Powersports Business back issues from March 2006:
MV Agusta deal finalized.(Proton Holdings Bhd)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Malaysia's Proton Holdings Bhd has completed the sale of its 57.75 percent stake in MV Agusta to Italian investment firm GEVI SpA. The two entities revealed the finalized deal March 2. Proton proposed to sell its stake in MV Agusta to GEVI in December for the asking price of one ...
Honda to reorganize its R & D structure.(HOTNEWS)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Honda Motor Co. plans to reorganize the structure of its wholly owned research and development unit, Honda R & D Co., to better respond to the surge in the number of vehicles under development and the complexity of technological components for those vehicles. At present, Honda's ...
MIC announces election results.(HOTNEWS)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The results of the Motorcycle Industry Council's 2006 Board of Directors election were revealed at the annual member meeting on Feb. 17 in Indianapolis with one new name being added to the official roster. The MIC is a non-profit, national trade association dealing in government ...
U.S. cycle market grows again: but ATV sales reported to the MIC drop 4 percent.
Mar 13, 2006; ... National sales of motorcycles and ATVs dropped roughly 5 percent last year, but year-end figures also showed considerable bright spots for the powersports industry. Motorcycle and ATV sales in the United States reached 1,682,421 units in 2005, down from 1,778,369 units sold in ...
An industry touch to the Winter Olympics.
Mar 13, 2006 ... The powersports industry was part of a festive opening ceremony at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games on Feb ....
AMA structural changes prompt Honda to leave posts.
Mar 13, 2006; ... The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has new leadership and recently announced two major changes to its structure, one of which led American Honda Motor Co. to vacate its positions within the organization. The major structural changes were made in an effort to "more ...
Modernizing a successful dealership.(Jim Wilson Jr., S & W)(Company overview)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Jim Wilson Jr., president of S & W powersports, describes himself as "just an old school, 'Bama grad who loves to ride motorcycles and keep my customers happy." But his $8 million a year, 25,000-square foot dealership, located in Jasper, Ala., 35 miles outside of Birmingham, ...
The contributors, their products and their goals.
Mar 13, 2006 ... ARI The company will integrate PartSmart, which S & W uses to electronically look up parts, with MIC Systems and Software's business management software. "By doing this, every parts and accessory looked up and sold will be recorded, automatically updating their inventory and ...
Why it's vital to dress up your Web site.(Editorial)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- Like the tiger-print leather get-up? Borrowin' it from LBZ's Mike Russell. Comes off slick with that overhead lighting placed at just the right angle and that neon glow ball workin' its voodoo magic, right? And how about that huge plasma TV kickin' ...
Annual V-Twin Expo moves into 'class act' category.
Mar 13, 2006; ... CINCINNATI -- I remember when Jim Betlach launched his V-Twin Expo here six years ago, and it wasn't pretty. If you described it as "rough around the edges," you would have been kind. But many of those early supporters stuck with it, and Jim just kept plugging ahead, making improvements ...
Motorcycle Industry Council responds to Lemco column.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The Motorcycle Industry Council would like to correct the mischaracterizations and inaccuracies contained in the Feb. 13 Ed Lemco column "Dark cloud hovers over the industry." First and foremost, MIC supports strong state dealer associations. And, contrary to the impression left ...
Child's weight, height should be determining factors for ATVs.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 13, 2006; ... I heartily endorse a change to the current standards that would create a more realistic approach to the issue of kids and ATVs. Unfortunately, it looks as if everyone is still trying to fix the problem with a broken solution. What other safety standards use a child's ...
GE Franchise Finance enters powersports industry.(DIGEST)
Mar 13, 2006 ... GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance division recently marked its first foray into the powersports industry through the completion of two real estate financing deals totaling $25 million. The deals provide financing for Brentwood, Tenn.-based America's PowerSports and Kent ...
Deere 1Q sales up 7%.(DIGEST)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Deere & Co. said net income for its first quarter, ended Jan. 31, was $235.9 million, or $0.99 per share, up from $222.8 million, or $0.89, in the year-earlier period. Deere sales for the recent first quarter were $4.2 billion, up 7 percent from ...
Jialing plans factory in Brazil.(Jialing Group)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Jialing Group, based in China's Chongqing Municipality, plans to invest 40 million yuan ($4.97 million) to build a factory in Brazil capable of producing up to 100,000 units per year. Jialing has made no less than five inspection tours of the Brazil market, and another mission ...
Yamaha reports record earnings in '05.(Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. )
Mar 13, 2006; ... Japan's Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. celebrated its fifth straight year of record earnings. The company said net income for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2005, totaled 64 billion yen ($538 million), up from net income of 60 billion yen ($504 million) the company originally had forecast ....
Orbital improves, but still posts loss.(Orbital Corp., Ltd.)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Australia's Orbital Corp., Ltd. posted a net loss after tax of A$1.4 million ($1 million) for the six months ended Dec. 31, an improvement from a loss of A$1.8 million ($1.3 million) for the same period last year. Revenue for the period was A$5.1 million ($3.7 million), in line ...
Ducati earnings and motorcycle revenue slide in 2005.(Ducati Motor Holdings S.p.A.)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Ducati Motor Holding SpA (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH) ended 2005 with a loss of Euro 41.5 million ($49.4 million), down from a loss of Euro 3.5 million ($4.1 million) in 2004. The company continues to seek a new strategy to increase margins, generate cash flow and ...
Expo features more utility for quads: new products can make a UTV work and play harder.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- The 2006 Indianapolis Dealer Expo could very well be considered the year of the 4x4 recreational utility vehicle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Never before have we seen so many side-by-side utility vehicles (Rhinos, Rangers and Prowlers) accessorized to the ...
Sport ATV aftermarket industry expands with slew of new products.(all terrain vehicles)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- The Dealer Expo is a fascinating place for those who follow the world of sport ATVs. Every year brings new models from the manufacturers, and with those models follow new riders and new, exciting aftermarket products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At the ...
MIJ specializes in powersports job seekers.(Online job company increases services)
Mar 13, 2006 ... "I have been in this industry for 15 years and I feel that some companies are still back in 1991," Motorcycle Industry Jobs (MIJ) Owner Alex Baylon said while explaining his online job service. Motorcycle Industry Jobs.com (MIJ) offers a variety of services to companies in the ...
Revv Powersports offers switchblade.(Online job company increases services)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Operating under license from 2Moto, Inc., Revv Powersports is producing Switchblade Snow-bike Conversion Kits and accessories, and is now accepting orders for kit deliveries beginning late this spring. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Initially, Switchblade kits will be ...
DOWCO shows three new products.(Online job company increases services)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Matt Klein, DOWCO's marketing manager, kept busy showing attendees three new products, the Iron Rider Motorcycle Luggage, Guardian Ultralite Plus motorcycle cover and updated Guardian Weatherall Plus cover. Iron Rider Motorcycle Luggage consists of a five-piece modular luggage ...
Dynostar introduces long wheelbase dyno.(Dynostar Model 375)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Dutch dynamometer manufacturer Dynostar presented its latest development, the Dynostar Model 375, a unit able to test bikes with a wheelbase up to 120 inches. "The dyno makes its official debut here at the Dealer Expo," Dynostar Dynamometers' Marco Overdulve told Powersports ...
Rick's shows Hayabusa stator.(Rick's Motorsport Electrics)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Rick's Motorsport Electrics introduced a high output stator for the Suzuki Hayabusa. "The High Output rebuild is great for all the tuners out there with electrical accessories on their 'Busas," said Rick's President Richard Shaw. "Our stator will offer 25 percent ...
NGK celebrates multiple anniversaries.(NGK Marketing)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... NGK Marketing Manager Mark Sprague said 2006 is a significant year in the history of the spark plug manufacturer. This is the 10th anniversary of the company's facility in Michigan, which was recently expanded, the 40th anniversary of its operations in the United States and the 70th ...
Thor goes Supermoto.
Mar 13, 2006 ... Supermoto riding takes its toll on gear, and off-road gear isn't the right stuff for the job. Knowing this, the folks at Thor developed the new Core Supermoto gear. The pant features full grain leather panels, the gloves have floating carbon fiber knuckles, padded sides and are ...
Christini offers 2WD.(Christini Technologies)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Philadelphia-based Christini Technologies showcased its off-road motorcycle frame kits featuring two-wheel drive technology. The company says it plans to have a custom AWD frame and fork and front hub ready for the Honda CRF250 and CRF 450 models by June. Christini said the kit, ...
Revolution expands in engines.(Online job company increases services)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Revolution Performance, Plymouth, Wis., now does more than portwork, performance cylinder heads and valvetrain components. Now the company is into engine assembly, too. Revolution now offers seven different V-twin engines, including a 100-inch, 113-inch, 127-inch and ...
Convertibars stop the lean.(INVEX Corp)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Made by INVEX Corp., St. Paul, Minn., Convertibars allow a rider to switch from a sportbike riding position to a more comfortable sport-touring position with minimal hassle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring a heavy-duty Cyclops Clamp machined out of 6061 aluminum, ...
MC Stuff picks up new product.(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Motorcycle Stuff showed dealers new ATV products from UM Performance and iShock. UM (Universal Metal) specializes in aftermarket aluminum products and manufactures a variety of products, including nerf bars, bumpers, air boxes, oil ...
Hot Bodies signs team Kenny Roberts.(Online job company increases services)(Hot Bodies Racing)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Hot Bodies Racing announced it has signed to sponsor Team Kenny Roberts MotoGP program in 2006, and had a 2005 Team KR on display--a 990cc V5-powered unit. In 2006, the team plans to use a Honda RC211V. Hot Bodies also ...
MIC creates standard for data transfer.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- After several years of work and millions of dollars in funding, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) launched a data communications program at the Dealer Expo here that promises to greatly improve digital business communications between dealers and their suppliers. ...
U.S. exhibitors sought for INTERMOT 2006.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(International Motorcycle Consumer and Trade Fair)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- Organizers of INTERMOT, the international motorcycle consumer and trade fair, say they expect a strong showing of U.S. products at the 2006 event, scheduled for Oct. 11-15 in Cologne, Germany. A contingent representing the event had a booth at the Dealer Expo in ...
Yuasa Battery charged up over imports: small replacement battery sales have increased with rise in imported vehicles.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- The wave of imported scooters and small ATVs have negatively affected a number of powersports manufacturers in the United States. But that number doesn't include the aftermarket industry's market share leader in batteries, Yuasa Battery. The international ...
Coalition raises $17,000 for land access protection.(FOUCS: DEALER EXPO)(BlueRibbon Coalition Breakfast of Champions)(Gas Gas Motors of America, LLC)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The eighth annual BlueRibbon Coalition Breakfast of Champions raised approximately $17,000 on Feb. 19 in Indianapolis for the national trail-based recreation group and its efforts to protect land access. The Breakfast of Champions brought together off-road motorcycle racers from ...
Dunlop.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Dunlop's display caught more than a lew eyes at the 2006 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. Although official figures were not yet available, organizers ...
An emerging parts company: suspension kit fuels HydroDynamics' rapid sales growth.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- The Dealer Expo here features the big distributors such as Parts Unlimited and Tucker Rocky, and they focus on promoting their house brands and their big suppliers. That's only natural. But often hidden within these huge display areas are relatively small startup suppliers ...
Italian firms aim to move into U.S. aftermarket.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- An Italian wheel manufacturer that supplies Harley-Davidson is planning on selling to the U.S. aftermarket this year. Magnetto Wheels, which makes steel and aluminum wheels, was one of two Italian companies that made their Dealer Expo debut this year. ...
How to retail all of those new products from Indy: try tactics used by big-box stores to push GP & A sales.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(Editorial)
Mar 13, 2006; ... INDIANAPOLIS -- By stepping into the powersports industry, some big box stores haven't exactly endeared themselves to the nation's dealerships. But if you're a dealer, there is reason to visit your rivals--to check out and then adopt some of their retail merchandising ...
Pink becomes a fashionable color at Indy.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Dealers fielding questions about the availability of pink helmets and apparel now have answers, many of them. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nearly every major powersports apparel manufacturer appeared to offer gear for women at the 2006 Dealer Expo. Off-road ...
On-bike cameras improve.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(Motocam)(Motocomm)(Twenty 20)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Three suppliers at the Dealer Expo--Motocam, Motocomm and Twenty 20--showcased on-bike cameras, technology that has improved dramatically over the past decade. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Motocam showcased four different camera kits, including a two-camera option. The ...
Airbag options for riders growing.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006 ... A number of vendors displayed airbag-equipped apparel at the Dealer Expo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Following in the footsteps of IXS Motorcycle Fashion, which showed its product at the 2005 event, Airprotek International, Inc., Impact Jackets (IPJ) and AireTronics all ...
Seventy brake parts suppliers were on hand.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Brake components, common parts in service departments, could be found everywhere at Indy. In fact, nearly 70 suppliers were offering calipers, rotors, pads or lines. Popular brands on display included Braking USA, Brembo, EBC, Ferodo, Galfer, Goodridge, Magura, Spiegler and ...
An exhaustive supply of exhaust systems featured at Indy.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
Mar 13, 2006 ... Whether for sound or performance, exhaust systems often are the first items a rider changes on a powersports vehicle. Just under 100 suppliers showcased exhaust components at the Dealer Expo. A couple of the more popular applications in Indy appeared to be for the new Suzuki and ...
Suzuki tops Spain's growing ATV market.(ATV Digest)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Spain's ATV market has grown dramatically in the past three years. In fact, recently provided numbers suggest five times as many quads were sold there in 2005 than in 2002. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to figures recently published by Quad & Jet, a Spanish ATV ...
WPSA announces ATV series TV schedule.(ATV Digest)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The World PowerSports Association (WPSA) PowerSports ATV Tour will race a 10-event schedule this year, all of which will be telecast on ESPN2. The schedule includes venues throughout the Southeast and Midwest, with both stand-alone events and races during Grand National ...
Dunlop, Suzuki Team up for 2006 ATV racing.(ATV Digest)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Dunlop has partnered with Team Suzuki/Yoshimura ATV Race Team for the 2006 ATV race season. Team members Doug Gust and Jeremiah Jones will run Dunlop's latest high-performance ATV tire, the KT381 and KT385 Radial sport tires, on their Suzuki QuadRacer LT-R450 race machines this ...
Works introduces springs for LT-R450.(ATV Digest)(Works Performance)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Works Performance, Canoga Park, Calif., now offers an upgrade for LT-R450 Quad Racer shocks with custom tuned triple-rate spring sets. The Works spring sets are designed for competition or recreational use, and can be used with stock or extended a-arms. They're also available in ...
3,200 go-karts recalled.(ATV Digest)(Manco Power Sports Inc.)(Sunright International)(RTV50-SK50)(1050L-09)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Two companies are recalling approximately 3,200 go-karts manufactured in China. The recall involves the two-seat Manco Blazer model 1050L-09 and Sunright International model RTV50-SK50, both equipped with a 49cc engine and an electric start. The go-karts were produced in several ...
Easing to the starting line: besides Suzuki, most manufacturers reluctant to term their quads as race ready.(ATV)
Mar 13, 2006; ... While ATVs continue to gain in performance, many major manufacturers still shy away from using the "r" words--"race ready"--to describe their machines. Whether this represents a new niche within the ATV segment remains open to debate. Even after the 1998 expiration of a 10-year ...
ORBA will discuss sound practices for exhausts.(ATV)(Off-Road Business Association)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) invites aftermarket suppliers to the "Turn Down the Volume Summit No. 2", scheduled for March 15 at Pole Position Raceway, Corona, Calif. The event, an attempt to understand and diminish the role of loud exhausts in the loss of OHV ...
KYMCO introduces 500cc ATV.(ATV)
Mar 13, 2006 ... KYMCO USA, the exclusive importer and distributor of KYMCO brand product manufactured in Taiwan, revealed its MXU 500 4x4 ATV in Indianapolis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] C.A.R.B. certified and Forestry Service approved, the electric-start MXU 500 4x4 offers a 499cc ...
Star City Motor Sports.(Power Profile)(Company overview)
Mar 13, 2006; ... CONTACT 6600 N. 27th St. Lincoln, Neb. 68521 (800) 439-2453 www.starcitymotorsports.com OWNER Robert Kay BUSINESS PROFILE Star City Motor Sports has been in business in Lincoln since 1963, although ...
Viewpoints on a debated issue in Indy: should the Motorcycle Industry Council back a broad support of who can sell powersports products?(Dealer Advocate)
Mar 13, 2006; ... The resolution shown to the right was not adopted by the MIC as written. At the General Business Annual Meeting, President Tim Buche read a statement broadly affirming the general principles of the resolution. Later at the Board of Directors meeting, the resolution in its entirety was ...
From the MIC: group supports legislation with benchmarked standards.(ATV)
Mar 13, 2006; ... MIC does wholeheartedly share Ed Lemco's concerns regarding the need for responsible distribution and retailing of powersports products. As MIC told Lemco when he addressed the Board of Directors on Feb. 17, MIC welcomes the opportunity to meet with any dealer association to ...
Japan's cycle production in January falls.(Cycle Update)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Japan's four main motorcycle manufacturers produced 149,437 units in January, down 10,257 units or 6.4 percent compared to the production of 159,694 units in January 2005, said the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to ...
Americade unveils new tour.(Cycle Update)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Riders planning to attend the 24th annual Americade celebration in Lake George, N.Y., can now plan to take part in a new Dual-Sport MiniTour. "Our many MiniTours have always distinguished our event from all others, but after 23 years of only on-road tours, with our desire to ...
Big Dog expands marketing program.(Cycle Update)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Big Dog Motorcycles, Wichita, Kan., has launched a new national print advertisement featuring three of America's most celebrated custom motorcycle builders--Eddie Trotta, Rick Fairless and Kim Suter. The three builders will be flanking a 2006 Big Dog Motorcycles K-9 and ...
KTM expands support program, launches adventure tour.(Cycle Update)(KTM North America )
Mar 13, 2006; ... The KTM Off-Road Amateur Support Program, introduced in 2005, has been expanded this year. KTM will again provide rider support at all of the Grand National Cross-Country championship series and other select events throughout the year. The KTM Off-Road semi has two areas ...
Ducati offers $1.12 million Contingency Program.(Cycle Update)(Ducati North America)(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Ducati North America's 2006 Racing Contingency Program applies to regional sportsman and professional racers, and is significantly improved and strengthened over the inaugural 2005 season, the company said. The total program applies to more than 180 races and the overall fund ...
BMW offers M cars to MotoGP riders.(Cycle Update)
Mar 13, 2006; ... BMW plans to donate new M automobiles to two of the fastest MotoGP riders participating in the Motorcycle Road Racing World Championship in 2006. The BMW M Award will be split between two race dates. The rider who achieved the fastest time in the MotoGP tests held in Barcelona, ...
Buell to enter Daytona 200.(Cycle Update)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Four Buell dealer teams with racing experience will be entering new Buell XBRR production road-racing motorcycles in the 65th running of the Daytona 200, the opening round of the 2006 AMA Superbike/Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme series, scheduled for March 11 at Daytona International ...
Buell Rally slated for June 2-4.(Cycle Update)(Buell Riders Adventure Group )(Brief article)
Mar 13, 2006; ... Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) plans to host its annual Homecoming Rally in East Troy, Wis., June 2-4. Buell owners will have the opportunity to spend time with Erik Buell, ...
Sixth annual V-Twin Expo: Big Dog continues growth pattern.(MOTORCYCLE)(Big Dog Motorcycles production figures)(Interview)
Mar 13, 2006; ... CINCINNATI -- The aircraft and auto industries, surprisingly enough, are playing a role in Big Dog Motorcycles' escalating growth. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Big Dog, the second largest American manufacter of V-twin motorcycles, experienced another growth year of ...