May 4, 2009 – Motorcycle Digest

Dealerships offer auto industry stimulus

A trio of family owned Harley-Davidson dealerships in the St. Louis area are offering employees a $1,000 bonus to buy a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury, according to a release from the dealers. Surdyke Harley-Davidson in Festus, Gateway Harley-Davidson in south St. Louis County and Dale’s Harley-Davidson in Mt. Vernon, Ill., say the deal is good until Aug. 31.
“I want to do my part to ensure at least one of the big three automobile companies survives without a bailout,” Gary Surdyke, whose children now run the dealership group he founded, said in the release. “Its current situation is much like Harley-Davidson was in 1980. Almost bankrupt at that time, I was a first-hand witness to the company resurrecting itself into the American icon it is today.”
Full-time employees who’ve been with one of the dealerships for at least six months are eligible for the bonus with the purchase of a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury.
“I hope every one of the employees takes us up on this offer,” Surdyke said in the release. “Nothing would make our family of dealerships happier than to see employees coming to work in a brand new Ford, of course, knowing their Harleys are at home in the garage.”

Ducati launches finance promotion with new 1198

To capture the momentum of the new 1198 Superbike, Ducati North America is launching a new retail finance program for its open class superbikes in the United States.
Ducati North America and FreedomRoad Financial announced the “It’s Your Time” retail finance promotion, which offers low rates and payments on the new 1198 and 1198 S as well as 1098 and 1098 S superbikes.
The program runs through June 30, with a 3.99 percent APR for the first 36 months, and low payments over the term of the loan, up to 72 months. In addition, Ducati Performance Accessories & Apparel and Ducati EverRed extended service plan contracts are eligible for inclusion.

Triumph’s Bonneville SE arrives in North America

Triumph’s 2009 Bonneville SE, with its 1970s retro flair and more nimble handling, is now available in North America, reported the company in a press release.
The new bike includes all of the features of the 2009 Bonneville as well as a performance-minded tachometer, chromed tank badge and brushed alloy engine casings.
“The Triumph Bonneville has a classic design that stands the test of time, but we also recognize that you can always improve on a good thing,” Jim Callahan, North American marketing manager for Triumph, said in the release.
The Bonneville SE is available in jet-black or two-tone pacific blue/fusion white paint, and the Bonneville is available in jet-black or fusion white. A new, optional rear luggage rack also has been added to the list of Triumph accessories.
Triumph also announced it has set the price for its new Thunderbird big twin cruiser at $12,499. Dealers throughout North America are accepting deposits for the first wave of Thunderbirds, which are scheduled to arrive in North America this summer.

Indian Motorcycle launches women’s apparel

Indian Motorcycle has released its first collection of women’s apparel. Women now have the opportunity to purchase Indian Motorcycle brand leather jackets, tops, belts and caps.
Indian Motorcycle Apparel is a division of Indian Motorcycle Co. that designs and manufactures clothing for the Indian Motorcycle enthusiast. All Indian Motorcycle apparel is custom designed by its staff of designers using styling cues from the 2009 line of Chief motorcycles and archives that feature more than a century of motorcycle and apparel design.
The Ranger, a leather jacket for women featured in this collection, is patterned after a jacket produced more than half a century ago.
“We are committed to providing a full Indian Motorcycle experience of the highest caliber. Having world-class Indian motorcycles, apparel and accessories available completes that mission,” said Chris Bernauer, general manager of Indian Motorcycle.
For more information on the apparel, gifts, motorcycles and accessories, visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

EagleRider now renting GPS units with every rental

EagleRider, a motorcycle rental and tour company, will begin renting Garmin GPS navigation units with any motorcycle or scooter rental and Guided or Self-Drive tour.
All EagleRider Self-Drive tours will now have day-to-day traveling routes uploaded directly into the GPS unit, making it a more memorable tour for the customer.
“By adding the Garmin GPS navigation units to our entire motorcycle and scooter rental fleet, we are giving our customers unlimited touring opportunities on nearly every motorcycle model available,” said Chris McIntyre, president of EagleRider. “Whether they are looking to tour the original Route 66 on a Harley-Davidson or a one-day Vespa excursion up Pacific Coast Highway, EagleRider customers can now enjoy more of their trip without having to worry about following a map. They will also have instant access to the best routes to reach their travel destinations.”

Piaggio Group boosts Italian market share in all segments

According to data published by Confindustria Ancma, the association of Italy’s leading two-wheeler constructors, in March the Piaggio Group reported a significant increase in Italian market share in all segments of the two-wheeler sector.
Group total market share in March rose to 31.4 percent, an increase of 5.5 percentage points with respect to March 2008. Its performance reflected improvements in branded scooters (39.1 percent market share, a 6.4 percentage point increase from March 2008), branded motorcycles (5.5 percent market share, 1 point over March 2008), 50cc scooters (Piaggio Group share 48.9 percent, nearly 1 point over March 2008) and 50cc motorcycles (a 22.7 percent share, a 0.3 percentage point increase over March of last year).
Thanks to its performance in March, Piaggio Group’s overall market share in Italy in the first quarter of 2009 rose to 28.3 percent, an increase of 2 percentage points from the year-earlier first quarter.

Desperado motorcycles announces NHRA sponsorship

Jeff Nicklus, founder and CEO of Desperado Motorcycles, announced an agreement had been reached with Nicklus Performance Corp. wherein Desperado Motorcycles will act as the primary sponsor of the Nicklus Performance/Desperado Motorcycles Super Gas Camaro for the remainder of the 2009 season and for the entire 2010 race season.
“To the best of my knowledge the sponsorship by Desperado Motorcycles represents the first time a motorcycle manufacturer has ever participated in a sponsorship program within the automotive racing sector,” Nicklus said in a press release. The Desperado Camaro and the Desperado Motorcycles name will be seen by 2.5 million–3 million people who attend the 23 NHRA races annually. Further the NHRA has a long-term contract with ESPN and all NHRA races are televised, Nicklus says. psb