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Apr. 21, 2008 – Motorcycle Digest

KTM Kicks Off Technical Training for Dealers

KTM University launched its Dealer Technical Training program with its first seminar on the LC8 motor at KTM’s new facility in Murrieta, Calif., stated a company press release.
KTM dealers who attend all 10 classes will be Orange Certified and will receive incentives that benefit their dealerships. Classes are held at KTM’s Murrieta, Calif., and Amherst, Ohio, facilities. The classes cover the LC8, LC4, ATV, RFS and XC motors as well as WP Suspension.
Dealers must register in advance to secure a spot in the seminars. KTM University was established in 2005 for KTM dealers to learn more about the company’s machines.

Honda Recalls Motorcycles for Fire Hazard

Honda recalled motorcycle models 2006-2007 VT600 and 2007-2008 VT750 and VTX1300 because of an improperly manufactured fuel control valve diaphragm that could leak and cause fire, according to Consumer Affairs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the fuel control valve diaphragm and fuel valve might drip fuel, which can lead to a fire.
Honda dealers will replace the fuel control valve diaphragm assembly for free.

Motocross Track Planned for California Reservation

A 240-acre dirt bike track is taking shape at an abandoned sand and gravel quarry on the Pala Indian Reservation near San Diego, according to a San Diego Union-Tribune story March 21.
Though the area used to be a hotbed for off-road motorcycling, in recent years tracks have closed down because of development pressures and rising insurance costs. Riders have parked their bikes or taken a long drive to Riverside County or the desert.
“It’s going to rekindle that industry, the motocross industry in San Diego,” Ricky Johnson told the newspaper. Johnson is a seven-time motocross national champion who was in on the initial planning for the project on the reservation north of Escondido, but is not part of it now.
In addition to 12 tracks totaling nearly eight miles of racing surface, the project calls for an RV park, a restaurant, a fishing pond, a bike wash and garages.
Federal officials have signed off on the project.

H-D Museum Announces Membership Program

Harley-Davidson announced a new membership program for its museum, which will open in July, according to a company press release.
H-D is offering five membership options, including one for those who join before June 1. They will be invited to a pre-grand opening, and everyone who signs up this year will always be a founding member.
The memberships come with other benefits as well. Members will receive special access to a members-only Web site, behind-the-scenes information on museum exhibits, “fast lane” admission to the museum, a discount at the retail store, members-only dog tag and access to exclusive events. The memberships start at $40 annually.
To be a H-D Museum member, log on to www.h-dmuseum.com/membership.

Big Dog Offering Retail Financing Incentives

Custom V-twin manufacturer Big Dog Motorcycles is offering all-new retail financing incentives that include low rates or cash allowances on select 2007 and 2008 models.
Big Dog Motorcycles’ buyers can enjoy rates as low as 4.99 percent or a manufacturer’s cash allowance of up to $2,000.
Highlights of the new “High Performance, Low Payment” incentive program include:

  • 2008 Mutt: Introductory rates as low as 4.99 percent for 36 months for well-qualified buyers or $2,000 manufacturer’s cash allowance.
  • 2007 Bulldog, Chopper, Pitbull: $1,000 manufacturer’s cash allowance.
    “Big Dog Motorcycles has a strong line of premium cruisers,” said Paul Hansen, Big Dog’s marketing director. “With the riding season upon us, thousands of riders will want to experience the pure exhilaration and performance of our bikes. Now, with these new incentives, we have made ownership even more accessible.”
    For complete information along with program restrictions, visit www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.

    Rucker Performance to Start Building Frames

    Rucker Performance has developed a new, in-house frame building department.
    The company’s frames will no longer be outsourced, which will allow complete customization from the earliest stages of production. Designs created by Bill Rucker and his team will be more efficiently transferred to the end consumer through this new business venture.
    “Customers expect the highest quality product, and we are providing that by entering production at an earlier stage than in the past,” Erin Rucker, chief operations officer of Rucker Performance, said in a press release. “Our commitment to quality will continue as we take the idea of customization to the next level by constructing our own frames.”
    Rucker Performance recently revealed its 2008 model lineup with the updated frames. The lineup includes the Predator, Vandal, Assassin, Copperhead and Gauntlet. For more information on these products, visit www.ruckerperformance.com or call 817/838-3200.

    Foundation Recognized for Alcohol Awareness Campaign

    The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has received the RADD (formerly known as Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drunk Driving) California Coalition Spirit of Partnership Award, MSF said in a press release March 20. The award was given to the organization for MSF’s distribution of alcohol awareness campaign materials to every dealer in California.
    “We’re proud to be part of the coalition’s efforts to address the serious problem of impaired driving and riding in our state,” said Wendy Larkin, Motorcycle Safety Foundation spokesperson. “Alcohol use is a factor in over 30 percent of motorcycle crashes nationally.”
    MSF has an anti-drunken driving campaign specifically for riders called “Decide Before You Ride.”

    Harley-Davidson Partners with Large Hotel Chain

    More than 1,000 Best Western hotels in the United States and Canada have been identified as rider-friendly, the company said in a statement April 7. The outposts offer motorcycle riders wipe-down towels at check in along with access to a wash station at no additional cost. Some properties also offer additional amenities such as designated parking, tar remover, sunscreen and lip balm.
    The hotel chain’s announcement to designate participating hotels as rider-friendly is part of a multi-year agreement between Best Western and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company to bring travel benefits directly to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.
    “Best Western recognizes that Harley-Davidson and motorcycle enthusiasts have unique needs when on the road, and we’re committed to providing them with amenities that make their rides more enjoyable,” said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “More than 1,000 Best Western hotels are rider-friendly and we will add to this total throughout the year.”
    As a complement to Ride Rewards, Best Western also will serve as a preferred hotel chain for Harley-Davidson’s interactive Ride Planner, found at www.harley-davidson.com/experience. The application maps out a variety of U.S. “Great Roads” and shows Best Western hotels and Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way. Each property listing features hotel descriptions along with a directory that includes available services and amenities. psb

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