INDUSTRY INFOBITES

J.D. Power rePorts PowersPorts Hits Historical HigH

In the Q2 2021 Powersports Market Insights, analysts from J.D. Power Specialty Valuation Services (formerly NADAguides) forecast the market will continue to favor sellers as long as parts shortages limit production and consumers have money to spend. This dynamic is anticipated to last through the peak season and, at least, into the fourth quarter of 2021.

“New bikes and side-by-sides remain hard to find, and buyers are paying historically high levels for vehicles that come on the market,” said Lenny Sims, vice president of business development and strategy at J.D. Power Specialty Valuation Services. “Motorcycle pricing in the first half of 2021 is significantly outpacing the same time period last year. The most recent 10 model years of sportbike values are averaging 13.6% higher and cruisers are averaging 11.4% higher. Side-by-sides continue widening the gap from a year ago, with utility models bringing 24.5% more revenue year over year, and sport models bringing in 17.9% more.”

rigHt to rePair Makes HeaDway

Consumers may soon have more choice over where to take products, from vehicles to smartphones, to be repaired following a new Biden Administration executive order intended to promote right-to-repair protections.

In a broad-ranging executive order aimed at increasing competition in the marketplace, President Biden has asked the Federal Trade Commission to draft regulations that would prevent manufacturers from stipulating that these and other devices can be repaired only by authorized personnel.

Tucked into the executive order that covered 72 initiatives to promote competition in the U.S. economy, Biden specifically asked the FTC to crack down on “unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items.”

The new directive to the FTC comes a couple of months after the commission delivered a 54-page report to Congress that concluded “there is scant evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions.”

The order is a significant win for the right to repair advocates who have long championed a consumer’s choice to have their technology fixed either by third parties or on their own, rather than solely by the manufacturer. Right to repair argues that anyone should have access to the OEM parts, manuals, and software needed to perform those repairs.

BMw MotorraD anD MarsHall announce PartnersHiP

BMW Motorrad says it has long been engaged in development work on its motorcycle sound systems. With its now agreed long-term partnership with world-renowned British company – Marshall Amplification – the innovation and quality of BMW Motorrad sound systems are set to reach new levels. (“These go to 11” – Spinal Tap)

For 60 years, Marshall, originally from Hanwell, London, now based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes (UK), has produced legendary guitar amplifiers used by the world’s best musicians. Since 2012 they have expanded their audio quality into awardwinning headphones and active speakers designed for music lovers.

The legendary Marshall spirit and the development power of BMW Motorrad will in the future be reflected in new innovative products for motorcycles and music, especially in the BMW Motorrad Heritage segment, according to the company.

carDo anD HarMan continueD tHeir teaM uP Cardo Systems has announced it has extended their cooperation with HARMAN to continue setting the benchmark for premium audio quality

for motorcycle communications systems. The broader collaboration between Cardo Systems and HARMAN will include new integrated JBL produced and branded speakers to users of Cardo’s units world-wide. Through extensive market research, the team at Cardo Systems learned that aside from performance and ease of use; sound quality is one of the most important features to a customer. Constantly pushing to innovate and develop, Cardo Systems introduced premium integrated audio solution through its PACKTALK and Freecom products that are powered by JBL.

The Sound by JBL agreement comes on top of Cardo’s leading Dynamic Mesh Communication intercom technology in its PACKTALK units, and natural voice operation available in its Packtalk and Freecom 4+ units. The collaboration between both brands will continue to benefit users who are wanting to experience premium sound quality for their ride with JBL speakers featured in future Cardo Systems products.

Mic “riDe witH us’ initiative Moves ForwarD

“Ride With Us” -- the powersports industry’s multifaceted market expansion program -- has been officially launched by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).

“In late 2019 at MIC’s Communication Symposium, we shared the MIC’s vision for growing ridership – more riders, riding more,” said Paul Vitrano, chairman of the MIC Board of Directors and senior vice president/senior assistant general counsel of Polaris, in the announcement. “We were excited to begin operationalizing the plan in early 2020, but the pandemic caused us to pause and refocus our efforts on helping powersports businesses remain open.”

“While we were navigating the coronavirus, we also were working hard to prepare for the post-pandemic environment,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the MIC. “Our preparation included a number of initiatives tied to each phase of the new rider journey -- Inspire, Explore, Engage, and Integrate -- as well supporting new-rider education initiatives.”

The MIC is leading a task force composed of industry-leading marketing talent to help develop the program. As a part of the ‘Ride With Us’ program, the MIC is also delivering new 45-minute first-ride experiences for people who have never ridden a motorcycle before.

triuMPH enters tHe Motorcross anD enDuro worlDs

Triumph Motorcycles is excited to announce that development is well underway on a comprehensive range of all-new competition Motocross and Enduro motorcycles. Joining their class-leading and globally renowned motorcycle range, this all-new competition MX and Enduro (Dual Sport) family will bring all of Triumph’s engineering expertise to riders and racers worldwide.

This will be accompanied by a landmark moment for Triumph and the MX and Enduro racing world with an all-new Triumph factory race program and a commitment to top-tier championship racing in both Motocross and Enduro series.

Coming hand-in-hand with this commitment to race and win at the highest level in the sport, Triumph is proud to announce that global Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-times Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes have joined the Triumph family as active partners in both bike testing and preparation for racing. ,