Powersports Business April 2026 | Aftermarket

Sure-Seal partners with Powell to boost rugged connector access for off-road and marine OEMs

Sure‑­Seal Connections, a manufacturer of sealed electrical connectors for harsh environments, has announced a new distribution partnership with Powell Electronics aimed at expanding access to its IP67‑­rated connector technology across off‑­road, powersports and marine applications. 

Under the agreement, Powell will distribute Sure‑­Seal’s rugged interconnect products through its global supply network for OEMs and equipment manufacturers operating in demanding environments. 

“This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for Sure‑­Seal,” says Rob Venango, director at Sure‑­Seal Connections. “Powell’s reputation and reach, combined with Sure‑­Seal’s rugged interconnect technology, make this a powerful combination for our customers.” 

Ryan Milligan, director of business development for Powell Agricultural Solutions, said the addition enhances Powell’s ability to deliver durable connectivity solutions to mission‑­critical applications. 

“Adding Sure‑­Seal to our distribution portfolio strengthens our ability to deliver reliable sealed connector solutions designed for harsh environments,” Milligan states. 

Segment impact 

For powersports, the partnership highlights continued focus on durability and electrical reliability, as vehicles integrate more advanced electronics, digital displays, ride modes, GPS systems, lighting upgrades and accessory power management. 

Sure‑­Seal’s connectors are engineered to deliver IP67‑­rated protection against water, dust, vibration and extreme temperatures, conditions common in: 

As off‑­road vehicles and boats start turning increasingly feature‑­rich, electrical system reliability has become a larger component of warranty performance and long‑­term service revenue. Sealed connector systems that resist corrosion and vibration failure can help OEMs reduce claims and improve customer satisfaction. 

Supply stability 

The agreement also underscores continued emphasis on supply chain resilience. Powell’s distribution footprint is expected to provide broader geographic coverage and faster delivery timelines, which can benefit OEM production schedules as well as aftermarket service parts availability. 

Powell, founded in 1946, specializes in high‑­reliability connectors, switches, sensors and electro‑­mechanical components across industries including agriculture, robotics, rail, aerospace and marine. 

Sure‑­Seal serves automotive, heavy equipment, industrial, lighting, and e‑­mobility markets, positioning its connectors as a cost‑­effective alternative to more complex sealed systems.   


Galfer USA signs multiyear partnership deal with MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica just announced a multiyear partnership with braking systems manufacturer Galfer USA that will align the aftermarket brand with the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship. 

Based in Spain, Galfer is a 70‑­year‑­old operation recognized for its precision‑­engineered rotors and racing brake pads used at the highest levels of motorcycle competition. With its U.S. headquarters located in Orlando, Florida, Galfer USA has been operating in the American market for more than 30 years, providing high‑­performance braking solutions to professional teams, OEMs, dealers, and enthusiasts across the U.S. 

In recent years, Galfer has strengthened its presence at MotoGP and, in 2024, rider Ai Ogura of the MT Helmets – MSI team won the MotoGP World Championship using Galfer braking components. 

“MotoAmerica represents the highest level of road racing in the U.S., and that’s exactly where Galfer belongs,” says Armando Riva, country manager of Galfer USA. “We’re excited to engage in a partnership that puts our products side by side with the best riders, showcasing how closely our brand is connected to elite‑­level performance.”   


Motul increases team, series support for 2026 race season

High‑­performance engine lubricants producer Motul announced it will expand collaboration efforts and strengthen its presence at every level of the 2026 motorcycle racing season. 

This announcement comes on the heels of Motul extending its 15‑­year partnership with premier motorcycle racing series MotoGP for another five years, which will now run until 2030. 

“2026 is an important year for Motul in the United States,” says Motul North America General Manager Amber Bates. “From the drag strip to the dirt, we are providing the technical edge necessary for athletes to push their bikes to their limits. We aren’t just a logo on a bike; our essential lubricants and technical support are a vital component of each team’s success.” 

A cornerstone of the 2026 campaign is the expanded partnership with Vance & Hines/Indian Factory Racing. Motul will serve as the official oil for the three‑­rider Indian team as it competes at MotoAmerica King of the Baggers championship. 

The Vance & Hines partnership also includes support for the Suzuki Hayabusa, which participates in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing. 

In the MotoAmerica paddock, Motul returns as an official partner for King of the Baggers and is the series’ official lubricant. 

Beyond series‑­level support include: 

Motul is also the official oil of Royal Enfield’s Build, Train, Race program. This initiative supports female riders building their own race bikes and competing in flat track or road racing. 

Off‑­road, Motul is backing Ducati‑­mounted Ciaran Naran and Hero Racing for Baja and desert competition. In supercross and motocross, Motul is supporting Kawasaki’s International Supercross Race Team and Grindstone Friesen Group Racing.    


Hot Products

Gilles Floorboard 

New floorboards by Gilles are German‑­designed and manufactured. They feature CNC‑­milled 6082 T6 aluminum for strength and style, and the adjustable width creates a custom fit. The floorboards use the OEM mounts for installation. Available in a black finish for 99‑­25 FLHT/​FLHR/​FLHX/​FLTR/​FLTRU/​FLTRK/​FLTRX, 09‑­13 H‑­D FL Trike, 00‑­17 FLST and 12‑­16 FLD models. Sold in pairs. MSRP: $821.89. 

Muc‑­Off Harley‑­Davidson Care Range 

Muc‑­Off, which produces bike and motorcycle protection and cleaners, recently launched its officially licensed Harley‑­Davidson motorcycle care range. For 2026, Muc‑­Off’s Harley‑­Davidson care products have been developed exclusively for Harley‑­Davidson machines. It includes an array of cleaners, protection and shine kits, and unique H‑­D polishing clothes and brush sets. Check out muc‑­off.com for the complete line and list of prices.  

Pred III 2‑­up seats for Indian 

The new Drag Specialties Predator III 2‑­Up Seat features a 6 1/2-inch tall driver support with unique styling. The seating area is contoured for maximum comfort with the rear portion measuring 7-inches wide for easy riding. The 3/16-inch thermoformed ABS seat base gives the perfect fit, while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protect your bike’s paint. Covered in automotive‑­grade vinyl, the seat is available Double Diamond stitch with black, red, or silver thread. All seats include mounting hardware and are designed to fit 20‑­25 Challenger, 25 Chieftain (108”/112” Liquid Cooled Powerplus). MSRP: $476.95 

Sawicki’s Intimidator Exhausts now distributed by WPS 

Aftermarket exhaust manufacturer Sawicki Speed announced its distribution partner Western Power Sports and its HardDrive division are now stocking black ceramic‑­coated Intimidator Series exhaust systems for Harley‑­Davidson Milwaukee‑­Eight models. 

Sawicki says the move will significantly reduce wait times for riders and dealers looking for the premium black ceramic finish, one of the most in‑­demand options in the Intimidator lineup. 

With WPS/HardDrive now stocking black ceramic‑­coated systems for M8 touring, softail, and low rider ST applications, dealers can order directly through WPS/HardDrive. Learn more about the Intimidator Series at sawickispeed.com.

Steering Damper Kit 

Drag Specialties Steering Damper Kit is designed to help damp unwanted fork oscillations, commonly known as speed wobble. The seven‑­position, hydraulic steering dampers are fully adjustable and allow full fork movement from stop to stop. The dampers and hardware come in a satin chrome finish, and the kit includes all required mounting hardware and instructions. This kit fits 21‑­26 RH125OS Sportster, and the MSRP is $370.19. 

Upper Clutch Cable 

Efficiently replace the OE upper clutch cable with an upper braided cable from Drag Specialties. The cable quickly connects to the OE lower clutch cable section to reduce installation time — no need to drain the transmission fluid. Cables also come pre‑­lubricated for smooth, consistent, long‑­lasting action. The design meets or exceeds the OE specifications, and the OE cable cover and housing can be reused. Available with stainless steel, black/chrome or black/black cable housing and fittings in 42‑­inch alternative cable length for 24‑­25 FLHX and 23‑­25 FLHXSE models. MSRP: $96.77-$102.95.