Motorcycle Industry Association (MIC)

China Import Helmets Escape U.S. Tariffs Through Year's End

The Irvine, California based Motorcycle Industry Association (MIC) has announced that lobbying by the MIC and its members, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is extending the tariff exclusion for a number of Chinese-made helmets through December 31.

Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports: "This extension of the helmet tariff exclusion is a great development for our riders and the powersports industry."

"This extension of the helmet tariff exclusion is a great development for our riders and the powersports industry," said Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports. "Tucker is committed to making safety equipment accessible for all riders through all the channels we serve."
Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of the MIC Government Relations Office (GRO), said: "We should all be pleased about the USTR's decision not to place tariffs on many specific helmets, but we must continue to advocate for excluding additional motorcycle helmets from any tariffs.
"The MIC GRO has garnered Congressional support for these exclusions. We'll say again that DOT-compliant helmets must remain affordable for all powersports riders, and placing tariffs on helmets discourages safe riding practices."

S&S Cycle

M-8 Forged Roller Rocker Arm Upgrades

S&S Cycle's engineers have addressed a potentially important issue in M-8 engines. Big lift cams can open up the high rpm potential of the M-8 powerplant, but they can also add stress to the stock valvetrain geometry. 

Valve thrust and valvetrain wear in big lift cam applications drove S&S engineers to design stronger, more durable components that will help dealers and riders get the most out of the M-8, and first on the list was forged roller rocker arms.
These new rockers are stronger, more durable, and designed to be easier on the rest of the top end. Oil routing is updated and is now sprayed directly on the valve springs, helping cool and lubricate these hard working parts.
Compatible with stock and most CNC-ported heads, they feature a 1.640 ratio, which is capable of up to .650 valve lift. S&S says that "we think these are an essential modification for increasing the longevity of valvetrain components, particularly with cams running .550 or greater lift. Making big, reliable power has always been what we do best, and these new forged roller rockers are a solid addition to our M-8 performance parts line."

S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com

Twin Power

Twin Power Additions

Klincher Clutches

Twin Power Klincher clutches provide increased surface area and torque capacity while maintaining an easy lever pull. They are available for 1937-2017 models with cable or hydraulic clutches (except M-8) and tuneable for any application.

Clutch Hubs

 
These accurate reproductions of the Big Twin clutch hub feature steel spines and aluminum hub. They are available for selected Big Twins 1984-2006.

Clutch Shell

This clutch shell is a "perfect replacement bearing" for '90 and later 5-speed Big Twin models. These are exact reproductions of the OEM clutch shell. They feature hardened components and include the inner and outer ramps. For 2007 and up applications they come with a coupler with clip and three balls.

Clutch Hub Assembly

This  3-stud replacement clutch hub assembly for the stock early clutch hub includes assembled clutch hub, complete with friction disc and rivets, bearing retainer with bearings, spring pressure plate and stud nuts.

Aluminum Clutch Pressure Plate

 
"Restore-like-new clutch performance with this Twin Power aluminum pressure plate - the perfect OEM replacement" for '90-'97 Big Twins and '91-'15 Sportsters.

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

Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts

Injector Cleaning and Chain Maintenance

Hazelwood, Missouri based Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts offers a large range of V-twin-specific and universal tools and service accessories from Californian specialist Motion Pro.
Among them, this complete fuel injector cleaning kit for most EV1 fuel injectors (EV6 pigtail separately available) - the specific model application information is available on the Motion Pro website.

SlackSetter chain tool

The tool will flush and back-flush injectors for the best possible cleaning process without the need for compressed air - all it requires is an additionally available aerosol can of fuel injection cleaner. It is push-button switch-operated and has an LED battery condition indicator light (9V battery included). It is of a durable billet aluminum construction - "built tough for everyday shop use."

Fuel injector cleaning kit for most EV1 fuel injectors (EV6 pigtail separately available)

Also new to the Mid-USA line-up this year, the patented design Motion Pro SlackSetter chain tool accurately and quickly measures chain slack with two scales to measure chain slack and chain to swingarm clearance (in mm).
Setting chain slack properly dramatically improves chain life, and this portable, lightweight, compact design is made from engineered nylon (anodized etched precision aluminum measuring scale) and will work on most on-highway and off-road applications with up to 75 mm chain slack.

Master link press tool

This Motion Pro original design master link press tool will easily press on and off the master link plates for clip style chains - which means it works on all five series chains.
The hardened steel pins make for reliable use, but the lightweight billet aluminum construction and ergonomic design will not damage the master links. It has a durable, blue anodized finish with laser engraved markings (not for use in breaking rivet master links).

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

HardDrive

HardDrive Adds National Cycle Custom Screens

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 its U.S. dealers - from ODI Lock-On V-twin grips and 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 METRA and, as seen here, Maywood, Illinois based National Cycle screens.

These new custom replacement screens for FLHT/FLHX models "have a unique custom personality and a flavor all of their own."
Made from tough 3.0 mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate, "this high quality material, along with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, provides outstanding impact strength and scratch resistance unmatched by any windscreen maker worldwide.
"Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate is the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders. It is ten times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate, and thirty times more than windscreens made from commonly used acrylic or 'aircraft plastic'."
All are offered in a dark tint, are easy to install and protected by a 3-year warranty against breakage.
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.

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

Motorcycle Storehouse

Motorcycle Storehouse Additions

Kellermann - Bullet Atto Integral

This Integral version of the popular German made Atto by Kellermann is specifically designed to be built-in to fairings or any other bodywork. With its aluminum housing with an overall length of 13 mm and 9 mm diameter, this ultra-small turn signal is a customizer's gift. The high output power LED in combination with Extranz Extreme Optical Transparency technology actually gives it a colossal light output for its size. Fully ECE compliant, this is THE ONE for those who like their turn signals small and virtually invisible - until activated. Compatible with 12V applications, the 3 in 1 taillight combo is 16 mm long x 9 mm diameter. The wiring length for all is 70 cm.

Performance Machine – M-8 mid controls

 
A 6061-T6 billet aluminum lightweight but strong construction, these mid controls for M-8 applications offer a more aggressive riding position with increased ground clearance for improved cornering. The short throw shifter allows faster shifting, the steel brake linkage comes with chrome heim joints for easy brake actuation. Bolt-on design without modifications. Compatible with the stock master cylinder, but will not take OEM footpegs. Traditional H-D mount footpegs must be used. They are available in Black ops (a gloss black and wrinkle finish combination) or Gold ops (a gloss black and gold wrinkle combination).

Putoline - Lubricating Essentials

With years of racing experience, Putoline is widely recognized as one of the motorcycle market's leading oils and lubricants specialists, but less well known is that they have oils specifically designed for large capacity V-twin air and water-cooled engines, right up to full synthetic engine oil for high rpm, high performance road and race motorcycles, and everything in between.

Bondhus - Hex Wrenches

The Bondhus name will be a familiar one to all professional mechanics as high-quality hex end wrenches at reasonable prices. Bondhus is in fact an American run and operated company, with a production facility in Monticello, Minnesota. That is where all the hex keys, and some innovative variations on that theme, are manufactured. The best known is the ball-end, which was originally a Bondhus invention.

By City - Urban Motorcycle Clothing
 
 
For anyone interested in a both stylish and safe ride, By City has the gear for you. A young company, eager to be better than the rest, which shows in their products, restlessly innovating to produce a product of which the quality is truly outstanding. The center of it all is uncompromised safety on the bike but still comfortable, and with also fashionable good looks once you've pulled over. This dual functionality is fully in line with the vision of the company founders, who have over 35 years motorcycling experience and learned what's important. That hands-on knowledge is something you can't buy or create, but it is an asset and used to its full extent to produce great riding gear. Fashion or safety? It's the same thing now!

MOTORCYCLE STOREHOUSE BV
www.motorcyclestorehouse.com

Le Pera Enterprises

Breakout the Bare Bones

The low and aggressive look of Boutique custom seat designer Le Pera Enterprises' 'Bare Bones' seat for 2018 and up Softail Breakout models isn't just a stylish solo stock replacement, but has been "engineered to change the entire look of your Breakout customer's ride, combining comfort and back support with a 10.5" width. 

"This is the perfect seat to take advantage of our Biker Gel and other various custom options such as full leather construction. Standard options include your choice of smooth, diamond and diamond with white stitch and piping, as seen here."

Still handcrafting all their seats at their North Hollywood, California headquarters after more than 45 years as the market's design leader, all Le Pera seats feature a powder-coated steel base plate, a specially poured high density "Marathon" molded foam foundation and double-stitched, handcrafted cover with bonded polyester thread for durability.

LE PERA ENTERPRISES
www.lepera.com

American Flat Track

Halbert and Mees Take Wins at AFT Springfield Miles

Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2020 AFT series saw a triple-header with two Springfield Mile Super Twins and Production Twins races at Springfield, Illinois, on September 5 and 6, after an AFT Singles Short Track on Thursday September 4th.
In the first, Saturday's AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event Springfield Mile I presented by Memphis Shades, Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) provided an undeniable reminder of his immense talent to take the win with a commanding performance.

"Slammin' Sammy" has long been regarded as one of the elite riders on the AFT scene, but his 14th career Grand National Championship race win came as his first in more than four years. Over that span, he'd found himself on the wrong end of Indian Motorcycle's recent series domination. Now that he's got an FTR750 of his own, Halbert once again figures to be a significant factor in the '20 AFT SuperTwins title fight.
Multi-time champ Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) brought it home in second, with Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing FTR750) third, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) fourth and Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) fifth.
Reigning Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) finished in seventh, 0.150 seconds behind Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750). As a result, Mees had reclaimed the points lead and remains the sole rider with a perfect podium record for the season.
Brandon Price, Briar Bauman and Bronson Bauman were 6th, 7th and 8th respectively on their FTR750s, with Dalton Gauthier and Jarod Vanderkooi bringing home the leading Vance & Hines backed XG750R Rev X Harley factory bikes in 9th and 10th.
In the second, the Vance & Hines backed SuperTwins race, on Sunday 6, Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) went one better at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, adding to his burgeoning Mile legend with a triumphant ride in Sunday's thrilling Springfield Mile II presented by Memphis Shades.
Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) was second, ahead of reigning Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) third, his brother Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) fourth, with Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) fifth.

The three Vance & Hines backed Harley factory team XG750R Rev X's of Bryan Smith, Dalton Gauthier and Jarod Vanderkooi came in 7th, 8th and 9th respectively, with Dan Bromley on another FTR750 in 10th.
As a result, Mees boasted a relatively healthy title advantage over primary rival Bauman (132-119), with Halbert in third as the series headed for the Williams Grove Speedway Half-Mile double-header at Mechanicsburg, Penn.

AFT Production Twins
Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don's Kawasaki Ninja 650) won his first-career Mile win in Saturday's AFT Production Twins Main Event, ahead of Chad Cose (No. 49 Wally Brown Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) second, and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) third.
The following evening, in the second Springfield Mile Production Twins Main Event, points leader James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) extended his championship lead, with Ben Lowe second this time, ahead of Chad Cose, third.

AFT Singles
The AFT Singles saw two Main Event Short Track races staged on the same evening (Thursday September 4th).
In the first, Dallas Daniels took the win (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), ahead of Henry Wiles second (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R) and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Roof Systems DFW/Duffy Fleet Services KTM 450 SX-F) third.
In the second race, exciting rookie Trevor Brunner (No. 211 Demske Racing/KMA Racing Honda CRF450R) was ahead of Henry Wiles, who again had to settle for second, with Max Whale on a Kawasaki KX450F in third.
After the Williams Grove Half-Miles (Mechanicsburg, Penn., September 11th and 12th) come the Dallas Half-Mile double-headers at the Devil's Bowl Speedway (September 25 and 26), the Atlanta Short Tracks (October 2nd and 3rd), Charlotte Half-Miles (Concord, NC., October 9 and 10), with the season finale at Daytona Beach on October 15 and 16.