Dec. 1, 2008 – Aftermarket Digest
50 Below releases new Web site enhancement system
50 Below says it’s is releasing a system that gives powersports dealers the same Web site tools as national retailers and e-tailers.
The new system, called EZ-Shop, provides consumers with new searching functionality.
The EZ-Shop system “organizes-up” a dealer’s Web site to let consumers quickly find what they are looking for.
Now consumers have 10 search and shopping tools, customizable to match the dealer’s business, including:
For information on the new EZ-Shop search and shopping product, visit www.50below.info or call 866/479-2693.
Deadline set for annual Nifty 50 product awards
The deadline for Powersports Business’ 10th annual Nifty 50 contest has been set for Dec. 12.
For the 10th consecutive year, editors from Powersports Business and sister consumer publications in the powersports industry are selecting 50 products and services that we believe are must-see items at the upcoming Dealer Expo.
To qualify, products and services must be new or substantially updated, be scheduled for delivery to dealers in 2009 and be present at the upcoming Dealer Expo in February.
Manufacturers and distributors interested in submitting their products and services should fill out a Nifty 50 application. Contact Associate Editor Karin Gelschus at 763/383-4413 or kgelschus@affinitygroup.com for an entry form.
Yoshimura introduces three scooter exhaust lines
With the scooter market gaining ground, Yoshimura has introduced three new full systems for 2009.
For the sporty Zuma from Yamaha, Yoshimura has three models —TRC Stainless/Carbon Fiber Full System with Carbon End Cap, TRC Stainless Full System with Carbon Fiber end-cap and a TRC Stainless Full system with Stainless end-cap. Yoshimura also is adding an R-77 Stainless/Carbon Fiber Full System to its line-up for the popular fuel-injected T-Max 500cc scooter. Each of these pipes not only reduces weight, but gives quicker acceleration and throttle response.
New S&S cycle X-Wedge service manual available
S&S Cycle recently released its X-Wedge Service Manual, which is designed to show technicians and engine owners the inside of the engine, offer helpful tips and explain systems.
The S&S X-Wedge is a 56-degree, closed-loop fuel-injected, three-cam, overhead valve V-twin that complies with EPA laws.
Not a conventional 45-degree engine, the 56-degree V-twin X-Wedge utilizes three belt-driven, large base-circle cams; two exhaust cams and a common intake cam achieve almost straight pushrod angles that combine with automotive-style rockers and roller tappets to create an EPA noise conscious valve train.
“Getting the X-Wedge manual done was a real challenge for the whole team,” said Howard Kelly, S&S communications and marketing Manager. “In the past, we have had years and years of data to look back on and recognize what information a technician would need, but this is a brand-new engine — we only had the data from testing and development.”
LeoVince USA introduces true MotoGP-Style exhaust system
LeoVince GP Pro slip-ons will be available in the United States beginning in December.
Utilizing 54 years of Italian craftsmanship, these slip-ons provide significant horsepower increases and save up to 15 pounds compared to stock systems, depending on the model.
LeoVince’s years of experience working with MotoGP teams helped pave the way for a design that mimics the look of many MotoGP exhausts with a section-welded stainless canister that has a curve in the baffle near the canister inlet and another curve at the top close to the exit of the canister providing a Z-type shape and the closest appearance to a real MotoGP exhaust. This internally curved baffle design allows for a very short “canister” yet keeps sound at a reasonable level. In fact, each pipe is supplied with a LeoVince removable EVO II sound insert to further decrease sound levels if desired. The GP Pro is designed to work with stock fuel and engine management settings for true “plug and play” performance.
The GP Pro is constructed with a unique hand-welding process to preserve the true “megaphone” shape common to MotoGP machines. Models are available now to fit most current sport bikes.
New tire using citrus oil honored at SEMA show
Yokohama Tire Corp.’s dB Super E-spec, a new consumer passenger tire that uses citrus oil instead of petroleum, has earned one of Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Awards at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The award, one of 14 given out, went to companies “in recognition of outstanding achievement in new product and design.” Popular Mechanics editors combed the thousands of new products on display at both the SEMA and AAPEX shows to find the winners.
Jim Meigs, Popular Mechanics’ editor-in-chief, pointed to the dB Super E-spec’s low rolling resistance and use of natural materials as reasons why it was chosen.
The dB Super E-spec combines citrus oil with natural rubber to form a new compound called “Super Nano-Power Rubber (SNPR).” It reduces the proportion of petroleum products in tires and is part of Yokohama’s environmental initiative. The first SNPR product is the dB Super E-spec and will be available in the United States in 2009.
Biker Essentials catalog now available from Mustang
Mustang’s new 2009 Biker Essentials catalog has thousands of items, each with a unique motorcycle theme.
The catalog includes everything from unique gifts to housewares and porcelain signs to cold-weather riding gear and quality leather items,
Mustang’s Biker Essentials items are sold through dealers and accessory shops worldwide. Visit MustangDealer.com for more information, to view all catalogs or request your dealer package, or call Mustang Seats at 800/243-1392 or 860/582-9633.
K&N releases new intake assembly for Harley models
K&N Engineeering’s new High-Flow, Custom Intake Assembly is designed to provide a substantial increase in airflow for all 2008-2009 Harley-Davidson touring models, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
An oversized “Original” High-Flow filter provides an extra large filtration area while offering longer service intervals. A powder-coated Top-Plate ensures years of filtration without corrosion.
Like all K&N “Original” High-Flow Filters, this filter is washable and reusable, pre-oiled and ready to ride. The cast aluminum backing plate includes built-in, internal run breathers that direct heat dissipation directly into the throttle body. A bolted-in, dyno-tuned, velocity stack increases airflow velocity into the throttle body. Spacers and hardware are included to mount the stock Harley Davidson air-cleaner cover. Fuel management modifications are not necessary to obtain increased performance.
Wiseco’s new line of apparel ready to be shipped
Wiseco Performance Products of Mentor, Ohio, has introduced a new line of apparel.
The line includes sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and coats for the entire family, including women and children.
Visit Wiseco.com and go to the “Promo Items” section to see all the new designs.
Optimistic Outlook for 2009 international show
Despite the current economic situation worldwide, the organizers of boot 2009, 40th International Boat Show, are confidently looking forward to the Jan. 17-25 event at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.
“The international yachting and watersports industry focuses its activities firmly on the Düsseldorf trade fair venue as the center of the European markets,” said Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, project director of boot 2009.
A total of 1,650 exhibitors from 55 countries will present an overview of the global market for watersports in 17 exhibition halls covering 2.1 million square feet of gross exhibit space. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at boot 2009, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2920, Chicago, Ill., 60601, 312/781-5180 or info@mdna.com. psb
