S&S Cycle Stealth Air Cleaner

Stealth air cleaner kits now CARB compliant

S&S Cycle has announced that it has been issued with an Executive Order (EO # D-355-11) by California Air Resources Board, which allows S&S Stealth air cleaners to be installed on Delphi EFI equipped 2001 and up Harley-Davidson Big Twin and Sportster models.

All S&S Stealth air cleaner kits for 2001-up EFI models now come with a special sticker and instructions for applying it to an inconspicuous location on the frame. So, if for some reason a rider does get stopped, there is proof that the S&S Stealth air cleaner is legal.

The S&S Stealth air cleaners feature an air directional stinger cone in the filter, which is said to direct air smoothly into the bore of the carburetor or EFI throttle body for reduced turbulence and increased flow. The air cleaner can be used with the stock H-D Twin Cam 88, 96 or 103 air cleaner cover, or can be used with any of several S&S designed covers. High flow (1in taller) filter kits are also available. 

S&S CYCLE
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Tel: 608 627 1497
sscust@sscycle.com
www.sscycle.com

Biker's Choice new offerings

New offerings from Biker’s Choice

 
BIKER’S Choice now has Xtreme Machine saddlebag latch covers available.
CNC machined from aluminum, and offered in black, black cut, or chrome, the latches match Xtreme Machine wheels, and fit ‘93- ‘13 Touring models.

Under its Twin Power brand, Biker’s Choice is offering high performance lifters, which are made in the USA. Sold in sets of four (S type), the lifters are said to have a very slow leak down and will act like solid lifters, maintaining full cam lift at all rpm.
R type lifters have a faster than stock bleed rate and are used to allow for a better idle on performance camshafts.

BIKER’S CHOICEFort Worth, Texas, USA
Tel: 817 258 9000
www.bikerschoice.com
www.twinpower-usa.com

4E2W.com podcast

Custom motorcycle podcasts launched at 4E2W.com

4Ever2Wheels.com, the custom motorcycle blog established by industry insider Ken Conte, has undergone a redesign and now includes the 4E2W custom motorcycle podcast, which features interviews with the makers of custom motorcycle history. The first three episodes are in-depth conversations with Michael Lichter, ‘Irish’ Rich Ryan and Marilyn Stemp and can be heard via the website, iTunes, Stitcher and the Windows Phone Store. Upcoming interviews will include Shelly Rossmeyer, Bill Dodge, Eddie Trotta, Chris Callen and Masyn Moyer and more.

The podcasts are usually an hour long and go in-depth with motorcycle industry figures about their unique perspectives, stories and how they’ve gotten to where they are now. The podcasts accompany the 4Ever2Wheels blog, redesigned and re-launched with the purpose of telling motorcycle history and featuring builders, photographers and story lines.
The producer for the podcast, ‘Murdoc’ Jones, creates all the drops, and cuts it all together. “Without people like Murdoc and Eric Byrd I would not have been able to get this done. They believe in the vision of archiving oral motorcycle history and I’m really excited to be the host of the 4Ever2Wheels podcast,” says 4Ever2Wheels co-founder Ken Conte.

4EVER2WHEELS
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Tel: 970 227 3588
info@4ever2wheels.com
www.4ever2wheels.com

Hawg Halters Touring bike neck rake kits

Hawg Halters 2014 Touring bike neck rake kits

HAWG Halters Inc. (HHI) is continuing to expand its product offering for riders and builders wanting to run large front wheels on Touring models, with the introduction of its Neck Rake Builders kit for 2014 Touring bikes fitted with 49mm front ends.

The new kit, said to offer optimum set-up for performance and handling, features a seven-degree neck rake, and nine-degree triple trees. The kit is designed to utilize the upgraded larger H-D production neck bearings, which HHI includes in the kit.
HHI’s 49mm neck and rake kit takes the advantages of its latest 49mm triple tree design and enhances the updated triple clamp from H-D. HHI says this triple tree design allows it to deliver maximum fork rigidity and superior handling responses.

HHI now offers complete 21, 23, 26 and 30in conversion kits. These kits include ‘X 23 Bolt-On Triple Tree Kits’ or the ‘Custom Neck Rake Builders Kits’ for 23, 26 and 30in builds in both. In addition HHI supplies billet fender brackets, US-made, onepiece, wrap-around fenders in raw or black for 21, 23, 26 and 30in styles, D.O.T. brake lines, custom wheel and tire combinations in most popular sizes, which include matching true floating brake rotors in 11.5, 11.8, 13in, and now the new BFBK 18in direct bolt on caliper and rotor kits.

Mark Thompson, seen here on the right, has seen his product line continue to grow throughout the downturn, indeed consistently ever since he started the business in 1999. The company collaborates very closely with Californian wheel specialist Renegade, being the recommended brake calliper and accessory brand of choice for Renegade’s wheels and rotors – if you haven’t seen them yet check out their new direct Bolt-on four piston differential bore callipers for 11.8 inch rotors.

HAWG HALTERS INC
Dahlonega, Georgia, USA
Tel: 706 864 7800
info@hawghalters.com

Roadsmith Indian trike conversion

Roadsmith Indian trike conversion

ROADSMITH Trikes used the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati to unveil what is claimed to be the industry’s first new Indian trike conversion. This latest conversion is Roadsmith’s third version of an Indian trike (having designed trike conversions for all of the previous iterations of the Indian brand).

 
The new Roadsmith Indian trike conversion for 2014 and newer Indian Chief models takes its styling cues from the Indian’s curvaceous fenders, with the new bodywork covering Roadsmith’s independent rear suspension and 10in longer wheelbase.
The swingarm used by Roadsmith carries a differential with a unique adjustment system, which utilizes a central cam adjuster, similar to an axle adjuster, that when the hex-bar is turned the cams evenly push back the differential to tighten the trike belt. The differential housing has a set of spider gears in it, and is filled with gear lube and does not require servicing.

The conversion bodywork also covers the true track stabilizer bar, also known as a sway bar, which is a flexible link between the two trailing arms. The bar uses the torsion effect to always try to keep the trike righted or sitting square to the ground. When one wheel hits a bump, the bar can flex quickly to absorb the movement, then return.
Completing the package at the rear of the trike are disc brakes and 16 x 7in, 5 x 4-1/2in bolt pattern alloy wheels, with a positive 35mm offset size that fits many automotive applications.
The Indian Chief conversion joins 19 different trike conversion kits for Honda, Harley-Davidson, Victory and Indian motorcycles currently produced by Roadsmith.

THE TRIKE SHOP
White Bear Lake,
Minnesota, USA
Tel: 651 777 7774
info@trikeshop.com
www.roadsmithtrikes.com

SuperTrapp exhausts

Exhaust options from SuperTrapp

SUPERTRAPP'S exhaust options include their MegaShots Big Bore 2-into-1-into-2 for Baggers, which is a tunable, disc-based system. Designed specifically for 103ci – 140ci, high output big bore motors (minimum Stage 4 level builds), the system features 1.875in – 2.00in – 2.125in equally-stepped head pipes, flowing through a 3in collector into dual 2.5in core FatShot-style, tunable, disc-based mufflers.

SuperTrapp MegaShots fit ’85 – ’14 Baggers with stock chassis configuration. The pipes include both 18mm and 12mm oxygen sensor ports to accommodate both style sensors. This system is available in chrome or black ceramic finish with full coverage, 2.5in heat shields and includes twenty-six 4in discs per muffler and all necessary mounting hardware.

A second option from SuperTrapp is the Paul Yaffe designed Road Legends Phantom Pipe II, 2-into-1 for Dyna and Softail models. It is an updated version of the original Phantom Pipe for Softails and the baffled FLH Phantom Pipe.

Available in a baffled black ceramic version, it includes a 2in removable and rebuildable core. The four-piece, chrome-plated heat shield is preinstalled, and the Turned-Up Claw end tip features a domino dot-engraved decorative billet end cap. The Phantom Pipe II features a 2in primary pipe and a 3.5in diameter collector. The SuperTrapp Road Legends Phantom Pipe II fits ’06 – ’13 Dynas with forward controls, and for ’08 and up Dyna models the Phantom Pipe II fits when an aftermarket air housing is used. The Phantom Pipe II also fits’07 – ’14 Softails.

SUPERTRAPP INDUSTRIES
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Tel: 216-265-8400
sales@supertrapp.com
www.supertrapp.com

New primary options from BDL

New primary options from BDL

BELT Drives Limited (BDL) has two new primary drive options available. The first of these is the company’s EV-700, which allows users to quickly and simply change the look of the bike’s primary drive. Available in either black or chrome, the Softail and Bagger compatible 2in drive comes complete with four interchangeable domes.

Users of the kit have the choice of fitting a smooth lid in black or polished, or the unique through- cut fluted version without pulling everything apart and purchasing a separate cover with different looks. The EV-700 package features all billet construction with a unique top guard, and incorporates BDL’s ball bearing clutch. 

The second new product is the company’s open belt drive system designed for use exclusively on ‘07- ‘09 Softail machines. The conversion kit incorporates a 52-tooth front pulley and 69-tooth rear pulley, and the custom designed 142-tooth BDL belt is a full 69mm (2.72in) wide. Additionally, BDL has developed an exclusive ring gear, which is said to offer quick, positive starter operation.

The new kit includes BDL’s ball bearing lock-up clutch assembly, billet aluminum rear pulley cover, side guard, installation hardware and complete instructions.

BELT DRIVES LTD
Orange, California, USA
Tel: 714 685 3333
tech@beltdrives.com
www.beltdrives.com

Black Duck Parts

Black Duck Parts

BLACK Duck Custom is a Spanish company producing a range of parts and accessories in brass for Harleys that it offers in a range of finishes including raw satin, black powder-coat, chrome and 24k gold plate. The entire line of parts made by Black Duck is machined by hand before being hand-polished.
The replacement caps for the oil tank caps include a swiveling dipstick, and are available in a hex design or knurled finish. The oil tank caps are offered to fit ’84-’99 and ’00-’13 Softail, ’84-’03 XL, and ’99-’05 and ’06-’13 Dyna models.
Hex or knurled are again the designs available for the Black Duck steering stem bolt cover, which fits Softails ’00-’13 and Dyna models ’00-’13.

The five-hole ignition covers are a direct replacement for the stock piece on ’99- ’13 Twin Cam engines. A replacement two-hole ignition cover is available for use on ‘70-‘99 Big Twin and XL ‘04-‘13 models with horizontal holes, and XL ‘70-‘03 with vertical holes.
Offered as replacements for the OEM unit, the Black Duck Custom fuel cap features a knurled finished outer edge to provide a positive grip, and is vented and right-threaded.

When it comes to rider contact points, Black Duck Custom has knurled grips, footpegs and shifter pegs available. The grips can be ordered for single or dual throttle cables.
Black Duck Custom risers are made from solid brass and tighten from the bottom with hidden screws. Sold as replacements for the OEM risers they work with 1in diameter handlebars.

BLACK DUCK CUSTOM
Barcelona, SPAIN
Tel: +34 654 692 829
info@blackduckparts.com
www.blackduckparts.com

Blower Drive Service

Steve Yetzke adds Blower Drive Service to BDL stable

Steve Yetzke, President and CEO of Belt Drives Limited (BDL), has acquired Blower Drive Service (BDS), a Whittier, California based supercharger specialist founded in 1969 by the Railsback family.

Yetzke says that his immediate goal is to increase manufacturing output at BDS and make every part used in BDS blowers “new and in the USA. Many blower manufacturers put used parts such as rotors and gears, and even bearing plates into new blower cases.
“While the entire BDS staff will remain in place at their Whittier facility, including Norma Iskendarian as General Manager and Craig Railsback in special projects, the resources we bring to the table at the new 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility we moved BDL into in Anaheim four years ago means that BDS now has access to increases in resources and manufacturing output. This will ensure that customers will be able to walk through the door and purchase a complete blower drive assembly or replacement parts right off the shelf.”
Back in the early 1970s, when working at his father’s company Pacific Broach, Yetzke was involved with the design and manufacturing of blower drive gears for many of the best known manufacturers at that time, including Cragar.
His experience and market position since then as a result of founding and developing BDL will see BDS able to exploit their designs and grow sales – one of Yetzke’s first actions as the new owner was to increase an order to the foundry from 30 to 200 blower cases, and with thousands of pulleys and belts in stock he is clearly eyeing significant expansion.
His group already includes GMA, the specialist brake caliper and rotor brand that Yetzke purchased from Bill Gardner in 2008 and the JAMAR program of off-road sport and racing machine components acquired shortly afterwards.

www.beltdrives.com

www.blowerdriveservice.com

28th Biker Fest

28th BIKER FEST

VISITORS to the 28th Biker Fest, 15-18 May, at Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine, Italy) are being offered one night’s free hotel accommodation.

Thanks to a close partnership between Biker Fest organizers and the hotel managers of Lignano, riders can get a night in a hotel free of charge during Biker Fest. Full details of the offer are posted on the website: www.bikerfest.it.
Among the attractions over the weekend will be Nik’s Harley- Davidson, which has recently opened a new headquarter in Pordenone, managing a big tent dedicated to H-D, together with the new Friuli HOG Chapter who will be organizing runs in Friuli and offering demo rides on 2014 models, including the exclusive option to ride a Tri Glide.
Biker Fest will also host the final stage of the Italian Motorcycle Championship, the unique Italian Championship of Custom Bike Show, that during 2014 will reach nine regions.

www.bikerfest.it

S&S flywheel assemblies

S&S flywheel assemblies

S&S Cycle is now able to offer replacement three-piece flywheel assemblies for Harley-Davidson 120R engines, which have been designed to be stronger than stock to prevent flywheel shift.

The flywheel assemblies, which have been named by Cycle Source Magazine as its 2013 Performance Product of the Year, feature 4-5/8in stroke, stock for the 120R engine, and feature special 7.575in long S&S connecting rods. The flywheels are CNC machined from hardened 4140 steel forgings and the connecting rods are stronger than stock, with S&S Cycle stating that tests have shown them to have over 200 percent greater twist and bend yield strength.
The crankpin joint features the patent-pending S&S angled hole crankpin and its special drive plug to ensures full contact between the flywheel and crankpin across the length of the joint, and increased contact pressure.
S&S Cycle’s three-piece flywheel assemblies for Harley-Davidson 120R engines is available for both A and B style engines 2007and up, ’99-’06
A style, and ’00-’06 B style.  

S&S CYCLE
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Tel: 608 627 1497
sscust@sscycle.com
www.sscycle.com

Online resource for Namz/Badlands

New Badlands/NAMZ online resource up and running

Following the acquisition of the Badlands electronics program, Jeff Zielinski's NAMZ Custom Cycle Products has now got a new Badlands website up and running.

Jeff told AMD Magazine that typing in www.badlandsmotorcycleproducts.com will "direct to a very clean, well organized site with brand new instructions, color-coded wiring schematics, and a Q&A guide to which is the best module for the application you are working on.

"We have also added the ability to order modules ONLINE, 24-hours a day, 365-days a week! Better still, now you can add any part NAMZ sells along with a Badlands module all in one shopping cart for easy check out! Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to get what they want, when they want it."

NAMZ is celebrating its 14th year in business providing “World Class” Electrical Components, Fluid Transfer Lines, Custom Installation Supplies & Badlands Lighting Modules. NAMZ/Badlands products are also available through Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Custom Chrome Europe, Mid USA, J&P Cycles, Bikers Choice, Zodiac, Motorcycle Storehouse, SK Imports, V-Twin, Les Importations Thibault, and Rollies Speed Shop.

V-Twin Expo saw Jeff Zielinski presenting his recently acquired Badlands program integrated into his award-winning Namz line

www.namzccp.com
www.badlandsmotorcycleproducts.com
1-877-277-6269

Wild1 handlebars

Wild1 bars for 2014 Harley models

Huntington Beach, California based specialist Wild 1/Chubbys has long been a noted specialist handlebar manufacturer among custom aficionados.
Product development specialist Johnny Vaughn has asked AMD Magazine to let you know that their bagger ape hangers fit the 2014 Harley models, and that they are available in 10", 12.5" and (seen here) 14", in show chrome or satin black powder-coat.
Described by the company as "the original 1.25" bars," Wild 1 prides itself on the "form, function and fit" of their products, and are also noted for their 'Chubby' bars - a genuine twin-wall TIG-welded construction.

www.wild1inc.com

TBR Comp-S exhausts

TBR Comp-S exhausts

BEST known for their sports bike and race exhausts, Santa Ana, California based Two Brothers Racing (TBR) made their debut at the V-Twin Expo at Cincinnati in February, with the Comp-S, a “hand crafted” exhaust system for v-twins.
Said to be specially designed to meet the style and performance of Harley models, TBR say that their Comp-S system “provides increased horsepower and torque, while reducing overall weight.”
Founded in 1985, TBR grew from a factory-backed AMA superbike team to become a world leader in ‘metric’ performance exhausts and has nearly three decades of championship wins in the locker.

Features of the Comp-S include swept-up muffler for enhanced ground clearance, a carbon fiber end cap and optimized fit for forward and mid controls.
Made in the USA, the Comp-S accepts the stock O2 sensor and with “each weld on this mandrel bent stainless steel system hand-crafted to perfection”, the fully TIG welded high-temp packed Comp-S is available in brushed finish or ceramic black.



www.twobros.com

Donnie Smith Custom Bike Show

Donnie Smith Custom Bike Show
March 29-30, St Paul, Minnesota

The 27th annual Donnie Smith Custom Bike Show (now with added cars) is being staged at the Saint Paul River Center, St Paul, Minneapolis, on Saturday March 29th and Sunday
March 30th,

The RiverSide Center, St Paul, Minesota - venue for the 27th annual Denis Kirk Donnie Smith Custom Bike Show

Sponsored by mail order parts and accessory retailer Dennis Kirk, the show is said to have the largest attendance of any custom bike industry event in the Midwest, and will see a host of big name guests in attendance and top-class custom bikes competing for a total cash prize fund in excess of $7,500.00.
The show has grown tremendously from its beginnings, and weathered the downturn pretty well - the organizer, Neil Ryan, says that this year it comprises over 200,000 square feet of expo center grade indoor show space with competition classes set to include Custom Baggers, Choppers, retro bobbers and custom cruisers.

www.donniesmithbikeshow.com

EMD engine covers

EMD engine covers

ESTEVES Motorcycle Design (EMD), in France, has launched a new range of engine covers. The line-up includes the Snatch cam cover for use on ’99-’14 Twin Cam applications. The Snatch line has been designed as an old fashioned alternative to contemporary billet parts, while being usable on modern engines. The die-cast cam cover is CNC machined on the gasket surface and replaces the OEM cover. The OEM mounting hardware is reused, but seals are not included.

The Snatch cam and cable clutch covers from EMD can be used on Twin Cam applications

EMD’s Snatch cable clutch cover uses the same manufacturing techniques as the cam cover, and has been designed to fit Twin Cams from ‘07-‘13 (six-speed cable clutch).
The matching Snatch primary cover is for use on Dyna and Softail Twin Cam models ‘06-’14. Like other Snatch parts it is die-cast and then CNC machined on the gasket surface. Sold without seals, it reuses the OEM mounting hardware.
All Snatch parts are available in a choice of raw, semi-polished, black, or black cut finishes.

EMD has a primary cover available for Dyna Twin Cam models that matches its other Snatch engine covers

A second primary drive cover option offered by EMD is its Billy Boy cover, the design of which was inspired by the design of the sheet metal Panhead and Knucklehead primary cover housings from the ‘40s, and the famous Billy Bike from the film Easy Rider.
The cover fits all Evo Big Twins and Twin Cams (with forward and mid controls) ‘89-’06, and is supplied with chrome Derby cover hardware. Starter ring model ‘89-‘93 installed (large diameter), and for models ‘94-’06 the starter ring EMD (small diameter) is not included.
Finishes available are raw, with chrome Derby cover, black with black Derby cover and black chrome with chrome Derby cover.

The EMD Billy Boy primary cover’s design was inspired by the sheet metal Panhead and Knucklehead primary covers and by the Billy Bike from the film Easy Rider

ESTEVES MOTORCYCLE DESIGN
St Chély d’Apcher, FRANCE
Tel: 33 (0)6 07 58 19 35
esteves5@wanadoo.fr
www.estmd.com

AMD/Baird Report

AMD/Baird quarterly Harley dealer survey reveals weather and promo woes, soft MRSPs, yet strong demand for more new bike inventory
 

The quarterly AMD/Baird survey of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States and internationally has revealed "weak retail and traffic" in most areas of the US during January and February, with only 24 percent of those surveyed saying that consumer showroom traffic was "better than expected."

Some 47 percent of dealer surveys said that January and February retail sales were worse than expected (33 percent said sales were better than expected). Though with March generally accounting for around half of Q1 retail sales, Milwaukee based analyst Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. was modeling an end-of-quarter improvement to leave its annual forecast for 2014 worldwide Harley new model sales "unchanged" at +6 percent for the year domestically, and +7 percent internationally.

'annual forecast "unchanged" at +6 percent'

Sales grew by 4.4 percent in the United States in 2013 (compared to 2012) and by 4.3 percent internationally.

This forecast is despite the fact that the adverse weather in much of the United States clearly hit not just showroom traffic but also deals written. The US dealers surveyed said that their retail unit sales for January and through mid-February were off by -11 percent compared with their Jan/Feb experience in 2013, with reported used unit sales down by some 9 percent.

Internationally, reported retail sales were off a massive 25 percent in Canada for the period concerned, but up by some 10 percent elsewhere in the world.
 

Commenting on the effects of the weather, one dealer said "Traffic overall is down considerably. The people who are purchasing have been in the process for a while"; another that "sub-freezing weather is causing fewer people to come into the dealership. Last year was warmer and more people were still riding in January and February"; a third that "door swings are down 40 percent YTD over 2013; sales are down 44 percent."

Another said that "Weather has killed us, but Harley hasn't helped either." But proving that the picture was mixed, another said that "Traffic and bike sales have both remained steady in spite of record breaking snowfall and cold temperatures", with another saying that "we expect traffic and sales to continue increasing this spring in response to strong consumer interest in Project Rushmore models and new products introduced by the The Motor Company."
 
"Weather has killed us, but Harley hasn't helped either"

Echoing the sentiment with regard to new product, one dealer commented that their dealership was seeing "Lots of new feet coming through the door"; and another that their dealership had "sold better in 2014 vs. 2013", and one even reported being "+150 percent over last year for the year so far".

Inventory levels and promotional activity are always subjects that polarize opinion among Harley's dealer community.

Most indicated that new bike inventories remained "lean", 86 percent of respondents reported it about right (57 percent) or too low for the time of year; but dealers were rather more scathing about promotional activity.

Dealers report that used bike inventory "continues to be elevated as poor retail coupled with weak demand for used bikes (due to continued consumer appetite for the Rushmore models) has elevated inventory levels in the off-season", according to survey report author Craig Kennison.

One dealer explained that "Our used bike inventory is very high due to increased trade-ins on Project Rushmore bikes in the Fall ... but our used bike sales were up significantly for the first six weeks of this year"; another that "We need the right new inventory, i.e. touring. Used inventory was fine and then we sold through it, so we are light now. There is limited promotional activity of the Harley programs other than in store POP.”


"Used bike inventory high due to increased trade-ins on Rushmore bikes"

One responding dealer in Australia provided some interesting insight into the situation there, and some of the issues the dealer said they had with Harley-Davidson Australia (HAD), saying that "this is putting more and more pressure on management to provide these reports and we are losing focus on the real issues like selling and promoting our brand. Whilst I understand that we do need some of this reporting, perhaps this can be refined."

Further indication that, as ever, Harley's dealers aren't a homogenous crew, one domestic US dealer told AMD/Baird that there are "no promotions to drive business in the slow months, all the weight is on the dealer, not on Harley. In addition Harley has too many stale models that are outdated, over-priced, or were poor designs”; with another stating that "We need more TV ads just like other brands", with yet another saying "What Harley promotions?"

Pricing conditions remain largely unchanged relative to prior survey results with over half of dealers selling bikes below MRSP (56 percent of respondents). This is no doubt reflective of the weather, the lag that the market still has from slow recovery to real-world trickle-down, and may also explain some of the dealer scepticism raised about promotional activity.



"What Harley promotions?"

One dealer said that "Rushmore bikes are ok, but Dyna, Softails, and Sportsters are way under MSRP. The reason is there are too many, and the Softail models compete with the Rushmore line in price”; another that there were "Too many car dealers coming in to the H-D business! They don't understand the H-D brand - they think volume-volume-volume”; a third that "Harley talks about building brand loyalty and providing customers with a consistent premium customer experience, however, it is all about moving inventory. Retailers who discount and sell more bikes, yet short change the customer on the Harley experience, get kudos as they are moving inventory.”

One Canadian dealer raised a specific issue that affects dealers there, saying that "Canada has a distributor, so our prices are too high. Even H-D credit charges are a higher rate in Canada. A lot of people shop for P&A & GM online with USA dealers. We cannot compete on price.”

In terms of credit, more dealers are reporting that consumer financing continues to get easier, but, interestingly, there appears to be an increasing reluctance among consumers to take on debt.

Baird recently established a Harley-Davidson Dealer Sentiment Index, capturing both current and longer term (3-5 year) dealer sentiment. We asked dealers about their outlook currently as well as their outlook at this time last year.

Harley dealers hold an optimistic outlook based on current conditions, as dealers reported sentiment levels of 78 vs. 81 last year. The 3-5 year outlook remains remarkably positive as well, as dealer sentiment is 81, both this year and last year.

For context, sentiment readings can range from 0-100, with 50 providing a “neutral” outlook. Net, Baird’s Harley-Davidson Dealer Sentiment Index indicates a high level of dealer confidence.

'over half of dealers selling bikes below MRSP'

On average, dealers expect retail sales to improve approximately 5% in 2014.
 Harley-Davidson retail sales grew 4.4% in the U.S. and 4.3% internationally in 2013, based on company data. We expect U.S. retail sales to grow 6% in 2014, and international retail to grow 7% for the year.

In what maybe the first research initiative into starting to gauge perceived impact of the
re-launch of Indian Motorcycles on Harley dealers, now that they have had a chance to see the new bikes, Baird asked for views.

Relative to expectations for the impact on business last year, 94% of Harley dealers now believe that Indian will impact their businesses “less than” or “about as much” as they had expected – a net positive for Harley.

One dealer commented: "Not a very interesting bike and too expensive. Great power train, but availability still scarce in our area”; another that the "introduction of the Indian brand has had zero impact on our dealership's traffic and sales, and based on feedback, we don't expect that to change.”

Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. is an employee owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management and private equity firm that was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company says that it currently has $105 billion in client assets.

Any AMD readers who would like to see this or future AMD/Baird quarterly Harley-Davidson dealer surveys in full, or any authorized Harley-Davidson dealers who would like to participate in future surveys, can contact AMD’s Information Editor Sara Viney by email (sara@dealer-world.com).