Feb. 9, 2009 – Motorcycle Digest

Honda unveils a motorcycle with ‘chopper essence’

American Honda recently introduced a motorcycle at the New York International Motorcycle Show with a distinct look: the 2010 Fury.
The company said the bike features a “chopper essence” with the longest wheelbase ever for a production Honda motorcycle.
The Fury will feature a low seat height, a single-shock rear suspension, an extra-wide 200-series rear tire and 1312cc v-twin engine.
The Fury will be available in the following colors: Dark Red Metallic, Metallic Silver, Ultra Blue Metallic, Black, Matte Silver Metallic (2010 special color—limited production).

Kawasaki to stop competing in MotoGP-class races

Kawasaki Heavy Industries will stop competing in MotoGP-class motorcycle races in 2009, reported the company.
It cost the company about $44.8 million annually to participate in the races. The company says whether it will return to the races depends on the business climate.

Harley shows off low-price point offering, Iron 883

Harley-Davidson unveiled its latest Dark Custom motorcycle, the Iron 883 model.
Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Iron 883 has an 883 Evolution engine backed up by a combo of old-school garage features, like front fork gaiters, drag-style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. MSRP is $7,899.
“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson’s chief marketing officer, said in a press release.
“It’s got old-school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”
The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.
A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.

BMW nearly matches last year’s sales record

With a successful late push, BMW nearly equaled its record-breaking mark for new motorcycle sales.
The German manufacturer wound up selling 101,685 motorcycles worldwide, a decrease of less than 1 percent compared to 2007.
In December, BMW’s worldwide motorcycle sales increased by more than 9 percent to 7,457 units.
Information on BMW’s North American motorcycle market was not available.

Victory Motorcycles shows off a concept bike at IMS

Victory Motorcycles unveiled the CORE, a concept motorcycle created by the Victory Industrial Design Team at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City.
Victory described the CORE as “the raw essence of a motorcycle: engine, frame, wheels. There’s no bodywork, nothing extra. Just raw performance and style like you’ve never seen before.”

Ducati motor announces technology partner

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing firm, announced it has become a technology partner of Ducati Motor Holding.
TCS has signed a multi-year agreement with Ducati to deliver technology-based services that will help improve customer responsiveness and business efficiency. Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio went to India to kick-start the relationship.
TCS will work with KPMG Advisory Italy to drive quantum improvements in supply chain management, especially in the areas of forecasts, inventory levels and optimized production plans and overall reduced logistics costs.
Del Torchio said “we believe that TCS is the right partner to help us set up a strong company platform that will help us reach the next level in terms of company competitiveness improving the process and organization efficiency.”

Annual Hall of Fame breakfast to feature renowned racers

Racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen will be the guests of honor at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast on Friday, March 6, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
The flat track champions will share stories with celebrated Harley-Davidson tuner Bill Werner, whose skills helped Parker and Springsteen to a number of their AMA Grand National Championships.
The Museum breakfast, a Daytona Bike Week tradition, allows attendees to mix and mingle with motorcycling’s biggest names, as well as receive rare inside look at their lives and careers. The event is open to the public and tickets are $49 per person. All proceeds support the nonprofit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and its mission of telling the exciting stories and preserving the history of American motorcycling.
Sponsorships are also available for the event, and all proceeds benefit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. To make reservations or learn about event sponsorship opportunities, contact the museum at 614/856-2222 or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Harley-Davidson develops mentoring tool for riders

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has developed a tool it hopes will lead to more mentoring among bike riders.
The company recently showed off “Share your spark: A guide to mentoring,” which includes a DVD showcasing tips on how to become or find a mentor, stories from successful mentoring experiences and a planning and reflection guide.
“The mentoring experiences is empowering for both parties involved,” Leslie Prevish, Harley-Davidson’s market outreach manager, said in a press release.
Although the new mentoring program is not just for women, Prevish notes the company’s research shows many women have expressed their desire to find a mentor.
For more info about “Share Your Spark,” go to www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders.

Buell announces 2009 racing contingency program

Buell Motorcycle Co. announced its 2009 Racer Appreciation Contingency Effort (RACE) with more than $1 million in cash contingencies posted for Buell racers competing aboard liquid-cooled 1125R and air-cooled XBRR and XB model motorcycles.
“Supporting grassroots racing is very important to Buell Motorcycles and to me personally, as I know the commitment it takes for a privateer racer to pursue that dream,” Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer of Buell Motorcycle Co., said in a press release. “We’re very proud of our dealer teams and privateer racers and we’re pleased to support their efforts in any way we can, including through the Buell Racer Appreciation Contingency Effort. We will also continue to support our racers through Buell’s trackside technical and parts support at select national events in 2009.”
The 2009 Buell contingency program rewards Buell racers competing on 2008-2009 model 1125R motorcycles as well as 2003-and-newer XB and XBRR model motorcycles.
Complete details of the 2009 Buell contingency program are available at www.buell.com in the Racing Support Section. PSB