Powersports Business articles from March 2006

Powersports Business archives from March 2006

MV Agusta deal finalized.(Proton Holdings Bhd)(Brief article)
March 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...

Honda to reorganize its R & D structure.(HOTNEWS)
March 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...

MIC announces election results.(HOTNEWS)
March 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...

U.S. cycle market grows again: but ATV sales reported to the MIC drop 4 percent.
March 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...

An industry touch to the Winter Olympics.
March 13, 2006... The powersports industry was part of a festive opening ceremony at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 10. The opening ceremony performer is shown on a Ducati motorcycle in Turin, Italy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

AMA structural changes prompt Honda to leave posts.
March 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...

Modernizing a successful dealership.(Jim Wilson Jr., S & W)(Company overview)
March 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,...

The contributors, their products and their goals.
March 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,...

Why it's vital to dress up your Web site.(Editorial)
March 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...

Annual V-Twin Expo moves into 'class act' category.
March 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...

Motorcycle Industry Council responds to Lemco column.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the editor)
March 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...

Child's weight, height should be determining factors for ATVs.(Letters To The Editor)(Letter to the editor)
March 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...

GE Franchise Finance enters powersports industry.(DIGEST)
March 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,...

Deere 1Q sales up 7%.(DIGEST)
March 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...

Jialing plans factory in Brazil.(Jialing Group)(Brief article)
March 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...

Yamaha reports record earnings in '05.(Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. )
March 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...

Orbital improves, but still posts loss.(Orbital Corp., Ltd.)(Brief article)
March 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...

Ducati earnings and motorcycle revenue slide in 2005.(Ducati Motor Holdings S.p.A.)
March 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...

Expo features more utility for quads: new products can make a UTV work and play harder.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

Sport ATV aftermarket industry expands with slew of new products.(all terrain vehicles)
March 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. ...

MIJ specializes in powersports job seekers.(Online job company increases services)
March 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...

Revv Powersports offers switchblade.(Online job company increases services)(Brief article)
March 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,...

DOWCO shows three new products.(Online job company increases services)(Brief article)
March 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...

Dynostar introduces long wheelbase dyno.(Dynostar Model 375)(Brief article)
March 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...

Rick's shows Hayabusa stator.(Rick's Motorsport Electrics)(Brief article)
March 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...

NGK celebrates multiple anniversaries.(NGK Marketing)(Brief article)
March 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...

Thor goes Supermoto.
March 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...

Christini offers 2WD.(Christini Technologies)(Brief article)
March 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...

Revolution expands in engines.(Online job company increases services)
March 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...

Convertibars stop the lean.(INVEX Corp)(Brief article)
March 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...

MC Stuff picks up new product.(Brief article)
March 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 tanks, skid...

Hot Bodies signs team Kenny Roberts.(Online job company increases services)(Hot Bodies Racing)(Brief article)
March 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 showed dealers the...

MIC creates standard for data transfer.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

U.S. exhibitors sought for INTERMOT 2006.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(International Motorcycle Consumer and Trade Fair)
March 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...

Yuasa Battery charged up over imports: small replacement battery sales have increased with rise in imported vehicles.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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,...

Coalition raises $17,000 for land access protection.(FOUCS: DEALER EXPO)(BlueRibbon Coalition Breakfast of Champions)(Gas Gas Motors of America, LLC)
March 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...

Dunlop.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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 of the International Powersports Dealer Expo say the event, held Feb. 18-20, may have achieved a...

An emerging parts company: suspension kit fuels HydroDynamics' rapid sales growth.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

Italian firms aim to move into U.S. aftermarket.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

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)
March 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...

Pink becomes a fashionable color at Indy.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

On-bike cameras improve.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(Motocam)(Motocomm)(Twenty 20)(Brief article)
March 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,...

Airbag options for riders growing.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

Seventy brake parts suppliers were on hand.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)(Brief article)
March 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,...

An exhaustive supply of exhaust systems featured at Indy.(FOCUS: DEALER EXPO)
March 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...

Suzuki tops Spain's growing ATV market.(ATV Digest)
March 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...

WPSA announces ATV series TV schedule.(ATV Digest)
March 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...

Dunlop, Suzuki Team up for 2006 ATV racing.(ATV Digest)
March 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...

Works introduces springs for LT-R450.(ATV Digest)(Works Performance)(Brief article)
March 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...

3,200 go-karts recalled.(ATV Digest)(Manco Power Sports Inc.)(Sunright International)(RTV50-SK50)(1050L-09)(Brief article)
March 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...

Easing to the starting line: besides Suzuki, most manufacturers reluctant to term their quads as race ready.(ATV)
March 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...

ORBA will discuss sound practices for exhausts.(ATV)(Off-Road Business Association)
March 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...

KYMCO introduces 500cc ATV.(ATV)
March 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...

Star City Motor Sports.(Power Profile)(Company overview)
March 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 at times...

Viewpoints on a debated issue in Indy: should the Motorcycle Industry Council back a broad support of who can sell powersports products?(Dealer Advocate)
March 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...

From the MIC: group supports legislation with benchmarked standards.(ATV)
March 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...

Japan's cycle production in January falls.(Cycle Update)
March 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). ...

Americade unveils new tour.(Cycle Update)
March 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...

Big Dog expands marketing program.(Cycle Update)
March 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...

KTM expands support program, launches adventure tour.(Cycle Update)(KTM North America )
March 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...

Ducati offers $1.12 million Contingency Program.(Cycle Update)(Ducati North America)(Brief article)
March 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...

BMW offers M cars to MotoGP riders.(Cycle Update)
March 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...

Buell to enter Daytona 200.(Cycle Update)
March 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,...

Buell Rally slated for June 2-4.(Cycle Update)(Buell Riders Adventure Group )(Brief article)
March 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, chairman and chief technical officer of Buell Motorcycle...

Sixth annual V-Twin Expo: Big Dog continues growth pattern.(MOTORCYCLE)(Big Dog Motorcycles production figures)(Interview)
March 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,...

S & S Cycle looks at other powersports options.(EXPO DIGEST)
March 13, 2006... CINCINNATI -- S & S Cycle has added to its aftermarket offerings while keeping an eye on the future. The company, known for its V-twin engine, showcased its new clutches and six-speed transmission at the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. Both the...

Ducati wins design award.(MOTORCYCLE)(Hypermotard)
March 13, 2006... Ducati's Hypermotard took the top prize at the Motorcycle Design Association's (MDA) 2005 Motorcycle Design Awards. Members of the MDA--more than 120 professionals from within the worldwide powersports industry--debated merits of more than...

Fischer plans MRX for May.(MOTORCYCLE)(Fischer Motor Company)(MRX 650)(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... Fischer Motor Company Founder and President Dan Fischer says he expects to begin deliveries of his MRX 650 sportbike in May. The company recently opened an assembly plant in Pocomoke City, Md., to build the bike. Fischer first publicly...

Guzzi begins shipments of Breva V1100.(MOTORCYCLE)(Moto Guzzi USA )(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... Moto Guzzi USA says the 2006 Breva V 1100, a part of Moto Guzzi's "Italian Eagle" relaunch in the United States, is currently being shipped to dealers. The Breva V 1100 (MSRP $12,490) features the next generation of Moto Guzzi's trademark...

Safety experts gather for first international meeting in '06.(MOTORCYCLE)
March 13, 2006... The 4th U.S. Meeting of the International Motorcycle Safety Conference (IMSC), the first of two international conferences slated for this year, takes place March 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, Calif. Titled "The Human Element,"...

North Coast Motorcycle.(Power Profile)
March 13, 2006... CONTACT 9750 Clark Drive Rossford, Ohio 43460 877-NORTHCOAST www.northcoastmc.com OWNER Mark Moses BUSINESS PROFILE Long involved in the automotive business, Mark Moses had an engineering background and a...

Italy's two-wheeler market levels off: naked models were most sought after motorcycles in '05.(MOTORCYCLE)
March 13, 2006... Two-wheeler sales in Italy during 2005 stayed nearly level with sales in 2004 as overall scooter sales declined slightly while motorcycle sales increased. Another trend: Italian scooter and motorcycle brands continue to lose market share...

KTM takes "first step" into India with distribution agreement: Yamaha plans to set up second subsidiary in India.(MOTORCYCLE)(KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG)(Torque Motorcycles)(Yamaha Motor Company )
March 13, 2006... Austria's KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG has tapped New Dehli-based Torque Motorcycles to distribute product in India. KTM and Torque signed a distribution agreement Jan. 25. KTM officials said the deal signifies "the first step into the Indian...

Brazil grows cycle production, exports.(MOTORCYCLE)
March 13, 2006... Brazil's four main motorcycle manufacturers sold a record 1.21 million two-wheelers in 2005, a growth of 14.8 percent compared to sales of 1.05 million units in 2004. An estimated 186.1 million people live in Brazil, which has an area...

Japan's big four seek to unify standards.(MOTORCYCLE)
March 13, 2006... The ultimate unification of global vehicle standards will be a key theme in coming years, executives from Japan's four main motorcycle manufacturers concluded during a recent roundtable discussion focused on the outlook of the market in Japan...

Flagstaff Motorsports.(Power Profile)(Company overview)
March 13, 2006... CONTACT Flagstaff Motorsports 1400 East Butler Ave. Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001 928/773-7930, www.flagstaffmotorsports.com OWNERS Jim and Michelle Custer BUSINESS PROFILE Jim Custer had actually been looking to...

State senate candidate tries snowmobile stumping.(Snowmobile Report)(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... A northern Minnesota state senate candidate began her campaigning in early February with the pull of a recoil. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mary Olson, of Bemidji, Minn., made a four-day, 21-stop snowmobile tour of her district as a way to...

WPSA will organize March snowmobile gathering.(Snowmobile Report)(World PowerSports Association)(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... The World PowerSports Association (WPSA), based in White Bear Lake, Minn., will switch gears from organizing snowmobile race events to putting on shows for snowmobile consumers. The WPSA will take a lead role in organizing Snow Blast in...

Yellowstone joke causes offense.(Snowmobile Report)(Yellowstone National Park)(chief of planning apologizes)(Brief article)
March 13, 2006... John Sacklin, the chief of planning at Yellowstone National Park, apologized to people in the snowmobile community to whom he had e-mailed a joke that called for "an annual snowmobile hunt in and around Yellowstone Park." Sacklin sent the...

A revamped lineup for '07: Arctic Cat makes a number of changes to its new sleds.(SNOWMOBILE)
March 13, 2006... Arctic Cat engineers and officials exude excitement when talking about their 2007 snowmobile lineup. They were so excited about their new product offering, they broke ranks and showed their new iron to the media in December--and then made the...

Ski-Doo sleds continue to offer variety.(SNOWMOBILE)
March 13, 2006... The 2007 Ski-Doo models are all about choice. While other manufacturers seem to consolidate their lineups, Ski-Doo comes to the table with 54 different ways to build its snowmobiles. It also continues with its specialty spring-order only X...

Dealers: price point key to new Phazer; Yamaha dealers largely upbeat over low-displacement machine.(SNOWMOBILE)(Editorial)
March 13, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS -- An old favorite brought back to life by Yamaha produced something almost dead in the current snowmobile market--some enthusiasm. The manufacturer recently announced it was bringing back the Phazer, a hit in the mid-1980s....

U.S. National Tour returns with seven-event series.(Making Waves)
March 13, 2006... With the exception of the once-a-year World Finals in Lake Havasu, it's been a long time since PWC fans in the United States have been able to see Chris MacClugage slash a buoy or Nicolas Rius power down the back straight. Thankfully, that all...

Water Channel to offer PWC programming on TV.(Making Waves)
March 13, 2006... Ever wish there was a television network designed just for watersports enthusiasts like yourself? The recently launched Water Channel just may be the answer to your prayers. Currently available to 12 million satellite subscribers on the...