Cycle Update

The founder of the BlueRibbon Coalition, Clark Collins, plans to step down as executive director at the end of this year. The BlueRibbon Coalition is dedicated to maintaining access for powersports enthusiasts to off-highway trails and related issues. “I’ve been executive director since our founding in 1987,” says Collins. “We’ve accomplished much and it’s been a team effort that I’ve been proud to lead. It’s time for someone new to take over the reins.”
Collins plans to continue serving the coalition as development director, a new staff position with responsibility for fund raising and membership building.
The search for a new executive director is underway. Responsibilities of the position include policy development, management of the Coalition’s Strategic Plan and budget development. The position is located in Pocatello, Idaho. For more information visit: www.sharetrails.org.
BIKER’S DREAM-ATLANTA Honored
American IronHorse Fort Worth, Texas has named Biker’s Dream of Atlanta its top national dealer for being in first place in sales out of 75 AIH dealers in 2002.
Since its launch seven years ago, Biker’s Dream of Atlanta, under the leadership of founders and owners Don and Marilyn Parkinson, has been a top 10 American IronHorse dealer each consecutive year since deciding to carry the company’s motorcycles in 1999. Don Parkinson currently serves on the American IronHorse Dealer Advisory Council, helping to track consumer demand and dealer issues.
The store is Atlanta’s largest V-twin motorcycle shop specializing in American-made, factory customized motorcycles and pre-owned Harleys. It relocated last summer to a 24,000-sq.-ft. facility at 5960 Highway 9 in Alpharetta, Ga. For more information visit www.bikersdreamatl.com.
RUMOR MILL
Look for a new Suzuki model similar in concept to the DL-1000 V-Strom, but based on the popular SV-650 drivetrain. KTM is said to have a Duke II motorcycle undergoing testing that will share the engine and transmission from the KTM 950 Adventure, but with some modifications to produce more power. Perhaps more displacement and fuel injection?
EXIDE INKS AGREEMENT WITH DAZON
Exide Technologies has secured a new original equipment supply agreement with Dazon Motorcycles. Dazon, based in Tempe, Ariz., is a manufacturer and marketer of motor scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and generators. Under the agreement, Exide will be the exclusive supplier to Dazon, providing it with Champion branded motorcycle batteries.
Dazon vehicles are built in China, shipped to the U.S. and fitted with batteries before they go on the market in U.S. distributorships.
The company plans to open 125 U.S. dealerships — selling some 6,000 vehicles by the end of 2003 — and expects to have 11,000 vehicles on U.S. roads by the end of 2004. Starting in July, Dazon plans to expand its U.S. product line from scooters and ATVs to motorcycles.
BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES HITS 5,000 UNITS
Company officials at Big Dog motorcycles have reported the building of their 5,000th production motorcycle. Big Dog Motorcycles started production in 1995 with total production of 42 motorcycles. Since 1995, Big Dog Motorcycle sales have steadily increased and the dealer network enlarged. Total production for 2003 is slated at 3,000 units.