Powersports Business articles from March 2007

Powersports Business archives from March 2007

Reduced sled sales lead to layoffs: Arctic Cat becomes the second manufacturer in the past four months that's cut staff due to declining snowmobile sales.(NEWS)
March 12, 2007... Arctic Cat has reduced its workforce by nearly 4 percent in an effort to align its staff size to coincide with the decreasing snowmobile market. Approximately 65 positions in all departments are being eliminated, mostly from the company's...

A plea for help from the top: U.S. secretary addresses rising number of motorcycle fatalities.(NEWS)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters asked a gathering of powersports officials to help the government ease an alarming increase in the number of national motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Speaking at the annual...

H-D production estimates fall in wake of resolved strike.(HOTNEWS)
March 12, 2007... As a result of the concluded three-week strike with workers at the company's York, Penn., facility, Harley-Davidson Motor Corp. says motorcycle production will be short roughly 14,000 units for 2007, a loss of approximately one month's...

Federal Motorcyclist Advisory Council members appointed.(HOTNEWS)
March 12, 2007... The Secretary of Transportation has named the members of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration. Council members include representatives from a national safety organization (Motorcycle Safety Foundation),...

MIC adds 14 new members.(Motorcycle Industry Council)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... The Motorcycle Industry Council board of directors approved 14 new members late last year, bringing membership to a record high of 308. Here's a closer look at the new members: * Advanced Flow Engineering Inc. manufactures auto air...

MIC members elect board of directors.(HOTNEWS)
March 12, 2007... The Motorcycle Industry Council announced results for the 2007 board of directors election. Don Emde, Don Emde Productions owner and president, and Frank Esposito, Global Motorsport Group vice chairman, were re-elected to the board on the first...

EICMA organizer invests in Asia event.(HOTNEWS)(EICMA S.p.A. and Bike Asia Private Limited)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... The company that organizes the International Bicycle & Motorcycle Industry Trade Show in Milan, Italy, has announced a new show in the Asian market and released dates for EICMA 2007. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EICMA Spa will acquire 50...

Nitrogen: the future for motorcycle tires? The alternative to compressed air is expected to be a hit with the touring and cruiser segments.(Column)
March 12, 2007... For most motorcycle riders, the only option for filling their tires is the air pump at the local gas station or dealership. A new movement that's rapidly taking hold in the auto industry, however, might change that way of thinking. Using...

Being put to the (retail) test: a Montana dealership agreed to have its retail practices analyzed as part of a national survey.(NEWS)
March 12, 2007... A Montana dealership is considering altering its sales process in the wake of shopping evaluations that were part of a nationwide survey on the effectiveness of the motorcycle retail experience. The survey, believed to be the first of its...

Dealer group developing a model franchise bill.(NEWS)
March 12, 2007... A national dealer council is working toward creating a model franchise protection bill that could be used by state dealer associations. The model bill is expected to include some of the most current dealer-friendly state regulations on...

A scary omen appears at the V-Twin Expo.(FROM THE EDITOR)
March 12, 2007... In most business arenas, the discussion of cost-cutting is a practical endeavor. Although it's near-universally dreaded, it's also equally accepted, even anticipated on an annual basis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But in the V-twin...

Is your dealership changing as quickly as the industry is?(DEALER ADVOCATE)
March 12, 2007... It has been a very busy 30 days, with the Harley-Davidson winter meeting in Orlando and the annual trade show in Indianapolis. I have had a chance to hear from a number of people. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is not often that a broad...

Yamaha reaches new highs: company's sales and profits reached record levels in 2006.(FINANCIAL)
March 12, 2007... Even with decreased ATV sales, reduced North American motorcycle sales and an increase in raw material costs, Yamaha Motor Co. registered highs for both sales and profits in its recent fiscal year. Increased motorcycle revenue was certainly...

Kawasaki reports sales increase.(DIGEST)(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) reported a 9 percent sales increase through the first nine months of the fiscal year in its consumer products and machinery division, which includes powersports products. That 9 percent increase is in...

KTM reports increase in new unit, parts sales.(Power Sports AG)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Power Sports AG reported an increase of sales in both new units and accessories in its 2007 fiscal first quarter. Overall, the company reported a 18 percent sales increase to Euro 129.5 million ($170 million) compared to the previous year...

Pirelli cycle and overall tire sales increase.(DIGEST)
March 12, 2007... Pirelli & C. SpA reported an increase in revenues, including in its tire sales, in its first three quarters. The Italian company said its tire sales achieved more than a 10 percent revenue growth in the first three quarters, which ended...

Cycle Country's quarterly revenue slips nearly 22 percent.(Cycle Country Accessories Corp.)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Cycle Country Accessories Corp. reported its first quarter revenue fell nearly 22 percent compared to the previous year period. The Milford, Iowa, based manufacturer said its revenue was $4.6 million, off more than $800,000 from 2006 after...

UTI reports rise in revenue, decrease in student total.(Universal Technical Institute Inc.)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Universal Technical Institute (UTI) reported a revenue increase for its fiscal 2007 first quarter, but also noted its advertising push to draw more students has not been as successful as the company had hoped. The Phoenix-based company said...

Ducati aims to return to profit in '07: but company's overall sales were down slightly in 2006.(FINANCIAL)
March 12, 2007... Although Ducati Motor Holding SpA reported decreased net sales and a loss for its fiscal year, company officials say 2006 ended up better than they expected. Plus, Ducati officials are predicting sales will increase by double digits in...

Market watch.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
March 12, 2007... MARKET WATCH Change 2/23/07 from 1/26 % Change Powersports Business Index [up arrow] 125.085 1.96 0.01% Dow Jones Index [up arrow] ...

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

Powersports Business winners and losers.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS WINNERS AND LOSERS Company Stock Ticker Price 2/23/07 Percent Change Primedia Inc. PRM $2.42 42.4% Ducati Motorcycle DMH $15.65 36.7% Orbital...

Foreign currency exchange.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
March 12, 2007... FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE Baseline 2/23/07 1 Month Ago 6 Months Ago Ticker Price Price % Change Price Australian Dollar ad.fx 1.26 1.28 1.3% 1.32...

Powersports Business stocks.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
March 12, 2007... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCKS POWERSPORTS BUSINESS INDEX COMPONENTS Stock Price Price Percent Company Ticker 2/23/07 1/26/06 Change Arctic Cat Inc. ...

Adapting your business to the new generation: key trends associated with emerging Generation Y outlined in presentation.(GfK Roper Consulting's Tim Benner)(Interview)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- How much influence powersports companies have over a new, and much different, generation of American consumers could depend on how the industry handles this group's key values. Tim Benner, vice president and general manager...

A retail outlet that's here to stay: eBay reported an annualized gross merchandise sale volume of $15.7 billion.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Curtis Kroeker can't help but crack a smile when he hears that some dealers view the Internet and his company as an evil rival, waiting and willing to snatch up potential customers before they get the chance to step inside the...

E-commerce acquisitions announced: three online companies bid to increase their Web business.
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Three powersports companies made bids to become greater presences in the industry's growing e-commerce business with acquisitions or partnerships. All three moves were announced at the Dealer Expo. They included: * the...

A shift for Fox Racing's street apparel.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... Fox Racing, well known for its off-road apparel, is putting more emphasis on the street side by widening its on-road brand, Shift. "At the moment, we've only been serving the dirt side of the dealers," said Brett Nicholas, brand manager for...

Company with ties to NFL debuts at Indy: Shock Doctor expects youths involved in traditional sports and motorsports will follow brand to dealerships.(national football league)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- An equipment protection company with ties to some of the biggest names in sports, including the NFL and major college programs, is turning its attention to the powersports industry. Shock Doctor, a privately held company,...

Established outdoor firm launches new motorcycle gear.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- An outerwear company well known in outdoor recreation circles has designed its first product aimed specifically at the motorcycle industry. Frogg toggs, a family owned company out of Guntersville, Ala., produces a rainsuit...

Company providing trail access grows its riding areas.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- TrailPass, a company aimed at providing more OHV riding access, has expanded its national reach, company owner Chris Connelly said at the Dealer Expo. The Tennessee-based company now offers close to 40 riding areas in 19...

Dealer network, sales growth continues: that's the message from the vice president of sales for KYMCO USA.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)(Interview)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- KMYCO reports double-digit growth in sales in an area of the industry that slumped in 2006, plus is hinting at entering a new market segment in the near future. The Taiwan manufacturer's scooter sales rose nearly 30 percent...

Independent dealers see reason for hope.
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- An informal survey of independent powersports dealers walking the Chinese Pavilion at the recently held Dealer Expo found that low price point vehicles coming from the Far East and the parts availability for those new units are...

United motors making big changes for 2007.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- As United Motors celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2007, the company is positioning itself to be an even stronger presence in the powersports industry during the next decade. Besides recently inking an 11-year agreement...

Distributor adds higher-end products to existing Diamo line.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Texas-based distributor Diamo is branching out to higher-end products in its fourth year of business. President Mathu Solo reported the company is adding Italjet, a higher-end line of scooters and motorcycles, and the...

Motivating your staff and the surprising moment it starts: the keys to motivation were a topic addressed at the 2007 Dealer Expo.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Customers today are more challenging than ever before. Whether they're sticklers on getting the lowest price, constantly wavering about whether that ATV will fit into their budget or finding a bike that is customized perfectly...

A BlueRibbon day: industry gathers for annual fund-raiser.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... On a cold, blustery Indianapolis morning, leaders in the powersports industry gathered at the Hyatt Regency for a lively, laughter-filled breakfast and auction to help raise money to ensure land access for future generations of riders. The...

Company offers warranties to U.S. distributors, Asian OEMs: dealers could be added to the program in the future.(PSB FOCUS: Dealer Expo in Review)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoping to take away some of the risk of purchasing products from Chinese manufacturers, U.S. Warranty Corp. debuted a new warranty program designed exclusively for Asian powersports. For now, the company has plans to sell...

Wheel Tunes universal MP3/XM sound system.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: 2 Wheel Tunes Contact: 866/427-2346; www.2wheeltunes.com This audio system allows riders to listen to their favorite tunes while on the road. Users can simply dock their MP3 players or satellite radio receivers on their bike or...

Road hound motorcycle pet carriers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Moto-Pets Accessories Inc. Contact: 866/310-2991: www.road-hound.com These durable and safe pet carriers, designed for use on touring and cruiser models, allow motorcyclists to take their dogs with them wherever they go. The...

Peacemakers exhaust system.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: National Cycle Contact: 877/972-7336; www.nationalcycle.com This slip-on exhaust system designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles allows a rider to muffle the sounds from their exhaust at will. Featuring Diverter Valve and...

Motorcycle radar and detection system.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: TPX Contact: 646/722-0252; www.radarforbikes.com This radar system was designed specifically for motorcyclists, and easily mounts onto most sport, cruiser or touring bikes. The system offers X, K and KA radar bands and laser...

Stealth motorcycle workshop.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Stealth Motorcycle Contact: 408/259-3790; www.stealthworkshop.com This all-in-one tool bag makes working on or from your motorcycle as fast and fun as riding. With one smooth motion, the Stealth transforms from a portable tote...

Ultragard Classic Series motorcycle covers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Big Bike Parts Contact: 715/234-3336; www.bigbikeparts.com This line of covers, called the Classic Series, comes in three sizes; Touring Cover, Cruiser Cover and Medium Cover. As with all UltraGard covers, users can expect a...

Plow Mount Quick Attach.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Company: Cycle Country Contact: 800/841-2222; www.cyclecountry.com The Plow Mount Quick Attach improves ease of installation and removal for Cycle Country's plow systems. The attachments bolt to the company's Universal and Work Power V...

RS platform.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)(Rack Solution)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Company: Summit ATV Contact: 256/353-0634; www.summitatv.com Summit ATV's RS (Rack Solution) platform and accessories allows owners to configure ATVs with the accessories they need and provides an easy way to haul them. The platform...

Tool holders.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Company: Moose Utility Contact: www.mooseutilities.com The Moose Utility Division has a Vertical Tool Holder and a standard Tool Holder to assist carrying common hand-held implements, like shovels, rakes and brooms. The standard Tool...

6 pack tube cooler.
March 12, 2007... Company: James Greene Products Contact: 800/544-2668; www.jamesgreene.com Designed to strap to the roll cage of a Jeep or UTV the cooler attaches to any round or square tubing with Velcro straps and provides a great carry location...

Cab Enclosure.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Company: Tommy Toppers Contact: 574/586-3760; www.tommytoppers.us Tommy Toppers' Cab Enclosures isolate riders from weather elements. ATVs have a back roll-up window for easy access, and also completely cover unit from front to back...

Pac Power bed lift.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Pac Power Contact: www.pacpowerproducts.com Pac Power says its new hydraulic bed lift has more capacity than UTV manufacturer load recommendations. The hydraulic lift kit is self-contained with no hoses or fittings to service...

Swivel Pin Draw Bar.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Agri-Fab Contact: 217/728-8388; www.agri-fab.com The Swivel Pin Draw Bar enables a receiver hitch to act as both a hitch-pin attachment and a ball hitch without removing the receiver from the vehicle. There are two sizes, one...

DSR-100 digital recorder and Camera System.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: MotoComm Contact: 877/624-6869; www.motocomm.com The DSR-100 Digital Recorder and Camera System records riding experiences, whether it's a cross-country motorcycle trip or a trail ride aboard an ATV. The digital recorder and...

Bimini Bar.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV UTILITY PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: RedArt Corp. Contact: 714/774-9444; www.redart.com Speed Industries, a division of the RedArt Corp., has developed its Bimini Bar that creates a visor with mounting tabs for a rear view mirror or Speed's light bar. The Bimini...

ATV/quad chain, sprocket kits.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: RK Chain Contact: 760/732-3161; www.rkexcelamerica.com Designed to make it easier on both the dealer and the consumer, these chain and sprocket kits include a front (chromoly) and rear sprocket (steel or aluminum alloy) and a...

Gatorback sport Carbon Fiber CVT belt.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Goodyear Contact: 800/235-4632; www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com Born from demands found in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, this drive belt uses Carbon Fiber Reinforcement in the body, which creates a unique belt sidewall and...

High-flow radiator.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: GT Thunder Contact: 330/674-7122; www.gtthunder.com Used by seven-time Grand National Cross Country ATV champion Bill Ballance, the new high-flow radiator from GT Thunder more than doubles the stock core and offers 60 percent...

Railer skid plate.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Tag Metals Contact: 619/299-6255; www.tagmetals.us Constructed of 6mm polyurethane, the Railer skid plate is lighter than aluminum skid plates and does not rattle, vibrate, bend or break and offers greater scratch resistance....

Mrk-1 backpack workstation.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: ParkTool Contact: 888/568-4959; www.parktool.com/motorcycle Designed for the weekend warrior, the MRK-1 toolkit contains 23 essential Park Tool products needed to repair a machine on the trail or the track. The fold-out...

Air Filter Cleaner.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Maxima Contact: 619/449-5000; www.maximausa.com Maxima's new Air Filter Cleaner cleans foam and fabric-type air filters and is friendly on your machine and the environment. It does not include a VOC limit, meaning the cleaner...

Quadcross MX.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: ITP Contact: 909/390-1905; www.itptires.com From the maker of the Holeshot motocross tires comes the all-new, two-ply ITP QuadCross MX. Available in 20 x 6-10 (front) and 18 x 10-8 (rear), the QuadCross MX tires are designed...

25th anniversary exhaust.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: LRD Performance Contact: 503/885-9200; www.lrdperformance.com In honor of its 25th anniversary, LRD Performance announced its 25th Anniversary Edition Exhausts for many of today's top sport quads. The polished aluminum...

Notorius P.E.G.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Bling Star Contact: 951/279.3861; www.blingstar.com The Notorious P.E.G. has a removable super kick peg-end for added control and stability. Made of 304 heat-treated cast stainless steel, it features a high-polished finish...

MoCool.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Motul Contact: 909/625-1292; www.motul.com Available in April, MoCool is a new coolant additive that the company says reduces operating systems by as much as 30 degrees Farenheit. It's designed to be used with water at a...

Flow Exhaust.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Company: AC Racing Contact: 714/808-8330; www.acracing.com AC Racing partnered with Flow Racing Exhaust (formerly Noleen Motorsports) to create its new Flow Exhaust, which the company says adds from 4-10 hp on certain machines (10.3...

Pod-ium motorcycle trailers.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Rebell Innovation Contact: 819/839-3773; www.pod-ium.com These ultralight trailers can be converted to accommodate up to three dirt bikes and two ATVs and even a watercraft. The single-vehicle aluminum Pod-ium weighs only 275...

Plush Ride System.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Custom Axis Contact: 610/375-6180; www.customaxisshocks.com Custom Axis has created an anti-bottoming device for its suspension systems. The Plush Ride System allows for faster jump landing, recovery and a lower ride height....

Uplon fuel lube.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Klotz Contact: 800/242-0489; www.klotzlube.com This fuel additive is designed to lubricate the upper cylinder and fuel pump. It will blend with methanol alcohol, ethanol, ntiromethane and gasoline. Keeps fuel injectors clean...

Steering stabilizer.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ATV SPORT PRODUCTS)
March 12, 2007... Company: Halo Designs Contact: 203/380-1105; www.halo-pi.com Featuring a lightweight aluminum shaft and body, the Halo steering stabilizer uses a 16-position, externally adjustable damping circuit. It will be available in April. ...

Tomberlin inks deal with Mitsubishi.(ATV Report)
March 12, 2007... Off-road vehicle manufacturer Tomberlin Group announced an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to provide Tomberlin with engines for its line of off-road vehicles and small engine equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Mitsubishi...

Honda recalls 11,000 ATVs due to ball joint problem.(ATV Report)
March 12, 2007... American Honda Motor Corp., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling about 11,000 ATVs because of a problem with the ball joints. Model year 2006 TRX450ER and TRX450R ATVs are affected under the recall....

Mattracks introduces new recreational vehicles.(ATV Report)
March 12, 2007... Truck and ATV rubber track conversion system manufacturer Mattracks Inc. released two new recreational vehicles, the Gladiator TUV and Black Diamond Powerboard. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Gladiator TUV is a new side-by-side utility...

Hatfield-McCoy trails could be extended.(ATV Report)
March 12, 2007... A proposed project would link the existing sections of the Hatfield-McCoy trails in Mingo County to those on Gilbert, WVa., The Appalachian News Express reported. Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority Board of Directors member...

Nohvcc Workshops slated for Colorado, Montana.(ATV Report)(National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, in cooperation with the Gunnison and Pike San Isabel national forests, is conducting its Motorized Route Designation Workshops for agency personnel and other stakeholders April 26-29. ...

Youth helmet standards proposed: standards would require lighter helmets for children in two age groups.(ATV)(FIA Institute)
March 12, 2007... Snell, an American nonprofit helmet testing and certification organization, and Europe's F1A Institute have teamed up to draft the first youth helmet proposals. While several helmet manufacturers offer youth-sized helmets, the proposed...

Established OEM enters quad market: go-kart maker Carter Bros. will distribute new ATVs.(ATV)
March 12, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- A powersports and automobile manufacturer and engine builder from Taiwan, which has or had long-term ties with Honda and Hyundai, is entering the U.S. market with two ATVs this year. The announcement was made at Dealer Expo...

Full Throttle Motorsports.(POWER PROFILE)
March 12, 2007... CONTACT Full Throttle Motorsports 9555 Woodlane Drive Lansing, Mich. 48821 (517) 646-9840 www.fullthrottlemotorsports.com OWNER David Burgess BUSINESS PROFILE Full Throttle Motorsports is doing...

Smog checks could be extended to bikes: California proposal is sure to be watched by the EPA.(MOTORCYCLE)
March 12, 2007... The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is considering new regulations for on-road motorcycles, including a first-ever Smog Check. Currently in California, cars seven model years old or older are checked once every two years for...

Raising V-twin sales by lowering price points: that's what Iron Horse is aiming for with new models.(American IronHorse )
March 12, 2007... CINCINNATI -- Little more than six months after revamping its flagship cruiser and unveiling its base cost of nearly $38,000, American IronHorse signaled a new direction at the recently held V-Twin Expo under its new leader. [ILLUSTRATION...

Japanese bike production drops in 2006.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... Japanese manufacturers built slightly fewer motorcycles in 2006 than the previous year, marking the first production decrease in three years, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. The production total for 2006 stood...

Piaggio plans to build a diesel plant in India.(DIGEST)
March 12, 2007... Piaggio SpA is moving forward with plans to construct a plant in India to produce a range of diesel motors. In a press release, Piaggio CEO Roberto Colaninno stated the Indian diesel motor plant is the company's largest industrial project...

Big dog cancels Motorcycle rally.(DIGEST)
March 12, 2007... After two years of building the Big Dog Motorcycles Tornado Rally, the Wichita, Kan., bike builder has canceled the gathering for 2007. The company stated in a press release that several factors played a role in the decision to forgo the...

Indian Motorcycle launches Web site.(DIGEST)
March 12, 2007... Taking the next step in resurrecting the Indian Motorcycle brand, investors have set up a Web site for the company at www.indian-motorcycle.com. On the site, enthusiasts can peruse the company's 102-year history and read the latest...

Hall of Fame Museum accelerates into New Year.(DIGEST)
March 12, 2007... The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has announced a full schedule of events for 2007. All 2007 events at the nonprofit museum are open to the public and many are free of charge. They include: * "Motocross America" Exhibit: See, hear and...

Ducati 1098 wins annual design award.(Ducati North America Inc.)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... The Motorcycle Design Association has given the Ducati 1098 its annual best designed motorcycle award. Each year more than 70 designers from all over the world, independent, or linked to the main manufacturers, gather to choose the best...