News Briefs

APB Corp, Tokyo (Hideaki Horie - the man behind development of the Nissan Leaf), has invented a new kind of battery that is said to be 90% cheaper to produce than standard lithium-ion batteries - and potentially much safer - by replacing the basic components of a standard Li-ion battery in order to speed up and simplify the manufacturing process. "Manufacturing the new batteries is significantly simplified by replacing the metal-lined electrodes and liquid electrolytes typically found within Li-ion units with a resin construction."

KTM CARB filings appear to suggest that the 200 cc Duke will be headed for U.S. KTM dealerships soon. Okay, so it's not a 45 degree or even a 60 degree V-twin, indeed it isn't even a custom bike of any kind - just thought we'd mention it here, because KTM's North American dealers will be able to sell each one they get five times over! For the record - it is a four-stroke, single-cylinder rated at 25 hp and 14.38 lb-ft of torque, 308 pounds dry. As an entry level poster child, it is bound to prove to be a winner.

 

The January 2021 edition of MC Mässan, the annual powersports industry expo in Sweden, has been cancelled. Slated for Gothenburg (the show alternates between there and Stockholm), Swedish authorities have not yet indicated any likelihood that the present restrictions on large indoor events will be lifted in time for the show to go ahead. Instead the organizers are working on a tentative plan for the show to move outdoors in the spring - possibly in May 2021. The Start2Ride event planned for 19-20 September in Eskilstuna this year is also cancelled.

Documents leaked from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the USA appear to suggest that Ducati is working on a 1,260 cc 157 hp Lamborghini edition Diavel. A Multistrada Enduro 1260 Grand Tour and a Scrambler 1100 Pro Dark may also be in the pipeline.

According to rideapart.com,  a report by the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies at San Diego State University in California suggests that this year's 80th Sturgis Rally could be responsible for over 260,000 of the cases of coronavirus reported in the United States between August 2 and September 2, 2020 - almost 20 percent of the total number of cases reported in the country during that period.

 

Citing COVID-19, Harley-Davidson of Southampton has become one of the many Harley dealers forced to have to wave the white flag of surrender this year. Home of the Pioneer Valley H.O.G. Chapter, the store has been owned since 2007 by Aaron and Monica Patrick who, at one stage, owned five dealerships altogether - Southampton H-D was the last one.


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

Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp Announces Harley Deal for India

Having decided to wind down its direct distribution and manufacturing operations in India, as announced in their Q3 Fiscals and Rewire tease, Harley has gone into partnership with Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest maker of motorcycles and scooters in terms of unit volumes, stating that the two will "ride together in India" (!).

"Per a distribution agreement, Hero MotoCorp will sell and service Harley-Davidson motorcycles and sell Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise riding gear and apparel through a network of brand-exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and Hero MotoCorp's existing dealership network in India."
Believed to be a network of over 6,000 dealerships, service points and outlets in total across India, this is a HUGE PG&A deal that has balance sheet love stamped all over it. It has the potential to be one of the biggest such deals ever seen in the global motorcycle industry.
However, the relationship doesn't stop at merchandise - as part of a licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name.

"These actions are aligned with Harley-Davidson's business overhaul, The Rewire, and the company's announcement in September to change its business model in India."
A Harley spokesperson is quoted as saying that "this arrangement is mutually beneficial for both companies and riders in India, as it brings together the iconic Harley-Davidson brand with the strong distribution network and customer service of Hero MotoCorp."

Tecmate

Winter Storage Done Right

"So many stored motorcycles, so many batteries slowly losing charge. But who cares…until that battery is unable to crank the engine," says TecMate CEO and Chief Technical Officer Martin Human.

"Maybe you have a customer on the hook, ready to buy and ride that motorcycle right out of the showroom, and the clincher should be hearing that pulse quickening and wallet loosening rumble, but just as you hit the magic button … nothing!
"At best, the customer is left with doubt about the health of that battery and might demand a new one, at worst the customer's motivation to buy has evaporated like mist before the sun."
A pro-active dealer will have someone periodically running around the showroom checking batteries, but it takes time and quick access to the battery is required, not always easy on modern motorcycles. And these days it requires knowledge of three different battery types and their specific charged voltages and optimum charging cycles.
"That is where OptiMate rides to the rescue," says Martin. "OptiMate battery monitors are ideal for when you cannot always maintain the battery. 

"Simply put, if every showroom or stored vehicle has one of OptiMate's state of charge monitors fitted, pretty much anyone can establish if a particular battery needs charging or not really easily. The traffic light style indication is straightforward to understand - a blinking GREEN is 'Good to go', in other words, no charging required; YELLOW is 'still OK, but charge soon' and RED is 'Charge now' or else your battery will be dead soon!
"There's added value too, once the engine fires up, it tells you if the charging system is working right."
For 12V AGM and STD lead-acid batteries there are a couple of OptiMate options, starting with the O-124 fused battery lead - now with M6-M8 (1/4"-5/16") dual ringlets that fits all powersport batteries. The O-124 is also delivered in a jar of 20, reducing the cost per unit.
The O-125 is a portable option with SAE connector. Dealers who fit the O-01 battery lead at PDI (pre-delivery inspection) can eliminate having to haul around a multi-meter to check voltage. The O-125 plugs right into the SAE connector and immediately indicates battery status.
The O-126 is another portable option - its AUTO plug fits all 12V/automotive (or cigar) size sockets.
For 12.8V/13.2V lithium (LFP/LiFePO4) batteries, the O-127 fused battery lead with M6-M8 (1/4"-5/16") dual ringlets is currently OptiMate's only option. The O-127 also warns if the vehicle's system is overcharging the battery, a necessary option for lithium. The O-127 is also delivered in a jar of 20, reducing cost per unit.

TECMATE
www.tecmate.com
www.optimate1.com

Arlen Ness

Ness Y-Spoke Radial Forged Wheels and Cartridge Style Hubs

Arlen Ness Y-spoke forged wheels are a performance, race-oriented design with "high level CNC- machined detail and custom anodized finish options. The result is a clean overall style wheel that reveals more and more detail the closer you get - each carved-out, lightweight wheel is available in several anodized color options."

Precision CNC-machined from Arlen Ness proprietary 6061-T6 aluminum radial wheel forgings and structurally tested to meet or exceed DOT, JAS and TÜV international load ratings, it accepts the award-winning Ness cartridge type hub design.
The detailing is CNC-machined from the edge of the rim to the center of the wheel hub for improved strength, durability and accuracy with a smooth rolled rim lip with CNC-machined details.

The patented Ness cartridge type hub design features both wheel bearings pre-set in one hub for optimum radial and lateral runout accuracy - the detailed CNC-machined sculpted design not only looks good, but is there for a purpose, channelling stresses and energy and reducing weight while maintaining, indeed improving strength.

The hub kits mount to Arlen Ness forged rims in minutes, allowing for excellent flexibility for custom build/applications. They are compatible with ABS and non-ABS models; the proprietary fully sealed wheel bearings come with ABS rings.  
Available in all Arlen Ness anodized color options, it accepts all standard H-D hub mount rotors - Ness rotor adapters are a recommended option. It is initially available in 18" x 5.5" and 21" x 3.5" front wheel sizes (18" x 5.5" rears); 19 inchers will be released soon.

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES
www.arlenness.com

NAMZ Custom Cycle Products

OEM Replacement Electrical Power Connection

Oreland, Pennsylvania based NAMZ Custom Cycle Products continues to "make it easy for you to do it right" by offering an OEM replacement electrical power connection for navigation, audio, heated grips or charging ports. 

It supplies ground and 12+ battery power without CAN bus interference and fits '18-later Softail and '17-later Touring models.
Celebrating 21 years in business, providing "world class" electrical components, LED lighting, Badlands lighting modules, wiring harnesses and installation supplies, 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, Performance Cycle Wholesale Limited and Revzilla, or directly from the company's website.

NAMZ CUSTOM CYCLE PRODUCTS
www.namzccp.com

Mid-USA

V-Factor Clutch Hub Assemblies for Big Twin 10 Spring Clutch

Mid-USA's V-Factor range features one the widest available ranges of Harley Big Twin replacement parts from the 1940s right up to late model M-8s. 

Releasing disc, fits any Big Twin 10 spring clutch

Clutch hub assembly with five adjustable studs and 52 long roller bearings

Seen here, these clutch hub assemblies for Big Twins start from 1941 and come right up to early 1984. From the early three adjustable stud design (specific pressure plate additionally available) to the later available five adjustable studs with or without 52 long roller bearings pack and specific five- stud pressure plate.

Clutch hub assembly with three adjustable studs

Pressure plate for five adjustable studs

A precision CNC-machined aluminum releasing disc is also available for all Big Twin 10 spring clutch applications and, unlike the original steel OEM unit, Mid-USA says that its V-Factor replacement will not flex, even when used with heavy duty clutch springs.
It features a steel cast-in threaded insert for the adjuster screw and comes semi-polished - which looks especially good on open primary models.

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

Barnett Clutches & Cables

Universal Internal Throttle Cable

Californian specialist Barnett Clutches & Cables' universal internal throttle cable features a Teflon lined housing with stainless steel inner wire, for modern internal throttles.
The cable is complete with inline adjuster and carb/throttle body fitting at one end, with a trim to fit the housing and inner cable. A solder on the slide lift fitting and casing ferrule are also included. 

The cable easily routes through handlebar and is available for 45 and 53" housings, with custom lengths available on request.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

Zodiac

Zodiac Additions

Tommy & Sons Batwing Fairings

These inner and outer Batwing style fairings are made from fiberglass in precision build molds by Tommy & Sons. They are available as stock replacement inner and outer fairings, as well as a special detachable version that fits straight onto all Road King models (except FLHRS). This version installs with the brackets from the OEM Road King windscreen. For FLHT models, Zodiac says it has heavy-duty upper and lower fairing bracket kits available. Tommy & Sons fairings come with a white gel coat finish, ready for painter's preparation.  They are a stock replacement for FLHT 1993-2008 models and 1993-present FLHR Road Kings.

UCLEAR Motion Infinity Helmet Communicator

This 5.0 Bluetooth headset is a perfect group intercom that connects an unlimited number of riders up to a 1,200 meter range. All other functions such as telephone, listening to music and navigation are also supported. The headset can be connected to different Bluetooth devices from any manufacturer. The Motion Infinity by UCLEAR can connect with an unlimited number of riders and has a U-Safe crash sensor that alerts up to three contacts via SMS with GPS location in the event of strong helmet impacts. All UCLEAR Motion headsets come with three brackets and are suitable for all motorcycle helmets. They are available singly or in packs of two.

SuperTrapp XG Street Megaphone

 
This stainless steel slip-on muffler for 2014 to present XG500/750 Street and 750 Street Rods features the iconic SuperTrapp 4" tuneable disc system. This allows the sound to be adjusted to preference. The exhaust comes with 15 discs and end cap, replacement collector heat shield and all necessary hardware.

V-Twin Stock Style 2-into-1 Shovelhead Headers

These stock style 2-into-1 replacement headers are available for FLH Shovelhead 1970-1984 with nose cone engine. The headers have a stock 1 3/4" (44 mm) diameter and come in chromed or raw finish.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV
www.zodiac.nl