubt, no question about it, do the same as the Boomers in time – put on weight and bank balance! But while they will currently visit events that are cheap to attend, buy the cheap Tees, buy cheap bikes, build cheap bikes, and customize bikes, cheaply, we are still a decade or two away from them being able to buy expensive bikes, build expensive bikes or customize expensively.
Millennials are filling the void
Leaving aside the issue of market renewal, it has always been a paradox to me that many in the industry have bemoaned that our median demographic hovers in the mid forty year range because that means that over 90 percent of the market’s business activity is dependent on consumers in the range 30 to 60 … peak buying power territory.
In terms of market renewal, the good news is that the Millennials are filling the void that appeared to have followed the Boomers – all generations react against what has gone before, so it was no surprise that ‘Gen-X’ showed much less inclination for riding than their father’s generation(s).
Motorcycling staged a comeback with the so-called ‘Gen-Y’ cohort, manifesting many characteristics that riding met in spades. They and the ‘Millennials’ are the consumers of tomorrow, but first of all they need to do things their own way – but don’t worry, their spending habits will mature like a fine wine.
At present this new generation needs and seeks to eliminate as many mark-up levels from their modest budgets as they can in order to be able to ride at all. They need the shortest possible supply chain and the cheapest possible spend options.
The move up the spending graph will come in time, and, just as it did with the Boomers, it will do so for a variety of reasons – not least because as people acquire wealth they, mostly, like to spend it; and the greater their wealth the greater their desire to allow their spending options to reflect their affluence.
So history teaches us that what looked cool when they had the beards, will ultimately be “so yesterday” by the time they’ve shaved the beards off. The ‘Millennials’ may even follow the Boomers by becoming “brand tribal,” but at present there is a long way to go before we see one of their principal defining characteristics, namely being brand diverse, morph into the kind of homogeneity that was necessary to create air-cooled v-twin parts and accessory critical mass.
At present the internet and cheap platforms are their best friends, but it won’t always be thus. Eventually these riders, in busy and affluent middle age with wife, home, yard, children and punishing work/life imbalance will come to value the services of their local shop, and start to be sensitive about what the platform parked on the drive says about them - wealth and all.
One of the reasons Harley recovered so strongly from near oblivion in 1984 was that they eventually learned not be afraid of price; indeed, some have argued that until the Lehman Apocalypse cancelled all bets - the more expensive they became, the more successful they became, in both balance sheet and volume terms.
Does this render the initiative that AIMExpo and others are taking (including Harley, to be fair) to start reaching out to these proto-consumers pointless? No, far from it.
It isn’t as simple as inventing the brand or concept and the people will come, but the sooner a business starts the process of learning how to bring new customers in, the sooner it will start to understand what works for them and what doesn’t
Therefore, the stronger that business’s position will be when those consumers are ready to take the bait. It is only from trying and maybe failing sometimes that you learn how to succeed, and while I am not suggesting that AIMExpo is about to fall on its ass with its “Custom Culture” (quite the reverse), its endeavours cannot exploit what is not yet there – but it can help to kick-start a process that the whole of the industry needs to embrace – learning how to sell to ‘Millenials’, learning what they’ll buy, why they’ll buy it and being ready to ring up the sale when the sands of time determine their readiness.
One final thought – kudos to BMW (and other OEMs for their initiatives too) for the upcoming price-point entry level R nineT and ‘Legacy’ line of custom platforms they’ll be unveiling alongside the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at ‘INTERMOT Customizing’ in Cologne, Germany, in October. Check out the news on pages 32 and 33 of this edition.
Q3F Indian Scout conversion kit now available in US
Manufactured in Belgium by on- and off-highway conversion kit specialist Sandy Poglavec's Q-Tec, the all new Q3F is a fully reversible "Reverse Trike" conversion kit for the Indian Scout.
Involving absolutely no frame welding or drilling, the bolt-on kit's interchangeable mounting brackets means it also coverts Softails, with Sportster, V-Rod, Victory and Big Chief conversions due later this year.
Now available in the United States, Mark Klein of New Jersey based importer Wide World Powersports (who himself is an Indian Motorcycle dealer) says that he is now looking for additional dealers.
The Q3F kit is a modular package that can be tuned for model specific conversion applications using interchangeable brackets - meaning dealers will have access to a wide customer base potential with minimized inventory overheads.
So far American Bike & Trike of Gilbert, Arizona, have signed on as a sub-distributor and service point for the south and west, and Klein told AMD that "The pedigree of these designs is proven, the manufacturer is a known, dependable and reliable partner, with the engineering and quality control experience that is needed.
"Combine that with the growing popularity of the "Reverse Trike" concept and the stunning looks achieved with the Indian Scout, and I'm sure that dealers here in the United States will be on to a winning formula."
Wide World PowerSports
www.wideworldpowersports.com
Big Bore throttle bodies
Available through Drag Specialties, this Big Bore throttle body from Horsepower Inc. is "flow bench-tested and dyno-proven to deliver increased airflow, horsepower and torque."
Completely replacing the OEM throttle body and fully compatible with OEM components, they are equipped with a sealed double roller bearing for smooth throttle operation and feature a natural finish with split shaft design and stainless steel spring.
A brass throttle blade resists deflection, helping to maintain throttle position accuracy, and they are fully machined and ported internally for "unparalleled flow."
Available with 1.66" intake runner in 51 and 55mm versions for 2001-2005 Twin Cams with Delphi EFI and most 2006-2016 applications.
DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
JIMS tools for Indian models
Proud recipients of benchmark-of-excellence ISO (International Standards Organization) 9001:2008 certification in recognition of their manufacturing and quality control procedures, Camarillo, California based JIMS USA is bringing their renowned lifetime warranty backed specialty tools for American motorcycles experience to the fast growing Indian brand.
In conjunction with their fork spring compressor, these new fork compression sockets, designed to work on the new Indian Scout, allow for safe fork disassembly, without launching parts around the shop! Mating with the dampener cartridge, they prevent rotation when installing or removing the bottom fork bolt.
Both sockets are necessary when servicing forks on 2015-present Indian Scout models. JIMS say this is a lifetime warranty backed improvement on the OEM tool, which has some fitment issues, and that as an added bonus they also work on 2017-present Victory Octane models.
JIMS flywheel (rotor) puller is similar to the OEM tool, but incorporating a design change to ensure good and solid engagement when using the puller. This subtle change might eliminate potential damage to the flywheel when used in this application.
There is a water pump seal on the new Indian Scout located in the engine case that requires a tool for installation. JIMS say that in testing they discovered an additional seal "hidden below," so have developed a water pump seal(s) installer that installs both seals to the proper location and depth.
Always one of the most important tools in the box, JIMS say that their wheel bearing tool works for Indians as well. All that is needed is the hub protector seen here to do the job correctly without damaging the wheel.
JIMS USA
www.jimsusa.com
ODC 'Milano' inverted touring forks
Based near Milan, Italian designer Christian Cagnola's Otto di Couri (ODC) business is well known for its custom bikes, but also has a fast growing reputation for its parts and accessories program.
Their core business is front suspensions, and seen here is their 'Milano' inverted fork assembly, thought to have been the first, and perhaps still the only one in the industry, specifically designed and developed for touring applications.
CNC machined from billet aluminum, they are available with 4 degree and 9 degree raked triple trees in two lengths to fit bikes with up to 23” and 26” front wheels, and as special lengths for wheels over 26” (this version only requires frame and rake modifications).
Featuring a caliper mount integrated into the fork leg, they accept OEM calipers and the most popular aftermarket main custom calipers.
The cartridge is made entirely by ODC, and the two versions offered are said to deliver a uniquely progressive damping rate on touring models up to 2013 and on 2014 and up models. Options include black fork tubes and radial caliper bracket.
The results are described as producing improved response and stopping distances, greater stability and much better feel and confidence.
ODC/OTTO DI CUORI
www.ottodicuori.it
Latest W&W additions
6V Antigravity Li-Ion
This 6-volt 8-cell Antigravity lithium-Ion battery is lightweight and small enough to fit all horseshoe type oil tanks or early battery boxes. Made for those who ride classic older bikes that run the 6-volt system, it is a very reliable compact replacement for the heavy, large 6-volters of the past. It can hold a charge for up to a year provided there are no drains and can be installed in any orientation; it is only meant to power the ignition, not to run a starter motor; 110mm wide x 85mm high x 60mm deep; net weight 700 g; 55.2 Wh energy rating; adhesive backed foam mats.
Bates 'BattBoy' battery box
Modern gel or Li-Ion batteries offer a significant advantage - they are leak-proof. Those who ever experienced spilled acid in their horseshoe oil tanks will appreciate this fact. On the other hand, owners of classic bikes do like the looks of their original energy store and the corresponding cover and mounts. With a Bates 'Battboy' battery jar you can have the best of both worlds, because what looks like a period type HM5 6V accumulator on the outside can house a safe, modern battery within. Just hook it with two eyelet wires to the terminals on the bottom of the lid and you are all set. Perfect also for 6 to 12 volt electrical system conversions. When using suitable Antigravity versions you even have some storage room left for a few small spare parts. Made in lightweight, durable ABS plastic it is available for OEM style horseshoe oil tanks, for singles 1929-1936, 750cc 1929-1963, OHV Big Twin 1936-1964, SV Big Twin 1937-1948.
LC Fabrications battery trays
Polished, universal mount battery carriers for Antigravity lithium-ion batteries, machined from 6061 billet aluminum to withstand vibrations. Mount anywhere you choose, in any position, using the supplied screws.
Bates fuel valve conversion kit
This period look fuel valve conversion kit for the 1940-1965 thru-the-tank gas valve is made in Germany in cadmium plated steel and helps prevent the fuel valve leaks that often occur due to distorted tanks and misaligned fuel valves on classic gas tanks. The insert replaces the stock valve seat and accepts most 1/8" NPT petcocks on the bottom, including the early factory version. The rod is omitted, the crossover line can be retained; with the included cap you can close the top of the tank.
Vance & Hines Power Dual headers
With integrated V&H Power Chamber to generate more horsepower and torque than stock, they feature full heat shielding with 220° coverage. The right-side design eliminates the left-side passenger heat issues, routing hot exhaust gases below the footpeg and protecting vital engine components and side covers. Fitted with 12/18mm oxygen sensor ports for a seamless stock upgrade, they are available black, ceramic-coated or chrome-plated for 2009-2015 Touring models.
HMB shifter ratchet
Available for stock 3-speed or custom 4-speed transmissions, this shifter mechanism allows conversion of 45 cui 1937-1973 Flathead hand shifters to foot shift or to a Jockey shifter. Made in Germany in zinc plated steel, it basically works like a ratchet-top on Big Twin models so that after each shift all involved levers return to their home position ready for the next gear change. In addition to the ratchet, each kit comes with a ball joint, clevises and various mounting parts (shifter rods and shift levers not included).
Belt optimizer pulley
Introduced by the factory in 1980 on the Sturgis model, the belt optimizer pulley has a great advantage over solid pulleys. The integrated rubber cushions of the 1-1/2" belt optimizer pulley are shock compensating and reduce the stress on the belt under hard acceleration, when riding slow in high gear or when downshifting - extending the service life of the primary belt. This 41-tooth 1-1/2" aluminum, steel and stainless steel replacement and upgrade kit for 1955-1999 Big Twins comes with stainless steel guard disc, 46 mm sprocket shaft nut and puller tool.
W&W CYCLES AG
www.wwag.com
12.5" and 13.5" stiletto shocks
Available for those looking for a Cafe, Scrambler or contemporary street look for a Dyna model conversion, these stiletto shocks from Burly Brand are designed to raise the ride height ("Lifted is the new lowered," say Burly!), with the 12.5" version available now and a 13.5 incher due out this summer. According to Burly Brand owner MAG "the high performance damper is wrapped in a spring combination designed specifically to deal with subtle road noise and imperfections, while the main coil handles the big hits and controls bottoming"; www.burlybrand.com
