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Cycle Update – IMMA Gathers in Japan

Representing Europe, Japan and the U.S., members of the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) gathered in Kakegawa, Japan, recently for the organization’s yearly meeting.
The general assembly meeting was the first to be held in Japan in seven years. In attendance were two representatives of the United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (USMMA), five from the European Association des Constructeurs Europeens de Motocycles (ACEM), and a dozen representing interests of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
A welcome reception on the first day of the event preceded meetings of the IMMA’s three major committees: the Technical, Non-Tech and Steering committees.
The Technical Committee discussed environment, safety, harmonization and other technology-related issues. In the Non-Tech Committee, JAMA discussed its activities in Asia working through the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries, the need for measures to rebuff registration restrictions in Chinese cities, the anti-theft motorcycle registration system in Japan, and motorcycle recycling measures.
The Steering Committee met on the third day of the conference, prior to the General Assembly. There, discussions were held regarding the settlement of the balance for the activities IMMA has carried out, budget plans for its future activities, new member admission to IMMA, and other matters.
The General Assembly then settled the budget and approved future business plans and committee activity reports.
The next IMMA General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Europe in Spring 2005.
KTM EXPANDS REGIONAL DEALER SALES FORCE
KTM North America recently under took a major expansion of its Regional Sales Force, a move the company says was made to better service and support its dealer network.
In addition to hiring several additional Regional Sales Managers and restructuring sales regions, KTMNA added key Dealer Service Representatives to train dealership personnel in KTM systems and operations.
Company officials call the Dealer Service program unique, explaining that the recently hired representatives are to provide retailers with a broad range of training, including KTM business transaction systems, customer service, retail sales promotion activities, merchandising and operations techniques.
“These initiatives are already having an impact at the dealer level as we have already seen a jump in dealer creativity and enthusiasm,” said KTM’s Rod Bush. “We plan to add several additional dealer service and regional marketing reps in the near future to further provide advice and direct assistance to our dealers.”
Bad Toys Deals with American Eagle
Nevada-based Bad Toys, Inc. announced it has entered into two Letters of Intent, one to acquire approximately 80% of American Eagle Manufacturing Company, Inc. and the other to acquire 100% of Gambler Motorcycle Company, Inc.
Bad Toys builds and sells custom V-Twin motorcycles and custom street rods, and provides brokerage service to custom car, classic car, and motorcycle owners. Larry Lunan, the company’s president and chief executive officer, says he hopes to enter into a definitive agreement with both firms by July 31.
The purchase price for the majority of American Eagle will be paid in cash and by issuance of promissory notes and Bad Toy’s common stock. The acquisition includes American Eagle subsidiaries, American Eagle Corp. and American Eagle Motorcycles Co., the manufacturing and marketing divisions for motorcycles and FunKarts — an estimated increase in gross assets by approximately $3 million.
Based in a 35,000 sq. ft. production facility in Carlsbad, Calif., American Eagle Manufacturing Company, Inc. says its American Eagle motorcycles retail from $19,200 to $70,000 depending on model and options.
While Gambler, based in Hendersonville, Tenn., is best known in the sprint car arena — Gambler Competition Sprint Cars won the 1997 World of Outlaw Championship, 1997 World of Outlaw Rookie of the Year, and was voted 1997 World of Outlaw Manufacturer of the Year – the company’s motorcycle division specializes in custom motorcycles and components, including frames manufactured from 4130 chromolly tubing and certified aircraft aluminum billet pieces.
Bad Toys was last highlighted in Powersports Business in June, when the company announced it had completed a standby equity distribution agreement that would provide it with $12 million in funding from Cornell Capital Partners of Jersey City, N.J.
Motorcycle Recycling in Japan
Four motorcycle manufacturers and eleven motorcycle importers in Japan said they plan to begin recycling motorcycle parts using an existing framework for recycling home appliances.
Honda Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Co., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. voluntarily implemented the program with the importers. Motorcycles entering Japan’s market as of October will feature recycling stickers and be sold at prices including the recycling cost, the manufacturers said.
The move comes before the recycling of vehicle parts becomes mandatory next year under a new federal law, which does not include recycling motorcycle parts.
Under the system introduced by the manufacturers and distributors, consumers will be able to bring their motorcycles to approximately 15,000 designated dealers and 190 collection sites previously earmarked for only home appliances.
By the end of September in 2011, people who dispose of motorcycles sold before October this year will have to shoulder a certain amount of the recycling cost, which will vary among motorcycle manufactures. Last week, Honda said it plans to charge 4,120 yen, approximately $38, to recycle a motorcycle.
BMW R1200 GS Awarded
The BMW Group recently won “Gold” in the Industrial Design Society of America’s 2004 International Design Excellence Awards for the R1200 GS Motorcycle.
The IDSA awards are held annually to recognize the best in industrial design from across America and around the world. They are dedicated to fostering business and public understanding of the importance of industrial design excellence to the quality of life and the economy. Each year hundreds of entrants from around the globe compete for the honor of being recognized with awards from the IDSA.
The R1200GS BMW Motorcycle was recognized for its lean, distinctive styling, including a curved, bird-like beak and angular, jutting cylinders.
Winners will be recognized during a ceremony October 30 at the IDSA 2004 National Design Conference in Pasadena, Calif.
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES U.S. SALES UP
Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., announced that the company’s U.S. new unit sales jumped 104% during May — with an overall year-to-date increase of 34.5% — when compared to the same time period (January-May) in 2003. Triumph’s U.S. sales growth continues to exceed the U.S. industry year-to-year new unit sales growth of 8%.
Strong interest in the new Thruxton 900 café-racer inspired version of the classic Bonneville, the ground-breaking Rocket III power cruiser, and the updated Tiger dual-sport styled motorcycle has helped to fuel recent sales growth and drive more consumers to Triumph dealers. Consumers have also reacted positively to the firm’s strong finance programs. “Motorcyclist’s interest in the Triumph brand has never been stronger,” said Todd Andersen, marketing vice president, Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.
H-D Receives Employer Award
Harley-Davidson was announced as a winner of the 2004 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for its continued support of employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. Each year The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizes companies that have shown immense support of their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. Harley-Davidson was selected as one of the 15 companies nationwide to receive this award.
Harley-Davidson and other 2004 award winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on September 21, 2004.
Jimmy Lewis Named Editor of Dirt Rider Magazine
Effective July 21, 2004, Jimmy Lewis will take over the reins as editor of Dirt Rider magazine. Long time editor Ken Faught will leave his current position to pursue freelance opportunities. “I’m going into the world of freelancing so I can spend more time with my family,” said Faught, “but I’m confident that I’m turning Dirt Rider over to good hands.”
Jimmy Lewis earned four gold medals in International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) competition, finished 3rd in the Dakar Rally, has been on the winning team in the Baja 1000 and qualified for an AMA Pro Motocross National just a few years ago.
Royal Enfield Intros Bullet Sixty-5
Royal Enfield, a division of India’s Eicher Group, has launched the Bullet Sixty-5 in the US. The 500cc model, which was introduced in UK last year, has a five-speed gearbox and “retro classic styling” which, according to the firm, is denoted by the “Sixty” in the motorcycle’s name. The “5” refers to the five-speed gearbox.
The new bike, expected to retail for close to $4,500, halts delivery of the four-speed unit. Available in four metallic colors — Purplish Blue, Silver Ash, Rivera Red and Magic Black — it will have a four-stroke, single cylinder push rod engine.
Royal Enfield has 100 dealers in the U.S. and sells approximately 400 to 500 motorcycles a year.
Ducati Rider wins Stunt Championship
Just one week after winning the European Championship Title, German Ducati Rider Christian Pfeiffer won the first round of the 2004 Stunt Riding World Championship in the Czech Republic.
A total of 57 riders from 15 nations gathered 60 miles south of Prague to compete in the first of two rounds of the 2004 Stunt Riding World Championship.
Humbert Ribeiro from Portugal came in second and Brazilian AC Farias in third.
Pfeiffer is the defending World Champion. The second and final leg of the 2004 Championship is scheduled for Oct. 30-31 at Donington Park in the U.K. psb

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