Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com
NEWS
BRIEFS
In the United States, Drag Specialties is now carrying the European designed and manufactured range of V-twin Touring sprockets from Supersprox – including the company ' s award-winning range of Cush Drives for Performance Bagger Street and race application Cush Drives.
The launch of the Harley-Davidson ' s Sprint entry-level single appears to be getting closer. German motorcycle industry outlet Motorcycle. News. com has said that Harley-Davidson and India-based Hero MotoCorp are expanding their partnership to jointly develop small-displacement motorcycles and cruisers for global markets. That report is not exactly ' new news ' in the purest sense, but it specifically name checked the Harley-Davidson Sprint as the likely " first fruit " the expanded collaboration. A launch is reportedly still planned for 2026. According to the report, the H-D branded X440 and its Hero-branded sibling, the Mavrick 440, sold a combined 14,375 units during the last fiscal year, capturing roughly 11 % of India ' s 350-500 cc motorcycle segment. The possibility of a new globally distributed entrylevel Harley comes as the company seeks to rebuild volume and attract first-time riders. During recent investor presentations, Harley- Davidson outlined plans to introduce 20 new models and variants over the next three years as part of its broader product strategy.
The C-Suite Shuffle continues as the Artie Starrs Harley era closes in on it first anniversary. Paul Krause stepped down as Chief Legal Officer at the end of June 2026, after replacing Paul Jones six years prior in a previous CEO shake up. His replacement is Gayle Littleton, who had previously served as executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Chicago-based utility giant Exelon Corp., a partner at Jenner & Block for five years and about 12 years as an assistant U. S. attorney. Another significant change has been the promotion of former Comms supremo Paul James to GM of Motorcycle Portfolio Planning- a promising step!
Signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore( D) on May 12, Maryland Senate Bill 68 requires the state ' s Motor Vehicle Administration( MVA) to include at least one question related to motorcycle awareness in the state ' s driver ' s license exam.
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detachable windshield give the Deadwood model a slightly slammed profile." Additional features of this " stripped down " special include rear under-seat monoshock with hydraulic pre-load adjustment; rear suspension travel of 3.4 inches; dual-bending valve 49 mm forks; single front disc brake with 300 mm rotor; single rear brake with 292 mm rotor and tubeless laced wheels with cast aluminum rims that enable Tire Pressure Monitoring( TPMS).
Combining " vintage looks with modern technology a full complement of rider Safety Enhancements includes:
• Straight Line / Cornering Antilock Braking System( ABS / C-ABS)
• Straight Line / Cornering Traction Control System( TCS / C-TCS)
• Straight Line / Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control( DSCS / C-DSCS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring( TPMS)
• Three selectable riding modes- Road Mode, Sport Mode and Rain Mode
• All-LED lighting
• Five-inch console-mounted instrument( analog speedo / MF LCD digital display)
Well-known and widely-respected custom bike builder Kendall Johnson died in a motorcycle accident on June 3, 2026. One of the denizens of the TV showcased ' Second Golden Era ' of American custom bike building( 1990s and 2000s), his Kendall Johnson Customs business produced a series of award-winning and eye-catching custom projects, building a pioneering reputation for big inch high
The new Deadwood Softail- " stripped down vintage style ".
Kendall Johnson – 1965 to 2026
performance engines that“ sounded and ran like they meant business”. Customizing H-D Tourers long before the concept of the Performance Bagger became widespread, seen here is ' Blade ', a modified S & S 124 incher with Baker 6-Speed, Jim Nasi swingarm and zeitgeist defining Metzler 240-section rear tire. Built for Simon Solomon by Kendall Johnson Customs at Winston Salem, NC., Kendall and Simon competed with it at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at Sturgis in 2006. Note the classic Stromberg performance carbs. It is dripping with KJ original parts and handcrafted details such as the exhausts, oil and gas tanks, fenders, handlebars, electrics. Grips & pegs, Rocker boxes and much more. Paint was by Eddie Meeks. We send our condolences to Kendall ' s family and friends – we are saddened by your loss, Kendall was“ one of the good guys”.
8 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- AUGUST 2026 www. AMDmag. com