Jan. 19, 2009 – Motorcycle Digest

Metric OEMs export fewer new bikes to U.S.

Japanese manufacturers exported fewer new motorcycles to the United States and Canada in November compared to the same month in 2007.
Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki exported 35,683 new motorcycles to the United States, a nearly 11 percent drop from the year-ago period, according to the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
The decrease to Canada was even more significant. Metric manufacturers exported 2,693 new bikes to Canada, a 36 percent decline from the year-ago period.
JAMA?members’ production in November was 111,716 units, or 81 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. This is a production decrease on the same month of the previous year for 15 consecutive months.

Honda Hoot 2009 canceled due to poor U.S. economy

American Honda announced the 2008 Honda Hoot would bring to a close 15 years of motorcycle rallies.
Over the years, almost a quarter of a million guests attended the Honda Hoot, which was born in the hills of Ashville, N.C., and eventually moved to Knoxville, Tenn. At the first event, a little more than 3,000 attendees enjoyed what would grow to become one of the largest rallies in North America.
The Hoot offered not only an opportunity to test ride new products but also focus on family fun and growing the industry from the ground up. Based on the current economic crunch that might have significant impact on its customers during 2009, American Honda said it will take this time to seek out new and innovative ways to engage with its customers.
American Honda extended its gratitude to the more than 1,300 volunteers who were a part of the event.

Buell Motorcycles to increase prices

Buell Motorcycle Co. will increase prices for all 2009 model year 1125R and 1125CR motorcycles, according to a company press release.
The 2009 Buell 1125R will increase $504 to $12,499, and pricing for the 1102CRs will ncrease $304 to $11,999. The new pricing will be effective Jan. 1, 2009.

BMW recalls 2008, 2009 GS motorcycles

BMW has issued a voluntary recall of its 2008 F650 GS and the 2009 F800 GS.
The tightening of the chain sprocket fasteners might have resulted in various levels of torque being applied, the company said. It is possible for the fasteners to work loose from the sprocket, increasing the risk of a crash. BMW says roughly 500 motorcycles are affected by the recall.
Dealers will loosen and inspect the fasteners and replace any that have been damaged when the recall begins this month.
For more information on the recall, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888/327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

Triumph Premier Group dealerships announced

Triumph Motorcycles announced the 2009 class of Triumph Premier Group dealerships.
The annual program recognizes authorized Triumph motorcycle dealers who demonstrate exemplary customer service, outstanding sales and marketing plus an excellent commitment to the Triumph brand. For 2009, more than 60 dealerships across North America have earned this elite status.
The Triumph Premier Group designation was developed to acknowledge dealers who surpass key performance goals and create an outstanding customer experience that exemplifies Triumph’s sense of relaxed refinement. The program has three designations: Platinum, Gold and Silver. In order to qualify for the status, dealers must meet or exceed operational standards in the previous 12-month period, including exceeding sales goals, excelling in customer and sales service, and buying into the corporate image with Triumph designed retail store fixtures. Membership is evaluated on an annual basis.
“Whether you are a dealership’s owner or manager, an employee of a dealer or a customer, being part of the Triumph family is something special,” said Mike Cunningham, vice president of dealer development for Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd. “The Triumph Premier Group was designed to show our support for our dealers who embody the Triumph spirit, and reward them with additional tools that further facilitate the best possible sales and service experience for new and existing customers.”
Membership has its privileges. From priority scheduling of the factory demo truck and additional advertising and marketing support to advanced showings of new products and models, these dealers have ready access to programs that increase their success.

KTM to start in the German Superbike Championship in 2009

KTM is broadening its motorsports activities in Europe with the decision to participate in the German Superbike Championship with its 1190 RC8-R.
After gathering initial experience in the 2008 FIM Superstock 1000 World Cup, KTM will accelerate the development of the RC8 model range by taking part in the International Superbike race series in cooperation with KTM Germany.
In the saddle are riders Stefan Nebel and Didier Van Keymeulen. The 27 year-old Nebel has already won the Superbike IDM title three times while 25-year-old Van Keymeulen took the title in the 2005 FIM Superstock 1000 World Championship and finished with top 10 results in the 2008 Supersport World Championship.
An official presentation of the KTM Superbike and the 1190 RC8-R team is planned for the motorcycle exhibition in Dortmund in March. The first race will take place on April 24 on the Lausitz Euro Speedway in Germany.

Viper motorcycle says it received EPA, CARB?approval

Viper Motorcycle Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc., announced it is now EPA approved.
John Silseth II, Viper Powersports CEO, said, “We have received our EPA certificate and have successfully completed our CARB testing for approval in all 50 states. During testing, we knew the Viper 152-inch short stroke motor was clean and produced less heat than our competitors and we are excited at the opportunity to move forward fully compliant. The 2009 Diamondback is in production this month and will begin shipping in early 2009.”
According to Terry Nesbitt, Viper Motorcycle Co.’s president, “We are eight years into this project and are ready to take our place as an OEM.”

AMA’s women motorcycling event scheduled for August

Thousands of women riders will celebrate their love of all things motorcycle at the fifth American Motorcyclist Association International Women & Motorcycling Conference, Aug. 19-22, in the resort town of Keystone, Colo., just 90 miles west of Denver.
The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference focuses on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling, according to AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa.
“This event represents the best of both worlds for women motorcyclists,” said Tsujikawa. “We will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women riders. And through seminars, activities and classes, we’ll gain the knowledge and skills to ride where the road or trail leads next.”
The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is well timed. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now account for 12.6 percent of all motorcycle and scooter riders, a 29 percent increase since 2003.
As the number of women motorcyclists has risen, so has attendance at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The last conference, which was held in Georgia in 2006, drew more than 1,100 participants. The AMA anticipates that number will double at the 2009 event, which will feature prominent women riders, racers and industry leaders.
Sign up for conference email alerts by e-mailing the AMA at info@womenandmotorcycling.com.

Aprilia USA announces 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike team

Aprilia USA, the North American importer and distributor of Aprilia sport bikes, announces the debut of an all-new factory-sponsored road racing team in the new 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike class, part of the 2009 AMA Superbike Championship series.
The Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies team will be managed exclusively by KWS?Motorsports and will compete on the Aprilia RSV 1000R. psb