Powersports Business articles from October 2006

Powersports Business archives from October 2006

UTV offerings may be expanding.(NEWS)
October 16, 2006... The powersports industry could see expanded offerings in the UTV market from Japanese manufacturers in the near future. Both Kawasaki and Suzuki officials said at their respective dealer meetings that they are looking very closely at the...

Cycle Country ends search for CEO.(NEWS)
October 16, 2006... Cycle Country Accessories Corporation's six-month search for a CEO recently ended with the hiring of Randy Kempf, whose background fits nicely with the company's desire for more manufacturing expertise. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kempf is...

Arctic Cat recalls 50,500 snowmobiles.(HOTNEWS)
October 16, 2006... Arctic Cat Inc. has recalled about 50,500 snowmobiles after the company received 42 reports relating to loss of steering control and subsequently found that the steering shaft used on certain 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 units can fail at...

AMA events receive new insurance program.(American Motorcyclist Association)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Effective Oct. 1, participant legal liability insurance for AMA-sanctioned events will be offered through Wisenberg Motorsports, a division of Acordia of Texas, and provided by ACE American Insurance Company. The move replaces broker Naughton...

Intermot USA pavilion to host 50-plus firms.(HOTNEWS)
October 16, 2006... More than 50 U.S.-based companies were scheduled to showcase products at Intermot, the international motorcycle and scooter trade fair that was held Oct. 11-15 in Cologne, Germany. U.S.-based vehicle suppliers scheduled to attend include...

ORBA to hold off-road show in March.(HOTNEWS)
October 16, 2006... The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) will hold an off-road show at Barona Casino's Convention Center in San Diego County on March 24-25. This will be the first off-road show in California to be promoted by a nonprofit trade association. ...

Eastern increases auctions.(HOTNEWS)
October 16, 2006... Eastern Powersports Auctions is doubling the number of powersports auctions it holds monthly. The East Windsor, Conn., company previously held auctions once per month. Starting this month, the events will be held every two weeks. ...

Sport bike leader unveils a new GSX-R: that's one the highlights from Suzuki's annual show that put a bigger emphasis on dealer profit opportunities.(NEWS)
October 16, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- It was referred to as the first wave. American Suzuki Motor Corp.'s annual dealer meeting and new product show in Las Vegas featured three new units, an increased emphasis on dealer profitability and an impressive list of sales...

Q & A: Suzuki's Harris discusses production, scooter sales.(NEWS)(Interview)(Excerpt)
October 16, 2006... Mel Harris, Suzuki's vice president of marine and motorcycle operations, discussed a range of subjects with Powersports Business at the company's annual new product show in Las Vegas. The following is an excerpt of some of the conversation,...

Kawasaki aims for the top: company reveals higher than average sales and new products to dealers.(NEWS)
October 16, 2006... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Already gaining ground on its biggest competitors, Kawasaki is hoping to draw even closer to Honda and Yamaha with the introduction of nine new vehicles. The company showed off the new units--including a surprisingly...

Q & A with Kawasaki's product planning director.(Kawasaki Motors Corporation U.S.A.'s Patrick Kelly)(Interview)
October 16, 2006... Patrick Kelly, Kawasaki's director of product planning and research, discussed a range of subjects with Powersports Business at the company's annual new product show in Anaheim. The following is an excerpt of that conversation, which has been...

It's a trick to see more than the illusion.
October 16, 2006... This could be one of those chicken and the egg questions that seem so insignificant, but here goes. What's more important to you--the result of an action, or the reason for the result? It's a question that came to mind in the middle of a...

Lehman's growth follows H-D deal: company begins $1.5 million facility expansion in U.S.(FINANCIAL)
October 16, 2006... Fresh off a significant deal with Harley-Davidson, Lehman Trikes Inc. has announced a $1.5 million infrastructure project at its South Dakota facilities. The project will allow Lehman to double its production capabilities at the Spearfish,...

Honda to shift production work in Japan.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... Honda will shift some of its production work and build another facility in Japan to meet an expected growth in future motorcycle sales. Honda plans to gradually shift production of medium to large motorcycles (displacement over 250cc) from...

GE Money enters partnership with Arctic Cat in Canada.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... GE Money, the Canadian consumer-lending unit of the General Electric Co., entered an agreement with Arctic Cat to provide financing for the purchase of Arctic Cat equipment at all of its Canadian dealerships. The deal does not affect U.S....

Indonesia's sales decline while production climbs.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... Motorcycle sales in Indonesia during the first eight months of the year totaled 2,646,503 units, down 23 percent from sales of about 3.44 million units during the same eight-month period last year, said the Indonesian Motorcycle Industry...

American Performance Cycle hires marketing group.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... American Performance Cycle, a custom production bike manufacturer located in Las Vegas, has hired V-Twin Marketing as its agency of record. "We decided to go with V-Twin Marketing due to their marketing strengths, networking abilities...

Market watch.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
October 16, 2006... MARKET WATCH Change 29/29/06 from 9/8 % Change Powersports Business Index [up arrow] 107.270 2.494 0.023% Dow Jones Index [up arrow] ...

Stock market activity.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
October 16, 2006... STOCK MARKET ACTIVITY [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Source: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.

Powersports Business winners and losers.(recreational vehicle )(Statistical table)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS WINNERS AND LOSERS Company Stock Ticker Price 09/29/06 Percent Change Ducati Motorcycle ADR DMH $9.25 15.6% Marinemax, Inc. HZO $25.45 ...

Foreign currency exchange.(POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCK MARKET WATCH)
October 16, 2006... FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE Baseline 9/29/06 1 Month Ago Ticker Price Price % Change Australian Dollar ad.fx 1.34 1.31 -2.3% British Pound bp.fx 0.53 0.53...

Powersports Business stocks.(automotive stocks )(Statistical table)
October 16, 2006... POWERSPORTS BUSINESS STOCKS POWERSPORTS BUSINESS INDEX COMPONENTS Stock Price Price Company Ticker 9/29/06 9/8/06 Arctic Cat, Inc. ACAT $16.60 ...

It's up and up for side-by-side sales: most manufacturers report double-digit sales growth, and a few are struggling to keep up with demand.(PSB FOCUS: UTV)
October 16, 2006... As powersports OEMs and dealers deal with the slide of snowmobile sales and the softening of the ATV market, utility vehicle sales are providing a much-needed spark to the industry. Manufacturers generally report double-digit growth in the...

Exploring the commercial side of UTVs: while the individual consumer sale has definitely picked up in UTVs, there are commercial opportunities for dealers.(PSB FOCUS: UTV)
October 16, 2006... Gardiner Outdoor Products Corp., based in Waldorf, Md., sells just less than 100 Polaris Rangers and John Deere Gators a year, says Neal Gardiner, vice president of marketing. The percentage of commercial sales is small, but Gardiner touts a...

A look at side-by-side OEMs you may not be familiar with.(PSB FOCUS: UTV)
October 16, 2006... An increasing market share of the UTV industry is coming from OEMs normally not associated with the world of powersports sales. Names like John Deere, Textron's E-Z-Go, Ingersoll-Rand, Club Car, Kubota, Toro and Land Pride, just to name a few,...

Husqvarna UTV.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... The 2007 Husqvarna HUV4421 Series is a dual-purpose class of utility vehicles strong enough to handle any working application while designed for extreme off-road recreational use, according to a press release. The HUV4421 has either a 20 hp...

Essex steel hardtop.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... This hardtop is part of a modular cab for the Trans Mule. The hardtop is made from rust-inhibited steel and finished with matching OEM powder-coat paint. Secured with clamps, it is safe to trailer at normal speeds, a company press release...

New engine fogging oil.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... Amsoil Inc. is introducing an aerosal spray that offers film retention and provides long-term protection against rust and corrosion. The product, which works on both two- and four-stroke engines, should be applied through the engine intake or...

New bodywork for the Rhino.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... Maier Manufacturing, Inc. has a new bodywork available for the 2006 Yamaha Rhino 450 and 2004-2006 Rhino 660. The bodywork offers an alternative to costly custom painting. Consumers have a choice of eight colors. The bodywork is made from a...

UTV quick-switch utility system.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... Swisher's UTV Universal Mount Kit attaches to a UTV's front with a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver hitch, which is also offered by Swisher. The system allows for a quick, one-pin attachment to interchange between a winch mount, a plow blade and other...

New, expanded catalog from All Balls.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... All Balls Bearings And Components has introduced an expanded Product and Application Guide that includes the company's range of bearing and seal kits and components for sport and utility ATVs and UTVs. Fitments go back as far as 1971 for...

Bounty Hunter utility tire.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... Kenda's new side-by-side Heavy Duty K537 Bounty Hunter utility tire offers 225 percent higher load carrying capacity than other radials on the market, according to a company press release. The tire was specifically designed for the side-by-side...

New trailer accessories.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)
October 16, 2006... The AUT Solid Side Kit and available End Gate are the newest accessories available for Triton Aluminum Trailers' AUT series. The side kit consists of three sides: front, left side and right side. An optional solid aluminum slide-in rear gate...

CPSC launches campaign to address ATV-related injuries.(ATV Report)
October 16, 2006... The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a campaign to reduce deaths and serious injuries associated with ATVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Speaking at a news conference on Sept. 21, CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord said,...

Suzuki adds to SCORE sponsorship.(American Suzuki Automotive Corp.)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... American Suzuki plans to donate a Suzuki QuadRacer LT-R450 ATV to help enhance SCORE medical operations for the upcoming 39th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Scheduled for Nov. 15-18, the Baja 1000 starts in Ensenada, Mexico, 65 miles south...

Proposed California off-road park clears one hurdle.(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... The Kern County Planning Commission voted to grant the state of California a conditional use permit for a proposed Bakers-field off-road park. For decades off-road enthusiasts recreated on the hills northeast of Bakersfield. In recent...

Trying to define race-ready: with the increasing popularity of ATV racing, more OEMs are branding their sport ATVs as ready for competition.(ATV)
October 16, 2006... Riding the coattails of a larger ATV market and the growing popularity of quad racing, more manufacturers are releasing sports models that are being labeled "race-ready." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aside from the different forms of racing,...

KTM considering a separate ATV division: if approved, the new facility would likely be added to its U.S. headquarters in Ohio.(ATV)
October 16, 2006... With the upcoming introduction of two sport quads and the continued growth of its motorcycle sales, KTM North America is considering spinning off a separate division dedicated to the ATV market. It would be a major investment for the...

Suzuki makes change on ATV utility brand: future utility ATVs will carry only the KingQuad name, mirroring a move the company made in 2004 with its cruiser line.(ATV)
October 16, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- Suzuki's recently unveiled 2007 KingQuad 450, with its fuel injection and ability to offer two- and four-wheel drive at a touch of a handlebar button, is the wave of the future for the company--in more ways than one. Suzuki...

Wholesale ATV report.(ATV)
October 16, 2006... NADA Guides has partnered with Powersports Business to provide a quarterly look at the wholesale market. Look for the next report in February. WHAT'S THE MARKET PRICE? Here's a price comparison between the most recently published NADA...

Court's decision puts off-road access issue back in spotlight: what rights ATVers and other off-roaders have to forest areas may go to the Supreme Court.
October 16, 2006... A California federal court judge has tossed out the Bush administration's plan that governs activities in so-called roadless areas in national forests and grasslands nationwide, replacing it with an earlier plan by the Clinton administration....

Thompson's Motorsports.(Company overview)
October 16, 2006... CONTACT 101 1st. St., Terre Haute, Ind. 812/232-1111 www.thompsonsmotorsports.com OWNERS Robert Thompson, Chad Thompson, Scott Jaeger BUSINESS PROFILE Thompson's, which started in 1973 as a Honda dealership, is...

Production up 4% in August in Japan.(Cycle Report)
October 16, 2006... The four main motorcycle manufacturers in Japan produced 130,859 units in August, up 4,974 units or 4 percent compared to August 2005. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Honda...

BMW reveals pricing for 2007.(Cycle Report)
October 16, 2006... BMW Motorrad USA recently announced pricing for its 2007 model year lineup. In the F-Series, the 2007 F 650 GS carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $7,525 and the F 650 GS Dakar retails for $8,225. In the K-Series, the...

Aprilia taps new style manager.(Piaggio e Compagnia S.p.A.'s Miguel Galluzzi appointed)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Italy's Piaggio Group has hired former Honda and Ducati Designer Miguel Galluzzi as head of the Aprilia Style Center. A graduate of the Pasadena Art Center's College of Design, Galluzzi began his career with two-wheelers in 1989 when he...

S & S receives EU approval for three engines.(Cycle Report)
October 16, 2006... S & S Cycle's SH93, T124, and T124V engines have met European Union (EU) standards for exhaust and noise emissions. Approvals for the SH93 and T124 engines add to existing EU-approved S & S V-Series engines, including the V96, V113, and the...

Big Dog delivers EFI for 2007: coming off a year of 12 percent growth, the Wichita, Kan., OEM unveils five models for '07.(Big Dog Motorcycles L.L.C.)
October 16, 2006... WICHITA, Kan. -- Big Dog Motorcycles' recently unveiled 2007 line of five models features new styling cues, updated electronics, more color options and the company's first electronically fuel-injected powerplant. Big Dog's two...

Wholesale cycle report.(Buyers guide)
October 16, 2006... NADA Guides has partnered with powersports Business to provide a quarterly look at the wholesale market. Look for the next report in February. WHAT'S THE MARKET PRICE? Here's a price comparison between the most recently published NADA...

Barney's.(Company overview)
October 16, 2006... CONTACT Barney's of St. Pete 10411 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg FL 33702 727/576-1148 www.bameysstpete.com Barney's of Brandon 9820 Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619 813/628-9418 www.bameysbrandon.com ...

Honda's 2007 lineup largely unchanged.(PWC Report)
October 16, 2006... There are the requisite bold new graphics, but otherwise Honda's Aqua Trax line will return unchanged for 2007. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Still leading the way will be the GPScape, a GPS-equipped version of the 165-hp, turbocharged F-12X....

PWC injuries continue downward trend.(PWC Report)
October 16, 2006... The Personal Watercraft Industry Association, citing Coast Guard statistics, is proudly reporting that the number of reported injuries related to PWC use continues the decline began in 1996. The statistics, pulled from the 2004 calendar...

The new horsepower king: Kawasaki's all-new Ultra 250X boasts 250 horsepower and aggressive hull design.(Kawasaki Motors Corp.'s )
October 16, 2006... Kawasaki put to rest weeks of speculation in late September by officially unveiling the all-new Ultra 250X, the highest-horsepower production personal watercraft to ever be offered by one of the major OEMs. Boasting 250 horsepower under...

Yamaha expands cruising options.(PWC)
October 16, 2006... Expanding upon the touring concept Yamaha introduced with the FX line, the company passes down that touring-friendly, supportive saddle to the more price-conscious VX line for '07. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Priced at $8,299, the new VX...

Finish line to the bottom line: it's not uncommon to see former snowmobile racers now heading industry aftermarket companies.
October 16, 2006... Gerard Karpik thought his racing success would transfer well into the business world when he and his brother, Randy, started Fast Action Support Team (FAST) in 1985. He credited luck (and some skill) for his many trophies, but he quickly...

Polaris issues four-stroke updates.(Polaris Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Polaris dealers received the green light in early September to make needed upgrades to the 2006 FS and FST engine models, as Polaris issued four service updates and two Team Tips for the machines. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Service updates...

New York changes registration requirements.(snowmobile registrations )(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Snowmobile registrations in New York will increase to $100--unless that person is a snowmobile club member. Snowmobile club members will continue to pay a $45 registration fee. It's a way to build trail awareness and get extra hands involved in...

Snowmobiles banned in Idaho caribou habitat.(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... U.S. District Judge Robert Whaley banned snowmobiles in nearly 470 square miles of national forest land in Northern Idaho on Sept. 22. The ban does not apply to the area east of Priest Lake. The ban will be in place until the U.S. Forest...

MLS launches system upgrade.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... Marketing Loyalty Solutions Inc. recently launched an upgraded Customer Management System (CMS), a system that allows power-sports dealers to track customer retention and marketing campaign effectiveness. The company says six major...

New Biker's Choice director named.(Scott Hakins appointed )(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Scott Hakins has been named director of Biker's Choice. In his new role, Hakins will be reporting to Tim Pritchard, Tucker Rocky's vice president of sales and marketing. Hakins most recently rejoined Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice in June...

Power Trip, Army sing gear agreement.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... Randy Robison, president of Robison's Inc., manufacturer of Power Trip, a premium custom motorcycle apparel brand, announced a licensing agreement with the Army. The agreement calls for Power Trip to manufacture a line of technical on-road...

Razor's Edge hires seniro operations specialist.(Razor's Edge Difference appoints Max Barker)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... The Razor's Edge Difference (RED), a powersports company that specializes in dealer management systems and operations, has announced a new hire. RED, which has partnered with RPM Group and Softek Software, has hired Senior Operations...

Yamaha taps new marketing manager for parts, accessories.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... Briana Droege recently accepted a position with Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. as assistant manager, marketing for Yamaha's Parts and Accessories Division. Based at Yamaha headquarters in Cypress, Calif., Droege will be responsible for a...

Downs Energy picks up VP fuels.(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... VP Racing Fuels, an industry leader in the manufacture of racing fuels and other performance products, announced the signing of Downs Energy, based in Corona, Calif., as its newest distributor. "Downs Energy has the resources to become one...

Tokyo Motor Show seeks sponsors.(DIGEST)
October 16, 2006... The 40th Tokyo Motor Show will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City Oct. 26 to Nov. 11 and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is looking for aftermarket suppliers willing to serve as sponsors. JAMA Chairman Fujio Cho...

After the transformation: White Brothers' dramatic change in focus continues with an emphasis on product development and marketing.
October 16, 2006... YORBA LINDA, Calif. -- With a dramatic transformation all but complete, White Brothers is seeking to enhance its reputation as a high-end manufacturer by diversifying its product line and making a marketing push into amateur racing. The...

Fox to step down from MIC board of directors.(AFTERMARKET)
October 16, 2006... Fred Fox, chairman of Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties, has announced he will not accept the nomination for another term on the MIC Board of Directors for 2007. Fox's decision, effective in February, was made to encourage other industry...

Tucker makes changes to Firstgear lineup.(Ed Tucker Distributor Inc.)
October 16, 2006... Tucker Rocky released its first Firstgear catalog since the Fort Worth, Texas, distributor purchased the brand in 2005. In doing so, Tucker Rocky officials made moves to strengthen Firstgear's high-tech image plus bring more style and...

Tour master sentinel women's rain suit jacket.(Helmet House Inc.)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- This jacket by Helmet House is designed, patterned and styled specifically for women. It features an Aqua-Barrier under-the-helmet hood to eliminate seepage in the collar area. The hood easily stows in a hidden collar pocket....

Canyon Gore-Tex boot.(Tunderick Holding Inc.)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- Sidi's new boot is designed specifically for the quickly expanding adventure touring market. The Canyon's outer shell, which is made of a top-grain leather, is treated to be water and oil repellent and features a full coverage...

Drag Specialties mini tachometers.(HOTPRODUCTS)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- These mini tachometers have a stainless steel, water-resistant housing that measures 2.4" in diameter. They fit all Drag Specialties mini gauge mounts. Benefits -- They feature a long-lasting backlit LED display and are...

Motorcycle tank grips.(HOTPRODUCTS)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- TechSpec's grips are a synthetic rubber grip that bonds to the sides of the tank using a "Releasable/Reusable" adhesive. A variety of kits are available. Benefits -- The tank grips enhance control of body and weight...

Exhaust wrap.(Design Engineering Inc.)(Brief article)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- Design Engineering, Inc. has just introduced a line of black exhaust wrap of varying lengths and widths to go along with their existing line of wrap. All DEI exhaust wraps can withstand continuous heat up to 2,000 degrees and...

Mustang Daytripper for Vulcan 900.(HOTPRODUCTS)
October 16, 2006... Specifications -- The DayTripper features detailed stitch work in a highly durable, synthetic glove-leather cover. Benefits -- New style of custom seat offers looks and comfort. Suggested retail price -- $299 Contact --...

Providing solutions to a rural dealership.
October 16, 2006... This series of articles recaps a portion of the opportunities that were uncovered by Gart Sutton and Associates' powersports specialists during consulting visits. These opportunities are followed by recommended actions that address the issues....

The gap between consumer and retailer.(DEALER ADVOCATE)
October 16, 2006... I have spent nearly my entire adult life involved in the motorcycle business. Over those years I have been a OEM district manager, dealer and for 25 years compiled and chronicled the dealer experience at a level not only unparalleled in the...