The Door Industry Journal: 2022

Thursday, 22 December 2022

Christmas and New Year 2022 / 2023 Office Closing Dates

The Door Industry Journal offices will close at Midday Today, Thursday 22nd December 2022 and will reopen at 9.30am on Monday 9th January 2023.

Supplementary Information

Phone and Email:

Our call centre will be answering our phones and our email will be monitored during the holiday period for anything of an urgent nature, which will receive an appropriately prompt response. Otherwise, emails and messages will be dealt with upon our return to work on Monday 9th January 2023.

Digital Magazine:

Why not catch up on your reading over the holidays with our current issue and over four years' worth of back issues online at www.dijonline.co.uk?

Daily Blogposts:

Our final commercial daily blog post was published on Wednesday 21st December and like our team, needs a well-earned break, so will not resume until Monday 9th January 2023.

Daily e-newsletter:

Our last daily e-newsletter for 2022 was published on Friday 23rd December and they will resume on Tuesday 10th January 2023.

Weekly e-newsletter:

Our last weekly e-newsletter for 2022 was published on Tuesday 20th December and they will resume on Tuesday 10th January 2023.

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Subscription Offer:

If you prefer reading a printed copy of our magazine, you can subscribe to all of our 2023 issues for just £17.95 (UK) or £29.95 for (Europe and Eire).

Finally, we would like to wish all of our readers, advertisers and contributors a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year and look forward to your continued engagement and support during 2023.

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Wednesday, 21 December 2022

Expand your Range of Services, Skills and Products with Smart Home Technologies

Easygates Direct, the nationwide one-stop-shop for electric gate automation, access control and safety solutions, are now offering training and advice on smart home integration.

Building on over twenty years of experience in the automation industry, Easygates Direct has expanded its range to include full smart home integration and automation products.

Tony Daniels-Gooding, MD of Easygates Limited said:

“We see most of our customers either fitting gate automation or garage door automation but not realising that these products are a great step towards offering full smart home or business automation.

“It is now far more cost-effective and simple to integrate the function of gate or garage automation to the rest of the home or business, offering features such as smart lighting, heating and shading control as well as the integration of security systems and cameras.”

Easygates Direct see that, due to the cost-of-living crisis, demand is growing for smart home features that can save both home users and businesses money on their utility bills. This is a great opportunity to offer a new range of services and upselling opportunities to each of your customers.

The free training is being offered at Easygates smart home showroom, “The Smart and Secure Centre” in the West Midlands. This 5000sq foot venue has interactive working displays, making it a great place to get to grips with the new technologies.

Contact Easygates’ expert pre and after-sales team to arrange training or get advice on these new innovative products.

Phone 01384 569 942, email info@easygatesdirect.co.uk or visit www.easygatesdirect.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 20 December 2022

115 Years of Trusted Door Control Performance

Briton expands on principles of trust, performance, and convenience with the new 5700 series lockcase.

It was 1907 when the ‘Briton’ range of door closers was first developed, with the Briton ‘B’ model becoming an industry stalwart due to its lasting performance and reliability.

Over a century later, Briton continues to evolve, unveiling its next generation of door controls with a focus on heritage and a deep-rooted promise to deliver consistency and convenience with unrivalled product performance.

At a time when supply chain trust is indispensable, Briton is unifying the brand’s product portfolio and streamlining processes to ensure product selection and installation is made easier than ever before.

Most recently, Briton has announced the launch of its new 5700 Series Lockcase, a high quality, heavy-duty euro profile cylinder mortice lockcase – ideal for both first-time installations and retrofit applications and dimensionally compatible with Briton’s 5400 series.

Briton has always been proud to offer customers true peace of mind, providing safe and functional building environments with highly durable, highly engineered solutions, each designed to endure constant use in demanding settings – just as the Briton ‘B’ model was designed over 115 years ago.

Today, the new Certifire accredited Briton 5700 Series Lockcase marks the first product launched under Briton’s refreshed brand identity, which was unveiled earlier this year.

The launch demonstrates Briton’s commitment to its customers – where, through innovation, the brand continues to deliver on its core values of trust, performance and convenience.

This introduction of next generation door control products, together with modernised brand visuals, sustainably sourced packaging and a new comprehensive and customer-focused website, better represents the needs of modern customers and builds upon Briton’s long-standing reputation as the trusted door control experts.

To find out more about the 5700 Series Lockcase and Briton’s full range of door control solutions:

Web: www.briton.co.uk | Tel: 0330 8080 617

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Monday, 19 December 2022

BFT Automation Ramps up Training

BFT Automation has boosted its training provision, including support for installers of its anti-terrorism bollards.

Held at BFT’s offices in Swindon or Stockport, training is tailored to the needs of individual specifying companies and their installation teams. Courses are delivered by BFT’s technical staff, who have years of training and experience in working with its solutions.

Richard Winstanley, UK Sales Manager at BFT Automation said:

“We don’t run standardised training as we recognise that everyone’s requirements are different, this means that individuals will only receive training that’s relevant to them – whether they’re an apprentice or an installer with many years of experience.”

Training typically encompasses both theoretical and practical learning, using working test models for hands-on practice.

Focus on HVM

As BFT continues to grow its presence in the hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) sector, it offers a comprehensive training programme for installers of its anti-terrorism bollards. This includes training on setting up solutions from its X-PASS range of automated bollards, plus the Perseo control panel setting and parameters.

Richard added:

“With the Protect Duty Bill becoming closer to legislation, more and more organisations are likely to be considering HVM as part of their security plans.
“Anti-terrorism bollards are often the simplest and most versatile solution, but for installers who are new to these products, it’s often useful to have a level of support that goes beyond the details included in a manual.
“As all our training sessions are conducted in small groups, people get the individual attention they need, as well as the opportunity to have open discussions and ask questions.”

Each bollard within BFT’s X-PASS range has its own self-contained hydraulic pump unit, allowing it to be raised or lowered with just one command, making them an ideal choice for settings where there’s a need for flexibility to accommodate temporary changes in traffic flow or events.

The bollards are equipped with the option of the fail-secure system, meaning that in the event of a power failure, they remain raised, preventing unauthorised access.

Range of topics

Other topics covered by BFT include training on gate automation, bollards, barriers, automatic doors, parking systems and more, with a focus on safety at every step of the way.

Examples of specific courses include calibrating motors, which focuses on the correct way to set up motors from underground to overground, plus wiring motors to a gate system.

Advanced training on programming control panels goes into detail on the vast amount of parameter and logic features available on the control board and capabilities for a gate system – allowing a deeper understanding of the best way to set up each system for its purpose.

Richard said:

“The aim is for installers to leave with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to provide a quick and safe installation every time,”

As well as its training provision, BFT offers ongoing maintenance support for all its products.

For more information visit: www.bftautomationuk.com

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Sunday, 18 December 2022

May your lights shine bright this Christmas, says GEM

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging motorists to check – and use – their car lights to ensure they’re as visible as possible during this darkest time of the year.

The advice comes amid concern that too many drivers fail to turn their lights on in conditions of poor natural light, or when bad weather reduces visibility.

A large number of drivers still rely on automatic lighting systems and front-only daytime running lights.

The result is that visibility ahead could be reduced, and too often there will be no rear lights showing at all.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth explains:

“More and more cars now have automatic lighting arrangements. These, combined with front-only daytime running lights, mean it’s easy to assume your lights are all taken care of without you needing to do anything.

“However, daytime running lights are not strong enough to illuminate the road ahead and will not make you properly visible to oncoming traffic and other road users, especially in foggy or wet conditions. What’s more, you are likely to be displaying no rear lighting whatsoever.

“If your car is easy to spot, you will be doing your bit for road safety. That’s why we are encouraging drivers to think about the lights they use and reduce their risk on winter journeys.”

GEM’s advice is to use your experience and common sense, and not to rely on automatic sensors to judge what lights are appropriate on your journeys.

At this time of year, it makes sense to use dipped headlights at all times, day and night. Switching them on will also ensure your rear lights are on, so you’ll be more conspicuous from front and rear.

Make regular checks of your main beams, indicators, sidelights, fog lights and brake lights.

Know where your fog light controls are located, so you can turn them on and off as conditions require.

Familiarise yourself with any automatic lighting systems on your car, but don’t rely on them to provide the right level of conspicuity at all times and in all conditions.

Make sure you use lights in such a way that you and other road users gain the maximum benefit. After all, it’s about being seen as much as being able to see.

Look out for other drivers who may not be using lights as effectively as they could.

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

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Saturday, 17 December 2022

Garador Turns up the Colour for Christmas Charity

Leading garage door manufacturer Garador is having an especially bright Christmas this year after its staff joined together to support the Save the Children Christmas Jumper appeal.

Instead of normal work clothes, Garador’s employees arrived at the Somerset factory in the most colourful Christmas sweaters they could find. To pay for the fun, they each gave a £2 donation to the Save the Children charity.

“Our fun sweater day is fast becoming a Christmas tradition here,” said Garador’s Customer Service Advisor George Aldred who helped organise the event. “By early morning coffee, we had already collected over £70 and once we do a final count we hope we will be well into three figures. Helping children at Christmas makes a lot of sense and the range of colourful sweaters gave everyone a smile.”

The sweaters covered traditional Christmas themes such as reindeer, elves and of course Santa to more unusual ideas including one of a celebrating Snoopy.

Garador says the day was a great success all round and anyone who would like to donate to the Christmas Jumper appeal can still do so through the Save The Children Charity website.

www.garador.co.uk

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Friday, 16 December 2022

New 2023 dates announced by Abloy Academy

Abloy UK has announced its new schedule of Academy Foundations and Foundations Plus CPD courses for 2023, which offer attendees invaluable insight into emergency and panic escape compliance.

The free courses are designed to train installers, security managers, end users and specifiers, giving them the skills and knowledge to ensure maximum safety and security while helping to save lives in an emergency.

The Foundations course is designed to help delegates understand the minimum legal performance criteria for access control locking applications for fire and escape doors, BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125 and help attendees to specify only compliant solutions.

They also include the new BS EN 13637 standard on electronically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes.

For individuals who complete the first course, the Foundation Plus course is an advanced add-on, going one step further in educating delegates on in-depth industry standards and compliance terminology.

This provides attendees with the knowledge to specify products that are suitable for both the application and door type.

Both courses are led by Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, an expert in locks and door opening solutions.

Pat is retained by BSI and CEN as the UK’s Electric Locking Technical Expert, and is a member of committees responsible for the development and improvement of new standards and legislation across Europe.

Pat explained:

“Abloy UK has always been deeply committed to setting the standard when it comes to emergency and panic escape compliance, and life safety is a critical issue in which we believe education is imperative.
“Although our products are world renowned for their high performance and superior quality, this can only be realised by the abilities of the people who specify and install them.

“Specifying and installing a non-compliant solution could put the occupants of a building in danger, and we want to eliminate this risk.
“That’s why we developed the Abloy Academy over 13 years ago - to provide training of the highest standard. In that time, the Academy brand has gone from strength to strength to be widely recognised as a mark of excellence and accreditation.

“Evolving legislation means that it’s also important to stay up to date with the latest best practice, and being proactive with training is a great way to kick off the New Year.

“It’s not just standards for standards sake. Ultimately, if an emergency escape system is not compliant then lives are at risk, so I take great pride in knowing that the Academy is doing its part in helping people escape safely from a building if they need to.”

The day-long courses take place at Abloy UK headquarters in Willenhall, West Midlands. Courses are free of charge, offering attendees a complimentary educational experience that can provide two years validity on industry standards.

The courses will run on the following dates:

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK or to book a place on one of the courses, visit www.abloy.co.uk, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk.

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Thursday, 15 December 2022

Videx Strengthens Flagship Door Entry System with new Concierge offering

Videx has enhanced its leading door entry system, the VX2300, adding a desk mount concierge unit for small to medium-sized installations of the two-wire video system.

The CST2310 unit can be used for up to 200 apartments, offering both handset and hands-free speech and a backlit touch control keypad along with a 3.5” LCD display with on-screen information relating to both entrances and apartments and the stage of a call when in progress.

It can also be used to receive or intercept calls from entrances, make and receive calls from apartments and activate outputs, open doors and gates and receive alarm calls from apartments.

James Gray, national sales manager at Videx, said:

“Enhancing our VX2300 video system makes it even easier to use, offering access control that’s more convenient and flexible to the user’s needs. Programming of apartment and entrance names can be carried out via free programming software which can be connected via USB directly to the concierge unit.

“It can also be used to enable an intercommunication call between two apartments and activate doors and gates without being called making it an ideal entry solution that’s highly secure and extremely convenient at the same time.”

The CST2310 has three modes of operation. Day mode where all calls from apartments and entrances are intercepted by the concierge. Night mode where calls from entrances can go direct to the apartments unless directed to the concierge and calls from apartments can be received by the concierge.

It also has an off mode where calls go directly from entrances to the concierge while the concierge is off duty.

What’s more, the CST2310 is compatible with the complete VX2300 range which includes entrance panels from 1 call button through to digital and a range of apartment options, from audio only through to 7” video monitors.

For more information about the CST2310 addition, please visit: www.videxuk.com

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Wednesday, 14 December 2022

Tradedor announces it's now a Distributor for Garador

The manufacturing process

Norwich based suppliers Tradedor has announced an exciting new partnership with leading garage door manufacturer Garador.

Tradedor, who manufacture, supply and deliver quality roller garage doors across the country, will now also be able to offer its customers sectional and up-and-over garage doors courtesy of Garador.

Tradedor manager Jack Tarrant spoke about the deal:

“Everyone here at Tradedor is thrilled to announce our partnership with Garador. For as long as I can remember, Garador has led the way when it comes to garage door manufacturing. It is one of the industry’s most recognisable names and we’re thrilled to be able to offer their fantastic products to our clients.”

He continued: “This partnership also means we can expand our product range, extending our great service to even more types of doors.”

Tradedor's Warehouse

Garador is one of the industry’s biggest names, and for more than 70 years has led the way in garage door manufacturing and innovation. This can be seen in the excess of £14 million that has been spent on garage door production technology by the brand over the last 15 years, and they continue to supply a range of products to the British and European markets.

Tradedor was formed in 2010 and over the last 12 years has gone from strength to strength. 2022 has also seen the company sell its 50,000th door - a milestone it’s immensely proud of.

Jack Tarrant (Tradedor Manager) and Joe Coldron (Garador Area Sales Manager)

In addition to this, the company has a stock valuation of over £500,000 and has invested more than £450,000 in new technology to ensure it remains at the top of its game. All of this work is done from two units in Norwich comprising of more than 21,000 sq.ft.

Providing its products to trade customers across the country, all of these garage doors are manufactured using durable materials, are tailored specifically to the needs of their clients and are professionally crafted to ensure they stand the test of time.

Garador products from Tradedor are available now, with the company offering excellent deals and discounts for those with trade accounts.

For more information on the partnership, get in touch with Jack Tarrant at Tradedor by emailing jack@tradedor.co.uk

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Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Hörmann Partner Standard Awards – Winners Announced

Hörmann UK are pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Partner Standard Awards.

Having received an impressive level of entries the judging panel, headed up by Wolfgang Gorner the MD of Hörmann UK and joined by Derek Hibbart the editor of Door Industry Journal, have made their final decisions for all of the categories including the Dealer of the Year Award.

The winners are:

Best customer service - Garage Doors Worcester

Installation of the year - Doorfit

Best social media - ABi Doors

Best showroom - Freelance Entry Solutions

Best RollMatic T installation - ABi Doors

Best sectional door installation - Squirrel Doors

The WOW factor (the most unique installation) - Garage Doors Northern

The Partner standard ambassador - The Garage Door Company (Scotland)

Best Dealer Finder profile page - ABi Doors

Partner Standard Dealer of the Year - The Garage Door Company (Scotland)

Congratulations also go to ABi Doors and Doorfit who were shortlisted for the Dealer of the Year, which was hotly contested between three excellent companies.

Winners of each category will receive a trophy and certificate, along with an email footer to enable them to promote their achievements. The Winner of the Dealer of the Year will also receive a hospitality package to attend the Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival races in March, together with accommodation.

Commenting on the Awards, Wolfgang Gorner said

“Our Partner Standard programme is unique within the Garage Door industry and has proved to be extremely successful since its’ launch just over two years ago. We wanted to make sure that our partners get the recognition that they deserve for all of their hard work, which often goes unnoticed.

Here at Hörmann we are lucky to work with the most professional and successful installers throughout the whole of the UK and I personally would like to thank them all; for being part of the Partner Standard initiative, joining in with our first awards and for the loyalty that they constantly display towards Hörmann.
Congratulations to all of the winners, and for those of you who have not been successful this time you will definitely get another chance next year.”

For further information on Hörmann UK call 01530 516868 or visit hormann.co.uk

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Monday, 12 December 2022

IN2 Access Offers New Pedestrian Automatic Swing Door Solutions

Shropshire-based company IN2 Access & Control Ltd. partners with Label UK to offer a complete range of automatic swing door solutions.

IN2 Access & Control Ltd. has further expanded its product offering in the pedestrian door market with the addition of the NEXT-series swing door operators and accessories.

Derek Foreman, Managing Director at IN2 Access says:

“We have always supplied safety and sensing products to the pedestrian door industry, this partnership with Label UK enables us to provide complete solutions for customers’ swing door automation requirements.”

Two Operators Currently Available

IN2 Access will offer two operators: NEXT-75B for swing doors up to 75kg and NEXT-120S for swing doors up to 120kg. Both models feature a brushless motor for durability and efficient energy consumption.

They can also be activated using various switching methods, whether manually triggered (e.g. push buttons, key fobs, etc.) or automatically via sensors – both models are flexible and available in various kits for easy ordering based on customer requirements.

The “75B” is best suited for lighter indoor use and contains an internal battery that allows the door to continue operating during power failure.

The “120S” is fire-rated and contains a spring mechanism for automatic re-closing in the event of a power cut or fire Alarm. Its higher weight capacity and 2-hour fire rating makes it well suited for business applications.

Choosing the Right Arm

“Outswing push articulated arm” is available for both models: NEXT-BAS (for up to 75kg. operator) or NEXT120-BAS (for up to 120kg. operator).
“Outswing push slide arm” has a more compact profile. Again, available as NEXT-BDS or NEXT120-BDS.

“Inswing pull slide arm” is also available for both models (NEXT-BDT or NEXT120-BDT).

Complete Solutions: Installer Packs/Kits

Operators, arms and sensors can be ordered as individual components but for simplified ordering, IN2 Access have put together a number of “installer packs.” These kits make ordering accessories easy - based on the desired swing door operation.

All kits come standard with:

automated door signage set
two UniScan safety sensors (each are 750mm with single sensor) from BBC Bircher Smart Access (includes installation cable set and door loop). EN16005 & DIN 816500 certified
three-position key switch for manual override
“Quick Installation” wiring information

Customers should choose the required arm for each set and activation method that’s appropriate for the set up (six standard kits available):

NEXT75B-SMB: for doors up to 75kg. plus two push buttons for manual activation of the swing door
NEXT75B-SAR: for doors up to 75kg. plus two Merkur 2ES radar motion sensors (from BBC Bircher) for automatic operation
NEXT75B-SCB: for doors up to 75kg. plus two CleanSwitch non-contact door switches for manual (but non-touch) activation of the swing door
NEXT120S-SMB: for doors (including fire doors) up to 120kg. plus two push buttons for manual activation of the swing door
NEXT120S-SAR: for doors (including fire doors) up to 120kg. plus two Merkur 2ES radar motion sensors (from BBC Bircher) for automatic operation
NEXT120S-SCB: for doors (including fire doors) up to 120kg. up to 120kg, plus two CleanSwitch non-contact door switches for manual (but non-touch) activation of the swing door

Mr. Foreman adds:

“Automation of pedestrian doors should only be carried out by qualified installation or service technicians and additional products such as hinge protection may also be required to ensure compliance to EN16005,”

“These latest Installer packs from IN2 Access offer a great solution for most standard installations, and we can provide the right solution for any requirement.”

For enquiries, email sales@in2access.co.uk, call 01691 655150, or Live Chat on www.in2access.co.uk

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Sunday, 11 December 2022

Bike-Farm Melle wins European Biker Build-Off 2022 with Indian Chief based Chopper

Last weekend, during the Custombike Show in Bad Salzuflen, Germany, the finals of the European Biker Build-Off saw Indian Motorcycle Dealer Bike-Farm Melle gain nearly three times the votes with their Indian Chief based Longfork Chopper “Purple Haze“ over Harley-Davidson Bielefeld to take the title.

First held in 2007 and the highlight of the famous Custombike show, the European Biker Build-Off sees two teams competing to complete their custom bike in just three days, live, under the eyes of the trade show visitors.

This year’s title fight was even more exciting as both finalists come from the region, just 30km from each other: Bike-Farm, the Indian Motorcycle dealer from Melle and Reibchen + Stegemann the Harley Davidson dealer from Bielefeld.

From Friday to Sunday at noon, the creation of two extraordinary custom bikes could be followed on the show stage and by 1 pm on Sunday, the time had come: Judgement Day. With 529 to 179 votes, nearly a 3:1 ratio, the audience chose Bike-Farm’s ‘Purple Haze’ Indian Chief chopper as the clear winner.

You can watch the build being completed here - ‘Purple Haze’ Video

Ola Stenegärd, Director of Industrial Design at Indian Motorcycle said:

“A classic long fork chopper based on the 2022 Indian Chief! It’s absolutely stunning what the Bike-Farm crew has created here. This bike radically brings to flower the seeds that are at the core of the current Chief lineup: The spirit of the past combined with the technology of today.”
“We always had the builders in mind during development and we worked really hard to make the reimagined Indian Chief a delight to work on. So, it’s such a pleasure to see this great canvas to create motorcycle art.”

Not only has ‘Purple Haze’ been completely designed around the current air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine, but it also still features all the electronic amenities of the original Chief Dark Horse from which it evolved: from ABS to GPS navigation, via the touchscreen of the original gauge now centred in the revised Chieftain tank.

Other core components have also been adopted and adapted from the original bike such as the footrests and brake systems.

The frame, with a full 48° rake, was manufactured by the Dutch experts VG Motorcycle Specials and all other components are custom-made by the Bike-Farm crew: Sheet metal parts such as the tank cover with integrated gauge and GPS transmitter to the fender were created in-house just like the sissy bar, seat, wheels, handlebars, final drive, intake and exhaust system.

Even the sealless, oil-free fork with its Teflon-lubricated sliding tubes incorporating Progressive Suspension Cartridges. Finally, Lange Metallveredelung took care of the chrome surfaces, while Vossi Lackcenter Melle traditionally handled the finishing of the paint.

As workshop manager Tristan Frische recounts:

“The entire bike was created within just eight weeks,”
“With four men, we wrenched, shaped and turned day and night. All the more we are delighted with this title. Not only have all the electronic features been retained, but also the fully road legal, including remaining Euro 5. So, this dream bike will soon be seen quite regularly on public roads.”

In case anyone feels inspired to build their own Longfork Chief Chopper: the VG frame is available for order at Indian Motorcycle Melle, the Indian Chief, of course, at any official Indian Motorcycle dealer.

More information about the ‘Purple Haze’ and Bike Farm/Indian Motorcycle Melle can be found on www.indian-melle.de and on their social profiles at Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All images are copyright: Ben Ott (@benottfilm) and Fabrian Friese (@fabfri)

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