Cycle Update

Ruling helps OHV effort
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) hobbyists and related businesses should note that an appeals court has reversed a federal judge’s decision to suspend the Clinton Administration’s ban on road building in 58.5 million acres of Forest Service land, while the court determines the rule’s legality.
An Idaho judge originally ruled that the Roadless Rule would likely be overturned because the Clinton Administration had not provided sufficient opportunity for public comment and had violated environmental laws. The appeals court disagreed with this conclusion. This means the Roadless Rule potentially remains in effect while the Idaho court rules on the merits of the case. The Idaho case has garnered the most attention but seven other lawsuits have been filed around the country. Cases in North Dakota and Wyoming are in trial while the other lawsuits are on hold pending an outcome in the Idaho case.
Meanwhile, legislation introduced last Congress to enact the Roadless Rule into law has died. Similar legislation will likely be reintroduced this Congress and, while it may garner attention, the legislation would be difficult to pass in a Republican-controlled Congress.
Finally, the U.S. Forest Service has been contacting conservation, recreation and industry groups to help draft mutually acceptable administrative changes to the rule. The Forest Service is expected to pursue this option in 2003. Any rule changes could effectively nullify the lawsuits.
Changes in Management at KTM
At KTM Sportmotorcycle USA, Ron Heben has moved to the newly created position of motorsports marketing manager. Larry Brooks has been named team manager for the Red Bull/KTM 125 and 250 SX – MX Racing Teams
Heben will be responsible for sponsorship management, budget coordination, corporate identity, and internal and external marketing of KTM’s race teams through KTM’s Central Marketing resources.
Helmin joins Supercross effort
Clear Channel Entertainment’s motor sports division has named Anita Helmin as director of supercross marketing. Helmin, who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1998, earned her Masters in Sports Administration and Facility Management from Ohio University in 1999. After brief stints with the Cleveland Rockets (WNBA) and ESPN Corporate, she began working as a promotion manager for supercross in November 1999.
Helmin will oversee all marketing, promotions, PR, and ticketing functions for the THQ World Supercross GP/ AMA Supercross Series.
BMW Global Sales Up 9.3%
BMW AG, the German group based in Munich, announced record figures for its motorcycle division for fiscal 2002, ended Dec. 31, 2002, and says it is now Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. According to BMW management, global motorcycle sales volume increased 9.3% to roughly 92,600 units in a year-on-year comparison. All BMW motorcycles are built in Berlin.
Germany and the U.S. represent BMW’s largest markets. A total of 26,355 motorcycles with Boxer engines were sold on the German market; and, as previously reported, 13,500 were sold in the U.S. The company also reports increased demand in the Spanish and Italian markets for its R 1150 RT and R 1150 GS models.
MC Production Up in China
China’s motorcycle production in January grew 34.6% year-on-year to 927,300 units, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics .
Judge Rules For AMA
Following a motion to enforce a settlement agreement filed by AMA Pro Racing against Clear Channel Motorsports, an order was issued by Federal Court Judge James L. Graham directing Clear Channel to fulfill a series of specific obligations. The order was issued on Friday, Jan. 24, in Columbus, Ohio.
According to the agreed-to order, Clear Channel must, among other things, re-insert AMA identity into a number of elements including television coverage, on-track signage, announcer copy, advertising messages and event promotion.
AMA Pro Racing and Clear Channel Motorsports reached a settlement agreement on Dec. 17, stemming from a dispute over the terms of the Supercross Sanctioning Agreement between the companies. AMA Pro Racing had filed a motion for a temporary restraining order but the parties were able to reach an agreement to resolve the issue.
Indian names VP Of After Sales
Indian Motorcycle Corporation has named Wade Hubbard to the newly created position of vice president, after sales. In this position, Hubbard will oversee the development and operation of service and parts, accessory and apparel, customer service and Indian Rider’s Group activities.
Hubbard has more than 20 years of after sales experience in the automobile business, including holding the positions of General Manager After Sales for Mercedes-Benz in the USA and Director of After Sales for DaimlerChrysler in the UK.