Powersports Business articles from May 2006

Powersports Business archives from May 2006

H-D, S & S reach resolution.(HOTNEWS)(Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.)(S & S Cycle, Inc.)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc. and S & S Cycle, Inc. have resolved litigation between the two companies that had been pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. In March 2005,...

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.(public service announcements from American Motorcyclist Association)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the release of three new public service announcements (PSAs). The 15-second PSAs remind motorists to watch for motorcycles, caution...

Kawasaki sponsors WMA series.(HOTNEWS)
May 15, 2006... Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. serves as presenting sponsor of the 2006 Women's Motocross Association, Inc. (WMA) Championship, the six-race Hitachi AMA/WMA National Motocross Championship that began May 13 at Glen Helen Raceway in San...

UTI reduces forecast.(HOTNEWS)(Universal Technical Institute, Inc. )(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI), a provider of technical education training, said it expects revenue for the second quarter ended March 31, to be approximately $88-$89 million and reduced its revenue outlook for the fiscal year ending...

Christini taps funding.(Christini Technologies Inc.)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Christini Technologies Inc., a pioneer in the design and development of proprietary all-wheel drive systems for motorcycles and bicycles, recently obtained $3 million through a round of equity financing led by Matthew Trattner, president of...

KYMCO seeks partners.(Kwang Yang Motor Co.)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Taiwan's Kwang Yang Motor Co. (KYMCO) is seeking business partners for a variety of worldwide initiatives. Company officials say they are seeking regional agents to cover Pakistan, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, distributors in China...

Italy sales climb 11.3%.(HOTNEWS)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... For the first quarter, ended March 31, sales of motorcycles and scooters in Italy increased 11.3 percent compared to the first three months of 2005. Sales of 50cc units during the first three months of the year totaled 26,726 vehicles, up 4.7...

Unexpected CEO change: Triumph U.S. makes move after record month in sales.
May 15, 2006... In a surprising move, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. appointed a new chief executive officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The announcement came shortly after the company announced a single-month sales record...

Global cuts costs with warehouse reduction.(Global Motorsports Group)
May 15, 2006... Global Motorsports Group is closing down half of its six U.S. warehouses in a cost-cutting move that company executives say will streamline operations and result in new and fresh inventory. The closing of warehouses in Jacksonville, Fla.,...

More changes coming to RPM.( Lemco Management Group changes to Retail Power-sports Management Group)
May 15, 2006... The transitioning of the former Lemco Management Group, the industry's largest 20-group company, continues. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sam Dantzler, president and CEO of the newly named Retail Power-sports Management Group, said the...

A celebration of the year's best.(Ehlert Publishing Group)
May 15, 2006... More than 70 people attended the 10th annual Powersports Awards of Excellence, an industry event held recently by Ehlert Publishing Group, the Maple Grove, Minn., publisher of Powersports Business. The event not only honored manufacturers...

You have mail ... and a challenge: e-mail inquiries pose new sales challenges and customer service issues for the powersports industry.
May 15, 2006... Whether it's the convenience or the impersonal nature of it, online shopping appears to be growing, leaving powersports dealers with a new sales medium to wrangle with. It's a medium that offers significant challenges. How do sales people,...

A practical way to drive cycle sales.(From The Editor)
May 15, 2006... There's something alluring about being part of an industry that survives not because it has to, but because consumers want it to. And that's a satisfying thought: making and/or selling something so well that customers conveniently sidestep...

The reasoning behind the executive shakeup at America's Powersports.(Here's My Opinion)(America's PowerSports)
May 15, 2006... The good ship America's PowerSports (APS) is looking for a new captain and several crew members, but the ship is holding course and continues to be one of the top powersports dealer groups in North America. APS, based in Tennessee, owns 17...

Ducati announces three-year plan.(DIGEST)(Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.)
May 15, 2006... Officials at Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. recently revealed details of a three-year plan to "re-launch" the brand. The move comes in the wake of a downturn in business, the installment of a new majority owner and a new board of directors....

Suzuki cycle sales up 22%.(DIGEST)
May 15, 2006... Suzuki Motor Corp. said cost-cutting efforts, increased sales and beneficial foreign exchange rates combined for a 9 percent rise in year-end net profit. Suzuki said net income for its fiscal year ended March 31 climbed to Y65.95 billion...

BRP overcomes a decline in its sales.(FINANCIAL)(Bombardier Recreational Products)
May 15, 2006... Despite weathering a drop in sales, privately held Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) gained profitability in its year-ended Jan. 31, rebounding on a favorable product mix and cost-cutting efforts. BRP said net income for the...

A mixed report on motorcycle sales.(FINANCIAL)
May 15, 2006... Yamaha cycle sales up 31 percent in 1Q Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. says an attractive exchange rate, increased motorcycle sales in Asia, and brisk sales of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States combined to create a record net profit...

The why behind the PWC rebound: new technology, attractive pricing credited for renewed interest in product.(personal watercraft industry)(Industry overview)
May 15, 2006... The personal watercraft industry has talked about it, analyzed the numbers for any proof of its presence, and yes, probably even prayed for it for nearly a decade: a sign, any sign, that the market is beginning a sustained climb. Sure, we...

Two-stroke used market surges: but should you go there? Dealers suggest full commitment or staying out entirely.
May 15, 2006... One side effect of the industry's recent, near wholesale transition to four-stroke technology is the sudden, heightened interest in pre-owned vehicles. Used two-strokes often can be found at bargain prices, and typically offer tremendous...

2006 buyer's guide.(FOCUS: PWC)(Buyers guide)
May 15, 2006... Here's a look at 2006 models, their MSRP, engine size and something you may have not known about them. YAMAHA WAVE RUNNER THREE-PASSENGER MODELS VX110 DELUXE MSRP: $7,899 Engine: 110hp, 1052cc four-stroke Did you...

Awards of excellence: introduction.(by Ehlert Publishing Group Inc.)
May 15, 2006... THE "BUSINESS" OF CREATING EXCELLENCE DICK HENDRICKS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, EHLERT PUBLISHING GROUP Welcome to Ehlert Publishing Group's 10th annual Powersports Awards of Excellence. It's never an easy job to select one...

NOHVCC holds annual conference.(ATV Digest)(National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Conference)
May 15, 2006... More than 150 people from 33 states attended the annual National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Conference in Alabama last month to take part in seminars, training programs and awards ceremonies. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

SPV Motors USA enters ATV market.(ATV Digest)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Is there room in the market for yet another importer of small displacement ATVs? SPV Motors USA appears to think so. The Fort Worth-based company started a nationwide marketing program this month to sell SPV brand ATVs to retail buyers. A...

N.C. launches ATV safety campaign.(all terrain vehicles, North Carolina)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... North Carolina has announced a statewide ATV safety blitz involving Safe Kids North Carolina, where volunteers across the state will coordinate efforts to educate parents and caregivers about North Carolina's recent ATV legislation, which...

Alabama to expand ATV park.(ATV Digest)
May 15, 2006... Assisting in an effort to expand an ATV park, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley recently awarded $469,000 to Cullman County to purchase 323 acres of land to add to 160 acres the county already owns. An additional $117,250 in federal grants also has...

BRP's ATV line receives a new name with a history.(Bombardier Recreational Products, all terrain vehicles)
May 15, 2006... There's new name in the ATV market, though to experienced dealers, it isn't new at all. On May 6, the name of the entire line of ATVs from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) was changed to Can-Am--a move that brought back a name made...

New Can-Am line features powerful sports quad, luxury ATV.(all terrain vehicles)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... To kick off its new Can-Am nameplate, the crew at Bombardier launched its 2007 product line to the media recently in Georgia. Included in the line were the sport's largest displacement sport quad, a first-ever luxury ATV and a...

Team Motorsports.(Power Profile)(Team Winnebagoland)(Company overview)
May 15, 2006... CONTACT Team Motorsports 1890 Mid Valley Drive De Pere, Wis. 54115 (920) 983-8326 www.team-motorsports.com Team Winnebagoland 5827 Green Valley Road Oshkosh, Wis. 54904 (920) 233-3070 ...

Dreyer Motorsports.(Power Profile)(Company overview)
May 15, 2006... CONTACT Dreyer Motorsports 4170 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, Ind. 46241 877/413-8881 www.dreyercycle.com OWNERS Junior Dreyer and sons Duane and Michael Dreyer BUSINESS PROFILE Dreyer Motorsports is...

Vanderslice resigns from AMA Pro Racing.(Cycle Update)
May 15, 2006... AMA Pro Racing says Merrill Vanderslice has resigned from his position of vice president, director of competition, effective April 1. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Vanderslice joined the professional racing department of the American...

Genuine Scooter signs Taiwan's PGO.(Cycle Update)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Chicago-based Genuine Scooter Company and Taiwan's PGO have signed an agreement through which Genuine will carry a selection of PGO scooters. PGO product is sold in 34 countries. Genuine Scooter Company President Philip McCaleb...

Motorcycles will bolster army defenses in Iraq.(MOTORCYCLE)
May 15, 2006... AL KASIK MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq--Iraqi soldiers are embracing a new mode of transportation for use in base reconnaissance and convoy scouting. The soldiers here are learning on and off-road motorcycle techniques from coalition forces that...

Piaggio introduces parallel hybrid Vespa.(MOTORCYCLE)
May 15, 2006... Like Honda, Toyota, Ford, General Motors and a growing number of other automobile manufacturers, Italian powersports and small car manufacturer Piaggio has unveiled two hybrid vehicles designed to improve gas mileage and reduce impact on the...

BMW Motorrad explains spied bike.(MOTORCYCLE)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... BMW has been seen carving around test tracks on a motorcycle never before revealed to the public. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While a number of news outlets have reported the bike to be an 800cc three-cylinder precursor to an official BMW...

Plans for unique island race continue.(MOTORCYCLE)
May 15, 2006... Planning continues for the Cape Breton TT Festival of Speed, an open road race scheduled to take place on an island off the northeast coast of Nova Scotia in September. The four-day Festival of Speed is being conducted in association with...

Effective state franchise laws produce an equality of commitment.(Dealer Advocate)
May 15, 2006... I have had a number of calls and e-mails asking if I was going to have a response to the Motorcycle Industry Council's comments on a previous column. The OEM's perspective will never be the same as that of the retailer, so if I am to write a...

Japan OEMs increase bike shipments to U.S.(MOTORCUCLE)
May 15, 2006... While Japan's four main motorcycle manufacturers produced and exported fewer motorcycles worldwide in February and March compared to the same two months in 2005, figures provided by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) show...

Arctic Cat recalls Firecats, Sabercats.(Snowmobile Report)
May 15, 2006... Arctic Cat Inc. has recalled about 41,000 snowmobiles because of fuel tanks that could crack and leak, allowing fuel or fuel vapors to escape, posing a fire and burn hazard. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Minnesota-based Arctic Cat has...

A new tracked vehicle.(Scarpar Pty Ltd.'s Scarpar)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... An Australian company, Scarpar Pty Ltd., has made public a design for a new tracked, multi-surface vehicle called the Scarpar. The machine, which looks something like a snowboard with small tracks in the front and back, may be to market by...

Congress set for Vermont.(International Snowmobile Congress)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... The annual International Snowmobile Congress (ISC), a meeting of grassroots snowmobile volunteers and policy makers, will take place in Burlington, Vt., June 8-10. The ISC is a place for volunteer representatives from the United States,...

Polaris believes change in leadership can spur sales.(Polaris Industries Inc. (Medina, Minnesota) appointed Scott Swenson )
May 15, 2006... Polaris Industries Inc., Medina, Minn., has named Scott Swenson as its new general manager for its snowmobile division. Swenson, who's worked for Polaris since 1998, took over the division on April 18. "As we looked at the state of the...

Connecticut mulls passenger bill.(Making Waves)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... It may be common practice for parents to allow their children to sit in front of them while riding a PWC, but a bill under consideration in Connecticut may soon boot kids to the rear. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Arguing that the practice is...

Alladio featured in new book.(Shawn Alladio, "Surfing's Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In On The Unexpected")(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Shawn Alladio, erstwhile PWC rescuer and founder of K38 Water Safety, has found some of her recent exploits captured in print in the new book "Surfing's Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In On The Unexpected" by Paul Diamond and Tyler McMahon....

Rally Series hits Miami.(Florida PWC Rally Series)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Watertop Unlimited brings the good times of the Florida PWC Rally Series to South Florida for the first time the weekend of May 20-21. According to WaterTop promoter Tim McKercher, this is the first organized watercraft event to take place...

Why the glory days are gone: IJSBA managing director explains why the U.S. sport racing tour has to be realistic.(International Jet Sports Boating Association's Scott Frazier)(Interview)
May 15, 2006... Editor's note: Last issue we featured the first part of an extended interview with International Jet Sports Boating Association Managing Director Scott Frazier. In the completion of that interview, Frazier talks about his goals for the IJSBA,...

Tucker Rocky picks up Teknic.(Ed Tucker Distributor Inc. signs agreement with Specialty Sport Ltd. for distribution)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Specialty Sport Ltd. and Tucker Rocky announced a new partnership that will have the Texas-based company distribute the Teknic brand of apparel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tucker Rocky plans to officially launch the distribution...

Marshall plans open house.(Marshall Distributing Inc.)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Marshall Distributing, Inc. plans to hold a dealer open house at its Cass City, Mich.-based warehouse on July 9. Marshall sales representatives will meet for seminars July 6-7; vendor setup takes place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 7 and 8 a.m....

Motorcycle Stuff delivers 2006 catalog.(Thinking About It)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... The 2006 Motorcycle Stuff catalog has several features, including more sections for easy navigation, section pages that include indexes, and new part numbers highlighted in blue. There are more than 30,000 products to choose from and more than...

New owner to update PMC North America.(Edwin Barr)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... PMC North America, a re-manufacturer of marine and non-marine powersports engines, has new ownership and a new chief executive, who recently announced some changes. Z & J Acquisitions, LLC, completed the purchase of all Largo, Fla.-based...

S & S Cycle announces promotions.(Michael Scaletta promoted)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... S & S Cycle, La Crosse, Wisc., announced the promotion of Michael Scaletta to senior engineering manager. His new duties include overseeing the OE Services and Support Department and the Engineering Department. Scaletta was hired in March...

PRO-ONE names director of dealer development.(Bob Musso)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Strategically timed to coincide with the introduction of its exclusive line of OEM custom motorcycles, PRO-ONE announced the appointment of Bob Musso as director of dealer development and motorcycle sales. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most...

Oxlite names new sales manager.(Thinking About It)
May 15, 2006... Oxlite Manufacturing has named former sales department account manager, Tim Landry, as executive sales manager. Landry joined Oxlite in 2005. Oxlite Manufacturing, Breaux Bridge, La., has been in the manufacturing business since 1989 and...

Zongshen, MRP sign agreement.(Zongshen America Inc., Martin Racing Performance)(Brief article)
May 15, 2006... Martin Racing Performance, supplier of racing components for scooters, ATVs and go-karts, has signed a cooperation agreement with Zongshen America, Inc., a subsidiary of China's Chongqing Zongshen Motorcycle Group. The deal will have MRP...

Taking aim at discounters.(powersports discounts)
May 15, 2006... A year-long effort to modernize an Alabama powersports dealer has turned its focus on ways to combat area discounters, mainly through finance and insurance practices. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "As long as discounters are knocking on your...

BMW, MMI develop 12-week training course.(AFTERMARKET)
May 15, 2006... Students studying to be technicians at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix now have the opportunity to enroll in a new BMW course, thanks to a new two-year agreement between BMW of North America, LLC and MMI. The 12-week...

Yamaha develops surface finishing technology.(AFTERMARKET)
May 15, 2006... Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a new surface finishing technology called "Film-on-Graphics," designed to enable 3D and "phosphorescence" effects considered difficult to realize with conventional coating technologies. Film-on-Graphics...

Kendon stand-up transporter.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Specifications -- Single trailer has load capacity of 1,000 pounds, dual trailer has 2,000-pound capacity. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefits -- Loading ramps and rails are wide enough to handle any size tire, wheel chocks allow...

Saddlegel motorcycle riding shorts.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Specifications -- Available in five sizes, elastic waist conforms to all anatomies (S, M, L, XL and XXL). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefits -- Great for dirt bikes. Utilizing Memoflex gel technology, they not only provide superior...

Eye ride toric sunglasses.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Specifications -- Eye Ride offers a wide selection of stylish and functional glasses designed for motorcycle riders. Benefits -- Designed to fit in helmets and are available in a variety of tints, clear and even prescriptions. Riding...

Cycledcme.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Benefits -- CycleDome is a solution for any motorcycle enthusiast who wants to protect his/her bike from dirt, dust and other damaging elements. Simply roll the bike in and pull the cover shut -- it's that easy. Takes only minutes to assemble...

Killer watts starters from Kustomwerks.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Specifications -- The new starters are chrome-plated and come in 1.4KW and 2.0KW. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefits -- Heavy duty clutch and gear reduction gives the torque necessary to start those big-inch Harley motors. Suggested...

Dowco Ultralite plus motorcycle cover.(HOT PRODUCTS)
May 15, 2006... Specifications -- Ultralite cover is available in three sizes to fit virtually every model of bike. Benefits -- Made from rip-stop lightweight polyester with UV- and water-repellent coating, it's a perfect solution for road trips because...

Structured process and sufficient training key to boosting sales.(Sales Management)
May 15, 2006... This is part of a series that looks at opportunities that were uncovered by GSA power-sports specialists during actual consulting visits. These opportunities are followed by recommended actions that address the issues. Following these...