American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 178 May 2014 | Page 52

Rick’s Touring parts for ‘14 Harley-Davidson models RICK’S was the first European manufacturer to have a TÜV-approved 30in front wheel in 2013, and now the Baden-Baden based authorized dealership and custom house has unveiled a range of custom parts for the 2014 Touring bikes from the Motor Company. The range of parts for the 2014 year model Touring bikes includes the introduction of 13in brake disc conversion kits. As a manufacturer of over-sized Bagger wheels Rick’s has taken the approach of keeping the brake rotor’s size in proportion with the wheel. The Rick’s 13in brake conversion kit has been developed to fit Rick’s 21, 23 and 26in TÜV-approved diameter wheels (as well as other manufacturer’s wheels), and once installed is said to offer an increased braking surface, providing better heat distribution and faster stopping. Continuing with the big wheel conversions, Rick’s now has a version of its TÜV-approved seven-degree triple trees to allow 21, 23 and 26in front wheels to be safely used on 2014 Touring models. Mounting a 21in, 23in or 26in front wheel into a motorcycle is, due to the larger diameter of the wheel, equal to a 2-4in extended front fork, resulting in higher center of gravity on a motorcycle that is sometimes tail-heavy due to the weight carried in the panniers. Rick’s seven-degree triple trees angle the stock fork forward to retain the stock height at the front of the bike. CNC-machined in Rick’s House of Custom, the triple trees are a bolt-on fitting, with no frame modifications necessary and the stock fork retained. Progressive springs are recommended, but the use of stock TÜV approved, handlebars for 2014 Touring models. Available in 350mm, 400mm and 450mm heights, the new handlebars can be used with the stock riser covers as short risers fit the stock mounting position, and stock or aftermarket controls can be used, while despite the slim look and 90-degree angles, cables and hydraulic lines can be hidden inside the bars. Moving towards the rear of the bike, Rick’s offers extended side covers for more aerodynamic airflow around the bags. The company’s side fillers are manufactured from heavy duty fiberglass and are a bolt-on replacement for the stock pieces. They work with Rick’s own custom bags, stock and CVO bags. Completing the new selection of parts developed by Rick’s for the 2014 Touring models is the company’s tail end kit. The newly developed package includes a rear fender with a 4in downward extension and 1.5in rearward stretch, and cut-outs allow the mounting of H-D CVO taillights in the glass fiber fender. The Rick’s 2014 model year extended Touring cases feature the same dimensions as the new fender, and yet can be used with the stock H-D covers, keys and latches, as well as aftermarket options. components reduces the cost considerably. Rick’s has further options available for users of larger fro