Features

Jul. 12, 2010 – Motorcycle Digest

New motorcycle exports into U.S. fall drastically

The number of new motorcycles being brought into the United States by major manufacturers fell again in April, but less sharply than in preceding months.
The latest monthly report by metric manufacturers shows new bike exports into the United States falling by 21.2 percent compared to the prior-year month. That April data is included in a report from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), which includes Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
The U.S. export number totaled 4,909 units in April, but the decline wasn’t nearly as steep as in March, when metric exports into the U.S. fell 71 percent, or February, when JAMA reported a 62 percent decrease from the year-ago month.

Previous export-only H-D model coming to U.S.

Introduced in 2010 for export markets only, the XR1200X will be available through Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States as a 2011 model, reported Harley-Davidson.
Equipped with fully adjustable Showa front and rear suspension components, the 2011 XR1200X can be dialed in to match rider weight, riding style and road conditions. The XR1200X combines this suspension with enhanced front brakes and a high-compression, 1200cc Evolution V-twin engine.

BMW’s worldwide sales increase substantially in May

BMW’s worldwide May motorcycle sales jumped by a double-digit percentage, the company announced.
BMW’s worldwide sales totaled 12,139 units, an increase of 19 percent compared to a year ago.
The company’s year-to-date sales also remain far above last year’s pace. This year, BMW has sold 45,431 units, a nearly 21 percent sales growth.
BMW said its R 1200 GS/GS Adventure model with the new Boxer engine remains its best-selling product, with 3,705 deliveries in May.
The company said sales of its first supersport bike, the S 1000 RR, continue to perform well as 5,236 units (1,345 in May) have been delivered to customers worldwide this year through May.

Tomberlin Group/Schwinn Scooters adds sales member

Powersports manufacturer Tomberlin Group, which includes the Schwinn scooter line, hired Michael Bukolt as its new district sales manager, the company reported in a press release.
Bukolt will manage the Northeast territory for both the motorsports and automotive groups. He has more than 20 years of motorsports sales experience, including district sales manager for Suzuki and most recently a regional sales manager for Piaggio.
“We are very excited to welcome Michael to the Tomberlin Team,” said Ed Buckle, team leader of the motorsports group. “Michael brings the valued experience, professionalism and the overall commitment to excellence that we expect from all of our employees. Michael will be a great addition to our company as we continue to grow.”
The company also revealed the first Tomberlin-designed Schwinn scooters with the 2011 Newport 150 and Hope 150 models.
“We recognize that the strength of the Schwinn brand is through its heritage of quality,” Buckle said in a company press release. “Our goal was to build the highest quality scooter in the marketplace, and I believe we have accomplished this and will continue the Schwinn tradition with these two models.”

About 1,200 Can-Am Roadster Spyders recalled

Due to a glitch with the clutch, BRP is recalling about 1,200 MY 2010 Can-Am Roadster Spyders, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Roadster Spyder RS SE5 2nd series and Roadster Spyder RT SE5 have the SE5 semi-automatic transmission. With that engine, when bringing the vehicle to a full stop, the clutch may remain engaged, stalling the engine. Once the engine is stalled, it could be impossible to restart and the rear wheel could be blocked, stated the NHTSA.

World Ducati Week 2010 sees record attendance

World Ducati Week, the massive event that unites and excites the Ducati community, has wrapped up after four days with a record-breaking attendance of 60,000 motorcyclists.
Held at the Misano World Circuit, the celebration — entitled the “Red Planet Returns” — took place June 10-13 and become one of the best ever in the event’s history. While Italian Ducatisti made up 60 percent of the total attendance at WDW2010, the remaining Ducati fans and attendees traveled from 28 nations and five continents. Owners from Europe, America, Australia, Russia and India united with those from Brazil, China, Malaysia and even Gabon and Nepal to celebrate their passion for the Ducati brand.
The event peaked on June 12 with a knock-out drag race competition, featuring Ducati MotoGP and Superbike riders aboard the Ducati Streetfighter S.
The packed four-day program provided both entertainment and interaction for the 60,000 visitors, including events on the track and courses in the “Ducati University” presented by Ducati engineers, riders and managers from the Italian manufacturer. While the Italian Air Force helicopter aerobatics display provided an incredible show in the air, stunt shows, vintage bike shows, motocross freestyle displays, dragsters and race track demonstrations by the Ducati Xerox Team provided the same on the ground. psb

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