Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/379417
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • September 8, 2014 • 37 Arch Motorcycle prepares for V-twin launch In October 2012, the formation of the Arch Motorcycle Company was announced, with the company's intent to build a performance- oriented, American V-twin motorcycle. On Sept. 4, the Arch was scheduled to launch its website with full specs and details on ordering its first model, the KRGT-1. Along the way, every aspect of the original prototype was revisited to maximize perfor- mance, aesthetics, reliability and serviceability in the production version. When the smoke cleared, the only surviving component was the front tire, and that decision is still under review. "From the beginning, we agreed to spare no expense or effort to bring us closer to our goal," said co-founder Gard Hollinger. "One example of this commitment is the unique downdraft intake system. Our proprietary design eliminates the bulky breather assem- bly found on nearly all American V-twins. It increases rider comfort and provides a sleeker, more ergonomic profile. We spent months working closely with S&S Cycle and K&N Engineering to perfect a package that could be hidden between our billet aluminum gas tanks and still keep the T124 engine properly aspirated. Finally, matching air dams were machined and positioned to frame the billet aluminum headlight assembly A downdraft system made much more sense for this kind of motorcycle, and it helped deliver the clean lines and ride experience we needed." INDIAN ACCESSORIES DEMAND HELPS AEROMACH USA THRIVE When Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycle in 2011, the team at Aeromach USA immediately began thinking about new products that could be manufactured. Aero- mach is a Charlotte, N.C.-based manufacturer of billet aluminum motorcycle accessories. It wasn't until late 2013 that the first all-new motorcycles arrived in dealer showrooms. By November, Paul Aiken, owner of Aerom- ach, had acquired a Chief Classic and began designing products. "The first thing I noticed on the test ride of the new bike was the lack of a heel shift lever," Aiken commented. "Many riders, especially those coming off Harley-Davidsons were accustomed to shifting up through the gears with their heel." It wasn't long before the Aeromach Heel Shifter for Indian Motorcycles was designed and produced in their Charlotte shop. Demand was so high for the part that the delivery time stretched to six weeks. To meet the demand, a second CNC milling machine was added to produce the parts more quickly. Once the parts are machined, they are hand polished and chrome plated, adding four weeks to the production time. "We had a waiting list of over 150 heel shifters at one point, and we were running them all day long just to meet the demand," Aiken stated. "It took Indian Motorcycles until August of this year to release their ver- sion of the shift lever, but demand for the Aeromach version remains high. Ours fits the floorboard better and allows riders more room to move their feet around on the floor- boards; we even got an order from an Indian Motorcycle employee because he likes our version better." The 2015 Indian Motorcycle line was recently shown at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and the news is good for Aeromach. In addition to adding a fourth model that can use the heel shifter, Indian also released the 2015 Indian Scout, a smaller motorcycle that appeals to new as well as experienced riders. "We have another blank canvas to design parts for, and we are looking forward to mak- ing parts for the Scout as soon as we can get our hands on one," Aiken said. K&N ADDS INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Brad Otoupalik has joined the K&N family as senior director international sales. Previously, he was director of international business development for Magnaflow Exhaust Prod- ucts and vice president of sales for performance and motorsports at Cosworth Engineering. Jon Holder, who was recently appointed as the chief sales officer for K&N, said, "I am pleased to announce that Brad Otoupalik is joining K&N as senior director international sales, reporting to me and responsible for markets outside North America and Europe." KAWASAKI DONATES BIKE FOR OCEAN CONSERVATION Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. donated a Ninja 650 for auction at the Oceana SeaChange Summer Party attended by some of the largest supporters of ocean conserva- tion in Hollywood, including Ted Danson, Sheryl Crow and this year's special guest, Leonardo DiCaprio. Proceeds from the auction of the Ninja 650 will go to Oceana's mission of ocean conservation, a shared goal by Kawasaki who's global mission is "working as one for the good of the planet." "Kawasaki is proud to support such a wor- thy cause that won't simply affect our lives, but it will impact our children's lives and the lives of their children," said Chris Brull, Kawasaki marketing communications direc- tor. "Ocean conservation is a critical and vital cause, and every little bit counts." PSB DIGEST BRAD OTOUPALIK Arch Motorcycle will release a performance V-Twin.