Powersports Business articles from February 2007

Powersports Business archives from February 2007

Survey: Harley tops among industry retailers.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... Harley-Davidson dealerships have the most effective sales force and provide the best shopping experience among top motorcycle brands, according to what is believed to be the first survey of its kind in the powersports industry. Buell and...

Polaris seeks new growth areas: aggressive three-year strategy partially targets adjacent market opportunities.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... After weathering a year of disappointing ATV and snowmobile sales and the loss of its international partnership deal with KTM, Polaris Industries admits it must look outside its core business in order to continue growing. To do that, the...

Powersports sales dip slightly in 2006.(HOTNEWS)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... A year-end report by the Motorcycle Industry Council shows a slight market slowdown in new unit sales for the powersports industry in 2006. Although there is encouraging growth in the motorcycle industry, especially the dual and on-highway...

Industry Icon Fortney dies unexpectedly.(HOTNEWS)(Marcel Fortney)(Obituary)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... The motorcycle industry lost one of its best-known veterans, Marcel Fortney, on Jan. 15 after he suffered a fatal heart attack at his ranch in Templeton, Calif. Fortney, 49, was most recently the U.S. agent for AGV, an Italian helmet...

Powersports Business welcomes new editor.(HOTNEWS)
February 12, 2007... Powersports Business is increasing its editorial staff this year, including hiring a senior editor from one of the nation's largest and most well respected outdoor recreation magazines. Steve Bauer, formerly of North American Hunter,...

Primedia acquires magazine company.(HOTNEWS)
February 12, 2007... Primedia Inc. has acquired Pro-Motion Motorsports LLC, owner and producer of Enduro-Cross, MiniMoto SX events and MiniMoto magazine. As part of the acquisition, Pro-Motion Motorsports cofounders Eric Peronnard and Tim Clark will join...

Plans in place for $15 million dealership in Florida.(HOTNEWS)(Rick Case Honda Powerhouse )(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Rick Case Honda Powerhouse has plans for a new $15 million, seven-story 275,000-square-feet facility Owner Rick Case says the Davie, Fla.-based dealership will be the biggest anywhere. The new store is more than quadruple the space the...

Strike halts H-D production: analyst believes the work stoppage could cost H-D $11 million per day.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... Production of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the Touring and Softail, stopped in early February at Harley-Davidson's York, Pa., plant in the wake of a labor dispute. It's the first time since 1991 the company has experienced a work...

One bold move on three wheels: after five years of development and three years of market research, BRP launches its on-road product.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Late last year BRP revealed it was building an on-road product that would stray from the norm. No other details were provided, leaving the industry to wonder what the market share leader in the PWC and snowmobile markets...

The design: how BRP's roadster has evolved.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... MELBOURNE Fla. -- The Spyder will be unveiled to the public more than 10 years after company designers originally sat down and brainstormed such a project "We thought about side-by-sides, we thought about tandem products, we thought about...

The marketing: identifying the Spyder buyer.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... MELBOURNE, Fla. -- He's between 35 and 45 years old. He has other powersports vehicles, but not necessarily a motorcycle. And he likes extreme sports, just not necessarily as hair-raising as perhaps a decade ago. That is the type...

The ride: expect 'motorcycle-like acceleration'.(NEWS)(Product/service evaluation)
February 12, 2007... Besides looking like a snowmobile on wheels, the Spyder's seating position is very snowmobile-esque. The first thing I noticed is the anti-lock brakes are all linked and are operated by the right foot lever, or the rear brake on a...

Touching base with the multistore operator: an informal survey reveals how their concerns parallel and sometimes differ from single-store dealers.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... Single store or multistore, powersports dealers have similar concerns about the same broad issues: rising cost of employee benefits, lack of qualified technical help and the economy. That's the result of an informal survey of 15 multistore...

Twice as nice, or just twice the trouble? Multistore dealers talk about the challenges of operating more than one dealership.(NEWS)
February 12, 2007... So what's the biggest challenge or the greatest opportunity of running more than one powersports dealership? The answers from 15 multistore dealers from around the country were as varied as the dealer locations themselves, but several...

All indicators point to an inept sales force.(FROM THE EDITOR)
February 12, 2007... Three wide-open rows in the front of a packed grandstand moments before the start of a motorcycle dirt race were heaven-sent. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Traffic had been at its typical Friday night crawl in Southern California, meaning any...

The Harley bubble has not burst, but it has changed.(DEALER ADVOCATE)(Harley-Davidson Motor Co.)
February 12, 2007... For the past 15 years or so the most common question in the industry, or to the industry from those outside it, has been "when is the Harley bubble going to burst?" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The world has taken note of the success. How...

Harley tops $1 billion in net income.(FINANCIAL)
February 12, 2007... A strong second half of the year led Harley-Davidson Inc. to surpass $1 billion in net income for 2006. The Milwaukee, Wis., manufacturer reported its net income in the third and fourth quarters increased nearly double figures compared to...

BMW Group reports revenue increase in 2006.(DIGEST)(Financial report)
February 12, 2007... The BMW Group said revenue generated from its motorcycle segment rose 3.4 percent in 2006. Overall, the manufacturer reported record sales volume and revenues for all its products. The group revenue increased 5 percent to euro 48.9 billion...

Raw material increases hurt Bridgestone's bottom line.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... Bridgestone Corp. reported increased sales, including in North America, but its net income decreased significantly because of rising raw material costs. Overall, Bridgestone reported a 69 percent drop in its net income for its first three...

Dealers Finance Source, Powersports Complete form alliance.(DIGEST)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Powersports Complete (PSC)and Dealers Finance Source (DFS) have joined to offer outsourced financing services and F & I products to powersports dealers. The combined platform of products and services will give dealers the opportunity to...

Ducati reports revenue rise in its third quarter.(DIGEST)(Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A)(Financial report)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A reported its revenues for its first nine months of 2006 were up slightly. The Italian motorcycle company's revenues were euro 232 million ($300 million), which is up 1.4 percent compared to the previous year...

Changes for Interstate National Dealer Services.(DIGEST)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... The new year has brought a number of changes to Interstate National Dealer Services Inc. Shaun Fetherston has been named Interstate's CEO. Fetherston had previously worked for ACE USA as senior vice president of the warranty division and...

Raw materials cost increases.(FINANCIAL)
February 12, 2007... Tire companies have had to deal with a surge in raw materials costs during the past few years. Here's a look at what one tire manufacturer, Maxxis, has had to contend with in expense increases in 2006 and 2005. Scott Griffin, speciality tire...

Market watch.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
February 12, 2007... MARKET WATCH Change 1/26/07 from 1/5 % Change Powersports Business Index [down arrow] 123.125 5.516 0.046% Dow Jones Index [up arrow]...

Stock market activity.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
February 12, 2007... STOCK MARKET ACTIVITY [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Source: A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc.

Powersports Business winners and losers.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS WINNERS AND LOSERS Stock Price Percent Company Ticker 1/26/07 Change Oakley Inc. OO $23.26 13.6% ArvinMeritor ARM $19.46 11.3%...

Foreign currency exchange.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
February 12, 2007... FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE Baseline 1/26 1 Month Ago 6 Months Ago Ticker Price Price % Change Price Australian Dollar ad.fx 1.30 1.27 -1.7% 1.31...

Powersports Business stocks.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)(Statistical table)
February 12, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCKS POWERSPORTS BUSINESS INDEX COMPONENTS Stock Price Price Company Ticker 1/26/07 1/5/07 Arctic Cat Inc. ACAT $18.56...

Polaris reports 18 percent drop in net income: manufacturer's new snowmobile sales fell nearly 40 percent for its fiscal year.(FINANCIAL)(Polaris Industries Inc.)(Financial report)
February 12, 2007... Polaris Industries Inc.'s string of 24 years of reporting record earnings per share ended in 2006 after the company suffered more than $100 million losses in ATV sales and nearly as much in its snowmobile segment. Overall, the Minnesota...

Importer offers guaranteed financing.(FINANCIAL)(Blue Ridge Global)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Blue Ridge Global, importer for the Marshin Powersports line of ATVs, scooters, go karts and dirt bikes, has released a program for their dealers that offers them guaranteed retail financing for their customers. After three years of...

Arctic Cat expects another record sales year: however, the company says its sales might be down in the 4th quarter vs. previous year.(FINANCIAL)(Financial report)
February 12, 2007... Arctic Cat reported a mixed bag in its third-quarter financial report, showing net sales on the rise but overall earnings continue to drag behind last year. The Thief River Falls, Minn.-based manufacturer reported its net sales grew to...

Bridgestone part of $1 billion merger agreement: tire company will acquire retreading business.(FINANCIAL)
February 12, 2007... Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. and Bandag Inc., which manufactures retreading materials and equipment, have entered into a merger agreement that is valued at more than $1 billion, the two companies announced. Bridgestone Americas will...

Dealer Expo 2007 schedule.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)(Table)(Brief article)(Calendar)
February 12, 2007... Friday, Feb. 16 Attendee registration, Westin 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Exhibitor registration, convention center 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Exhibit hours, Chinese Pavilion, Marriott 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 Attendee...

A bigger international presence: more manufacturers from the Far East expected at this year's Chinese Pavilion.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... The increasing role new Far East manufacturers are having on the industry will be evident at this year's Dealer Expo. Trevor Trumbo, the show manager for Dealer Expo, said the number of companies that will be showing at this year's Chinese...

Top products & services.
February 12, 2007... For the seventh consecutive year, Powersports Business selected 50 items that we believe are can't-miss products and services at the annual Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. These Nifty Fifty products, we suspect, will be the most interesting and...

A bolder presence for Icon.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... Icon will get a larger presence this year in Parts Unlimited's exhibitor area at Dealer Expo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sporting a number of new jackets, helmets and other product, the Parts Unlimited in-house brand gets a new and bigger...

GE Money plans to increase dealer visits.(GE Money-Sales Finance)
February 12, 2007... GE Money-Sales Finance has recently doubled its sales force for the powersports industry. The move by the finance giant is intended to allow more one-on-one training at dealerships as well as increasing the share of business GE does at...

A growing supplier portfolio.(Western Power Sports)(KBC Helmets )
February 12, 2007... Western Power Sports, the Idaho distributor that reports a growing business and sales force, is adding to its supplier base, including the addition of a high-profile helmet manufacturer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Seeking a place among the titans.(E-ton America's Steve Murphy)(Interview)
February 12, 2007... Steve Murphy, E-ton America's vice president, envisions his small South Carolina-based company alongside the likes of Honda and Suzuki both in terms of quality and on dealer showrooms. E-ton manufactures small-displacement ATVs for youths...

Preparing for the 'Super Bowl of land-access issues'.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)(BlueRibbon Coalition)(Interview)
February 12, 2007... For most, the buzz of the Super Bowl has come and gone. For those immersed in the industry's critical land access struggles, however, their Super Bowl started a year ago and won't end for at least another two years. It's all part of...

Dealer 20 group leader plans to focus on training.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... It's a paradox that is neither likely nor given in any genuine concern, but one that Sam Dantzler can't help but appreciate. If Dantzler and his staff at the RPM Group, the industry's largest dealer 20 group providers, have their way, the...

Breakfast with the champions.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... The BlueRibbon Coalition will hold its ninth annual Breakfast of Champions on Sunday, Feb. 18, during Dealer Expo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The event will include current and former racing champions as well as...

An inside look at the aftermarket industry: experts from different parts of the market reveal hot products, consumer trends and their biggest challenges.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... ARAI Brian Weston, director of operations What's the one product that dealers shouldn't miss this year at your booth at the Dealer Expo?: "We introduced the Vector and the VXPro 3 during our June meeting here. The reception to both of...

Marshall Distributing adds vendors, sales force.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo)
February 12, 2007... Marshall Distributing officials spent the months leading up to this year's Dealer Expo adding to both its sales staff and vendor base. The Michigan-based company will be adding Kuryakyn, Pro Rhino, Jett and Wheels to its supplier list, said...

Kymco USA.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 1401 Product: MXU 500 4X4 Contact: 919/656-6315; www.kymcousa.com The MXU 500 4X4 is powered by a four-stroke, DOHC 500cc engine with shaft drive and 35 horsepower. Its CVT automatic transmission with forward, neutral,...

Genuine Scooter.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 5511 Product: Series Italia Contact: www.genuinescooters.com Genuine's Italian version of the 125cc "Buddy" series boasts 65mph top speeds, 90 miles per gallon efficiency, a two-year unlimited mile warranty and one year...

RTM Group Inc.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 9813 Product: Three Wheeler Car Contact: 305/639-2525; www.rtmgroupinc.com RTM's Three Wheeler Car is fully automatic with reverse, and is a street legal vehicle with Department of Transportation and Environmental...

Cobra Powersports.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 3331 and 9500 Product: TGB Outback 425 Series Contact: 770/423-2827, ext. 130; www.cobrasales.com The TGB Outback 425 has digital instrumentation, selectable 4x4, large cargo racks, a steering column lock and the largest...

Two Brothers Racing.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 3429 Product: Exhaust Packaging Contact: 714/550-2767, ext. 114; www.twobros.com Two Brothers Racing's Exhaust Packaging system is for ATVs and motorcycles and comes in a four-color printed box that has a display window...

Linhai.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 8129 Product: 550 ATV Contact: 770/729-9065; www.sunright.net The 550 ATV from Linhai uses a liquid-cooled V-twin overhead cam engine. It has fully independent front and rear suspension, which makes for a smoother ride...

Ideal Computer Systems Inc.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 8211 Product: Shopping Cart Interface Contact: 800/737-1620; www.idealcomputersystems.com Ideal's new Web site Shopping Cart Interface will help dealers save time processing Web site orders. The interface, which has the...

Qlink.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 5112 Product: Legacy 250 Contact: 817/310-3338; www.qlinkmotor.com Geared toward entry-level riders, the Legacy 250 is fully automatic. The bike is a good beginning ride, particularly for women or older riders who don't...

Globalmoto.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. Not available Product: Buzz Buggy Contact: 760/633-1880; www.global-moto.com GlobalMoto's 250cc Buzz Buggy has a full-shaft drive system, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. It uses adjustable...

Bsi Products.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 9706 Product: 250cc Sport Contact: 281/227-8490; www.bsiatvproducts.com BSI Products's 250cc ATV is large for its class. It comes standard with nerf bars and a liquid-cooled engine. Digital gauges also are standard and...

Msd Powersports.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 7661 Product: Programmable Universal Shift Light Contact: 915/856-2727; www.msdpowersports.com The MSD Powersports' Universal Shift Light is compact and digital and can be installed on all types of motorcycles and ATV...

Diamo USA.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 5119 Product: Italjet Roller Craft Contact: 281/277-6140; www.diamousa.com The Italjet Roller Craft is a 50cc scooter that reflects a retro style with a modernistic flair. Its Piaggio Hi-PER2 Pro two-stroke engine is...

Keeway America LLC.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
February 12, 2007... Booth No. 5665 Product: Flash Contact: 214/4419661; www.keeway-america.com The Flash, a 50cc scooter that originally debuted at EICMA 2005, is set to make its American debut at Indy The two-stroke scooter has a front wheel disc...

Arctic Cat recalls one of its youth ATVs.(ATV Report)
February 12, 2007... Arctic Cat and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the Thief River Falls, Minn., manufacturer is issuing a voluntary recall of one of its youth ATVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company recalled the Arctic Cat 90cc DVX...

Bill seeks to increase access for Wisconsin ATV riders.(ATV Report)
February 12, 2007... The Wisconsin Ag Connection reported that state Rep. Jeff Mursau has introduced legislation to increase ATV access to recreational trails across the state. "Under current law ATVs are prohibited from riding along the side of roads except...

United Motors launches new five-speed sports ATV.(ATV Report)
February 12, 2007... United Motors announced the addition of a new sport ATV that offers a 5-speed transmission with manual clutch plus reverse, and an electric starting system. The Moon-Trax-450R offers safety through double A-Arm front suspension with adjustable...

All (season) terrain vehicle riders wanted.(ATV Report)
February 12, 2007... New Hampshire's Union Leader has reported that a network of ATV trails normally closed during the winter has reopened in hopes of luring tourists to an area reeling from a lack of snowfall. The Perry Stream Land and Timber Co. has opened...

Tank sports signs agreement to acquire Redcat Motors.(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Tank Sports, a California-based manufacturer of motorcycle and powersports equipment, signed an agreement with Hexagon Financial, LLC to acquire LowPrice.com Inc. LowPrice had operated Redcat Motors, a powersports equipment importer and...

Slowing sales: it's now a trend; For the second consecutive year, new ATV sales in the United States have decreased.(all terrain vehicles)
February 12, 2007... While sales of side-by-side utility vehicles continue to soar, the number of new ATVs sold by major manufacturers in the United States has decreased for the second consecutive year. New unit sales dipped 4.2 percent in 2006, according to...

Too young to ride? Bill to ban children 12 years old and younger from riding ATVs in Oregon attracts national interest.(ATV)
February 12, 2007... A bill introduced in the Oregon Senate to implement strict youth safety regulations is attracting national attention from manufacturers, rider groups and safety organizations. Oregon bill SB 49, which is currently in the state's Senate...

Ranger shifts into recreation mode: Polaris' new RZR seeks to improve trail accessibility while improving power and handling for the UTV crowd.(ATV)(utility terrain vehicle)
February 12, 2007... Just four short years ago the sport recreation side-by-side segment was non-existent. Side-by-side machines were slated for farming, hunting, agriculture or commercial purposes. But, coinciding with the 2003 Yamaha Rhino release, a new...

Arctic Cat sales manager joins ARGO.(ATV)
February 12, 2007... Joe Klosterman, former national sales manager for Arctic Cat, has been appointed as general manager of the USA ARGO Sales Division. Klosterman, who worked at Arctic Cat for 23 years, 16 of them as the company's national sales and marketing...

Husqvarna's UTV gets more powerful engine.(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... Husqvarna's HUV4421G and HUV4421GXP gasoline-powered utility vehicle (HUV) models have been upgraded with new Kawasaki FH680D 23hp V-twin engines. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new engines will offer better overall performance and longer...

Gieson Motorsports.(Company overview)
February 12, 2007... CONTACT Gieson Motorsports 800 E. Route 30 Rock Falls, Ill. 61071 815/626-1751 www.giesonmotorsports.com OWNER Jon Gieson BUSINESS PROFILE When Jon Gieson was a boy, he tried to talk his father into...

Leo's South.(POWER PROFILE)(Company overview)
February 12, 2007... CONTACT Leo's South 16375 Kenrick Ave. Lakeville, Minn. 55044 952/435-5371 www.leossouth.com OWNER Gerald Bedeaux BUSINESS PROFILE Just off Interstate 35, 20 miles south of Minneapolis, lies Leo's...

Groups try to close health insurance loophole.(MOTORCYCLE)
February 12, 2007... If you or one of your employees is involved in a motorcycle--or ATV-related accident, will your health insurance cover the claim? Those covered under a dealership health insurance policy probably are OK because the owner more than likely...

Honda's ATV, cycle sales slip in N. America.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... Honda Motor Co. reported its global motorcycle and ATV sales increased 3 percent worldwide in 2006. However, that upturn came largely because of increased sales in South America, not in North America. The company's North American market,...

Harlely-Davison unveils new Sportster model.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... Harlely-Davidson recently launched a new Sportster model at its Winter Dealer Meeting in Orlando, Fla. The XL 1200N Night-ster blends a low seat height and mid-mount controls with the rubber-mounted 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine. ...

Suzuki, Cobra Engineering unveil custom Boulevard.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... American Suzuki Motor Corp., in partnership with Cobra Engineering, unveiled a fully customized Boulevard M109R power cruiser at the New York International Motorcycle Show. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Suzuki's flagship Boulevard M109R, the...

Yamaha sports bike to launch in Japan.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... Yamaha Motor Corp. announced a Feb. 15 release date in Japan for its XP500 TMAX sport bike. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The automatic motorbike has a 500cc, four-stroke CVT engine, fuel injection, double disk brakes for the front wheels and...

Intrepid Cycles slated to debut at V-Twin Expo.(DIGEST)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... A new company, Intrepid Cycles, has entered the custom production arena and planned to launch its 2007 line at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo, held Feb. 3-5. Intrepid Cycles is offering the industry's first factory custom line featuring the S...

Buell schedules its annual Homecoming in July.(DIGEST)(Buell Motorcycle Co.)(Brief article)
February 12, 2007... The 2007 Buell Homecoming will be held July 5-8 at the Buell Motorcycle Co. facilities in East Troy, Wis., and at Road America, the 4-mile race track in Elkhart Lake, Wis. "We look forward to hosting Buell enthusiasts from around the world...

Triumph Motorcycles raise $97,000 at Sound & Speed auction.(DIGEST)
February 12, 2007... Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced that two motorcycles it donated to Sound and Speed recently raised $97,000 at auction. Sound and Speed is an annual charity event held in Nashville, Term., that brings together the stars of...

BMW USA races forward into growth mode: the OEM has recently focused on improving its brand awareness.(MOTORCYCLE)
February 12, 2007... While BMW Motorcycles were making headlines overseas--more than 100,000 were sold in one year for the first time and the company reached the 2 million milestone--the news in the United States was more subdued. Year-end U.S. sales in 2006...

Killeen Power Sports.(POWER PROFILE)
February 12, 2007... CONTACT Killeen Power Sports 3701 East Central Texas Expressway Killeen, Texas 76543 254/634-2224 www.killeenpowersports.com OWNERS Jim Foster BUSINESS PROFILE Jim Foster is independent and stands his...

Going beyond the pink jacket: how dealers are catering to women, a growing and influential demographic.(MOTORCYCLE)
February 12, 2007... Every six to eight weeks, Harley-Davidson of Greenville (H-DOG), S. C., hosts a Garage Party to bring women into the world of motorcycle riding. Each event typically draws about 50 women. Some take part because they are tired of being a...

Bikers Dream of Atlanta.(POWER PROFILE)(Company overview)
February 12, 2007... CONTACT Bikers Dream of Atlanta 5960 Atlanta Highway Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 877/213-0062 www.bikersdreamatl.com OWNERS Don and Marilyn Parkinson BUSINESS PROFILE If there ever was the perfect place for a...

Peek at Polaris' grand vision for Victory: big plans, expectations in the works for the growing motorcycle brand.(MOTORCYCLE)
February 12, 2007... After posting its first profitable year since its inception in 1998, all indications point to even bigger things from Polaris' Victory motorcycles for 2007 and beyond. "2006 was a great year for Victory, with our retail sales up about 10...

Viper announces personnel moves.(MOTORCYCLE)
February 12, 2007... Custom V-twin manufacturer Viper Powersports Inc. announced a number of personnel changes, including to its board of directors and a new president of its Viper Motorcycle Company. The company's technical director, Cory McWhorter, was named...

N. America becomes Ducati's top market: OEM's North American sales rose 16 percent in 2006.(MOTORCYCLE)(original equipment manufacturer, Ducati North America Inc.)
February 12, 2007... In 2003, Ducati North America (DNA) stood a distant second in the company's worldwide sales compared to Italy Fast forward three years and the separation between the two markets--2003's North American sales were a third of Italy's--not...