Blog.GuidoEbert.com

Freddie Spencer’s World Championship Bikes 4 Sale

Guido — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Unbelievable - Freddie Spencer’s 1983 Honda NS500 World Championship bike and 1985 Honda NSR250 World Championship bike are for sale.

Spencer won the 1983 500cc World Championship aboard the NS500 and won the 1985 250cc World Championship aboard the NSR250.

Although located in the U.S., the bikes are being sold by exotic motorcycle outlet RMD Motors in Tsukuba City, Japan. Both bikes were built by Honda Racing Corp. (HRC). There are duplicates of each model, but both are housed in the Honda Museum in Japan.

Spencer rode this particular NS500 at Monza, Anderstop and Imola. As for the NSR250: “This is the actual bike I wrapped up the 250 championship with a fourth place finish at Silverstone,” Spencer says. “Four out of my seven wins were on this bike that legendary ’85 season.”

The bikes are to be sold as a pair only. Learn more HERE.

BMW Experiences Sales Increase

Guido — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:09:00 GMT

BMW delivered 5,485 motorcycles worldwide in February, up 24.6 percent compared to deliveries of 4,401 units in Feb. 2009.

The OEM delivered 9,299 motorcycles during the first two months of the year, up 14.4 percent compared to 8,132 units during the same two-month period last year.

BMW says the revised R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure and R1200 RT, as well as the S 1000 RR, contributed to the growth.

U.K. Trumps U.S. in Cycle Safety Advertising

Guido — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:31:00 GMT

Hey, Motorcycle Industry Council – representative of major motorcycle manufacturers in the U.S. – what about offering TV ad time like THIS?

Yamaha Builds 9 Million Outboard Motors

Guido — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:16:00 GMT

Yamaha’s cumulative production of outboard boat motors has reached the 9 million-unit mark.

Yamaha outboard motors are manufactured at two factories in Japan and at MBK Industrie in France.

The OEM’s outboard motor production began in 1960 with its first outboard model, the P7 (7 hp), and total production reached the milestone of 5 million units in March 1996. Total production reached 8 million units in October 2006. The next million units of production to reach the 9 million mark were achieved in the three years and four months since.

Outboard motors make up more than 90 percent of the marine engines manufactured by Yamaha.  The company’s 4-stroke lineup ranges from 2 to 350 hp and its 2-strokes range from 2 to 300 hp.

Honda to Open Second Cycle Plant in India

Guido — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:45:00 GMT

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Pvt.) Ltd. (HMSI), Honda’s motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in India, plans to build a second motorcycle production plant in India to meet increasing demand in the country’s rapidly growing motorcycle market.

The new facility is scheduled to become operational in the latter half of 2011 with annual production capacity of 600,000 units. Further, HMSI is expanding annual production capacity of its existing plant from the current 1.25 million units to 1.55 million units, with a further expansion to 1.6 million units already scheduled for next year. As a result, HMSI’s total annual production capacity will be 2.2 million units when the second plant becomes operational.

India represents the world’s second largest motorcycle market behind only China, and industry-wide motorcycle sales in India for 2009 reached 8.78 million units, up 19 percent compared to 2008. The 100-110cc market segment accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total motorcycle market.

Founded in 1999, HMSI operates through 725 dealerships.

ATVs 'Still Growing' in Deutschland

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:54:00 GMT

Earlier today I posted a piece about Germany’s two-wheeler industry seeking the assistance of lawmakers. Evidently, judging by a response from Immo Dubies of Germany’s ATV&Quad magazine, the same isn’t true for the all-terrain vehicle sector.

“ATVs are a very tiny niche and a very young one as well,” Dubies says. “Sales (in 2009) decreased less than 10 percent – most of this concerned Chinese producers who have increasing problems: They are not any longer able to offer their cheap prices so they're losing market share.

“Sales of premium brands were stable. One reason for this: The market is (so) young that the demand is still growing – especially in terms of utility applications. So I don’t worry about our niche.”

Listening Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha?

Most ATVs are street-legal in Germany. Dealers often display one or two modified units on the showfloor. Modifications tend to include suspensions that are lower and stiffer than stock, as well as large alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile tires.

Langston Fans Not to Worry

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:10:00 GMT

As most of us who were watching saw: Grant Langston suffered a serious crash aboard his J-Law Racing Yamaha YZ450F in Daytona on Saturday night that left him unconscious for two to three minutes and unable to move his legs.

Today, Grant’s sister Whitney says he is OK, but has not been cleared to race next Saturday night in Toronto.

“He has also suffered a bruised rib cage and a contusion to his right lung, causing him to cough up blood,” Whitney wrote in a note to Facebook fans. “We also think that the hard impact to his back, that caused the contusion to his lung, is the reason he was unable to move his legs at first. This is why the officials red flagged the race, he was lying on the blind landing in a high speed section and unable to move. Grant's knee is also extremely swollen. He will be going in to visit his doctor this week to see if surgery is necessary. In general, Grant is very banged-up, bruised and swollen; but our initial scare from him not moving his legs after the crash are fortunately relieved.

“On behalf of Grant and the rest of our family, we would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concerns. All the calls, texts and Facebook messages really showed Grant how truly loved he is by friends and fans alike.”

Best wishes to Langston for a speedy recovery.

Click HERE to visit Langston’s dealership website. Click HERE to watch Langston’s crash.

BMW, Yamaha Featured Videos on YouTube

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:00:00 GMT

A couple of videos featured today on YouTube:

BMW S1000RR Clears the Table … Watch Here.

Eddie Lawson & Ben Spies Talk … Watch Here.

Germany’s Cycle Industry Seeks Political Support

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:10:00 GMT

We here in the U.S. may think that motorized two-wheelers are more widely accepted in Europe than stateside. That’s not necessarily true, according to recent remarks made by a representative of Germany’s motorcycle industry trade association – an organization that has stepped up its lobbying efforts for a political atmosphere that supports and promotes mobility on two wheels.

As I previously reported, two-wheeler sales in Germany last year totaled 137,045 units, down 17.58 percent compared to 166,282 units in 2008.

“When red ink prevails in terms of turnover, the consequences are requirements for both political decision makers and the industry to create conditions and perspectives that stimulate a strengthening of the market,” says Reiner Brendicke, general executive manager of Germany’s motorcycle industry association, the Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland (IVM).

While Germany’s auto industry received billions of Euro in support from the government in 2009, the two-wheeler industry did not.

“The IVM and its members did not call for taxpayer-funded subventions, although there were existence-threatening declines in the motorcycle industry as well, not least in business and trade,” Brendicke says. “However, as a representative of the enterprises – in most cases medium-sized businesses – and of more than 30,000 employees in the motorcycle trade in Germany, we ask for a political setting that does not (only) allow but in fact supports and promotes mobility on two wheels.”

Like Motorcyclists, Bicyclists Realize Benefits of Belts

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:25:00 GMT

Evidently, bicycle riders and manufacturers are beginning to realize what the motorcycle industry has known for years: drive belts offer a number of benefits over chains.

The LA Times today published a story about a bicyclist who took part in the 24 Hours of Adrenaline Solo World Championship using a belt-drive bike in the event’s single-speed division.

“With dedicated chain rings required to match the studded belt, this Carbon Drive System from Gates, a leading motor-vehicle belt supplier … offers a number of benefits over the 150-year-old chain,” the Times article notes. “It’s lighter; doesn’t use grease; requires no maintenance; won’t break, stretch, rust or fall of; and, best of all, it offers a pronounced improvement in ‘engagement’ – the millisecond it takes for the bike to react to your pedaling forces.”

Learn more about Gates’ Carbon Drive System HERE.

Oklahoma State University to Study Cycle Crashes

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:38:00 GMT

The Federal Highway Administration plans to fund a study by Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma Transportation Center to pinpoint causes of the increasing fatality rate among motorcyclists and identify prospective interventions.

Motorcyclists are considered the highest risk motorist group, accounting for 14 percent of all fatal traffic incidents in 2008. The U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 5,290 crash deaths 96,000 injuries among motorcyclists in '08, and outlines that the traffic fatality rate for motorcycle riders has steadily increased since 1997 while other motor vehicle-related deaths declined.

Researchers plan to study commonalities among motorcycle crashes, ranging from road configurations and environmental conditions to rider experience, in assessing the reasons for the high rate of fatalities among motorcyclists.

The upcoming study is to build on the knowledge attained in earlier studies, establishing which crash causes remain of concern and which interventions undertaken in response to earlier studies have proven effective, as well as identifying new contributors to the high incidence of motorcycle crashes.

BRP Offers Ski-Doo Online Sales

Guido — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:08:00 GMT

BRP has launched an online store to sell Ski-Doo-branded parts, garments and accessories (PG&A).

Located at store.ski-doo.com, the new website allows sledders to buy genuine Ski-Doo PG&A anytime of day in just minutes and have it delivered to their doorstep anywhere in Canada and the United States. Shoppers can simply log on to the site to order with the click of a mouse and a credit card.

Online orders are fulfilled by authorized BRP/Ski-Doo dealers.

BRP says the turnkey sales tool enables dealers to rapidly acquire new customers and turn inventory quickly with minimal transaction time. BRP says it provides participating dealers with real-time sales data to see what is selling locally and nationally, enabling them to make smart purchasing decisions for product stocking.

"The site was tested over the past few months by agroup of 30 BRP/Ski-Doo dealers and the results were convincing," Sandy Scullion, VP, Riding Gear, Parts and Accessories, said in a prepared statement. "With the official launch, we offer North American consumers the convenience of shopping from home and having their orders fulfilled quickly and easily by the power of a network of more than 800 dealers.”

BRP launched the U.S. shopevinrude.com site in 2009. The OEM says it plans to extend this e-commerce solution to its other major powersports brands – Sea-Doo and Can-Am – in coming years.

"Online shopping is a growing trend and both our customers and dealers are eager for it," Scullion said.

Are you a Boss or a Leader?

Guido — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:17:00 GMT

I’ve been reading about U.S. Navy Captain Holly Graf of the USS Cowpens, who evidently enjoyed a quick trip up through the ranks until her demeanor recently got the better of her.

One retired Navy officer, commenting on Capt. Graf in the RealNavy blog, posted a thought that any person in a position of “leadership” should take to heart: “A Boss creates fear, a Leader confidence. A Boss fixes blame, a Leader corrects mistakes. A Boss knows all, a Leader asks questions. A Boss makes work drudgery, a Leader makes it interesting. A Boss is interested in himself or herself, a Leader is interested in the group.”

That seems to be a particularly poignant comment at this time in our economy, when firms that have enjoyed previous success, under different leadership, are now struggling to keep their operations in the black.

What does all this have to do with the powersports industry? My opinion: The powersports industry used to be led by enthusiasts, folks who made a living working in an industry they loved. Now, after a decade of growth attracted folks from outside of the industry to seek and attain “leadership” positions, and paychecks garnered on the backs of knowledgeable powersports industry professionals, we’re seeing many long-time, successful brands perish under what can be described as a “boss” mentality.

Fly Scout to Compete Against SYM SYMBA

Guido — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:02:00 GMT

While the Honda Super Cub is the best-selling motorized two-wheeler in the world, it’s not sold here in the U.S.

To satisfy folks desiring a bike with the same look as the Honda, SYM USA began importing its SYMBA in 2008.

But the SYMBA is about to get some competition: the 110cc Fly Scout, available in mid to late April.

Polaris Shares $10 Million with Employees

Guido — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:56:00 GMT

Polaris Industries Inc. is continuing a 28-year annual tradition of profit-sharing with its employees and today distributed nearly $10 million of its profits from the 2009 calendar year among approximately 2,200 hourly and non-salaried Polaris employees.

On average, each of these employees will receive nearly 15 percent of their annual pay base. In addition, Polaris will distribute profit-sharing payments to each of its full-time salaried employees today as well.

"Profit-sharing is something that is very important and fundamental to the culture at Polaris," said Scott Wine, Chief Executive Officer. "We understand that Polaris' success is built on a foundation of dedication, innovation, and hard work from our employees. To acknowledge and reward that extra effort is something we are proud to continue."

Polaris began sharing its profits with employees in 1982. Since its inception, Polaris' profit-sharing program has shared over $200 million with its hourly and non-salaried employees.

Cheers to 2-Stroke Buzz

Guido — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:44:00 GMT

Cheers to 2-Stroke Buzz for furthering my blog. Bryan Bedell has been a long-time scooter enthusiast and scribe. I appreciate his coverage of my scribbling.

Also check out the other posts from a while back:

http://www.scooterridersnow.com/PublicFiles/printerarticle.asp?ArticleID=833

http://www.scooterunderground.ca/products/gas/KYMCO_about.htm

'RIng Sport

Guido — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:26:00 GMT

My family comes from Germany. To be exact, much of the family comes from the Eifel mountains surrounding the Nuerburgring race track.

My love for bikes stems from my love for cars, which stems from my love for the Eifel. Check out a video clip HERE.

Scooterists, Suppliers Preparing for Amerivespa

Guido — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:15:00 GMT

Amerivespa, arguably the largest assembly of scooterists in the U.S., is scheduled to take place May 27-31 in San Antonio, Texas.

Thursday, May 27

Registration, two rides, meet & greet, an outdoor viewing of Roman Holiday, and live music at various venues around town.

Friday, May 28

Registration, two daytime rides, an evening ride with BBQ, an art exhibit and live music.

Saturday, May 29

Registration, Concours d’Elegance, a Miss Vespa Style contest, tech sessions, a Vespa Club of America membership meeting, the annual Amerivespa banquet and live music.

Sunday, May 30

Brunch, a river barge ride, a gymkhana, raffle and two rides.

Monday, May 31

An organized ride to Austin.

Amerivespa sponsors include Vespa Club USA, Vespa Alamo Heights, Vespa Austin, Piaggio, KYMCO USA, Corazzo, Scooter Girls, The Motorcycle Shop in Austin, Kenda, Moto Scootique, Xena Security, Scoot! Magazine, Urban Moto, Foremost Insurance and others.

San Antonio’s El Tropicano Hotel serves as the event’s official hotel. Learn more at Amerivespa.com.

Oh, BTW, it looks like I will be in attendance. I’ll keep you updated on where you’ll be able to find me.

Can-Am Sponsors GNCC for Another 3 Years

Guido — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:07:00 GMT

Can-Am is doling out further funds to serve as title sponsor of the 13-stop Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) series for another three years after serving as sponsor for the previous three years.

"Our relationship with GNCC racing is quite important for BRP," says Yves Leduc, vice president and general manager, North American division.

“Can-Am sponsorship enables us to continue to invest in our series,” says Jeff Russell, GNCC Trail Boss.

Can-Am also will continue to support RacerTV.

“Without Can-Am, it would be nearly impossible to get the series on a network of caliber like VERSUS and into over 50 million homes across the U.S.” says Jason Hooper, producer of RacerTV.

Can-Am is a brand of Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which also does business via Ski-Doo & Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo personal watercraft and boats, Evinrude & Johnson boat engines, and Rotax motorcycle and kart engines.

Manheim Experiences Sales Growth on Pre-Owned Bikes

Guido — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:34:00 GMT

Judging from Manheim Specialty Auctions’ sales growth of over 44 percent in 2009, quality pre-owned motorcycles continue to be a hot commodity.

The trend was evident Feb. 2-3, when more than 400 dealers wanting to spruce up their used inventory in time for the spring selling season attended a sale at Manheim’s newly expanded 40,000 sq. ft. powersports facility in Indianapolis.

With nearly 500 late-model motorcycles for sale, including popular models from Harley-Davidson Financial Services, the dealer attendees had plenty of quality machines to choose from, both in-lane and online through Manheim Simulcast.

Manheim operates from 12 powersports auction locations around the country, as well as online during special online sales events, including the popular Thursday Thunder sales.

Manheim team members Paula Roeschlein and Rich Hardin review the Harley-Davidson Financial Services inventory prior to the auction. The auction in Indy successfully found new homes for all of the 168 H-D motorcycles offered.