Bagger Racing League Championship

Shane Narbonne Secures 3rd Bagger Racing League Championship Title

Round 5, Willow Springs International Raceway

Rosamond, California, November 18-19, 2023

By Carl Schlacht/Baggerracingleague.com

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Shane Narbonne has emerged victorious once again, clinching his third consecutive Bagger Racing League Championship in the fiercely competitive NAMZ Custom Cycle Product Bagger GP class.

Narbonne's exceptional performance throughout the 2023 season solidified his status as a dominant force in the BRL, showcasing his mastery of the track and his finely tuned racing machine. The Bagger GP class, known for its high-speed battles and tight competition, provided the perfect stage for Narbonne to demonstrate his prowess.

The championship-deciding race took place at the iconic Willow Springs International Raceway in California, where Narbonne faced fierce competition from some of the best riders in the Bagger GP class - including Ruben Xaus and Jesse Janisch. 

Narbonne, on the all-conquering Trask Performance Bagger, navigated the challenging course with precision, showcasing a perfect blend of speed, agility and strategy. As the checkered flag waved, the crowd erupted in cheers as Narbonne crossed the finish line, securing not only the race victory but also cementing his place as a three-time BRL Champion.

The seasoned rider expressed his gratitude and excitement after the race, stating: "Winning the BRL Championship for the third time is an incredible feeling. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of my entire team. The competition was tough, but we pushed ourselves to the limit, and it paid off in the end."

Narbonne's success can be attributed not only to his exceptional skills, but also to the collaborative effort of his support team, including the mechanics, engineers and sponsors who played a crucial role in optimizing the performance of his Trask Performance Bagger.

Results and standings are available here. 

www.baggerracingleague.com

News Briefs

While the rival World Supercross Championship (WSX) continues to struggle with financial and race cancellation issues, the Super Motor Cross World Championship in USA continues to go from strength to strength. Supercross and Pro Motocross have both seen attendance and international competition growth. The landmark inaugural season of the 31-event SuperMotocross World Championship Series (SMX) recently concluded (in October) with the culmination of the postseason (Playoffs and Final) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars cemented their place in the history books. 

On the heels of an impressive Rookie of the Year campaign, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, 17, captured the 250 cc World Championship, while Australian Team Honda HRC athlete Jett Lawrence, 20, became the first-ever 450 cc World Champion, which capped off his historic rookie season in the premier division. As champions, Deegan and Lawrence were the two biggest financial benefactors of the SMX World Championship, which awarded the sport’s largest prize payout of $10m - $5.5m of which was available for the final three postseason races. Deegan collected $575,000 in postseason earnings, while Lawrence received $1.2 million, both of which included individual race purses and championship point funds.

The AMA has announced the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Sammy Tanner. A seven-time AMA Grand National Championship event winner and 1999 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, Sammy Tanner was born on May 23, 1939, in Houston, Tx. Tanner purchased his first motorcycle - a James Villiers - at 14 years old and fell in love with the sport right away. He started racing in local field meets throughout his home state, and soon earned a support ride on a 500 cc Triumph. Due to his 5-foot, 100-pound stature, Tanner was lovingly dubbed “The Flying Flea” by fans and fellow racers alike. He turned professional in 1958. 

Custombike - having taken up the mantel of European Custombike Championship after it fell into disuse, the annual Custombike returns to Bad Salzuflen, near Hannover, Germany, on December 1-3, 2023;  www.custombike-show.de 

Grassroots authenticity at its best, the 16th annual Glemseck 101 in Germany attracted some 40,000 visitors over its three days (September 1-3) this year. The event has always been about more than just the motorcycles, but some 150 bikes duked it out on the 1/8 strip on the former 'Solitude' racetrack outside Stuttgart including, for the first time, Scooters. 

The National Motorcycle Museum at Anamosa, Iowa, has closed permanently. Founded by John and Jill Parham (of J&P Cycles fame) the museum continued in business for some years after John's death, but Jill Parham took the tough decision earlier this year to close the museum after 22 years and auction most of the collection. 

Motor Bike Expo - Billed as "more than an exhibition," the annual MBE 'Verona' Show will be staged again at the northern Italian city on January 19-21, 2024; www.Motorbikeexpo.it 

Harley is recalling certain 2023 X350 RA motorcycles due to a possible fuel sensor leak - dealers will replace the fuel sensor gasket. 

In the United States, Zero Motorcycles has announced permanently reduced MSRPs of up to $4,500 less for certain models on all 2022 and 2023 motorcycles. 

Riding the Husqvarna FX 450, Dalton Shirey clinched the AMA's 2023 Hare & Hound Championship, successfully defending his Pro Class title, garnering a third-career Hare & Hound crown. In other news, Max Ruml is the 2023 AMA Speedway National Champion, for the second time in his career, after missing the 2022 title by a single point to Broc Nicol. 

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

BMW

BMW R12 and R12 nineT revealed By Ben Purvis

BMW previewed the replacement for the R nineT retro roadster - the new R12 nineT - earlier this year and has now officially revealed the bike in full, alongside a cruiser derivative simply called R12.

The R12 nineT is a straightforward replacement for the decade old R nineT, with an evolved version of that bike's retro styling intended to evoke the R90 of the 1970s, with a new tubular steel frame that's simpler and lighter than the R nineT's three-part chassis. 

It carries over the existing 1,170 cc air and oil-cooled boxer twin, with 80 kW (107 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. Minor tweaks include a new airbox and exhaust system.

R12

While updating the styling of an intentionally retro bike is always hard, BMW has taken the route of simplifying the design, eliminating some of the R nineT's more exotic elements - the side-mounted air intake, for instance, and the bold, billet aluminium seat bracket - in favour of a more classically proportioned look. 

The suspension includes fully adjustable 45 mm forks and an adjustable slanted rear shock, in place of the vertical version used on the old R nineT.

'New heritage models include first 1,200 cc cruiser since the R1200C'

BMW's new R12 cruiser uses the same main mechanical components but takes on a different stance and style thanks to lower suspension - with 90 mm travel front and rear instead of 120 mm of the R12 nineT - and a combination of 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels instead of 17-inch rims at each end. The cruiser's tyres are narrower, too, a 100/90-19 front and 150/80-16 rear compared to 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 on the R12 nineT.

Engine-wise, the 1,170 cc twin is retuned for the R12 cruiser, dropping 10 kW to 70 kW (94 hp) and 5 Nm to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft), each figure arriving 500 rpm lower in the rev range than the R12 nineT's higher numbers. Notably, that reduced power means the R12 is legally allowed to be further restricted to 35 kW/47 hp for A2 licence holders.

R12 nineT

The R12 also gets a steel, teardrop-shaped 14-litre fuel tank instead of the R12 nineT's 16-litre aluminium version, plus a longer front fender and a bobber-style rear mudguard. Taller, pulled back bars, and footpegs that are lower and further forward, give the R12 a genuine cruiser style, although as with the larger R18, the boxer engine format means there's no scope for forward control highway pegs.

The added bodywork and steel tank pushes the R12 cruiser's weight up from the 220 kg of the R12 nineT to 227 kg, but that's still competitive against rivals like Harley-Davidson's Nightster.

Both the R12 and R12 nineT get electronics including cornering ABS and traction control, plus multiple riding modes. The R12 nineT has three self-explanatory modes - Rain, Road and Dynamic - while the R12 cruiser mirrors the R18 in having just two modes with more ambiguous 'Rock' and 'Roll' names. 'Rock' is the more dynamic setting, while 'Roll' is for relaxed cruising.

Both bikes are hitting the market along with a wide range of options including windscreens and wire wheels, plus BMW's '719' option packs, including a variety of billet parts and special paintwork.

Honda

Honda Motocompacto

By Ben Purvis

Honda's Motocompo lived for just two years from 1981 to 1983 and never came close to hitting its sales targets, before being unceremoniously discontinued. However, more than 40 years on, the idea of a scooter that folds into a portable shape that fits in the back of even the smallest of cars means it remains one of the company's most famous products.

Now the same idea is back with the Motocompacto - a 21st-century take on the same idea that eliminates the original Motocompo's shortcomings and finally brings to life the idea of 'last mile' transport, allowing car-bound commuters to park a distance from their city-centre destinations and then scoot the last leg of the journey, or even giving train-users a portable motor vehicle to transport them to and from the station.

The Motocompacto's biggest departure from the Motocompo is its power source. The new machine is electric, solving many of the Motocompo's shortcomings in a single move. The old bike carried fuel, with the ever-present risk of spills and smell. The original folding mechanism, while clever, wasn't easy and even in its folded state it remained too heavy to be carried easily. The Motocompacto, in contrast, is genuinely no larger than a small suitcase, half the weight of the Motocompo and much easier to store. 

'U.S. launch for suitcase-shaped electric scooter'

One trick is the use of front-wheel-drive, with a hub-mounted motor that makes just 0.66 hp (0.49 kW) and 11.8 lb-ft of torque. It gives a 15 mph (24 km/h) top speed and, with a 6.8 Ah battery pack, a range of 12 miles (19 km). That performance isn't actually much lower than the original Motocompo, which topped out at 18 mph despite being powered by a 50 cc two-stroke single.

Folded, the Motocompacto measures just 74 cm in length, 54 cm in height and under 10 cm in width. Those figures expand to 97 cm, 89 cm and 44 cm when the bike is unfolded and ready to ride. Weight comes in at only 18.7 kg including the battery, and the charger can be stored inside, as well allowing the battery to be recharged when the destination is reached, taking 3.5 hours using a standard American 110V electrical socket.  

Initially at least, the Motocompacto is being sold only in the United States, where it costs just $995 and can be ordered from Honda and Acura car dealers. 

Demand for the bike has proved huge, leading to some problems in the sales process in America, ranging from dealers charging above the MSRP to problems with unexpectedly cancelled orders. Honda's online 'Dream Shop' was also discovered to have a security flaw that could potentially have exposed customers' partial details. That has since been fixed and Honda says that there's no indication that the weakness was exploited by scammers.

Arlen Ness

Arlen Ness - 'Jagged' Style Rotor Options

Dublin, California based Arlen Ness Enterprises offers a huge selection of high-performance custom brake rotors designs, fitments and applications for factory or aftermarket wheels - from its 'Rotator' and 'ProCross' style rotors to '7-Valve' designs and these 'Jagged' style options.

'Jagged' rotors in corrosion resistant, high-strength 420 series 'Martensitic' carbon/ chromium stainless steel - 5-point, available in 11.5" and 11.8" with black, red or gold carrier/adapters.

'Jagged' rotor - FLT front, drilled for optimum performance and heat dispersion. Designed to fit '14-up FLT Touring/Bagger front wheels equipped with factory 11.8" spoke-mounted rotors.

Hub mount 15" 'Jagged' big brake rotors - for "drastically improved braking performance." Engineered for optimum performance and heat dispersion. CNC-machined billet brake caliper adapters are included in each kit to relocate the factory caliper for use with the 15" oversized brake rotor; easy bolt-on installation, each kit utilizes the factory brake caliper, rotor hardware and brake line; fitment for Dyna & Softail models with 18" wheels or larger (5-bolt hub mount).

Manufactured from 420 stainless steel construction, laser-cut and drilled for optimum performance, 420 is a 'Martensitic' grade of stainless steel - a magnetic and hardenable steel with outstanding corrosion resistant properties that is characterized by having a high carbon and up to 14% chromium content. It has good ductility in the annealed condition, but is capable of achieving 55 HRC after treatment. Optimal corrosion resistance is realized when 420 is surface-ground and polished after hardening.

13" 'Jagged' big brake rotors for FLT - drastically improve braking performance. Made in 420 high carbon stainless steel and drilled for optimum performance and heat dispersion. Billet brake caliper adapters are included in each kit; utilize factory caliper, rotor hardware and brake hose. Easy bolt-on installation, no need to rebleed the brake system. Designed to fit '14-up H-D FLT Touring Bagger models with front wheels equipped with spoke-mounted rotors.

Ness 420 stainless 'Jagged' style rotors are a heavy-duty stainless steel design that are made specifically for the weight of V-twin and Touring motorcycles. Universal fitment, they can be installed on the front or rear of H-D models equipped with 5-bolt hub-mounted factory rotors and are available in 11.5” and 11.8” diameters.

Selected fitments also available in 7-point and choice of black, red or gold 5-point carrier/adapter colors.

'Jagged' rear Bagger brake rotor - performance rotor designed specifically for the rear of FLT Touring Bagger models. Heavy-duty construction on a single-piece design, each rotor is the proper thickness for the rear of heavy touring models, enhancing braking performance and the style of factory or aftermarket wheels. Rear specific FLT rotors are available in 11.8" diameter (thicker than standard rotors); fitments are 2008-up FLT Touring/Bagger rear wheels.

15" 'Jagged' big brake rotors, spoke-mount - drilled for optimum performance and heat dispersion billet brake caliper adapters are included in each kit to properly relocate the factory caliper to the proper position. They utilize the factory brake caliper, rotor hardware and brake hose. Easy bolt-on installation, no need to rebleed the brake system. Designed to fit '06-17 Dyna models with factory wheels equipped with spoke-mounted rotors.

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES 

www.arlenness.com

Barnett Clutches & Cables

Barnett Control Cables - H-D, Victory, Indian

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Ventura, California based Barnett Clutches & Cables offers a full line of stock length and custom length cables for Harley-Davidson, Victory and Indian Motorcycle models. 

In addition to offering dealers access to one of the largest 'off-the-shelf' inventories in the market, Barnett also specializes in custom length and "one-off" cables for any handlebar conversion or custom bike application. 

Four different casing types are available - Traditional Black Vinyl, Classic Stainless braid, Platinum Series bright silver-plated braid and Stealth Series black on black (for H-D and Victory only). Copper cables can also be custom made to order. All braided cables feature a protective clear coating that is guaranteed not to discolor from sun exposure. 

All clutch cables come standard with "High Efficiency" nylon coated and silicone lubed inner wire for an extremely smooth pull and reduced lever effort. Barnett use "long lay" (longitudinally wound) casing and 1x19, 7x19 and 7x7 stainless steel wire rope to eliminates cable flex or stretch. 

To ensure durability and optimal performance, cable housings are lined with Teflon, nylon or HDPE. All cable assemblies, fittings and hardware are made and assembled in-house by Barnett.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES

www.barnettclutches.com

Rob's Dyno Service

Rob's Dyno Service - Indian Performance Front Fork Kits

Rob's Dyno Service is offering dealers access to performance front fork cartridges, rear shocks supply and a service program for Indian Motorcycle Big Twins. These performance suspension kits are specifically designed for Indian Touring models with 111 or 116 engines, from 2014 to present, including Challenger models.

Based near Boston at Gardner, Massachusetts, Rob's Dyno Service owner Rob Swartz told AMD that his company is "dedicated to providing customers with superior performance and quality products," and these new kits are no exception.

FF16 Indian Touring 111 & 116 fork cartridge kit for 2014-present models

"Constructed of all aircraft-grade aluminum parts with some components featuring a friction reducing Teflon coating, these kits offer dynamic low-speed and high-speed control to help improve the stability and control of your ride."

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the completely rebuildable and serviceable front fork monotube design is based on a one-piece cartridge style assembly. The piston design and valving allow for "dynamic low and high-speed control, with reduced front brake dive." The results are said to be improved stability, cornering and bottoming control. 

Front fork monotube for 2020-present Indian Challengers

Swartz went on to say: "We strive to provide our customers with only the best in motorcycle suspension systems. Our Indian Motorcycle fork cartridges and rear shocks are engineered for maximum comfort while enhancing platform stability and control. We invite everyone to visit us at our shop in Gardner or online for more detailed specifications."

Developed at performance legend Jeff Ryan's Mooresville, North Carolina headquarters, one of North America's primary suspension 'centers of excellence' and located deep in the heart of open wheel racing country, Ryan's journey to suspension guru status actually started with his "love of motocross and mind for machines."

Cartridge oil and tool

His path through motorsports has been a journey around the world, where he worked with legendary racers such as Dale Earnhardt, Nigel Mansell, Rick Mears, Richard Petty, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Rusty Wallace, while quietly becoming a shock building legend himself. Jeff Ryan's pioneering technologies have supported championship teams from Formula 1 in Europe to the depths of Baja in off-road racing to stock car racing's highest levels of NASCAR.

Ryan started out in California as a general assembler for legendary shock innovator Bob Fox - he was one of the first ten employees at Fox Shocks - at a time when suspension technology was advancing rapidly and just starting to heavily influence what was happening on the track - and founded JRi Shocks in 2007. Much of the technology that he created early in his career is still used today.

ROB'S DYNO SERVICE 

www.robsdyno.com

Zodiac International

SU Eliminator II Carb Kits

Mijdrecht, Netherlands based Zodiac International has announced that it has the legendary SU carburetor range in inventory.

General Manager Vincent Pels told AMD: "Over the complete rpm range, nothing has ever been able to approach the SU in terms of sheer Harley horsepower and economy. In the one and only documented comparison test of all aftermarket carburetors for Harleys, the SU easily dominated the others.

"A close look at the Eliminator II SU tells you why it has such a wide margin of superiority. To date no other carburetor is equipped with the sophistication and the features necessary to even approach the Eliminator II SU in performance, dependability and consistency."

All Eliminator II SU carburetor kits from Zodiac International come with manifold, manifold gasket, all necessary mounting bolts, push-pull throttle brackets and complete installation and tuning instructions. 

Available in black or chrome, applications include 1991-2003 Sportsters, 1966-1984 Shovelhead Big Twins, 1984-2000 Evolution Big Twins and 1999-2005 Twin Cams.

Air cleaners and velocity stacks are additionally available, with further options including an aluminum adapter to fit a Keihin CV style air cleaner on a SU Eliminator II carburetor and rebuild kits.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV 

www.zodiac.nl