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