By Brendan Baker Editor-in-chief
Battery Tender’s Charge N Start 1200 is designed to tackle two common headaches in the powersports world: dead batteries in the service bay and slow seasonal accessory sales.
Available in two versions — the 1120 (1A charger/maintainer) and the 4120 (4A charger/maintainer) — it combines a 1,200A peak portable jump starter with a multi-chemistry smart charger in one compact unit.
We tested the 1120 model on everything from a long-dead scooter to a stranded family car. The jump starter performed flawlessly, easily spinning over engines that had sat for years. For maintenance and light recovery, the 1A charger works well, though the 4A version would be faster for heavily discharged batteries.
In a dealership service department, the Charge N Start’s 1,200A peak output handles most motorcycles, ATVs/UTVs, and PWCs without issue. It supports lithium (LiFePO4), AGM, and gel batteries, so techs can hook it up without worrying about damaging sensitive electronics. The built-in charger/maintainer makes it equally useful for post-service storage or diagnostic work.
On the retail side, the 1120 offers customers a dependable all-season battery maintenance tool, while the 4120 is a strong upsell for owners of larger-displacement machines or multiple vehicles. Battery Tender’s accessories — quick-disconnect leads, extension cables, and more — create easy add-on sales opportunities.
Dealer Tips
Demo at the counter or service desk. A quick jump-start demonstration can turn interest into a sale.
Bundle for seasonal promotions. Pair with a ring-terminal lead and battery cleaner for a “store & start” package.
Use during customer hand-offs. Hook up a Charge N Start before delivering a serviced vehicle to show its convenience.
Pros
Well-known, trusted brand in powersports.
Two amperage options for good/better merchandising.
Supports multiple battery chemistries.
Cons
1A model is slower on fully drained batteries — consider upselling to the 4A model.
Charger features compete with NOCO and CTEK, but the jump starter/charger combo sets it apart.
It’s pretty bulky compared to the standard jump starters on the market.
Battery Tender products are distributed by Western Power Sports (WPS), Automatic Distributors, Parts Unlimited / Drag
Specialties, Kimpex (Canada), and Motovan (Canada).
Bottom Line: The Charge N Start 1200 is a dual-purpose tool that works as well in your service bay as it does at your parts counter — a rare win-win for today’s powersports dealers.
Parts Canada has announced it will begin distributing SW-Motech products to its dealer network, bringing the German manufacturer’s premium motorcycle luggage and accessories to more riders across Canada.
SW-Motech is known globally for its innovation, durability, and precision engineering, offering a full line of adventure- and touring-focused gear, including tank bags, saddlebags, aluminum touring cases, and waterproof drybags. The company’s products are tested extensively for real-world conditions, including sunlight and airflow resistance, before going into production.
“We’re excited to bring SW-Motech into our catalogs,” says Parts Canada President James Danyluk. “After visiting their facility in Germany, I was very impressed by the level of testing and quality control. This gives our dealers access to truly premium luggage options.”
Martin May of SW-Motech noted the strategic value of the partnership: “By working with Parts Canada, we’re strengthening our ability to serve Canadian riders. It builds on our long-standing collaboration with Parts Unlimited and Parts Europe under the LeMans Corporation.”
Parts Canada continues to expand its lineup with leading brands, offering its dealers more high-end options to meet the growing demand of customers for adventure and touring gear.
For more information, visit SW-Motech.com/en or contact marketing@partscanada.com.
AFCO Performance Group, LLC, a motorcycle and automotive aftermarket products manufacturer, announced on Aug. 1 its acquisition of Custom Dynamics, an aftermarket motorcycle lighting and electrical components company.
Founded in 2002, Custom Dynamics manufactured high-quality LED solutions designed to improve safety, visibility, and style. AFCO President Jeff Scales says the acquisition will be an excellent addition to the AFCO Performance Group family of aftermarket brands.
“The strategic acquisition of Custom Dynamics is another step in our commitment to delivering best-in-class products and services to motorcycle and automotive aftermarket customers,” says Scales.
David Pribula, founder of Custom Dynamics, says, “Our goal has always been to lead the motorcycle aftermarket industry with innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer service.”
Pribula will continue to oversee Custom Dynamics as president and help lead the transition for customers, employees, and partners.
AFCO says the acquisition further solidifies its position as a premier provider of aftermarket solutions, reinforcing its dedication to product excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Western Power Sports (WPS) and Fly Racing are reinforcing their commitment to motocross with continued partnership support for the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, highlighted by title sponsorship of the Fly Racing Washougal National, held July 19 at the iconic Washougal MX Park.
Now in its second year, the Military Appreciation Race added a patriotic focus to the event, with military-themed bike graphics, rider gear, and tributes including a veteran parade lap and helicopter flyover. One special guest, Army veteran Mike Matula, was honored with a bucket-list trip to the race through a partnership with the Veteran MX Foundation.
The eighth round of the Pro Motocross Championship — also part of the SuperMotocross World Championship — was broadcast live on NBC, showcasing the event’s prestige and growing national attention.
“As a Pacific Northwest company, it means a lot to have a title race in our backyard,” says Anthony Armsby, vice president of marketing and e-commerce at WPS. “It’s a privilege to support both this incredible race and our service members.”
WPS, founded in 1960, distributes over 150,000 powersports products to more than 14,000 dealers worldwide. Fly Racing leads its house brand portfolio and has quickly risen to elite status in motocross apparel. The brand had a banner year in 2025, with Cooper Webb claiming the 450SX Supercross title in his first season with Fly. Webb headlines a stacked rider roster alongside R.J. Hampshire, Chance Hymas, and international MXGP stars like Simon Laengenfelder under the Red Bull KTM DeCarli team.
That momentum carries into the 2026 Fly Racing collection, which the company says will be its most advanced yet. Headlining the lineup is the debut of the Formula S, the first smart off-road helmet. The new gear integrates top-tier safety tech, race-ready fit via the BOA Fit System, and bold style updates, including a new collaboration with Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg’s DBK line.
As the championship heads into its final stretch after a brief break, Fly Racing’s influence continues to shape both the sport and the marketplace — with a blend of innovation, athlete support, and community focus that powersports dealers across North America are watching closely.
Dealers can explore the full 2026 Fly Racing collection and WPS offerings at wps-inc.com.
Amsoil has introduced a new 100% synthetic ATV/UTV continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid, designed specifically for use in Polaris Steeldrive CVTs. The fluid is formulated to deliver consistent performance and protection under demanding conditions.
Modern CVT systems, such as Polaris’s steel-belted designs, are built to improve torque and power delivery, but they can also generate increased heat and wear, especially under heavy loads. Amsoil’s new CVT fluid is designed to reduce metal-on-metal friction, minimize shudder, and maintain film strength in high-pressure environments.
According to Len Groom, Amsoil’s director of product marketing for powersports, “These machines are built to work hard. We developed this CVT fluid to deliver dependable performance and protection for riders who push their equipment.”
The fluid is compatible with Polaris Steeldrive systems and is positioned as an alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fluids. It is also suitable for use in other applications where a similar specification is required.
Dealers can contact their Amsoil representative or visit Amsoil.com.
Western Power Sports (WPS) has announced a new distribution partnership with Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires, further expanding its premium tire offerings to powersports dealers across the country. Effective Aug. 1, WPS will offer Bridgestone’s complete line of street and off-road motorcycle tires through its nationwide network of distribution centers.
“As a customer-focused company, we’re always looking to strengthen our offering for dealers. Bridgestone is a leader in tire technology, performance, and reliability,” says Trey Turner, vice president of sales at WPS. “Adding this iconic brand gives our dealers even more tools to stay competitive and meet the needs of today’s riders.”
The partnership reinforces WPS’s position as a full-line distributor for aftermarket powersports products. With over 64 years in business and more than 150,000 products in its catalog, WPS has built a reputation for fast service, dependable delivery, and top-tier product selection.
“Bridgestone is excited to team up with WPS to expand access to our motorcycle tire lineup,” says Jared Williams, general manager of the Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire business in the U.S. and Canada. “WPS brings an unmatched dealer network and service infrastructure, aligning perfectly with our focus on performance and innovation.”
Bridgestone’s motorcycle tire line includes racing and street products designed to serve riders across disciplines, from motocross to road racing to everyday commuting.
Western Power Sports distributes from warehouses in Idaho, Georgia, Indiana, and Texas, and has been part of Arrowhead Engineered Products since 2022. The company’s broad portfolio covers motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and watercraft, and it continues to be one of the fastest-growing powersports distributors in North America.
Dealers can begin ordering Bridgestone tires from WPS effective immediately.
1” APE HANGER TOURING HANDLEBARS
These Drag Specialties 1-inch handlebars are available in a 12-inch Ape Hanger style in a chrome or gloss black finish. Made of seamless steel tubing, the bars are knurled and slotted for internal wiring. Available for ’24-’25 FLHX /FLHXU and 23-25 FLHXSE models. Made in the U.S. Suggested retail of $155 for chrome and $130 for black.
PERFORMANCE PREDATOR 2-UP SEATS
Drag Specialties Seats Performance Predator 2-Up Seat features a 5 ¾-inch driver support with unique styling and is made narrower up front for better leg clearance. The seating area is contoured for maximum comfort, with the rear portion measuring 8 ¾-inch 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. Available in Double diamond stitch with black, silver or red thread. All seats include mounting hardware and are designed to fit ’97-’07 FLHR and ’06-’07 FLHX models. Made in the U.S. with a suggested retail price range of $464-$485.
PUSHROD TUBE KIT
Add style to your M8 engine with a chrome pushrod tube kit from Drag Specialties. The kit includes the upper and lower pushrod tubes, clips, cups, springs, washers and O-rings. One kit will finish a complete engine. Fits all ’17-’25 Milwaukee-Eight models and has a suggested retail price of $127.
REAR BRAKE CALIPER KIT
The Drag Specialties Rear Brake Caliper Kit provides the same reliable braking time after time. Rear caliper accepts OEM bolts and comes with brake pads and bleeder screw. Available in a matte black finish for ’15-’17 Softail models and have a suggested retail price of $352.