NEWS
BRIEFS
Cleveland, Ohio based exhaust manufacturer SuperTrapp has acquired PMAS, a manufacturer of high performance air intake systems for the automotive market. PMAS intakes fit most horsepower producing cold air intakes on the market today, with tune and no tune required options and what are said to be“ the most accurately calibrated MAF sensors” available.
Yamaha and Honda have both confirmed their involvement in AIMExpo( Las Vegas, October 11-14), both in terms of show floor exhibit space and outdoor test rides, plus the wider Powersports Week experience that is happening in Las Vegas.
Three brand new 2019 Harley Limited Custom Paint Sets allow“ riders to express their personality and stand out from the crowd with their bikes”- the La Jolla Limited( 2018 and later Breakouts), Grandstand Limited( 2014 and up Road King and Street Glide, 2015 and up Road Glides) and Tagged Limited( 2018 and up Fat Bob and Street Bobs)“ represent what Harley- Davidson has strived to do since 1903: inspire people to find their own freedom.” Only 150 sets will be offered worldwide.
The New York Federal Reserve reported domestic U. S. household debt rising to an eyewatering $ 13.29 trillion in Q2 2018 – up by an astonishing $ 454 billion from the year ago quarter for a 16th consecutive quarter of increases and another all-time record; substantially ahead of the debt levels that triggered the 2018 financial collapse.
MY2019-“ Bold Motorcycle Performance and Ride Enhancing Technology”
The new 114” M-8 FXDR headlines Harley’ s MY2019 announcement with what is being touted as a“ Power Cruiser”.“ The all-out performance of the FXDR sets the pace for Harley-Davidson ' s new 2019 motorcycles, accessories and gear that deliver fresh style, thrilling performance and advanced technology,” says the company’ s news release.“ Less than a month after announcing plans for future product in new-to-thebrand categories and a commitment to advance its heavyweight Touring and Cruiser models, the Motor Company introduces a suite of new products that will continue to inspire people around the world to experience the exhilaration of riding a Harley- Davidson motorcycle.” In addition to the FXDR, that“ suite” revolves around a new Boom! Box GTS infotainment system for select Touring and Trike models; an all-new electronic Reflex Linked Brake system for the Tri- Glide Ultra and Freewheeler that incorporates ABS, Traction Control System( TCS), Drag-Torque Slip Control System( DSCS) and a linked front and rear braking system; a new premium Touring suspension technology for the trikes that includes pre-load adjustment and selected extensions to standard availability of the 114” M-8. Three CVOs offer“ advanced technology, exclusive components,” the new Boom Box GTS and the top of the line 117” M-8. Beyond that it is the“ performance, style and technology from Harley- Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories” that is pimped, including the 7”
‘ Daymaker’ adaptive LED headlamp with patented sensors and electronics to determine lean angle; a new‘ Dominion’ Collection,“ individual accessory components for almost unlimited custom options”( in gloss black anodized and bronze powder coated base colors); EPA compliant“ performance-enhancing” Screamin ' Eagle stage upgrades that“ are engineered to generate specific torque and horsepower gains”; a new 4.5- inch Screamin’ Eagle muffler for the Sport Glide and a new timer cover and inserts for the M-8. The new FXDR is genuinely interesting, not least as another iteration of what can be achieved with the M-8 Softail platform, even within the constraints of factory design and production engineering thanks to its versatile monoshock chassis geometry. The“ liberal use of weight-saving aluminum and composite components,” including a new aluminum swingarm, aluminum subframe, lightweight wheels and composite fenders to“ amplify every aspect of its agile handling and performance,” is to be welcomed. The aim, clearly, is to appeal to those for whom streetfighter styling, handling and performance remains exotic, and to give a nod to where mono shock designs such as the FXR and Dyna might have gone. Whether it will convincingly fill the socalled“ American Muscle Bike” void that Harley and Indian both missed with the V-Rod and Victory respectively remains to be seen. That said, the jury is still out on whether or not that is a design and handling niche that really exists among riders in the United States, but the FXDR should sell well in Europe – just as the Sport Glide has.
Check out the lean angle! Seen here in white( because no motorcycle should ever be brown!), the chassis, lightweight components and exhaust have been designed and clearanced to emphasize the“ Power Cruiser” intent of Harley’ s new FXDR- a 114” M-8 Softail