HOT NEWS – September 8, 2003

BMW of North America says it plans to formally recall 1,397 of its R1150 GS
Adventure motorcycle, manufactured between December 2001 and March this year, because of possible brake hose problems which could result in fluid leaks.
BMWNA’s Roy Oliemuller told Powersports Business the bikes in question may suffer from one of two ailments: 1)a rear brake hose unable to conform to the long travel of the swingarm, or 2)a reverse-assembled rear brake hose .
“We are currently working with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in preparing a letter to U.S. customers,” Oliemuller said, “and we believe that notifications will be mailed out in September.
“It’ll involve a two-fold inspection of the rear brake line. One part of the initial inspection is to replace the brake line with a brake line of different material. Another is that some brake lines were replaced in the factory, but replaced reverse of what they were supposed to be.”
Oliemuller said BMW had received no reports of incidents involving rear brake failure.
Berroth Leaving FMF
Bill Berroth says he plans to resign as FMF’s director of sales and marketing this month. A 30-year veteran of the industry, Berroth spent the past four years at FMF.
“Between FMF and a few other companies I’m involved with, it seems like I have three full time jobs,” Berroth told Powersports Business. “So, I just decided to do less. It has nothing to do with FMF in any way at all, but just a decision I made for a lifestyle change.”
Berroth says he’s planning to do some consulting work for FMF. “I’m going to do my best to make sure that it’s an easy transition for them.” Berroth also is one of the principles in Motonation, taking care of overall marketing and administration, and can be reached at the Sidi boot distributor 858/513-6280 after Sept. 1.
FMF Racing can be reached at 310/631-4363. For sales related questions, contact FMF National Sales Manager Doug Muellner; for marketing related questions, contact FMF Director of Operations Brion McHale.
Plessner Returns to KMC
Jan Plessner has rejoined Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A (KMC), Irvine, Calif., as media relations manager. She’ll be responsible for all of the company’s editorial media communications for the brand’s key product categories — motorcycles, ATVs, MULE utility vehicles, and JET SKI watercraft. Most recently, Plessner served as senior manager, media relations, for the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America’s Discover Today’s All-Terrain Vehicles program.
MIC Welcomes Members
The Motorcycle Industry Council said 14 members joined the organization in May and June 2003. Membership now stands at 301 companies.
New members include: American Reliable Insurance Co.; Bell Powersports; Castle Relationship Marketing, Inc.; Doner Advertising; Empire Sales and Marketing, Inc.; ErgoMoto; Fieldsheer Motorsports; Great American Motorcycle Experience; Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst; John Deere Co.; Qvale Motorcycles USA; RPM One; U.S. Bankcorp Piper Jaffray; and VDM Specialists USA.
Rodney Mall Leaving K&N
Rodney Mall says he is leaving his position as president and CEO of K&N Engineering, Riverside, Calif., to pursue other interests. Rodney, the son of K&N owner Jerry Mall, spent the past five years at K&N following a stint in the construction industry. Chief Financial Officer Steve Rogers, an eight-year veteran at K&N, has been named Rodney’s successor.
“Racing is one of my passions —and has been for a number of years,” Rodney Mall said in a prepared statement. “Though I haven’t decided what I will do next, I’m looking at all of my options and weighing them carefully. Being a professional race driver is certainly among them.”
Big Dog Growing
Big Dog Motorcycles, LCC, Wichita, Kan., says it logged sales of $39.4 million for the first six months of 2003, a 72% increase over sales of $22.9 million during the same period 2002. The closely-held company says motorcycle sales increased 71%, and says it experienced “promising” growth in accessories, parts and clothing. The firm currently employs 263 people, up 43% from 184 employees a year ago.