Powersports Business back issues from September 2004:
Two auction operations merge.(HotNews)(National Powersport Auctions merged with Vehicles In Motion Auction Corporation)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... National Powersport Auctions (NPA), a Poway, Calif.-based motorcycle, ATV and personal water-craft wholesale auction house, has merged with Dallas-based Vehicles In Motion Auction Corporation. "Our merger with Vehicles In Motion solidly establishes NPA as the number one name in ...
IronHorse restructures with $25 million.(HotNews)(American IronHorse Motorcycle Co.)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... American IronHorse Motorcycle Co. has completed a $25 million financial re-structuring. A1H said Xponential Advisors Inc., a subsidiary of Xponential Inc. (Nasdaq: XPOI), a large investor in the company, converted $10.5 million of debt to equity, paid down over $7 million of debt, and ...
APS adds 13th dealership.(HotNews)(America's PowerSports has acquired Macomb Powersports)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... America's PowerSports (APS), a large national powersports dealer group based in Nashville, Tenn., has acquired Macomb Powersports in Chesterfield, Mich. It is the group's 13th dealer location. "The Detroit market is a significant beachhead for us in the important Midwest market, ...
Go-Ped wins injunction.(HotNews)(Patmont Motor Werks, Inc.)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the importation of gas and electric motorized scooters that infringe on the patents, trademarks and copyrights owned by Patmont Motor Werks, Inc., the manufacturer of GoPed brand products. Basing arguments on ...
CycleTrader.com tours.(HotNews)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Dealers now have the ability to showcase their dealership, inventory and services 24 hours a day seven days a week through a new Virtual Tours feature on Cycle-Trader.com. "With virtual tours on Cycle-Trader.com, buyers can essentially visit a dealership and view inventory from ...
Amick leaves AMA board.(HotNews)(American Motorcyclist Association )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Bill Amick, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) vice president of events and entertainment since 1997, resigned, effective Aug. 26. Amick, 53, completed his 30th year of service to the AMA in May. He previously served as editor of the AMA's American Motorcyclist magazine ...
Pawelka joins KYMCO.(HotNews)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Rick Pawelka has joined STR, Inc. (KYMCO Motorsports USA) as marketing manager. A motorsports marketing and communications veteran, Pawelka most recently was associated with Moto Guzzi and Aprilia USA. He handled print media, press relations, advertising, dealer relations, and industry ...
Louisiana helmet law.(HotNews)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Helmet use by motorcyclists in Louisiana is again mandatory. The new law, which stems from legislation passed earlier this year, replaces a 1999 rule that required helmets only for those under 18. All motorcycle operators and riders, not just those 18 and over, now must wear ...
Bad Toys completes buy.(HotNews)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Bad Toys, Inc. (OTCBB:BTOI), a manufacturer and seller of custom V-Twin motorcycles, custom street rods and provider of brokerage services to custom, classic cars, and motorcycle owners, says it has completed the acquisition of majority interest in American Eagle Manufacturing Company, ...
Miller starts company.(HotNews)(Thrill Ride Sport)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Rick Miller, former CEO of Intersport Fashions West, has formed a new company called Thrill Ride Sport. The company plans to develop the Thrill Ride brand of garments for the cruiser and street riding markets. The company intends to offer a full line of garments including leathers, ...
Wainer joins Arctic Cat.(HotNews)(Kale Wainer appointed as media relations specialist)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls, has named Kale Wainer as media ...
Clarification.(Correction Notice)
Sep 06, 2004 ... A story in the Aug. 16, 2004, issue of Powersports Business incorrctly identified the organizational structure for Household. ...
Sturgis draws crowds.(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Main Street in Sturgis, S.D., was the place to be during the big rally held this year Aug. 9-15. Crowd estimates are sketchy, at best, but event organizers estimate the number of people attending the seven-day event was more than 500,000. That's about the same as last year, but down from ...
Piaggio wins Aprilia prize.(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Scooter maker Piaggio & Co. SpA has won the bidding war with Ducati to purchase Aprilia, the financially-troubled Italian motorcycle company. Aprilia's board of directors Aug. 12 unanimously accepted the bid by Piaggio to buy 100% of the company. Financial terms were not disclosed. ...
Moderate industry growth seen.
Sep 06, 2004; ... The outlook remains one of moderate growth. Overall, our thesis relating to each of the powersport segments (ATV, snowmobiles and PWC) continues to be that each of the segments in the longer-term should grow at least inline to double the rate of overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth ....
Methodology.(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... EDITOR'S NOTE: Analysts at A.G Edwards recently conducted a survey of approximately 35 powersport dealerships; it helps paint a picture of the current environment in three powersport markets: ATVs, PWC, and snowmobiles. Since there have been no significant developments in the ...
Outlook for worldwide PWC market improves.
Sep 06, 2004 ... In 2003, the PWC market actually grew to approximately 123,000 units worldwide. That's up about 0.4%. This follows roughly six years of industry decline after the market peaked in 1996 when approximately 233,000 units were sold. We feel that the PWC market will grow in the low ...
First-time buyers fuel ATV sales.
Sep 06, 2004 ... Following strong ATV retail registrations in the first quarter 2004 (up 7.8%, against an easy first quarter 2003), second quarter 2004 registrations were down approximately 5%. Despite year-to-date retail sales through June being up only 0.5%, we feel comfortable that a second ...
Welcome to powersportsbusiness.com.(From the Editor)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Powersportsbusiness.com is the new Web site produced by Powersports Business magazine. It's the Internet extension of this magazine and contains many new features that we haven't been able to squeeze into these pages because of lack of space. The site has been under development for more ...
Big Dog forecasts record sales.(Digest)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Big Dog Motorcycles LLC says it expects to end the year with sales of approximately $119 million, a 47% increase compared to the record $81 million in sales posted last year. Founded in 1994 by Sheldon Coleman, Big Dog spent the past year ...
Giant Motorsports' first half revenue is $33.9 million.(Digest)(Giant Motorsports, Inc.)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Giant Motorsports, Inc. (GMOS), parent company of Ohio-based W.W. Cycles (dba Andrews Cycles) and Chicago Cycle, reported revenue of $33.9 million for the first six months of 2004, a 38.4% increase versus $24.5 million during the same period one year earlier. The company reported income ...
Orbital posts A$3.4 million profits.(Digest)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Orbital Engine Corporation Limited, an international developer of engine and related technologies based in Australia, reported profit after taxation of A$3.4 million ($2.40 million) for its financial year ended June 30, 2004, an improvement of A5.3 million over the previous financial year ....
New VP at BMW Financial Services.(Digest)(Sanjay Chhabria)(Sanjay Chhabria )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... BMW Financial Services has named Sanjay Chhabria as Vice President, Operations, succeeding Lindsay Duffield, who has accepted the position of President, BMW Group Canada. The executive-level promotions are effective as of September 1. Chhabria joined BMW FS in 1997. He will ...
Ducati 1st half revenue up 5.6%.(Financial)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Italian motorcycle maker Ducati Motor Holdings SpA says motorcycle retail sales rose by 2% worldwide during the first half of 2004. U.S. sales were up 33%; France up 5%; and Italy up 2%. Sales in UK were down 4%; Germany was down 13%; the Benelux Countries down 50%; and Japan down 14%. ...
2005 snowmobile market preview.(Focus)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Total North American snowmobile sales for the 2004 sled season, which concluded March 31, were approximately 157,000 units, down 4.5% from the previous year. This decline marks the seventh consecutive annual decline since a peak of nearly 240,000 snowmobile sales in 1997. ...
Snowmobile industry seeks upturn in 2005.(Focus: Snowmobile Market)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Snow. "It's a four-letter word that we love," says Randy Adamson of RV Sports in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Unfortunately, snowmobilers in North America have developed quite a love-hate relationship with the white stuff because it's been in such short supply in much of the ...
ISMA says economic impact of sledding in the U.S. is $20 billion.(Focus: Snowmobile Market)(International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association )
Sep 06, 2004 ... The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), based in Haslett, Michigan, is an organization representing the four snowmobile manufacturers. ISMA, through strong partnerships with the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO/CCOM) and the American ...
Q & A with Klim Aggressive Sled Wear.(Focus: Snowmobile Market)(Interview)
Sep 06, 2004; ... One size can't fit all. But for too long, snowmobilers had few options when it came to outerwear. Regardless of climate or location, jackets and bibs usually came in one style: bulky with heavy insulation. That attitude is changing, thanks in large part to companies like Klim ...
Sled sales by the numbers.(Focus: Snowmobile Market)
Sep 06, 2004 ... There are more than 1.7 million snowmobiles registered in the U.S., up 50% during the past six years, according to Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). For 2004, total North American snowmobile sales were approximately 157,000 ...
Psolar.EX mask.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... The Psolar.EX face mask can protect you against the elements with comfort and ease by heating the air you inhale. The heat exchanger is up to 80% efficient, meaning that at 0 Degrees, your inhaled breath can be ...
TRACKtion Control.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Woody's and Camoplast have teamed up to offer a pre-drilled track that carries a full warranty, the TRACKtion Control System. The Camoplast tracks come with approved recommendations for Woody's studs and stud patterns, eliminating guesswork and tedious measuring. The predrilled stud ...
Cobra windshields.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Sportech says its Cobra snowmobile windshields are 10-25% thicker than OE shields. Available for Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha sleds, the flared windshields are constructed of ...
FLOAT X AirShox.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... The latest addition to Fox Racing Shox's snow line, the limited edition FLOAT X AirShox was specifically developed for racing applications and used by Shaun Crapo, Levi LaValle, Tucker Hibbert and selected other top racers. Described by Fox as the lightest, most adjustable ...
Iceclaw.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... A cost-effective and convenient way to gain traction. No studding, lightweight, ...
Featherlite 1645.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Featherlite's Model1645 enclosed snowmobile trailer features premium aluminum construction, an aerodynamic v-nose front with spring-loaded front ramp, full rear ramp, interior dome lights, sealed plywood floors and ...
Altimate boots.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Specializing in snowmobile and motorcycle product, altimate offers a selection of boots, gloves and apparel. Among the new cold weather product for '05, three new boots--the ...
Blue Marble 2-Cycle Oil.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Blue Marble High Performance 2-Cycle Oil incorporates patented technologies that surpass traditional approaches to lubrication by actually altering the molecular structure of the metal to drastically reduce friction, resulting in ...
Carlisle belts.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... New Carlisle Max2 and Ultimax3 snowmobile belts now have double cog performance, ...
TSS-04 Rapid Reaction clutch.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... TEAM's new TSS-04 Rapid Reaction clutch has similar components to the TSS-98, but the new rib design in the TSS-04 reduces the weight by more than one pound allowing for increased efficiency and cooler running ....
HMK's Highmark.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... The Highmark 2 boot from HMK Snowmobiling uses a new three-piece rubber sole for increased support and traction. Inside, a softer shell serves as a thermo-wrap liner with improved ...
Jug keeper.(Product Showcase)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Speed Rack's new 25-inch storage shelf mounts inside an enclosed trailer and holds three one-gallon jugs out of the way, yet provides easy access when it's necessary to top off a sled's fluids ....
Decision means more OHV access to dunes.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has drastically reduced the amount of land set aside within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) as critical habitat for the Peirson's milk-vetch, a flowering herb subject to protection under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS decided ...
New program rewards OHV volunteers.(ATV Digest)(Off Highway Vehicle)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) announced a new program to recognize the Take Pride in America (TPIA) volunteer efforts by OHV clubs across the country. The recognition program, being undertaken in cooperation with the ...
Fluidyne enters ATV market.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Fluidyne Powersports, a division of Fluidyne, well known for its automotive competition radiators and oil coolers, has introduced a line ATV radiators trademarked as the Power-Flo brand. Available for most popular sport quads, the Power-Flo units are designed to offer improved ...
Manco's next off-road kart.(ATV Digest)(Manco Powersports )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Indiana-based Manco Powersports is preparing to release a new off-road suspension kart featuring a 10hp Subaru motor. The company's Jeff Platzer told Powersports Business the Aerforce F-265 is expected to be available in October. "It's a very aggressive hightech looking kart ...
Jones signs with Suzuki.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... At the conclusion of the 2004 ITP/ATVA Motocross Nationals at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., Suzuki announced it signed Jeremiah Jones to ride a Yoshimuraprepped Z400 next season. Jones won the Proclass title in 2003 on a two-stroke ATV. This ...
Ranger Rick vilifies OHVs.(ATV Digest)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... A troubling series of cartoons recently appeared in one of the most popular children's magazines in the country. The June and July issues of Ranger Rick magazine, which is published by the National Wildlife Federation, ran a two-part cartoon story board detailing the troubles when an "ORV" ...
UTV sales to top 200,000 units in '05.(Trendline)(utility vehicles )
Sep 06, 2004; ... One market that experienced a significant resurgence over the last year and a half is that for utility vehicles (UTV). UTVs encompass a broad number of vehicle types. Probably the two most important considerations are that UTVs typically have bench or bucket seats for one or more ...
Polaris dwarfs competition: Sportsman 800 Twin, the biggest yet.(ATV)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 06, 2004; ... It is evident that the displacement wars are upon us. In the past few months, the ATV industry has seen two machines break the 700 cc mark, and now one is flirting with the 800cc mark. The Polaris Sportsman 800 Twin EFI features a 760cc engine that marks the largest displacement engine ...
Yamaha updates Kodiak line: manufacturer adds IRS.(ATV)
Sep 06, 2004; ... When Yamaha announced it was giving the Kodiak line Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), staff members at ATV Magazine were a little concerned. The old Kodiak 450 already was a crowd pleaser, even though it had a solid rear axle. The machine was so light and nimble on the trails that we ...
Kolpin introduces youth quads.(ATV)(Kolpin Outdoors, Inc.)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Officials at Wisconsin-based Kolpin Outdoors, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of powersports and outdoor accessories, launched a new business unit to sell the company's ATV-related products as well as two small displacement Kolpin branded quads. Scheduled to be sold at Gander ...
Yamaha USA joins Off Road Business Association.(ATV)(Off-Road Business Association )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004 ... Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. has become a member of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a non-profit organization established to promote, protect, and represent the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Industry. "We have been watching ORBA's progress over the last ...
Airtec sports.(Power Profile)(Company Profile)
Sep 06, 2004; ... CONTACT 1714 Freitag Drive Menomonie, WI 54751 715/232-8590 www.airtecsports.com OWNER Chip Lewis BUSINESS PROFILE 32,000-sq.-ft. dealership founded in 1996, three blocks from present location ....
H-D dealer goes solar.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Santa Barbara Harley-Davidson recently had a 36kW solar electric system installed on its roof, a product that is expected to generate approximately 80% of the dealership's total electrical load, with potential for future expansion. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This ...
Norton adds CFO.(Cycle Update)(Norton Motorsports, Inc.)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Norton Motorsports, Inc., Gladstone, Ore., has added Bill Langley to its executive team as Chief Financial Officer. With both domestic and international operations experience, Langley specializes in emerging company finance and operations. He built FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC) ...
Triumph set to unveil bikes.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Triumph Motorcycles plans to introduce three new 2005 models at Intermot, the international motorcycle show taking place in Munich from Sept. 15-19. The ...
KTM to enter 250cc Moto GP.(Cycle Update)(250cc Road Racing World Championship)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... KTM Sportmotorcycle AG has confirmed plans to enter the 250cc Road Racing World Championship in the 2005 season with Casey Stoner. "It is very clear that we have a lot of work in front of us to prepare a competitive bike within the next 6 months," company officials said ...
Jordan sponsors team.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Former NBA star Michael Jordan, sponsor of AMA roadracer Montez Stewart through his Jumpman 23.com brand, was a special guest at Jason Pridmore's STAR Motorcycle School on the Gingerman Raceway road course in South Haven, Mich., recently. Jordan, in a trackside interview aired ...
Moto GP back to Laguna Seca?(Cycle Update)(Grand Prix World Championship)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... MotoGP, often referred to as the Formula One of motorcycle racing, may return to California's Monterey Peninsula for the first time since the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship raced at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 1994. The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey ...
Aaron Creamer dies.(Cycle Update)(Obituary)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Aaron Creamer, 24, of Leominster, Mass., died from injuries resulting from a crash on Aug. 11 at the AMA Hot Shoe Series motorcycle race at the Sturgis Fairgrounds in Sturgis, S.D. Creamer was injured during a ...
Daytona off IMS schedule.(Cycle Update)(International Motorcycle Shows )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) presented by Toyota Trucks won't return to the Daytona International Speedway in 2005; instead, management plans to pursue new markets. The show series, produced by Advanstar Communications Powersports Group, makes 12 stops across the ...
H-D offers ABS on police bikes.(Cycle Update)(anti-lock braking system )(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... Harley-Davidson has designed its first anti-lock braking system (ABS) for use on three 2005 police motorcycle models. Offered on the FLHTPI Electra Glide and FLHPI Road King police models, and on the California FLHPEI Escort model, the system retains traditional independent ...
BMW ends BoxerCup.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... The 2004 season will be the last season for the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup, held since 1999. The races with the large capacity flat twin boxers based on the R 1100 S were first carried out as national events in France and Belgium, then expanded in 2001 to serve as fringe races held ...
New Daytona course layout.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... For the sixth time since motorcycles began racing at Daytona International Speedway, competitors will compete on a reconfigured course beginning with next year's Daytona 200 Bike Week. The new configuration will exclude NASCAR Turns 1 and 2 and will shorten the course to ...
MZ 5th at endurance race.(Cycle Update)(Brief Article)
Sep 06, 2004; ... The MZ 1000S placed a surprising fifth at its debut race at round 7 of the Endurance World Championship in Oschersleben/Germany. The OBI ...