Issue #7 July 2023

TRIUMPHANT GLOBAL LAUNCH

TRIUMPHANT GLOBAL LAUNCH

Tasty Tandem Trotted Out For The World

WHAT THEY SAID

WHAT THEY SAID

Dealers Weigh In

On Lightweight

400s

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE?

Dr. Paul Leinberger Says...

WORLD’S LUCKIEST MAN

Bob Althoff Counting On Summer Of Love

EDITOR’S NOTE

Robin Hartfiel On You Are Going To Want To See This...

LETTERS+

The Industry On Dealernews 2.0 Anniversary

NEWS+

Ducati Does It Again, Malcolm Smith Motorsports Celebrates, AIMExpo Registrations Open

SHIFTING GEARS+

Personnel Postings, Courtesy Of MIJ

DEALER PROFILE:

Triumph’s Top Dealers

OEM UPDATE+

Tasty Tandem Of Triumphs Trotted Out

WHAT THEY SAID

Triumph Dealers Weigh In On 400s

TWO MORE FROM TRIUMPH Cervantes Sets Record, Shows Off Aragon Replica

INDUSTRY RESEARCH+

Dr. Paul Leinberger On Consumer Confidence?

INDUSTRY RESEARCH+

Pied Piper Calling!

INDUSTRY RESEARCH+

Lenny Sims On Powersports Q2 Update

INDUSTRY RESEARCH+

Jim Woodruff On NPA June AWP In Review

eDEALERNEWS

Triumph’s TE-1 Wraps… For Now

CURRENTS+

Breaking News From Berlin, Energica Leads Charge Against ICE

NPDA DEALER NEWS

Veteran Dealer John Leach Joins Board

NPDA MEETING MINUTES

Strength In Numbers, Harley Dealers Wanted

NPDA PARTNER PROFILE

ZiiDMS Inventory Controls

MIC RIDE REPORT

What Does MIC Do For Dealers?

PERSONNEL FILES+

Alex Baylon On Field Of Dreams

ADVOCACY+

Don Amador On The Mountains Are Calling

ADVOCACY+ MSF CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Cory Eastman On The Motorcycle Safety Foundation

CONFESSIONS OF A CUSTOMER

Eric Anderson On Servicing The Second Sale

GEAR+

River Road Returns

PRESS PASS+

Bike Shed Phenomenon

PRESS PASS+

European Vacation

VALE+

Ave Atque Vale Paul Peter Starr

AD INDEX

This issue Brought To You By…

BACKFIRE

Brandon Procupek On Lead, Follow Or Get Out Of The way!

OUR TEAM

EDITORIAL

Robin Hartfiel Editor/Publisher

Bob Althoff World’s Luckiest Man

Gus Stewart Creative Director

Brenda Stiehl Production Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Don Musick Genesys Technology Solutions

Dr. Paul Leinberger

Eric Anderson Vroom Network

Jim Woodruff National Powersport Auctions

Mark Rodgers Performance Consulting

Lenny Sims NADA Appraisal Guides

Scot Harden AMA Hall Of Fame/Harden Offroad

Hector Cademartori Illustrations

William Douglas Little Unique Powersports

Charlie Williams Off Road Editor

Marq Smith Holeshot Motorsports, Canada

Alisa Clickenger Women’s Motorcycle Tours

Don Amador Quiet Warrior Racing

Joe Bonnello Joe B Photography

Uncle Paul Wunsch Love Cycles

The Anonymous Dealer

ADVERTISING

Robin Hartfiel Publisher (949) 489-4306 robinhartfiel@gmail.com

Blake Foulds Account Executive (760) 715-3045

blakefoulds@dealernews.com

Brenda Stiehl Production Manager brendastiehl@dealernews.com

John Murphy Publishing Consultant johnmurphydn@gmail.com

Dealernews Magazine 3250 Knoll Dr. Columbus, OH 43230 www.dealernews.com © Copyright 2023

World’s Luckiest Man

By Bob Althoff

THE SUMMER OF LOVE

Ijust returned from L. A. where my family helped me celebrate my 75 trips around the sun. I thought I knew how to love… Then grandchildren arrived and with them, a whole new dimension of love! I’m not sure what I enjoyed more: getting all those hugs and affection from 18 kids and grands... or watching them share the same among themselves.

Yesterday, Valerie and I celebrated 50 years since our first date. There are lots of reasons I am the World’s Luckiest Man, but she will always be at the top of the list!

Speaking of summer loves, Sturgis is almost here, and the team making of a movie about Iron Lilly Farrow, the woman who co-founded my dealership as a 20-year-old in 1912, will be prominent at the Buffalo Chip and all around town. I’ll admit I love to tell Lilly’s story, but a major motion picture will tell it the way it deserves to be told…. and told in a way that will uplift and inspire our entire industry. Learn more at: www.ironlilly.com

Things are humming along at the newly formed National Powersports Dealer Association as well. By the time you read this, we will have Member Dealers from all 50 states. Better still, we are on track for 500 Members by year end. I love the wisdom and passion of our Board as they advocate for their fellow Dealers. Massive amounts of effort are being made to put our industry back on track. The ultimate goal being:

“Dealers being sustainably profitable and exceeding the expectations of a growing customer base.”

If you are not a Member or Supporting Partner, I urge you to join. See more at: www.npda.org

Dealernews is in a unique position in that it is not so much about the love of riding we all share; rather, it is about how all of us care about the business that supports and will sustain our sport. I love what Robin and his team do to be the glue that holds this industry together.

The legacy that you — and each of us individually and collectively — leave is indeed a labor of love.

Editor’s Note

By Robin Hartfiel

YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO SEE THIS…

Stop me if you have heard this before. Some 40 odd years ago, the pundits were telling us there was no such thing as a bad motorcycle! Technology, manufacturing expertise and dealer support meant every rider had access to the thrill of powersports. Even the aftermarket was onboard; “There is no such thing as bad riding weather, only bad gear” still stands out in my faltering memory.

Yet here we are! Technology has taken us to ride-bywire, TFT displays connect us to the entertainment world (as if riding wasn’t entertaining enough?). Traction control and ABS have transitioned from MotoGP tracks to lightweight commuter bikes, fit and finish has never been better… there really is no such thing as a bad bike now, right? Even the Hayabusa cruise missile for the streets is celebrating 25 years of ne plus ultra performance. The trick is to expand the market and have more folks RideWithUs rather than push the boundaries of motorcycle manufacturing and performance to ludicrous speed.

Not to sound like that jaded old guy at the back of the room (being a bitter little man is reserved for my esteemed colleague John Burns), but I have seen much of this movie before. So when Triumph Motorcycles GM Rod Lopunsak said, “you are going to want to see this one” I perked up. Rod had transitioned from his family’s dealership and was working his way up

the OEM corporate ladder during the same time as I was transitioning from being a crash test dummy for consumer magazines and focusing on the trade side of things with my first stint in the saddle at Dealernews. As the industry itself transitioned from motorcycles and ATCs to quads and “powersports” products, Rod and I shared some pretty cool riding adventures on what were then game-changing machines.

In addition to his OEM position, Rod also spent some time with the AMA and a major aftermarket distributor (all the while remembering his dealership roots). His perspective is well grounded as well as diverse as anyone I know in this business. “You are going to want to pull rank and cover this one yourself,” he nudged me at an MIC Board meeting. “And it will be in England.”

Sold! The last time I had the opportunity to tour Triumph’s factory in the English Midlands was when industrialist John Bloor had decided the time was right for the storied brand to return to the U.S. and a handful of ugly Americans were invited to see what was coming from the reborn company. We also toured the NEC museum and saw legendary machines from Triumph’s past like Slippery Sam… sadly the Museum and the factory both burned down. Worse, all my film from the event was lost at La Guardia… all I had was half a roll in the camera. So a chance to see London, and experience the new Triumph Experience Center/Factory in Hinckley saw me headed to Old Blighty just before Treason Day… um, the 4th of July holiday for us wayward colonists.

Rod was right! Yes the Triumph technology teamed with Bajaj’s mass market manufacturing capabilities is a tour de force for the new 400s, but the bigger story is what this means for the global motorcycle market. In the first 10 days after the London debut, Bajaj booked 10,000 bikes! Triumph made plans to add 100 dealerships in India by 2024 (on top of the 660+ existing Bajaj dealers). A single platform is anchoring an entire dealer network in the largest motorcycle market in the world!

But will it play in Peoria? I surveyed a dozen of my Triumph Dealer friends when I got back from the London launch, and all of them said the 400cc single is the proverbial game-changer Triumph is touting it to be. From the Pocono mountains, to the flat expanse of Florida; urban dealers and my buddies at Baxter in the Iowa cornfields can’t wait for this bike to make it to the U.S.

Even if you are not a Triumph dealer, you are going to want to see this…

Former Editor-in-Chief and publisher of Dealernews circa 1990-2003, Robin returns to the magazine. In addition to having been instrumental in creating the Dealernews Top 100 program (still the industry’s ultimate accolade for a motorcycle dealership), Hartfiel has worked for most of the B2B publications in the Powersports arena. Prior to the trade side, he worked as a beat reporter for a local newspaper and was an editor of publications ranging from All About Beer to VW Trends.

DEALERNEWS 2.0 ANNIVERSARY

Eight years ago Advanstar accepted my Term Sheet to purchase Dealernews. Since then, Dealernews (our team of contributors, columnists and believers) has done its job — acting as the glue in our industry; informing; inspiring; and, at times, perhaps infuriating some.

Robin’s leadership, his love for our sport and unwavering support of Dealers, has earned him a unique position in powersports. It also earns him my thanks for all of that and his friendship.

As we look forward to another year, as always, there are challenges everywhere. But our job, collectively, is to point the way forward; to try to see around corners; to visualize a brighter future. Doing so takes your observational skills; your writing skills and your courage.

Leadership is like that.

In thanking you, I would be remiss in not reminding you Dealernews must fight for the businesses, the jobs, of course. But it is the fun, freedoms and fundraising that millions of our customers enjoy. It is the inclusiveness of our community. It is the way hard-working families recreate; play together; stay together.

Our work is so very vital. None of us is in it for the financial rewards. It is our passion for this lifestyle that must resonate. Be bold. Make sure that what we love, lasts. Lead this industry to all that it deserves!

Bob Althoff World’s Luckiest Man

Bob Althoff sent this note to the Dealernews team on the eve of celebrating our coming out party at AIMExpo this year, but Dealernews

2.0 actually launched in July after the principals agreed to get the band back together for one more tour.

THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER

Thank you Bob. Well said. It’s great to be part of a real team again!

Eric Anderson Confessions Of A CustomerTM

ILLUSTRATING BOB’S POINT

When I moved to the US in 1983 from Argentina to see if I could make a living as a motor sports artist, the motorcycle industry gave me the firsts assignments and its members the encouragement I needed to keep going. Since then, I made a living as a motor sports artist, stayed involved in our industry and met the most wonderful group of people, including all of you at Dealernews. I’ll be forever grateful.

Having said that, comes to mind the ineffable Groucho Marx’s quote: “I wouldn’t want to join a club that would have me as a member”, or something along these lines.

Hector

Cademartori

MOTOR RACING ART hectorcademartori.com

AGREED

Agreed! We’re blessed to be in the midst of greatness and I know we’re all committed to the industry we love.

Jim Woodruff, CEO National Powersort Auctions

TIME FLIES!

8 Years already? That explains why I’m running low on Personnel Files topics.

Congratulations!

Alex Baylon, Personnel Files MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com

HALL OF FAMERS

As I read Bob’s message I couldn’t help but feel a little humbled, more than grateful, and genuinely inspired for being included as part of the “Bad Idea” team he was directing his message to.

STATE OF THE STATE

NPA’s Jim Woodruff Addresses The Industry

NPDA DEALER NEWS Milestones & Goals

DEALER PROFILE: Bergdale Harley-Davidson

54 years into my love affair with motorcycling, and I’m painfully aware, now more than ever before, that what miles lay ahead pale in comparison to what lay behind. To top it off, I just had one of my knees replaced, a clear indication the wheels are starting to fall off.

One might accept, “you’ve had a good run”, but then again, if that were true I would have just suffered through and gotten by with the right knee the good Lord gave me stock. Instead I fight back every way I can, replacing OEM parts with aftermarket so I can get back in the game, get back on the bike and see just how much longer the ride will last. And that, I guess, is the point of Bob’s message because every time I open Dealernews and read your articles, opinions, stories and bylines, I’m inspired to do whatever I can to keep moving forward. To remain in the game, and keep trying to blaze new trails.

I hear over and over again how powersports companies are tightening their belts, that the COVID-induced “good times” have run its course and everyone from OEMs to aftermarket

companies to dealers are fretting about what comes next. Forget that many of them just had three of the best years they’ve ever had, now it’s a case of hand-wringing about the future. Yes, there are challenges everywhere but there are also opportunities. With Dakar having just ended I am reminded, it’s easy to lead, to open the road when the trail ahead is flat and smooth, but like Dakar a much different story in the dunes and camel grass. I’ll take the hard way over the easy route any day. Why? It’s easier to distance yourself from your competition when the going gets tough. It also separates the leaders from the followers.

In that spirit, I say thank you to all of you, especially you Robin, Gus and the rest of the team at Dealernews for fighting the good fight, for riding herd on the rest of us to keep the pages of Dealernews full. Thank you Bob, for your inspired leadership and for trying to make a difference in our industry. And thank you to all my fellow contributors. It’s an honor to be a part of the “Bad Idea” team. Long may all of you run.

Scot Harden, President Harden Offroad, Inc.

Don Amador, Quiet Warrior Racing

SOUND OFF!

Join in the conversation via e-mail: Editor@dealernews.com

Check us out on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ dealernews

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DealernewsFan

Follow along on: Dealernews.com

Tune into our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/ Dealernews50/featured

TRIUMPH IS GROWING

AMEN! Bob and Dealernews team: Amen!

RICKY

DUCATI DELIVERS… AGAIN!

After reporting its best Q1 sales figures in company history, Ducati followed that up with even more growth in Q2. The Bologna-based manufacturer delivered a record of 34,976 motorcycles over the course of the first half of the year, achieving 5% growth globally. Business was even better in the U.S. reports Francesco Mislicia, Ducati VP Global Sales & Aftersales, “The top three markets for Ducati have grown compared to last year: Italy +10% (6,639 units), United States +11% (4,505 bikes delivered) and Germany +13% (4,2170).”

The Multistrada V4 is the top-seller of the Ducati range with 6,382 motorcycles delivered so far in 2023. “These positive results tell us that  Ducatisti are appreciating our product range, which today is wider than ever,” adds Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali. “Ducati is able to satisfy different types of motorcyclists: from the track lover who lives for the adrenaline of speed on a circuit to the off-road passionate who likes to explore new paths on the wildest roads — and everyone in between!”

“Racing keeps providing intense emotions to all Ducatisti The results that our teams are achieving both in MotoGP and WorldSBK are exceptional and generate rising interest for our beloved brand, also contributing to its reputation,” claims Claudio.

“Ducati keeps growing: this is what the delivery numbers at the end of the first semester of 2023 tell us. Thanks to all the loyal and new Ducatisti that gave us their preference and to all the Ducati family members that made this possible: employees, unions, Dealers and suppliers.”

DEALER NEWS: MALCOLM SMITH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF YZ

One of the newer dealers leading the charge for Ducati, Malcolm Smith Motorsports is also one of the oldest Yamaha dealerships in the country. “Yamaha has been at Malcolm Smith Motorsports from our very earliest days,” says GM Alexander Smith. “Both companies share similar values of product quality, innovation and customer service — our mutual success is a testament to this shared vision.”

Commemorating the legendary dealership’s 50th anniversary with Yamaha, he notes Malcolm Smith has been selling Yamaha motorcycles since the very first YZ250 hit showroom floors in 1973. “We are as proud today as we were 50 years ago to sell Yamahas,” adds Alexander.

“This milestone is not only proof of the enduring partnership between our brands, but also the trust and loyalty of our valued customers. We are grateful for their support over the years… we wouldn’t be here without them!”

The long history of Malcolm Smith Motorsports is on display at the dealership’s in-house Malcolm Museum, currently highlighted by a 1973 YZ250 next to a 2023 YZ250. The museum has 30-40 vintage motorcycles, plus a plethora of the On Any Sunday star’s personal memorabilia on display at any given time… Not to mention Alexander’s own Dakar Rally bike!

legendary model,” said Kerry Graeber, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Suzuki.

According to Suzuki lore, when the Hayabusa was introduced in 1999 it was so advanced that it created a whole new performance category: Ultimate Sport. “Almost immediately the Hayabusa GSX1300R was recognized as the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Hayabusa’s outstanding performance and nimble handling have kept it in the category’s number one position to this day!”

“This beautiful anniversary version, drawing its inspiration from one of the Hayabusa’s most memorable color combinations — yet updated for modern tastes — will appeal to the next generation of Hayabusa fans,” Graeber states. “We encourage anybody that wants one to see their dealer immediately to ensure they’re on the reservation list.”

With an MSRP of $19,599 the 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa is set to land in Suzuki dealerships in September.

SUZUKI COMMEMORATES 25

Hard to believe the legendary Hayabusa has been flying through Suzuki dealerships for 25 years! To commemorate the occasion, Suzuki opened pre-orders for the 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa at dealership’s nationwide this month. “The Gen 3 Hayabusa has been a tremendous sales success for our dealers and extremely well received by fans of this

Continued on page 14

HERO HARLEY HERE? History Made… In India

Coinciding with the July 4th 120th Homecoming festivities, Hero hosted the roll-out of Harley’s X440 in India. “History is going to be made at Hero,” is how Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp kicked off the presentation at Hero Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. “In the life of any organization, there are milestone moments… moments when dreams help for decades and across generations come to fruition. This is one such moment for Hero.”

Dr. Munjal and Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President & CEO, HarleyDavidson, claim collaboration between the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson and the world’s largest two wheeler mobility company, Hero MotoCorp is a global game changer. “Hero MotoCorp has taken a significant step forward in its ‘premiumization’ journey with the iconic American motorcycle with the launch of their first co-developed premium product – the Harley-Davidson X440.”

THE LINE ON LAS VEGAS  AIMExpo Betting On a Sure Thing

INDUSTRYLEADERS|THEMOSTENGAGED

NEWPRODUCTS|EDUCATIONANDNETWORKING NEEDEDTOGROWYOURBUSINESS

Speaking of Suzuki, they will be joined by a full house of fellow OEMs at AIMExpo 2024. “We have outpaced all previous years’ exhibitor commitments,” says Motorcycle Industry Council VP of market expansion Cinnamon Kernes. “We also have special plans to honor our 10-Year Partners, like Suzuki whose steadfast support created the backbone of our annual event.”

DEDICATEDPOWERSPORTSTRADEONLY EVENTALIGNEDWITHTHEBUYINGSEASON

Registrations are now open for AIMExpo 2024, and the odds are stacked in the dealers’ favor. “The tremendous momentum from AIMExpo 2023 has given us a boost,” claims Kernes. “We now have 15 OEMs, three distributors including Tucker Powersports and Parts Unlimited, and more than150 companies committed to 2024.”

The Harley-Davidson X440 marks Hero MotoCorp and HarleyDavidson’s foray into the 440cc segment for the first time in India. See the new Hero Harley here: www.harley-davidsonx440.com

CELEBRATING AIMEXPO

However if you don’t take advantage of the AIMExpo rates, all bets are off! Room reservations became available on July 12. “Again, rates will be in line with last year so don’t stress about that. We’ve got you covered!” Click here to lock in your room rates: aimexpousa.com/housing

Don’t miss out on your once-a-year opportunity to Connect, Engage and Unite with the greater Powersports industry at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Tuesday through Thursday, February 6-8, 2024. Register here:  www.compusystems.com/servlet/sar?evt_uid=483

The flagship store for Slingshot and Vanderhall three wheelers

DEALERSANDPROGRESSIVEBRANDS

among other lines, LA CycleSports decided to close the store for good. A SoCal landmark for more than a decade devoted to the goal of “Building lifetime customer relationships by providing service and value that exceeds expectations,” the lights went out July 15th and everything down to the studs was liquidated. Of note to dealers all the store fixtures, shop manuals and NOS inventory went out the door for pennies on the dollar.

OHV COMMUNITY WINS ONE

Chalk one up for the “Friends Of The Oceano Dunes” as the Court overturned the Coastal Commission’s March 2021 amendment that attempted to end all OHV access at Oceano Dunes SVRA. On July 20, the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court ruled that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority under state law to ban all OHV activity at Oceano Dunes. The Court’s ruling covered four lawsuits – three brought by Friends of Oceano Dunes, and one by EcoLogic Partners (which includes SEMA). The Court made clear that if the Coastal Commission wants to attempt to ban OHV recreation at the park, it must convince San Luis Obispo County to amend its local coastal plan or compel the State Legislature to change the County’s local coastal plan.

D-STORE OPENS

One door closes, another opens? While LA CycleSports was calling it quits, Dainese was taking the wraps off its new San Diego D-Store retail location. “The San Diego store is a true experience,” notes Louis Ortega, General Manager, Dainese North America. “We’re very excited to be opening our doors in this dynamic city that is one of the most enthusiastic markets for the motorcycle industry.”

Visitors to the San Diego D-Store can experience Dainese’s Custom Works program and design the leathers of their dreams, including colors, graphic art, logos and more. The innovative line of AGV Helmets will also be available, including the justlaunched Tourmodular, K6, Pista GP RR along with the AX-9, and Legends Collection. Part of the head-to-toe experience is the full footwear collection from TCX Boots.

“We are excited to see our D-store San Diego location become one of the many spots this great city has to offer for group rides, events and a place for the community to gather and connect,” concludes Ortega.

Dainese San Diego is located at 3740 Rosecrans St. Suite F, San Diego, CA 92110, just down the street from the Pechanga Arena.

Friends argued that the local coastal plan only authorizes the County, not the Coastal Commission, to close the park, and even then, the closure may only be temporary. The Court agreed with that analysis and agreed that the Commission’s effort to ban OHV unlawfully attempted to amend the County’s plan in violation of the Coastal Act. The Court also ruled in favor of Friends’ argument that the Commission failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, because it failed to do a proper traffic impact analysis when it decided to close Pier Avenue as a vehicle access point to the beach.

As a result, the OHV ban will NOT go into effect, and Pier Avenue beach access will NOT be closed!

This court victory also protects jobs and local businesses. A recent study showed that Oceano Dunes visitors from outside San Luis Obispo County generated a total economic impact of over $500 million in 2019. Friends’ Board of Directors have made it clear that Friends will continue to pursue all legal remedies to protect beach driving, camping and OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes SVRA the way it has been occurring for the last 100 years.

Friends of Oceano Dunes is a 501(C)(3) California not-for-profit corporation expressly created to preserve camping and offhighways vehicle recreation at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA). Friends is a grassroots volunteer organization which represents approximately 28,000 members and users of the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Learn more here: www.oceanodunes.org

Rising star Caitlyn Williams has signed on as Segway Powersports’ business development manager. In this role, Williams will deliver a high level of assistance to Segway’s current dealer partners and help expand its network of ATV and UTV dealers. Williams will also assist outside sales reps with dealer account management. “I am looking forward to building and maintaining long-lasting partnerships with dealer principals and achieving more success with the Segway Powersports brand,” says Williams. This isn’t her first rodeo, however. Before signing with Segway, Williams was business development manager for HiSun where she was the 2022 Rep of the Year, had the

Highest Increase in Sales

and signed Most New Dealers. She rode her first dirtbike — a PW50 — at the age of 4, and started working in the family dealership Sherman Power Sports while in high school. Williams also raced motocross and was the Women’s Open 15+ Champion at the 2016 Oak Hill Grand National Championship.

Industry veteran Jason Walling has also joined the Segway Powersports team as VP of Sales & Marketing. “I’m excited to help expand our reach in the powersports industry by showcasing the performance and technology features of Segway’s products,” said Walling. “I look forward to implementing compelling sales and marketing strategies, fostering solid relationships with our Dealers and driving consumer demand for Segway’s Powersports line. With 20+ years of powersports industry experience, Walling began as an independent rep, followed by roles with Fox Racing, Parts Unlimited and Troy Lee Designs. For the past eight years, he has worked with three other ATV/UTV manufacturers. In his new role, Walling will be tasked with recruiting sales and marketing professionals, establishing strategic partnerships, collaborating with Dealers, and implementing new marketing strategies for Segway’s powersports line. He will be based out of the company’s U.S. headquarters in McKinney, Texas. “I’m excited to contribute to the outstanding job that Shane Wilson and the rest of the Segway crew have done to get this division off the ground in the US market.

Speaking of Segway’s former VP of Sales & Marketing, Shane Wilson will transition to his new role as VP of Corporate Strategy. In this new role Wilson continues to drive growth through key business partnerships, expansion of the organization, and the development of new products. Additionally, Thomas Kang has assumed the role of Key Accounts Manager, where he’ll focus his efforts on providing the highest level of customer service and support to Segway Dealer partners. Wilson and Kang will work closely with Jason Walling through the restructuring, aiming to optimize day-to-day processes, company culture, and dealer support. Walling adds, “It’s a blessing to work for such a recognizable brand. It makes it more fun for us to do our jobs. But moreover, being part of a company and an industry that brings people together, enriches our lives, develops personal bonds, and creates unique memories that will last a lifetime is by far the most gratifying element of my career. I look forward to contributing even more to our awesome industry and the people who represent it in my new role at Segway Powersports.”

Brought To You By MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com

Continued from page 16

Trey Sralla, GM of Eddie Hill’s Fun Cycles in Wichita Falls, Texas, has been unanimously elected President of the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association. TMDA is the statewide trade association representing powersport dealerships in nearly every community throughout the state. TMDA represents the dealer body before the Texas Legislature and all regulatory agencies as the voice of Texas’ franchised powersport dealers in public policy and regulatory matters. “Trey’s leadership at the TMDA brings recognition and honor not only to himself and our store, but to our city,” says Dealer Principal Eddie Hill, commending Sralla’s ambition and work ethic. “Ercie and I are so very blessed to have Trey as our General Manager and CEO To us, he personifies success in achieving the American dream by starting at the bottom at age 20 and working his way all the way to the top!” Hill notes that in the 31 years he has been with Fun Cycles, Sralla has distinguished himself as the go-to problem solver, dedicated and committed to excellence in every endeavor. In addition to TMDA and his day job at the dealership, Sralla continues to serve the community as a former member of the WFISD School Board, current board member of the Redneck Culinary Academy and is on the advisory council for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For more on TMDA, click here: www.txmda.org/about

Just in time to ride to Harley’s 120th, Rudy Muller joined the Drag Specialties sales team roster. When he returns from Milwaukee, he will resume covering V-Twin Dealers in the Colorado area. Muller joins the aftermarket distribution giant after several years as a mechanic at a dealer and sales rep experience at the vendor level. He also has a racing history of motocross and most recently, the Super Hooligan series. In his free time, Rudy enjoys all things motorized in CO from cruising the hills on his Harley to snowmobiling and riding single track in the mountains.

Ready for hunting season?

Landmaster is locked and loaded with Colt Gonzalez and Dustin Noble joining the team in Columbia City Indiana. Colt loads in as Digital Marketing Manager while Noble locks down the VP of Sales & Marketing role. Gonzalez has worked in marketing since 2016 and has experience as a marketing coordinator, content creator and social/digital media producer. He will implement his expertise in content marketing and ad strategy for the UTV manufacturer. “Having an opportunity to craft new experiences and manage the digital community for Landmaster is exciting,” says Gonzalez. “Building a connected community is important, and being a key part of that initiative is an honor. The UTV market shows promising growth potential, and I’m excited to be part of this great company.”

Also joining the LeMans team leading up to NVP this summer is Ben Johnson. As Parts Unlimited’s newest sales rep Johnson is calling on dealers in the Central Region covering ND, SD and MN. Johnson’s industry experience includes a stint as parts manager at the dealer level. He grew up on dirtbikes and has been riding motorcycles for more than 20 years. He also helps plan and run a few motorcycle events in the Fargo area, dontcha know?

A former MX racer, Noble has been promoted from his roles as Landmaster’s Dealer Development Manager and Director of Sales. “I am very excited to be a part of this small, intimate company that focuses on the details and values the customers,” says Noble of his expanded VP of Sales & Marketing role. “After many years at big companies, I look forward to bringing those experiences and techniques to Landmaster.”

JOE R O CK ET

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• Reflective trim on the front and back shoulders

• Pocket for optional spine pad

MSRP@ $139.99 SIZES:SMTHRU3XL

B LACK/R E D

BLA C K/BLA C K

BLA C K/GR AY B LACK/R E D

TRIUMPH CHAMPIONS OF 2022

Each year, Triumph delivers the Triumph Dealer Awards to recognize the brand’s top dealers based on internal dealer metrics. “The incredible success of our record-breaking 2022 in both the United States and Canada was achieved thanks to the tremendous performance of our valued dealer network,” says Rod Lopusnak, General Manager, Triumph Motorcycles America.

“Triumph Motorcycles America would especially like to recognize and congratulate the 2022 Award Winning dealers. The dealerships listed here have led the way for the wave of Triumph success we enjoyed in 2022 and we’re thankful for your efforts.”

Dealer of the year went to SoCal Triumph (making the Brea, California Dealership a 15-time winner! The Canadian honors went to Sturgess Cycle in Hamilton, Ontario.

“On behalf of everyone at Triumph Motorcycles America, it is our honor to recognize the class of 2022. Singled out for their exceptional achievements in sales performance, customer service and brand representation, these dealers truly set the standard for our entire dealer network.’

In addition to the dealerships, individuals were recognized as the Triumph Champions Of The Year. Each Triumph dealership nominates one enthusiastic and Triumph-centric staff member to be designated as their Triumph Champion. This individual is in charge of staying up to date with all things Triumph from brand standards, to in-depth product knowledge through extensive and ongoing training. The Champion of the Year Award goes to one of these individuals who went above and beyond their duties as a Triumph Champion to elevate the dealership’s representation and presentation of the brand.

The class of 2022 includes:

Patrick Fitzgerald, Triumph Westchester (North)

Andy Zendt, Triumph Charleston (South)

Derek Smith Sturgess Cycle (Canada)

2022 Dealer Of The Year, USA: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIUMPH

The numbers don’t lie as Tom Hicks and the crew at Southern California Motorcycles & Bicycles was the top dealer… In fact, the store is now a 15-time Triumph Dealer Of the Year award winner. Success certainly breeds success, but it didn’t come easy!

In a far cry from having the largest Triumph inventory in North America, Hicks remembers when he left corporate Honda with little more than a wing and a prayer! “When I opened Southern California Triumph 23 years ago, everyone told me I was crazy and there was no way I would succeed as a dealer. There was a whopping total of six new Triumph motorcycles in the showroom because that was all I could afford with my tiny credit line.” But failure wasn’t an option, even when it meant strapping on his tool belt and framing out the showroom himself.

“My friend Hector Cademartori displayed some of his fantastic artwork because I didn’t have the money to fill the walls with apparel and accessories… I was the only salesman. There was a Service Manager who also worked on bikes and Danny who is still here as a master technician. And, my mother in law handled my parts department. I also did all of the accounting as well as janitor and anything else that needed to be done.”

His hard work was recognized and the little shop that could became the premiere Triumph dealership in the nation. Not one to rest on his laurels, Hicks had decided to honor his team and loyal customers with an epic celebration and show off the commemorative engine cut-away recognizing SoCal Triumph as top dealership in the world (and the collection of Triple Ton awards that led up to it).

Then came COVID…

In fact we were literally driving back from shooting the Dealership in a rare Southern California rainstorm when news

of the closure of Disneyland (and all non-essential businesses) came over the radio. In typical fashion, Tom took a proactive approach to curbside delivery, concierge contactless service and a host of other innovations to keep the lights on… and it worked as he took top honors with the Trident tank in 2021 and again in 2022!

“We were planning a huge 20th Anniversary Open House, but because of the virus situation we had to totally change the way we did business. Who would have ever thought after making it 20 years that it had come to something like this?” That which does not kill us only serves to make us stronger?

“We made it 20 years and we will make it to 30! I have the best staff and customers one could ever dream of and I know we have the enthusiasm, staff and recipe that will ensure we get through this,” he told us at the time. “We were open during this situation because we were classified as an essential business and followed all CDC recommendations to ensure customers felt secure when doing business with us. We have also greatly extended our pick-up and delivery services.”

The formula worked and propelled SoCal Triumph to another record year in the recovery! Congratulations to the 2022 Triumph Dealer Of The Year!

2022 Dealer Of The Year Canada STURGESS CYCLE

Awarded to a Canadian Dealer for their exceptional achievements in sales performance, custom service and brand representation, legendary dealership Sturgess Cycle in Hamilton, Ontario added another honor to the operation.

Sturgess Cycle is the oldest powersports dealer in Canada — they have been around since 1910!  They are also the newest Triumph Dealer Of The Year for Canada. “Stop by and check out our new and used motorcycles along with a large in-stock selection of parts, apparel and accessories.”

A family dynasty, Sturgess & Son was sold to James Conrad in 2004 who carries on the business as Sturgess Cycle. “At Sturgess Cycle we are powersports enthusiasts, too. We are excited to help you experience the fun and adventure that a quality motorcycle can bring into your life.

We are a powersports dealership that serves the Hamilton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Burlington, Oakville, Brantford and surrounding areas. We offer the best in new and pre-owned motorcycles and ATVs.

Our friendly and knowledgeable sales, service, and parts staff are ready to offer outstanding service to meet all your needs. At Sturgess Cycle, we value the opportunity to create a longterm relationship with our customers and we take pride in exceeding your expectations.

Continued on page 22

2022 Flagship Dealer USA TRIUMPH OF WESTCHESTER

Awarded to single line Triumph Dealers, the Flagship Award recognizes exceptional achievements in sales performance, customer service and brand representation for those who fly solo. The 2022 winner is Triumph of Westminster (actually located in Elmsford, New York).

“Our family owned and operated business started in 2005 with a small motorcycle shop in Brewster, NY. From its very beginning Route 22 Cycles was becoming famous in the area for the professionalism and customer service focused on every customer’s satisfaction. As good words about our business spread beyond the area where we operated many offers opened up.”

As of 2013, they became a flagship authorized dealer for Triumph Motorcycles and continue to satisfy new and longterm customers.

brand representation. In Quebec, that dealer is Andre Joyal Motoneige Inc. After 48 years of putting the customer first, the Joyal crew believes in complete customer satisfaction.

“At Andre Joyal Motoneige, good service starts with a warm welcome and ends with a satisfied customer. Unrivaled vehicle  inventory is combined with the biggest parts, clothes and accessories selection in the Quebec Market.” And then there is the Joyal privilege card sent out after the purchase of a new Triumph… like American Express commercials used to say, “membership has its privileges!”

2022 Flagship Dealer Canada ANDRE JOYAL

Awarded to exclusive Triumph dealers for their exceptional achievements in sales performance, customer service and

Top Retail Performance  HERMY’S TRIUMPH

This year is off to a good start for Hermy’s Triumph. “It’s our 60th year in the motorcycle business! Selling Triumphs out of the garage under his home, his wife as parts manager and his son as a mechanic, Herman W. Baver probably never imagined the success his humble beginnings would spur-on. Now 60 years later, the Ol’ Man’s son, Herman A. Baver, manages one of the most storied, most hallowed, most reliable and most trusted motorcycle shops in the country.” A fact born out by their retail sales success!

“In 2021, the Hermy’s Triumph sales team set a record for the number of new bikes sold - it was one hell of an achievement and I thought that record would stand forever,” says Herm Baver. “For 2022, the sales team - Keith, Chuck, Lil and Jack, decided it would be a real kick in the exhaust can to try and stun me by breaking last year’s new bike sales total. As such, they pushed hard all year, chasing every lead, outgunning other dealers and treating the customers like they always do – like riders who want a no BS experience, straight talk and a solid deal. My sales team “gets it” - you’ll see their bikes out front all year, riding big miles in any kind of weather short of snow and ice covered roads – and even that has happened on occasion!

It’s clear that year after year this experience resonates with, and is appreciated by our customers - riders who just want to get out on two and enjoy their time in the saddle. I’m happy to announce last year’s new bike record has been BROKEN!! Congratulations and many thanks to my sales team for another record setting year! Hermy’s - Since 1963, The Rider’s Shop.

TRIUMPH TEAMS WITH BAJAJ TO BREAK THE MARKET

Speed & Scrambler 400 Global Launch

By Robin Hartfiel

According to Celtic Folklore, foxes symbolize incomparable intelligence. In England foxes are honored for their wisdom and considered the ultimate guide in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Foxes are described in the ancient Vedas in India as well. In Hinduism, foxes are known as “vehicles of the gods.” The spiritual meaning of a fox in a dream is one of strength, cunning and opportunity. Seeing a fox in your dream symbolizes intuition, intelligence, agility and transformation.

So it was surrealistically appropriate that the three Amigos in London looking to fight off jet lag on the eve of the global launch of the Triumph/Bajaj joint venture should encounter a fox in the middle of the street… Right next to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge a fox crossed our paths. You can’t make this stuff up (see Press Pass for the players in this fortuitous sighting).

Proving once again that good things come in small packages, a brand new 398.15cc Euro 5 compliant liquid cooled single delivers 40 hp in a distinctively “Triumph” manner, according to Paul Stroud, Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer. “With that timeless silhouette and signature features that trace back to Triumph legends of the past,” stated Stroud from the stage at Bike Shed London. “From the first 1960s era roadsters and scramblers and all over again with the modern classics… this is Triumph’s iconic DNA.”

“With these two new 400cc options joining our Speed and Scrambler line-ups, we are welcoming a new era,” added Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent. “Firstly, these machines were conceived, designed and prototyped here in Hinkley, but from the beginning of this journey we saw the opportunity to collaborate as a powerful way of combining our respective engineering with Bajaj’s mass production expertise.”

From the beginning of the creation cycle, Bajaj and Triumph have been partners every step of the way, according to Sargent. “We have worked together over the last five years to deliver what you see here tonight. Specifically, based on Triumph’s concept and design, Bajaj has worked handin-hand with us to apply their world class expertise at engineering and large scale cost-effective manufacturing; sharing together the detailed engineering in testing and working between both facilities as one team. With regards to manufacturing, I am pleased to share that these bikes will be built by Bajaj in India and also built by Triumph in our factories in Thailand and Brazil.”

Aspirational Vs. Entry Level

Ride-by-wire, traction control, Bosch dual-channel ABS mated to 300mm disc brakes and a host of other up-spec features combined with the fact that it is a Triumph make this an aspirational bike on a global scale. But despite it being a small displacement thumper vs. Triumph’s traditional twins and triples (first single in the line up in 40 years) it is being presented as more than a beginner’s bike in the U.S. and other established markets.

“There’s actually different target groups for this motorcycle,” explained Sargent. “Quite clearly, there is an opportunity here for a younger audience to come into the Triumph brand. But we’re also seeing a lot of people who are coming into motorcycling a little bit later in life or maybe coming back to motorcycles who aren’t ready to jump onto a large capacity machine…. And I think for those people, this will be the perfect step for them back into motorcycling.”

“And then I think for some people like myself, for example, I would have this just as an additional bike in the garage because these are great, great fun bikes to ride. When you guys get an opportunity to ride them, you’ll experience how much fun they really are. It kind of takes me back to my youth when I first started riding motorcycles. That kind of experience is what you get riding these machines.”

Taking Coals To Newcastle?

The term “game changer” gets bandied about far too readily by the media. However the numbers don’t lie: the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X received 10,000 orders in India within 10 days of the London reveal. Bajaj began accepting orders on July 5 and deliveries went to dealers by the end of the month. “We are excited by the overwhelming response we have received following the launch,” said Bajaj Executive Director Rakesh Sharma.

“A pre-order of 10,000 bikes within such a short span is unprecedented and a testament to the unwavering faith that riders have placed in Bajaj and Triumph Motorcycles,” he notes. “We are committed to our promise of manufacturing exceptional motorcycles that captivate riders with their performance, design and technology.”

To handle this flood of 400 sales, Triumph is set to add 100 dealerships in 80 cities across India by the end of the 2024 financial year... and this is above and beyond the 660+ Bajaj bike dealerships in the home market. As a point of reference, there were 15 stand-alone Triumph dealerships in India the day the 400s debuted, that number doubled to 30 by the end of July and is set for 50 within the next two months. A single model is anchoring an entire dealer network in the largest motorcycle market in the world.

But Will it Play In Peoria?

Closer to home, U.S. dealers are equally enthusiastic about the 400 singles. “This bike will annihilate the local market,” says Tampa Triumph GM Don Baker. “It will add a new clientele… and it is a good fit for the mountain roads in our area. I believe they will be a hit,” adds Herman Braver, whose family dealership has been selling Triumphs since 1863. “More accessible, more affordable, still cool, still quintessentially “Triumph” — I give the 400s a big thumbs up,” exclaims Baxter Cycles’ Jeremy Pendergast. “You can take that as an endorsement from a long-time Triumph dealer AND rider.”

In fact, none of the dozen dealers we asked about the bike’s prospects had anything negative to say. (See What They Said sidebar).

Looks like the fox being a harbinger of change is an apt indicator of the fact that Triumph and Bajaj have set the fox loose in the proverbial henhouse!

WHAT THEY SAID Triumph Dealers

Weigh In On 400cc

Singles

I’m probably biased (“slow bike fast” kinda guy...), but I’m really excited. When Triumph showed us these bikes, I was more excited about them than anything else they were teasing at the time (Speed Triple RR, enduro/MX bikes, etc). More accessible, more affordable, still cool, still “Triumph.” I don’t think there will be any objections to the quality or performance — Triumph is too self-aware. I believe (here’s your dealer perspective) that the only issue will be pricing. If it comes in too inexpensive, it may be a big ask for a customer looking at a Speed Twin 900 or Scrambler 900 to make the financial leap (over $11k now!) when a single-cylinder 400 that gets better mileage and has just as much street cred is half the price. Let’s face it: no one is drag racing the 900s, so a few extra HP isn’t going to sway anyone over a potential $5k savings. BUT, if the 400s are priced around $6999 for the Street and $7499 for the Scrambler, that seems pretty feasible… Anyway, I give the 400s a big “thumbs up.” You can take that as an endorsement from a long-time Triumph dealer AND rider :).

~ Jeremy Pendergast, Baxter Cycles Marne, IA

We have a bit of history with British bike brands (since 1938) and these Triumphs will add to the legacy… we are already taking deposits on bikes we won’t see until 2024! I feel they will do well with this model especially in the metro markets where small to midsize street bikes sell very well. The goal here is to start out on a smaller Triumph to graduate to a larger Triumph one day. The only thing that could hurt it is if it’s priced too high for an entry-level rider.

~ John Leach, Pete’s Cycles, Baltimore, MD

Traction control, ABS and EFI in a 400cc platform is a great global strategy, but this bike will absolutely annihilate the local market! I can see myself riding this after work… and making excuses for short trips on my days off! Triumph already tested the waters with the Trident and distilled the essential elements into this Speed Single to go against the KTM 390/Kawasaki 400/Meteor 350s that I haven’t been able to compete with in the past. ~ Don

Baker, Tampa Triumph, Tampa, FL

My father started the business in 1963 with Triumph so we are definitely fans of the brand, however we are really looking forward to the new 400 Triumph models. It will add a new clientele to the business that we don’t currently have a lot of… and it is a good fit for the mountain roads in our area. It also has a lower price point. I believe they will be a hit! ~

Herman Braver, Hermys Triumph, Port Clinton, PA

TWO FOR TRIUMPH FROM CERVANTES

Although Ivan Cervantes and Ricky Carmichael were brought onboard to assist with the forthcoming motocrossers, the dynamic duo has been busy with other projects for Triumph. RC is currently taking the long way around on his annual ride to Sturgis which  Dealernews has chronicled in the past (we will catch up with RC in a coming issue). IC decided to take a break in development of the MX racer to set a world record and win a title for Tiger.

Whilst touring the factory in Hinckley following the 400’s launch in London, we saw a fly-specked white liveried but otherwise unremarkable Tiger 1200 GT Explorer sitting by itself away from the production line. “Oh that? It is the bike Cervantes set the 24-hour Guinness Book of World Records on,” noted our host, barely breaking stride as we went from the pin-stripping area towards the dyno rooms. “We will probably move it up to the Museum at the Triumph Experience Center when we get the time…”

Between the global unveil of the two 400s, the North American Dealer Awards, Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and a host of additional roll-outs coming — “we still have 2-3 bikes a month to introduce leading up to AIMExpo,” says North American GM Rod Lopusnak — Triumph is having to prioritize what it can actually address… and when. However it is not every day you set a new world record, so we prioritized Cervantes Day in the saddle.

Cervantes, 5x Enduro World Champion and Triumph Global Ambassador, took a day off from developing the new motocross bike to set a record on the pavement. The team officially claimed the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the greatest distance on a motorcycle in 24 hours. Riding a bone stock Tiger 1200 GT Explorer on the High-Speed Ring at the Nardò Technical Center in Italy, Cervantes averaged more than 200kph for more than 2,493 miles (4012km) in a 24-hour period. Talk about an iron butt!

Cervantes and Triumph topped the previous world record of 2116.39 miles (3406km) by more than 372.82 miles (600km)... and it was done on a stock motorcycle. The motorcycle used for the attempt was a Tiger 1200 GT

Explorer, chosen at random from the production line at Triumph’s factory in Hinckley, UK. No special modifications were made to the bike, other than completing the recommended running in and first service schedule before the attempt was undertaken.

The record attempt was witnessed and validated by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator on 30th April 2023, with a final confirmed distance of 4012.53km – a distance equivalent to traveling from London to the Great Pyramid of Giza in 24 hours! Watch the whole story here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGY7vPbaQ78

CERVANTES COMMEMORATIVE EDITION?

Aragón Rally & GT Limited Edition

By the time we had returned from Old Blighty, news was waiting for the Tiger 900 Rally Aragón and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón limited editions. Seems that Cervantes had been busy even before his World Record ride! Back in July 2022, Iván won Baja Aragón, which the Europeans believe rivals our own Baja 500 as one of the most demanding races known to two wheels. Commemorating Cervantes win are a couple 1-year-only limited edition bikes — the Tiger 900 Rally Aragón and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón.

Piloting a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Cervantes dominated the 450km race, crossing the finish line a full 1 hour and 6 minutes ahead of his rivals. Pretty impressive “proof of concept” for the 900 platform! Both Tiger 900 Aragón editions deliver all the specification, technology and capability that the market-leading Tiger 900 GT Pro and Rally Pro are known for.

Cosmetically, the Tiger 900 Rally Aragón gets a triple Matt Phantom Black/Matt Graphite/Crystal White color scheme,

highlighted by distinct Racing Yellow accents and Aragón Edition detailing, as well as a unique twin colour seat design. The GT Aragón features a Diablo Red/Matt Phantom Black/ Crystal White colour-way.

Both models boast 87 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm, as well as a slip and assist clutch. Suspension differs from standard Tigers to further maximize handling. The GT Aragón Edition comes with fully adjustable 45mm USD Marzocchi cartridge forks with electronically adjustable RSU, whereas the Rally Aragón Edition features Showa forks tuned for even greater off-road performance.

Engine protection bars are fitted as standard to both Aragón Editions, while the Rally Aragón Edition also has fuel tank protection bars as standard to top off the ultimate competitive aesthetic. A collection of over 65 dedicated accessory options is available for both models.

economy and in the coming six months. Conference Board data also reported a brighter future for consumers’ family finances, with 30% expecting their family’s financial situation to be ‘better’ in the next six months (compared to less than 14% expecting it to be ‘worse’). Further, consumers expect inflation to ease, with the inflation expectations gauge dropping to 6% in June, the lowest level since December 2020.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey reported similar increases. According to Joanne Hsu, director of the survey: “The year-ahead economic outlook soared 28% over last month, and long-run expectations rose 11% as well. Overall, this striking upswing reflects a recovery in attitudes generated by the early-month resolution of the debt ceiling crisis, along with more positive feelings over softening inflation.”

Dealernews Research

By Dr. Paul Leinberger

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE?

What To Expect In The Second Half Of 2023

Is our industry gas tank half full... or are we on the verge of running on fumes?

The newest consumer confidence and consumer sentiment numbers are out – and they are strikingly good considering the circumstances. Consumer attitudes about the economy and about their own financial prospects have been all over the place this past year, but the latest numbers might prove to be the turning point we have been waiting for. U.S. consumer confidence (as measured by the Conference Board) increased in June to its highest level in a year-and-ahalf, to 109.7. That is the highest reading since January 2022 when we were finally coming out of the worst of COVID and consumer confidence was rebounding. Likewise, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey for June rose 9%. The survey reported an even stronger rise (11%) in expectations for the future.

That is great news because when consumer confidence is high, Americans spend more. And since consumer spending makes up a whopping 70% of GDP (GDP is Gross Domestic Product – the leading measure of the nation’s economic output), strong consumer confidence bodes well for the rest of the year, believe it or not.

Consumers under 35 and those earning incomes over $35,000 expressed the most confidence, both in today’s

Consumers expect fair winds ahead and, if history is any guide, we can expect consumer spending to remain strong through the second half of the year. That is good news for the powersports industry in general and in particular for you as a Dealer… right?

Economists are a bit less sanguine than the average consumer. They have a more “tank is half empty” view of the next six months. The Conference Board’s economists believe that weaknesses in some parts of the economy will intensify and spread over the coming months, leading to a recession. They point to persistent inflation, Federal Reserve cautiousness (continuing to push up interest rates although they paused most recently), dampened bank lending, reduced federal government spending due to the recent debt ceiling deal, and the lack of robust business investment. They forecast that real GDP growth will slow to just one percent (1.0) in 2023 and then fall to zero percent (0.0) in 2024.

While consumers say they intend to keep spending, some economists are skeptical. They contend that persistence in consumer spending is about to end because it is ‘artificial.’ That is, the two factors that have been driving strong consumer spending are beginning to fade. First, some economists argue, consumers have been spending the savings they accumulated during the pandemic and those funds are about to be depleted. Second, consumers have been doing a lot of ‘revenge spending’ and that, too, is about to end.

The pandemic disrupted Americans’ travel plans and when the pandemic ended, Americans took revenge by making up for lost time. They took to the sky and headed out in their cars and RVs in record numbers. However, the new Conference Board numbers suggest that fewer Americans are planning to travel in the upcoming months (versus the same time period in 2022 and in pre-pandemic years), thus signaling the end of ‘revenge spending.’

Other economists, however, are a bit more bullish. They cite falling inflation numbers, strong labor market conditions –the strongest in decades, falling unemployment rates and improved job satisfaction as proof that the economy is strong and thriving. In their view, there is no recession on the horizon.

Big Picture

Consumers are optimistic about the future. They have jobs, are making decent wages, and are living the life they want to live. Despite persistent forecasts of a recession, they continue to buy the things they want and need. For Powersports dealers, that means you can expect your customers to continue to buy. They may not be in the market for a brand-new bike – this is not 2020 all over again – but they will continue to support their passion for powersports.

If the Federal Reserve pushes interest rates higher – central bankers expect to raise their policy rates two more times in 2023 (The New York Times, June 30, 2023, p. B4) -- the higher rates will eventually take a toll on consumer spending and slow the economy. At that point, you will see a slowdown as well.

However, until that day comes, you can expect your customers to be interested in new and innovative products, interested in customizing the products they own, and excited to support the events you sponsor. In other words, you can expect a stable market full of opportunities to grow your dealership.

A perennial keynote speaker for the Motorcycle Industry Council’s annual Communications Symposium, Dr. Paul Leinberger has become the powersports industry’s de facto futurist/strategist. Dr. Leinberger is an expert in market/brand strategy and research with more than two decades of social trend forecasting, market strategy and strategic planning. Prior to joining TTD, he was Senior VP of GfK NOP, where he ran the company’s flagship consumer trend services, Roper Reports, as well as the company’s groundbreaking Global Visual Database. His client list reads like a Who’s Who of corporate America: Hewlett-Packard, Apple, Disney, Nordstrom, Microsoft, Levi Strauss, E.& J. Gallo Winery and Toyota, among many others. Prior to his global responsibilities at GfK NOP, Dr. Leinberger was the Corporate Manager in the Product Planning and Market Strategy department at Nissan North America. Dr. Leinberger holds a Ph.D. in organizational and social psychology and a Masters of Urban Planning (Highest Honors). He lives in Irvine, California, and his latest book is available at: www.amazon.com/Unfiltered-Marketing-Credibility-Customers-Distracted/dp/1632651785

PIED PIPER CALLING!

Harley Dealers Answer

The Phone…

How much does your service department deliver to the bottom line? What kept the lights on when supply chain SNAFUs stifled unit sales? Booking service work has never been more important to dealers than the past 24 months and yet 11% of all customer calls looking to book service work were lost, according to the latest study from Pied Piper. We all know the old expression “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” but how about the fact that your dealership loses100% of the service business when you don’t pick up the phone? Worse than that, you can lose a customer completely!

“Powersports customers soon decide whether their service experience is a reason to keep their product or get rid of it,” said Pied Piper CEO Fran O’Hagan. “Customers who find scheduling a service appointment difficult also vote with their feet by moving to another dealership or independent shop, or postponing service.”

Given the critical importance of the initial call, O’Hagan decided to quantify what he calls “Service Telephone Effectiveness (STE)” and charted out some baselines. “In other words, how quick and easy is it for customers of each powersports brand to call a dealer and schedule service,” questioned O’Hagan. “Does someone answer the phone? Can the customer speak with a service advisor quickly… or are they placed on hold for 10 minutes? How far out is the first available service? Does the dealership attempt to be proactively helpful?”

Each of the 30+ STE measurements is tied to higher customer loyalty. “Using STE, we have measured and ranked the performance of each powersports brand,” explained O’Hagan. “Harley-Davidson was ranked first of 26 powersports brands ranked by Pied Piper’s 2023 PSI Service Telephone Effectiveness Study, which measured the efficiency and quality of service telephone calls from a customer’s objective of quickly and easily setting up a service appointment.” Following HarleyDavidson in the rankings were Polaris Off-Road, BMW and Indian Motorcycle.

The study was completed between March 2023 and May 2023, when Pied Piper phoned each of 1,608 dealerships representing all the major powersports brands, posing as a service customer attempting to schedule a service appointment. Overall STE scores range from 0 to 100, and are calculated from a mix of 39 individually weighted efficiency and quality data points that support the customer mission of quickly and easily setting up a service appointment for a specific date and time. 62% of the total score is determined by efficiency measurements, while 38% of the total score is determined by quality measurements.

Note that 11% of the study’s powersports customers hung up their phone having failed in their attempt to schedule service. On the plus side 25% of the customers quickly accomplished their objective, speaking with a service advisor within one minute, and scheduling an appointment within one week. “Some 7% of the dealerships nationally went further, achieving STE scores over 80, by providing an interaction with their service customers that was both ‘frictionless’ and proactively helpful,” stated O’Hagan.

Performance of each measurement varied by brand and dealership. The following are examples of performance variation by brand:

“Mission Failure” How often did a customer hang up their phone having failed to schedule a service appointment?

Less than 10% of the time on average: Polaris, Harley-Davidson, Kubota, Husqvarna, Honda, John Deere

More than 20% of the time on average: Kymco, Tracker, Zero, Cub Cadet, CFMoto

“Mission Acceptable” How often was a customer able to speak with a service advisor within one minute and schedule a service appointment within one week?

More than 30% of the time on average: Harley-Davidson, LiveWire, KTM

Less than 15% of the time on average: Ducati, Yamaha, John Deere, Cub Cadet

How many days out was the first available service appointment?

5 days or less on average: Harley-Davidson, Kubota, John Deere

More than 12 days on average: HiSun, Tracker, Ducati, CFMoto, Arctic Cat, BMW

How often was a customer placed on hold for more than two minutes?

Less than 8% of the time on average: Ducati, LiveWire, Aprilia, Can-Am, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Zer0

More than 18% of the time on average: Triumph, CFMoto, Tracker

How often was a customer asked if they were experiencing any other issues?

More than 30% of the time on average: Harley-Davidson, Arctic Cat, Polaris, BMW, Husqvarna

Less than 10% of the time on average: Tracker, Cub Cadet, HiSun

2023 U.S. Powersports Industry Service Telephone Effectiveness®

2023 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index® Service Telephone EffectivenessTM (STETM) Study (U.S.A.)

Powersports Brands Ranked by Pied Piper PSI® Service Telephone EffectivenessTM

How often was a customer asked for their contact information?

More than 50% of the time on average: LiveWire, Ducati, BMW

Less than 25% of the time on average: John Deere, Cub Cadet, HiSun, Kubota

METHODOLOGY

Since 2007 Pied Piper has applied Prospect Satisfaction Index® (PSI®) “fact-based mystery shopping®” to measure how effectively dealerships for each major brand follow proven best practice sales & service behaviors. On average, dealerships with higher PSI scores have proven to sell more vehicles to the same quantity of online or in-person sales customers. The same fact-based PSI approach has also been applied to measure behaviors that maximize service customer loyalty. A

About Pied Piper

dealer’s relationship with a service customer typically starts with a customer phone call to schedule a service appointment. STE has been used to measure the effectiveness of those phone calls for more than ten years, but 2023 marks the first time that STE results have been compiled into industry studies.

“Just as a matter of interest, we released a similar study, but for the auto industry, earlier this month,” he added. The automotive industry dealership groups average more than 10 points higher than Harley-Davidson’s powersports industry leading STE numbers. Even more shocking, the worst STE rankings for the automotive side were within a couple points of Harley. Obviously there is room for improvement across the board!

Bottom Line: Answer the phone!

Founded in 2003, Pied Piper Management Company, LLC is a Monterey, California, company that helps brands improve the omnichannel sales & service performance of their retailers, by establishing fact-based best practices, then measuring and reporting performance. Examples of other recent Pied Piper PSI studies are the 2023 Pied Piper PSI ILE Auto Industry Study (General Motors’ Cadillac brand was ranked first) and the 2023 Pied Piper PSI ILE Compact Tractor Industry Study (John Deere was ranked first). Complete Pied Piper PSI industry study results are provided to vehicle manufacturers and national dealer groups. Manufacturers, national dealer groups and individual dealerships also order PSI evaluations – in-person, Internet or telephone – as tools to measure and improve the omnichannel sales and service effectiveness of their dealerships. For more information about the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, and the fact-based PSI process, go to: www.piedpiperpsi.com

Source: 2023 Pied Piper PSI® Service Telephone Effectiveness Study (USA) - Scale 0 to 100

Dealernews Research

By Lenny Sims

POWERSPORTS MARKET INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Is the glass half full or half empty? Are we half way into a recession or half way to recovery? The jury is still out, but we do know we are at the half-way mark for the year and powersport values continue to hold up well. In fact, most segments are still depreciating mildly and tracking ahead of 2021.

In the motorcycle segment, values for the most recent 10 model years of cruisers averaged 4.5% lower in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, and continue to correct back towards pre-pandemic trend. Meanwhile Sportbikes averaged 2.4% lower in the current period than year-prior, and held their value nicely going into the second half of the year.

In the side-by-side segment, the Utility and Sport sub-segments have performed differently in recent periods. Utility machines are showing 5.7% lower values compared to the same period of 2022. The Sport SxS segment is only 2.4% lower than last year, holding steady around the $16K mark.

Looking forward, economic headwinds continue to increase… but analysts have been saying that for a year now! Meanwhile the market remains elevated. We’ll continue to watch employment figures and consumer debt metrics while monitoring wholesale auction sales for notable movements.

In the meantime, it is your call if the glass is half full!

J.D. Power Specialty Valuation Services (formerly NADAguides) is a leading provider of specialty vehicle valuation products and services to businesses. The team collects and analyzes tens of thousands of wholesale and retail transactions per month, and delivers a range of guidebooks, web service data, analysis and digital data solutions. J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

eBikes? We Cover That!

JUNE AWP IN REVIEW

Year-over-Year Comparison

Predictably, June Average Wholesale Prices (AWPs) came in well below 3-month and yearover-year (YoY) comparables. All On-Highway products, representing the highest volume categories sold in the lanes, continued to exhibit price declines versus spring values. June also represents the largest delta in YoY AWP when analyzing price versus 2022. Notably, while most categories underperformed YoY, we saw upticks in ATV and Marine pricing compared to the previous 3-month averages.

Stable Auction Volumes

No meaningful changes in auction volume have manifested thus far in 2023, despite wider economic concerns, the narrative about rising consumer debt, increasing interest rates, and slowing retail demand. June auction volume came in slightly below both 2022 and the 5-year average. While dealers have reported a solid spring for new unit sales, DMS data suggests inventories now well exceed new and used levels from 2019. The anticipation is that auction inventory should begin to increase in the summer as retail continues softening and dealer inventories age.

Summer and Fall Trends

To provide additional context to longer-term pricing trends, Q2 2023 aggregate AWP remains 14% higher than Q2 2019. This illustrates the impact of the new product shortages in 2021 and 2022 on dealer demand and pre-owned AWPs. As inventory continues to age and retail slows, our expectation is that AWPs will continue to trend back toward 2019 levels and perhaps even lower. Despite softer comparables in the back half of 2022, expect continued price softening through this year’s summer and fall months.

JUNE ‘23 VS. JUNE ‘22 AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICE CHANGE

e

TRIUMPH’S FORWARD THINKING

TE-1 Proves Its Point

THE WRATH OF KAHN

Greenger Gets Going

ENERGICA VS. ICE

Charging Into Super Hooligan Racing

CURRENTS+

name in electric powersports and is poised to enter the next phase in the company’s journey,” notes Greener Powersports GM Doug Chapman. In order to accelerate the electric company’s trajectory, Greenger has connected with Kahn Media to become its agency of record. The move coincides with shipments of the latest G16 PRO electric scooter this month.

“As we look to expand our reach and customer base across categories, it was important to select an agency with deep experience in the market,” claims Chapman. “Kahn Media’s track record for building and supporting brands in motorsports, powersports and lifestyle products made them the perfect choice.” Kahn Media will implement strategic public and influencer relations, targeted digital marketing campaigns and manage social media to expand Greenger’s position as a leader in electric powersports and e-bike products. The marketing effort will build awareness and brand affinity among direct-toconsumer and business-to-business audiences and help support the Greenger dealer network.

“As a team of story tellers and enthusiasts, we thrive when we partner with brands that are clear innovators in their market,” adds Kahn Media President and CEO Dan Kahn. “With its lineup of electric powersports products, Greenger is raising the bar for what is possible in the two-wheeled enthusiast space. We’re thrilled to be their partner on this next stage of growth.”

BREAKING NEWS FROM BERLIN

BMW Motorrad celebrated its past by presenting its view of the future of Urban Mobility during BMW Days in early July. Billed as “a piece of street art” BMW readily admits it is neither a motorcycle nor a scooter. “However, one thing is for sure: fun & accessibility is guaranteed for the urban riders. Our new eParkourer is available in two versions and with a range of up to 90 kilometres, practicality is also a given.”

BMW claims both engine variants for the new CE02 can easily be charged at a standard household socket. The 4 kW version is said to be perfect for daily A-to-B commuting, while the 11 kW version allows for longer distances, a higher power output (including the riding mode “flash”) and a top speed of up to 95 km/h. “Both versions promise a fun riding experience and accelerate from 0-50 km/h in just 3 seconds!”

MSRP for the gateway vehicle is $7,599 for the base model. See more here: lnkd.in/eKJM66Gs

Greenger’s full line-up of electric options includes its CRF-E2 Honda Official Licensed Product, G3 and G3S supermoto and off-road versions and as of July, the G16 PRO electric scooter. In addition to its powersports products, Greenger offers a family of e-bikes with options for all riders and terrains. Current models include the Saddleback, Ozark, Shasta and Telluride.

GREENGER GOES TO KAHN

“Greenger has been on a rapid growth trajectory as a leading

FUTURE MOTION?

What is the future of powersports? It is looking pretty sweet from the POV of Swedish electric motorcycle company CAKE. Interestingly the founder started with a dislike of the racket made by Ducatis! Stage3 MediaWorks is helping tell the CAKE story in the first installment of a new series of videos.

“Future of Motion is a brand new series taking a closer look at the cutting-edge companies reshaping transportation,” explains the multi-media content creator. “In the first episode, we showcase the Swedish electric motorcycle company CAKE. CEO and founder, Stefan Ytterborn, and North American CGO, Eric Asmussen, explain their vision for the company, and where they see the future of mobility heading.”

With the recent openings of pilot stores in Santa Monica and NYC, CAKE is now looking to partner with select powersports dealers for the future of motion. Click here for details: ridecake.com/en-US/become-a-cake-partner

Ribelle RS to a season best at rounds three and four of the 2023 Super Hooligan National Championship at The Ridge Motorsports Park. The Colombian crossed the line in sixth place at the end of the seven-lap, second race of the weekend. However, both the first and second placed Indian motorcycles were disqualified due to a technical breach, leaving Mesa in fourth position.

Race one saw Mesa crossing the line in seventh place after starting from the back of the grid – dramatically cutting “like a knife through butter” (as one of the race announcers exclaimed) as he rapidly made his way up to eighth position and then gained one more place just before the chequered flag. He was able to make his final move on AJ Peaslee (riding an ICE-powered KTM machine) in part because the latter – by his own words – had a hard time hearing him coming through! “The electric gives me a smoother acceleration and much easier control and focus because I don’t have to shift in order to have the right horsepower or torque at the rear wheel,” explains Mesa. “On the other hand, the bike makes so much torque that we have to find a way to tame it for a course like this, with so many turns and so many twists.”

Energica’s presence as the first and only electric motorcycle manufacturer in the full series keeps attracting an intense level

CURRENTS+

MARKET EXPANSION Big Things Coming For Little KTMs

In an effort to expand its market KTM has added to its SX-E range of electric balance bikes. Featuring a bigger 36V brushless motor, the all new SX-E1.20 joins the entry level 1.12 (for the youngest riders) and 1.16 (riders between 4-8). KTM claims, “The 2023 KTM SX-E range of balance bikes allows junior riders to unearth an all-new experience of riding motorcycles from the earliest age, with three models presenting the ideal platforms to hone their skills.”

With its 36V brushless motor platform delivering a top speed of 32 km/h the 1.20 promises big fun and a longer range for older kids. Weighing in at just under 15 kg with the battery, the KTM SX-E 1.20 is ideally suited for kids between the ages of 10 to 12 and up to 52 kg, with three power modes available to best suit their skill levels. The KTM SX-E 1.20 can be ridden in training mode with a limited top speed of 16 km/h, up to 24 km/h in medium or standard mode, or in full power mode at 32 km/h. Run time is dependent on which power mode is activated and the type of terrain ridden, with between 30 to 60 minutes possible per three-hour charge time.

MANITOU J-Unit front forks with 80mm of travel, and a full aluminum frame offer a low 584mm seat height that is still manageable for little rippers. Additional highlights include 20“ nylon wheels with sealed bearings, pneumatic INNOVA tires, and hydraulic Hayes Dominion A2 disc brakes (60mm front and 140mm rear).

Dealer deliveries are anticipated in August.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FOR TRIUMPH TE-1 PROJECT

During our recent trip to the Triumph Experience Center in Hinkley, we saw James Bond’s Scrambler, Steve McQueen’s  Great Escape bike and even Fonzie’s  Happy Days ride featured in the onsite museum… but quietly hidden under a tarp on the factory floor was the star of Triumph’s electrification effort. We had “covered” this hard charger a couple of times, but now that the TE-1 had proven its point — in spades — it has been parked… for now.

“Now that the project has come to an end, I can reveal some of the details,” says Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent. “Triumph’s TE-1 project was set up to develop ground breaking solutions in motorcycle electric engineering.” Among the goals smashed by TE-1:

• 20 Minute Charge Time

• 100 Mile Range

• 130kW / 175 HP Peak Power

• 0-60 in 3.6 Seconds

• 25% Lighter Than Any Comparable eBike

“Whilst it was only a prototype, the TE-1 provides great insight as to what will come from Triumph in the future, which is something I can promise you we are as excited as you are to discover together,” concludes Sargent.

FEATURED TRANSACTIONS

Transactions were exclusively facilitated by our Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division.

DOWN HOME HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Burlington, North Carolina

Acquired by Phil Mitchell & Dan Roland from Fred Bosshardt

BONEYARD HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Winterville, North Carolina

Acquired by Steven Towers & Bobbie Krull from Marc Ingwersen & Jerry Carrillo

LOS ANGELES

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Los Angeles, California

Acquired by Andrew Westbrook from Rodin Younessi

BUD’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Evansville, Indiana

Acquired by Evan Schipper from the Morand Family

BARNEY’S MOTORCYCLE & MARINE

3 Locations, Florida

Acquired by Dave Veracka from KC Wood & Todd Hempstead

CYCLE SPRINGS POWERSPORTS

Clearwater, Florida

Acquired by Dimmitt Automotive Group from Marty Skapik and Noel Hughes

For a confidential consultation and complimentary estimate of value on your business, please contact us:

Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division

George C. Chaconas, Senior Partner, CBI/M&AMI

Office: 813. 569. 6250 | Cell: 813. 245. 2535

Email: george@performancebrokerageservices.com

Address: 2102 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, Florida 33606

BRAD E. GEORGE

JUAN C. PARDO

COURTNEY A. BERNHARD

GEORGE C. CHACONAS

DEALER NEWS

NEW BOARD MEMBER JOHN LEACH

Addition Expands Leadership’s Depth of Expertise Of Growing Association

NPDA PARTNER PROFILE: ZiiDMS (Dealer Management System)

News from YOUR National Powersports Dealer Association

Welcome to the July 2023 newsletter from the NPDA! WE APPRECIATE the nearly 400 Dealers who have joined us in our Mission: “To advance our industry by elevating Dealers to be well prepared, sustainably profitable and exceed the expectations of a growing Powersports customer base.”

Strength in NumbersHarley-Davidson Dealer Membership Growing, More Needed

The NPDA is a fast-growing, all-inclusive Powersports Dealer association, and we are approaching the 400-member mark to prove it! Of this number, a little more than 200 are Harley-Davidson Dealers, whose interests are served by the NPDA’s Harley-Davidson Dealer Council.

Earlier this year the H-D Council hosted meetings for Harley-Davidson Dealer members as part of the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), which is put on annually by the Motorcycle Industry Council. In those February meetings H-D Dealers gathered for camaraderie, connections and to discuss topics of concern affecting their businesses. Since then, the Council has been working to provide insight and leadership to address issues and facilitate change where possible. Stay tuned for details on this important H-D Dealer online forum and thank you for your support of the NPDA and YOUR Harley-Davidson Dealer Council.

To share more insight into the Council’s work and to allow the Council to gain additional insight into what’s on Dealer’s minds, it will hold an NPDA Harley-Davidson Dealer Council “online forum” in September. Attendance will be limited to HarleyDavidson Dealers who are members of the NPDA, so if you know of Dealers who have not yet joined, please encourage them to make the $395 investment ($195 for the second and any additional rooftops) at www.npda.org

Welcome New Board Member John Leach

The National Powersports Dealers Association (NPDA) has added another industry expert with decades of experience to its Board of Directors as the organization has now surpassed 350 members in its relatively short existence. Since its founding in May 2021, the NPDA has quickly added new Powersports Dealer members, including Harley-Davidson and metric dealers and independent (non-franchised) shops. The Board of Directors of nine men and three women are dealers from Alaska to Virginia, Ohio to Texas.

The newest addition to this group is:

John Leach, Owner, Pete’s Cycle Co., Baltimore, Maryland

Leach has literally grown up in the Powersports business, beginning as a 12-year-old at Pete’s Cycle, which was started by his father in 1938. After holding many positions at the Dealership over the years, Leach took over operations in 1991. The company is comprised of two Dealerships, with nine brands at one, and six at the other.

“I believe the NPDA Board of Directors is there to help weigh out policies from the Manufacturers as well as the government to help steer the Dealers and the industry in the correct direction.” Leach said. “Also, to help fellow dealers out with working on their business, not in their business.”

Bob Althoff, Chairman of the NPDA, said: “John brings great expertise to his position on the NPDA Board. We look forward to seeing what ideas he brings forth and the contributions he makes in helping us continue the work of this association.”

NPDA Member Milestones

For 60 years, Cycle Inc., now doing business at Coleman PowerSports, has been delivering dreams to riders in the Washington D.C. area. Originally founded in 1963 by Dillard Coleman, Cycles, Inc. has grown from a small family business to a thriving 80,000-squarefoot enterprise with Northern Virginia locations in Falls Church and Woodbridge.

“In the beginning it was all about motorcycles,” says NPDA Board Member Kim Coleman Harrison. “Today it’s ‘PowerSports.’ From the evolving electric vehicles to 3-wheel motorcycles to off-road bikes to scooters, over to ATVs, UTVs and Personal Watercraft.” In April of 1999, Dillard Coleman retired and sold the two dealerships to a corporation called POWERride Motorsports, Inc. This made the two dealerships in Virginia part of a much larger organization consisting of two additional multi-brand Powersport dealerships across the country.

Kim Harrison, Coleman’s daughter, grew up with the company and is the General Manager for both Dealerships. Additionally, she is a founding Board member and serves as Treasurer of the National Powersports Dealer Association. “I am incredibly honored to lead Coleman PowerSports into this milestone anniversary,” Harrison said.

“The dedication and passion of our team, combined with our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences, have been the driving force behind our success over the past 60 years. We are grateful for the trust and loyalty our customers have placed in us, and we look forward to continuing to serve them with the highest level of excellence.”

In 2019 Harrison opened PowerRide University to facilitate a premier learn-to-ride school and has already served 15,000 riders. “This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done within the industry,” she said. “We strive to be on the leading edge, continuing to evolve with our industry. Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with top of the line products, unparalleled service, and a great experience.”

To celebrate their 60th anniversary, Coleman PowerSports has planned a series of special events and promotions throughout July. The complete event schedule can be found at: www.wherethepoweris.com

The NPDA Board

NPDA PARTNER PROFILE

ZiiDMS Enterprise Dealer Management System

ZiiDMS Dealer Management System was released in late 2020 by Recreational Dealer Solutions LLC — better known as DX1 LLC. DX1 was founded in 2013 to help dealers spend more time working ON the business – not in it. At the heart of ZiiDMS, smart dashboards allow you and your staff to view all data compiled for each department, dealership, or dealer group anytime. The days of creating and depending on manual reports are over. ZiiDMS puts real-time data at your fingertips. Instantly know where your business stands and what is needed for maximum profitability.

Business Summary: ZiiDMS was developed to address the unique needs of large and multi-rooftop dealership operations. Utilizing a combination of retail management and machine learning, ZiiDMS helps dealers proactively make informed decisions and take action to achieve greater profitability. At the core, you’ll find a dealer management system (DMS) built for real-time business intelligence, analytics, and retail management.

Why Does ZiiDMS Partner with the NPDA? ZiiDMS, along with parent company Recreational Dealer Solutions LLC’s products and services, have always been deeply involved in the Powersports industry through partnerships such as the National Powersports Dealers Association. NPDA’s experience and voice they give dealers was the driving factor in seeking a partnership.

How Can NPDA Members Best Benefit from Our Partnership with ZiiDMS? ZiiDMS, as part of Recreational Dealer Solutions LLC, has a long history of serving the Powersports industry through innovative products and services. This would not be possible without listening to our dealers and soliciting their feedback to create the types of technology and tools needed to accelerate in today’s changing retail environment. Just as NPDA gives dealers a voice, we give dealers the ability to work with us as partners to help shape ZiiDMS.

Bottom Line? Our success is measured by our dealers’ success!

Contact: www.ziidms.com/contact

ZiiDMS Enterprise Dealer Management System

Headquarters: Norfolk, Virginia Year Founded: 2020

Number of Employees: 100+ (Recreational Dealer Solutions LLC)

150 Granby St. Norfolk, Virginia 23510 sales@ziidms.com www.ziidms.com

800-721-7748

SAVE THE DATE

Registration and Hotel Deals Available July 12

AIMExpo 2024 show registration and hotel room reservations at special rates will be available online next week, on Wednesday, July 12.

“Next year, we are going to be in Las Vegas just ahead of the Super Bowl, February 6-8,” said Cinnamon Kernes, MIC vice president of market expansion and events. “We’ve had a lot of people ask about hotel rates and we’ve been working closely with our hotel partners. Rates are going to be nearly identical to what we had in 2023. We have hotel blocks at the Westgate, the Sahara, and the Renaissance, located near the show, either within walking distance or by monorail – super easy. Again, rates will be in line with last year so don’t stress about that. We’ve got you covered.”

RIDE WITH US

More Moto Intros Coming Up For New Riders, at Overland Expo and Beyond

“This weekend, the Ride With Us team is headed to Overland Expo in Redmond, Oregon, for another round of Moto Intros and introducing potential new riders to our lifestyle,” said Cinnamon Kernes, MIC vice president of market expansion and events. “Overland Expo attendees embrace the outdoor lifestyle, have a deep sense of community, and clearly have a passion for adventure. They’re already one of us, they just don’t know it yet.”

“We’re also excited to announce something new for Ride With Us and the Moto Intro activations,” Kernes said. “We’re in conversations with the City of Sturgis and preparing to offer something exciting in August at this year’s famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. We expect to be staging our Moto Intros in the parking lot of the LifeSpring Wesleyan Church near Indian Motorcycle Sturgis.”

“The Motorcycle Industry Council’s Ride With Us Moto Intros are the perfect addition to this year’s eighty-third anniversary of The City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” said Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen. “While the rally has traditionally been thought of as an event only for those who ride, activations like Ride With Us Moto Intros are about introducing nonriders, family, and friends into our lifestyle and culture. Together we can spark interest in riding with even more people.”

Personnel Files

By Alex Baylon

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

How Employees Are Treated Impacts Customer Relations

Keeping the doors open and the lights on hinges on maintaining positive relationships with customers. However, an often overlooked aspect of achieving customer satisfaction lies in the treatment of employees. How the dealer principal treats their employees can have a profound impact on how customers perceive and interact with the dealership. Prioritizing employee well-being is the hot ticket for happier customers… and a better bottom line!

Employee Satisfaction Equals Improved Customer Service

Three basic building blocks can make or break a dealership. The employees need to be engaged, knowledgeable and empowered to use that knowledge to enhance the customer experience in the store. With these basics in place, everyone wins!

Employee Engagement: Engaged and satisfied employees are more likely to provide exceptional customer service. When employees feel valued, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work. This enthusiasm translates into better customer interactions, resulting in improved experiences. Conversely, unhappy employees are

more likely to project their frustrations, leading to negative dealership experience.

Product Knowledge: By investing in employee training, you empower staff to become knowledgeable experts in their respective roles. Employees who possess deep product knowledge can offer accurate and relevant information to customers, instilling confidence and trust. Conversely, when employees lack training and support, they may struggle to meet customer expectations, resulting in frustration and dissatisfaction.

Employee Empowerment:  When employees are empowered to make decisions and solve customer issues independently, it enhances the overall customer experience. Small businesses that trust their employees to handle customer concerns foster a sense of ownership and accountability. This empowerment allows employees to go above and beyond to meet customer needs promptly and efficiently.

Positive Work Culture Equals Customer Perception

Having spent almost my entire career walking into dealerships, I can tell you for a fact that team work really does make the dream work. Attitude isn’t everything, but it can compensate for a multitude of shortcomings in a shop!

Team Morale: A positive work culture promotes a happier and more engaged workforce. When employees feel supported, respected and recognized for their efforts, they are more likely to exhibit a positive attitude towards customers. This positive demeanor creates a welcoming atmosphere and builds long-term customer relationships.

Employee Advocacy: Employees who are satisfied with their work environment become brand ambassadors, promoting the business to friends, family and acquaintances. Their enthusiasm and genuine belief in the dealership positively influence potential customers’ perceptions. It may not be their name on the building, but it is “their” dealership in the eyes of the loyal followers and repeat customers.

Consistency: We are creatures of habit and a high employee turnover rate can disrupt customer relations. Most customers will not appreciate constantly interacting with new faces, leading to a lack of familiarity and trust. As just mentioned in

the previous paragraph your shop is perceived at the employees’ dealership by their friends, family and third generation customers. The only one who wins with a revolving door hiring policy is MIJ! Hire right and retain good people!

The Bottom Line

By prioritizing employee satisfaction and retention, dealerships can maintain a stable workforce, allowing customers to build relationships with familiar employees. This continuity leads to better customer service, personalized experiences and increased customer loyalty. By fostering a positive work environment, dealers can create a ripple effect that positively impacts customer interactions, brand perception and overall success.

By investing in employee training and development, dealerships build a strong foundation for longterm success. Highly skilled and knowledgeable

employees are essential for providing quality customer experiences, driving customer loyalty, and achieving sustainable growth.

At the risk of losing business for MIJ, retaining employees is more cost-effective than constantly recruiting and training new staff. A stable workforce reduces turnover costs and allows your team to focus on building lasting customer relationships and expanding your customer base.

How employees are treated has a profound impact on customer relations and overall success. By prioritizing employee satisfaction, you can create a positive work culture that translates into exceptional customer service, enhanced customer perception, and increased customer loyalty.

Or you can click www.motorcycleindustryjobs.com to run another round of help wanted ads!

MIJ Industry #PROfiles

Dealernews is honored to work with Motorcycle Industry Jobs to recognize the people who make up this great industry. “When you start reading the Industry #PROfles, you will notice that 80-90% of them get their start at a motorcycle dealership,” says MIJ founder Alex Baylon. “The dealers are on the front lines and have always been the heart and soul of the industry. Without motorcycle dealerships, most of us wouldn’t be where we are today, so part of our message is always going to be ‘support your local motorcycle shop.’”

In addition to recognizing industry pros, Dealernews is also working with MIJ to create a job ticker tape of the latest positions opening in the industry at the Dealernews.com site. Check it out at: www.dealernews.com/Industry-Jobs

“Tell us your story,” adds Baylon. “We would love to feature you! Click here to fill out the questionnaire: www.motorcycleindustryjobs.com/industry-profiles/

MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com founder Alex Baylon has been hiring and firing people in the powersports industry for 25 years.

Currently with a major distributor, he has also been with Dragon Alliance, Ceet Racing, MX GP Services in Europe, Acerbis USA, Motonation/Sidi Boots and Scott USA. He started MIJ as he saw a need in the industry for people who are passionate about the motorcycle industry to have an employment outlet. The motorcycle industry like many others has always recycled employees from one company to another and it has always been done by word of mouth. MIJ allows companies in the industry to post their openings and give others in and out of the industry a chance to apply and insert new blood and fresh ideas in the many opportunities in the motorcycle industry.

WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CALL

By Donald Amador

Those fortunate to have been raised in the Pacific Northwest know the lessons that are learned or healing gained by exploring the mountains, forests and streams of that special region. In fact, noted conservationist John Muir once said, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” I first heard that call more than 30 years ago, but with all the noise from the land management side of things, it pains me to admit that call was getting increasingly hard to hear.

After working round the clock on a number of stressful OHV recreation-related state legislation and federal rule-making proposals for the last several months, it was time to answer that “Call of the Mountains” once again. I needed to reconnect with the “why” of our Sisyphus-like struggles. Instead of getting crushed under the boulders of legislation, it was time to climb to the mountain tops.

The mountains called for a journey up to portions of the Lassen National Forest that I had never visited. So I loaded up the 13-year-old Nissan Xterra PRO 4-X on what would be a 265 mile day trip - from the Recreation HQ in Cottonwood, California, with the intention to circumnavigate the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 142 miles of Forest Service roads and trails.

The route up from the Redding area takes about one hour, but is a pleasurable experience since you have Mount Lassen in full view for most of the way until you arrive in the Lassen National Forest. The gravel or native-surfaced roads that are part of the loop can be traveled in a passenger car. However, they are more enjoyable if experienced on an Adventure Bike or 4x4 SUV so you can take one of the more difficult OHV-type trails that stem off the main loop.

There are a number of sub-alpine developed areas and dispersed camping opportunities in this part of the Forest where you can stage or stay overnight. Some of them have access to OHV “green sticker” routes where you and your family can do some backcountry exploring.

This is a beautiful alpine region that has some spectacular large diameter trees, streams, lakes (be sure to bring your fishing pole) and amazing vistas. The view from the top of the mountain magically makes the days in the trenches worth it. The mountains are calling!

This was one call that I was glad to answer. Although navigating the loop was challenging given that many of the road markers were destroyed in the 2021 Dixie Fire that burned 963,309 acres, the journey was refreshing. It helped remind me of why I answered another call some 33 years ago to champion our access to the great outdoors.

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for almost 29 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting. Don served as a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don currently serves as the government affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California. He may be reached via email at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

WHEN TRAILS CLOSE

WE ALL LOSE

Do Your Part / Don't Lose Trails

Do Your Part Don't Lose Trails

Keeping trails open is everyone's responsibility. By working together as one motorized community, we can keep our trails open, healthy and beautiful for generations to come. Do your part by riding responsibly, keeping trails clean and trash-free, and volunteering with organizations that are working to keep access open for everyone.

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I RIDE, I DRIVE, I OFF-ROAD, I TREAD LIGHTLY!

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION AT 50

On A Mission With A Vision For The Next 50 Years!

Mission: Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the country’s leading safety resource and advocate for motorcyclists. We create world-class education and training systems for riders of every experience level. We raise public awareness of motorcycling to promote a safe riding environment. There is also the MSF vision of how to achieve its mission to help motorcycle riders realize their full potential, elevating awareness of motorcycling safety in order to save lives. As the Motorcycle Safety Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, its online presence has improved with an updated website.

“Our goal with updating the MSF website was to create a site that is as friendly as possible for people looking to learn about rider education,” explains Corey Eastman, MSF director of rider education expansion. “We moved the available courses as forward as possible, organizing them in our 360 Rider platform with easy steps for starting, improving, and advancing one’s riding journey.”

Eastman wrote about the new website as part of his own story, featured in a new online section devoted to 50 stories from a number of riders across the country who have benefited from formal rider training. See Corey’s story here:  msf-usa.org/msf-news/making-discovery-morediscoverable/

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the millions upon millions of riders who have taken MSF courses, it really is about the discovery of something new,” Eastman writes. “The empowerment of riding a motorcycle and all the social and physiological benefits it brings. Whether you’re 8 years old or 80, you’re a badass. You rode a motorcycle.” However not everyone rides a motorcycle… yet.

“How do we connect those looking to try, and those who already ride, with rider education? That is the question,” concedes Corey.

“Today, a lot of discovery starts digitally, so we updated MSF-USA.org to help everyone — from those curious about riding to experienced riders — find relevant rider training more easily.”

Answering that question has become Eastman’s full-time job as MSF director of rider education expansion. “The position appealed to me because,

as a motorcycle enthusiast my whole life, I have always loved helping people discover new things — especially on two wheels.” He believes the first 50 years is a good start, but it is time to get more riders riding more!

“Core to this is the 360 Rider Training page, with options to Start, Improve, or Advance your riding skills,” he notes. “This offers relevant options no matter how much riding experience you have.”

Key courses revolve around helping people earn a street motorcycle license, but as we all know, rider training is not a one-and-done affair. Riders can always practice, improve, and gain new skills. Through the 360 Rider Training page, one can find current course offerings and new offerings as they become available, as well as connect with training in their area.”

“Additionally, you can enjoy weekly stories from a wide range of people sharing what MSF helped them discover. You can also connect with live experiences, such as our RIDE Day program that helps local training sites offer demo experiences. These elements and more give us the foundational tools needed to help millions more people connect with rider education and training. We want to inspire and encourage everyone: Ride Your Best!”

And when you are ready to ride your best in the great outdoors, Corey is already charting a course for ADV riders as an extension of the MSF DirtBike curriculum. See the teaser here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEgFIrRnGug

RiderCourses

Forty-five states and all branches of the U.S. military use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse (BRC) curriculum for their motorcycle safety and education programs. The BRC is MSF’s primary learn-to-ride curriculum for traditional two-wheel and three-wheel motorcycles, involving approximately 3 hours of online instruction, 5 hours of classroom activities, and 10 hours of hands-on skills development on a paved lot. More than 8 million motorcyclists have enrolled in MSF RiderCourses since 1974. More than 400,000 students now take the course annually, at nearly 2,700 sites, with 9,900 MSFcertified RiderCoaches available to guide them.

Course graduates are often eligible for insurance discounts and incentives from motorcycle distributors for course tuition or fees. In many cases, they can obtain a waiver for the riding skill test and/or written knowledge test portion of their state’s license exam requirements.

All 24 MSF RiderCourses are developed using a sequential “interactive and intergroup” process, ensuring that the final program has undergone extensive field-testing before being released to the public. This ensures the proper application of contemporary learning principles and practices, and verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the program. As the scientific community yields rigorous research results that lead to better methods to facilitate learning, and as the motorcycling community embraces improved ways to achieve safety and enjoyment from riding experiences, the MSF will continuously assess and refine its programs.

Another aspect of RETS involves ensuring that courses are facilitated according to MSF’s standards. MSF offers a unique Quality Assurance Specialist certification to top-level RiderCoaches and RiderCoach Trainers who wish to make themselves available to monitor and evaluate their peers and develop program and curriculum delivery improvement plans.

Get the complete MSF story here: msf-usa.org/about

Confessions Of A Customer®

By Eric Anderson

SERVICING THE SECOND SALE

Sales May Sell The First Bike…

But Service Sells

The Second One!

Most customers have more than one machine in their garage. It’s an obsession. We know one motorcycle can’t do it all, so several bikes, ATVs, personal watercraft, Side-by-Sides and snowmobiles are in order to completely scratch the powersports itch. But when it comes time to satisfy our needs, dealers should remember customers have choices — LOTS of choices! The days of a franchised dealer having a protected territory and a captive audience have been replaced by a new business model that features multiple ways for us to fulfill our machinery needs.

In addition to the traditional dealership, we can buy from a friend or an unknown source across town courtesy of Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or CycleTrader. While we would all like to believe the pros outweigh the cons, the typical customer really is going to choose the path of least resistance… and the best deal! Sure, selecting a new or used machine at a franchised dealership is reassuring — you know you will get a reliable unit and the dealership will be there tomorrow, unlike that “owner” who insists on meeting you in the Denny’s parking lot with his uninspected motorcycle and “misplaced” paperwork.

Shopping the pre-owned options does not come without risk. Many private sellers are either ignorant, or unscrupulous, so buying something from them can be a roll of the dice.

Buying a bike should not be a crapshoot! Used or new, I hope your sales staff is skilled at finding the customer the right unit for his needs and budget. It should be disconcerting to all dealers that 75% of all motorcycle transactions in America are still driveway-to-driveway. That is without your involvement!

One major red flag to the private party sale is that no trained mechanic ever gets a chance to inspect any of these machines before they are sold. Knowing that most Millennials and “Busy Boomers” have the mechanical aptitude of a wingless tsetse fly makes this even more worrisome. If it can’t be fixed with a text, e-mail or an app on a smartphone, an oil change, valve adjustment or tire replacement simply won’t happen.

Your salesman undoubtedly makes the first sale to a new customer, but does he sell your customer that second unit? I doubt it. It’s usually the service department that makes the second sale with customer service that convinces us customers to come back for more. Treat us right the first time in service and we will buy again… and again!

A friend of mine from Vista, California, who owned a dealership for years has always trained his service staff to synergize with the sales staff. The customer has a contiguous “hand-off” experience from one department to another. It was Mark who enlightened me to something I hadn’t realized before. Many new bike buyers have a break-in maintenance experience that is oftentimes very different from the sales experience a few weeks previously. It’s that secondary visit to the service department which “makes or breaks” the longtime bond with that dealership. The customer truly has to ask himself: “Did they just sucker me for a new machine once… or sell me a new lifestyle forever?”

Even if your customer didn’t buy his used or new toy from you, he did bring it to you to service… for a reason. Trust? Desperation? Lack of choice? No matter the reason, you have a HUGE opportunity to make a lifelong relationship. Is your service manager trained and ready to help you cement this bond? More repeat services and unit sales can result from proper training here. Make it happen now… or lose lifetime customers.

You may not have thought this through… and neither have your customers. We were all transfixed on buying/ selling the unit during the sales process. Neither of us was really thinking of “the first service” while deep in price negotiation or dreaming of the first ride. The fact is that second “service experience” is what cements the long-term bond. Think of it like the second date… sealed with a kiss1

Service with a smile should never be forgotten. That’s how your service department needs to be remembered!

BASIC

TRAINING Can Your Service Department Sell The Next Unit?

There are a couple simple strategies that can create lifetime customers… or cost you a customer on the spot! Whenever the words “break-in maintenance” or “initial 500 mile tune-up” are part of the conversation, this is code for your service manager to roll out the red carpet!

Would it be so hard for your service manager to treat that new customer returning for first-time service with kid gloves? Can the service manager/writer notify the sales department when any customer brings their bike in for its first service? Seeing a familiar face means the customer (me) wasn’t “dumped” after buying a new unit. “How are you liking your new motorcycle (ATV or SxS)?

Make the customer feel like family. Offer him or her a tour of the store and an introduction to the department managers if it wasn’t already part of the sales process. Each manager should be trained to hand the customer their business card should they ever have any questions throughout their ownership experience.

Sure, it sounds basic… but take a hard look at your service department and see if they might need to get back to basics?

THE RETURN OF RIVER ROAD R

Tucker Powersports celebrated Independence Day by returning its River Road apparel to the house of brands.

“The new range of products from River Road are targeted at an audience of hundreds of thousands of cruiser and touring bike owners,” explains Marc McAllister, president and CEO of Tucker Powersports. “The broad range of affordable leather jackets, vests and gloves fits the ‘American Classic’ style that riders love and I’m confident it will be a hit with customers and dealers.”

Initially launched in 1998, River Road was put on hiatus in 2015 as the market shifted away from traditional black leather. July 4th seemed like an appropriate target date for the return of the range. The new line of products includes classic and modernstyled leather jackets, riding shirts, leather vests, gloves, chaps and helmets. McAllister notes that this is the largest product launch ever for the River Road brand, with eight jackets styled for men and women, five styles of vests, four choices in chaps, 12 different styles of gloves and 13 helmets.

“We worked hard to create these wonderful products at a price point that riders can afford,” says designer Melvina Kleverova Zilliox. “I loved the freedom that River Road gave me to update classic styles and to create some signature items for the line,” adds Zilliox, former Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Design Director. All of the apparel categories include products for men and women. Many of the items are constructed using high-tech materials such as breathable mesh fabric, Thinsulate insulation and Powerstretch gussets.

“The designs include plenty of pockets that snap or zip, articulated sleeves and removable liners,” points out Zilliox. Prices are competitive with other brands of riding gear. “I can’t wait to see these products out on the road.

Today’s River Road products match rider demands more than ever before, and the huge variety of products will ensure that there is a River Road jacket, vest or pair of gloves to meet every rider’s needs. Harley Owners Group and club members will love the plain back style of the Vandal Club vest, which is a perfect background for an assortment of club patches and rally pins. The jacket and glove product lines are designed specifically to give riders the right gear, whether their ride sets out on a cool morning or launches into a summer heat wave.

Also part of the River Road product offering is a line of 13 Skid Lid, DOT-approved half and three-quarter helmets. All Skid Lids include features such as a removable/washable liner and an Advanced ABS shell. These helmets are available in several color options and Tucker claims Skid Lid is a proven, highdemand brand for custom and cruiser riders.

River Road returned on the 4th of July and then rode out to Sturgis. “Visit us in person at Sturgis 2023! River Road will be at Dick & Janes located on 1543 Lazelle Street from 8/4 - 8/13,” says Tucker. “Come explore our timeless collection of leather apparel!”

Can’t make it to Sturgis? The River Road product line is in inventory at Tucker Powersports and is available for dealers immediately. For the full product range, see your Tucker road rep or click here: tuckerpowersports.com/pages/riverroad

TUCKER UPDATE

Since we had not had a chance to catch up with Tucker CEO Marc McAllister since AIMExpo, we took the opportunity to chat at Motorcycle Industry Council HQ when he was in town for a Board of Directors meeting. No secret that the distribution giant has experienced its fair share of issues, however they have experienced some wins and made headway in other areas as well. He addressed these questions with his typical candor.

The last 12 months for Tucker have been a difficult time. The market has been slowing, as we all know and everybody’s experiencing it to some degree. But for us, because of the way our company is structured, that slow down has hit us a little bit harder than others. We are working through the changes we have to do to keep the company on its feet and keep it moving forward. And that has forced us to make some decisions that have been really hard.

However, we feel that we are on the right track today… and that we have a plan with both our suppliers with cleaning up our inventory and with delivering faster moving products to our customers. The company is a viable organization and moving forward.

There’s been exciting stuff, though, with the addition of the Forcite helmet line, other new product lines that were presented at AIMExpo and other initiatives (like the return of River Road) Tucker has been preparing for are finally coming to fruition.

We were a little bit caught in catch-up mode with some of the changes in the back half of last year. As for Forcite, the product itself is fantastic, and now it’s been delivered for the last three months and sell-through has been really strong. There’s pent up demand for the product. And you know, just the number of

downloads of the app far outstrips the product we have today. We’re looking forward to strong sales for the rest of the year there because the customers are already downloading the app in anticipation of the product, which is great.

But more broadly, we have other lines doing well. Dianese is selling through really well. And we’re really proud to be the distributor for the Dianese product line across the US. There are a few others that have really driven solid growth for new brands as well as returning brands (read River Road).

Tucker is still committed to the National Powersports Dealer Association, despite the turmoil?

We are absolutely committed to the cause! We still firmly believe in the dealer network being the primary outlet for all motorcyclists and powersports users. We need to support Dealers across the US so getting the National Powersports Dealers Association up and running and on solid footing with a diverse group of members is really important for the whole industry. Tucker is fully committed to the NPDA and driving the growth of that organization.

And Tucker is also committed to AIMExpo… You’ll be back at next year’s show and have your own dedicated EV demo area.

Yes, exactly! We were expanding again. We expanded this year but we continue to be committed to AIMExpo as being the best platform for the industry. It is the best platform to reach customers and giving dealers a reason to come is bigger than just one company. We need to provide an industry example for dealers to show up and really envelop themselves in everything that is our powersports industry.

HOODLUM JACKET

Quality, medium-weight leather provides protection and comfort. Vintage finish gives that broken-in look and feel, like your favorite pair of jeans. Removable, insulated, fully sleeved liner has a built-in pocket that fits most mobile devices. Two front chest intake combination vents/ pockets and two vertical rear exhaust vents keep you cool. Zippered sleeve vents allow additional air flow.

2-way CF Zipper.

Contrast leather chest and arm stripes. Poly mesh fixed lining.

Articulated curved sleeves.

Interior zippered stash and CC pocket.

Two zippered hand warmer pockets.

Snap adjusters at waist.

Gusseted Action back. Back hem drop.

VANDAL CLUB VEST

Snap-up leather vest is fully-lined for a comfortable fit with a variety of functional storage.

Two jean-style front flap pockets with snap closures. Small pocket for sunglasses.

Two generous interior cargo pockets with snap closure. Smooth one-piece panel on back.

VICE FLANNEL MOTO SHIRT

Flannel with a fixed cotton lining and 4-way stretch. Sizes from S to 3XL.

2-way CF zipper.

Aramid reinforced shoulders and elbows.

Articulated curved sleeves.

Action back gussets.

Dark reflective piping at arms, chest, and back yoke seams.

Two front hidden snap flap patch pockets.

Hidden Snaps at collar points.

Two zippered hand warmer pockets. Snap placket at cuffs.

WOMEN’S ARABIAN SPICE JACKET

Genuine cowhide leather jacket with fixed polyester lining and printed logo.

2-way CF zipper. Adjustable buckle at waist.

WOMEN’S DAME VINTAGE JACKET

Quality, medium weight leather provides protection and comfort. Vintage finish gives that broken-in look and feel like your favorite pair of jeans. Features two front intake and two rear exhaust vents for maximum air flow during warm weather riding. Action back gussets provide better mobility when in the riding position.

2-way CF Zipper.

Contrast leather chest and arm stripes. Poly mesh fixed lining.

Articulated curved sleeves. Interior zippered stash and CC pocket. Two zippered hand warmer pockets. Snap adjusters at waist.

Gusseted Action back. Back hem drop.

SKID LID LETHAL THREAT BOMBER PINUP

This contoured helmet with a low-profile fit has clean, minimalist styling. It features a thermoplastic alloy injected shell and retention straps with D-rings.

Sizes XS to 2XL

Meets or exceeds D.O.T. standards.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Wing

BIKE SHED LONDON

Alast minute change of plans meant the unveiling of Triumph’s new 400s had to shift for the 70-storey Shard in London to the decidedly low tech (it is built in an old “tube” train terminal) and definitely biker friendly Bike Shed London. Since bikes routinely run through the middle of the dining area, it was the perfect venue. Billed as a place “For the People who love Motorcycles, and the People who love People who love Motorcycles,” Triumph was welcomed with open arms, an open bar and even some old school Punk Rock!

Since 2011, the Bike Shed has been a place of Common Ground, where people from all walks of life come together to share their passion for two-wheels, whether they ride a motorcycle or not. “In the spirit of our founder’s beliefs and backgrounds, our visitors leave their differences at the door to enjoy an inclusive, welcoming space… Our founders, our team, our members, customers and regulars are all part of the same diverse moto-culture, and we want to share what we’ve created with everyone.” Perfect for the crosscultural merging of Triumph motorcycles with Bajaj Auto’s ability to mass produce the all new platform for the largest motorcycle market in the world.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club started in November 2011 as a blog about Anthony “Dutch” van Someren’s journey as a modern sportsbike rider into the ‘new wave’ custom motorcycles everyone was reading about online – the cafe racers, brat-style, scramblers, etc. He wrote about the new bikes and builders on the scene, especially in the UK & Europe. Over two years the blog grew to be one of the most popular commentators on the scene with a global following.

As the site grew, Dutch was joined by his wife Vikki, also an avid rider, and their friends joined in when in May 2013 the Bike Shed blog migrated from a virtual community into hosting their first pop-up motorcycle event; “a celebration of the creative scene around motorcycle custom culture”. … It started as a conversation in a pub.

THE FIRST EVENT IN 2013

The first Bike Shed show featured 55 curated custom bikes from as far as Thailand, Portugal and the US, displayed across 2 arches in Shoreditch. It attracted 3,000 visitors – not just to see the custom bikes, but to enjoy art, photography, curated retailers and great food & hospitality. There was even a barbershop and tattoo pop-up, adding to the sense of lifestyle and theatre.

Ten shows later, the Bike Shed London Show at Tobacco Dock welcomed 18,000 people through its doors to see over 270 curated custom motorcycles, with 500 exhibitors, adding live music, a cinema and tattoo artists to this now world famous, world-class event.

Just after the second Bike Shed show, back in October 2013, conversations started around whether or not the Bike Shed could be a permanent place, committed to providing a unique destination for bike riders who wanted to combine their love of motorcycles with an honest desire for hanging out with cool, like-minded people in a club-like space with great food, great hospitality and comfortable surroundings.

Not all bikers want spit & sawdust meeting places or to drink lukewarm builder’s tea in a motorway cafe with nothing but a melted KitKat to keep hunger at bay. It’s not about being posh, it’s simply a reflection of the improved world of hospitality we now live in, and much closer to the way bike culture exists in the rest of Europe and the US.

THE SHOREDITCH VENUE

In November 2015, the Bike Shed motorcycle Club tentatively opened its doors on a 12,000 square foot venue across four renovated railway arches in the heart of its original home, Shoreditch, in Central London. The BSMC features a 160 seat cafe and restaurant, with bike parking on a private street for 60 bikes, along with a curated retail space, galleries for bikes and art, a barbershop and an event space, plus the BSMC’s offices, where four of the original Bike Shed show volunteers were joined by many more, to run the events, website and club business, full-time.

Eight years on and the Bike Shed now welcomes around 2,500 people through our doors every week, welcoming the who moto-community to our spaces. At our centre lies a genuine motorcycle members club, but anyone can attend, i.e you don’t need to join the club, and you don’t need to ride or even own a motorcycle to enjoy our hospitality and a very warm welcome.

Bike Shed Motorcycle Company

384 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT

United Kingdom

bikeshedmoto.co.uk

LOS ANGELES & BEYOND

On April 8th 2022 the Bike Shed opened its doors in the Los Angeles Arts District with a 30,000 square foot venue, providing everything that Bike Shed London has to offer. Los Angeles Bike Shed features a 325 seat cafe, bar and restaurant, plus huge emporium multibrand retail hosting Belstaff, Bremont, Indian, Ducati and Royal Enfield concessions , as well as a barbershop, tattoo studio and massive gallery space. There is even a dedicated private space for BSMC members.

But the sky’s the limit… literally. BSMC is a movement that has grown beyond London and Los Angeles. “We are now the largest independent motorcycle blog in the world, with the largest social media presence and a world class annual show, with new shows in the making,” notes Dutch.

“The London venue attracts visitors from all over the world and as a pure hospitality venue we rank in the top 3% of all restaurants in London on TripAdvisor, which is down to great service – not just the good food.” He concludes that the Los Angeles location is well on its way to capturing that lighting in a bottle again!

Bike Shed Moto Co. USA

1580 Industrial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

bikeshedmoto.com

MOTO MOVIE FEST PRESENTED BY TRIUMPH

After nearly a decade of publishing inspiring stories and short films, it’s time to turn the spotlight onto our fans and followers to showcase their creative talents, said Andrew Campo – Co-Founder & Publisher, VAHNA. “We are excited to announce the first annual VAHNA Motorcycle Film Festival in partnership with Triumph Motorcycles, 805 Beer, REV’IT!, Danner, Bell, Rider Justice, Revzilla and MotoTV. We truly appreciate the support of our incredible partners that have helped us bring this vision to life. We also want to thank our readers for allowing us to grow over the past decade and the opportunity to expand upon our storytelling platform.” From 2 volumes per year, to three times a year and finally settling on quarterly... and now expanding to the film world.

After the submission deadline, the team at VAHNA will carefully review each video and select 10 finalists to screen on our festival tour. We will announce the finalists by sharing teasers of each film on our website and social media channels, and once the contest is over, the top 10 finalist videos will be posted online for the world to enjoy.

After the submission deadline, the top 10 films will be screened in various cities across the US to be enjoyed by public audiences and voted on by guest judges in each city.

• ATLANTA

• AUSTIN

• DENVER

• LOS ANGELES

• PHOENIX

• PORTLAND

The top three winners of the VAHNA Film Contest will receive amazing prize packages with products from our supporting partners, and the overall winner will receive a brand new 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black! www.vahna.com/filmfestival

SUMMER VACATION

So how come our paths have never crossed,” questioned traveling companion Andrew Campo. As co-founder and publisher of VAHNA (formerly known as Meta motorcycle magazine) Campo has devoted the past 10 years becoming an overnight success. Campo’s old school notion calls for print publication based on evergreen material to create a truly timeless coffee table book (shades of the old AXO Inside Motocross concept). Based on his career at Surfer magazine, he focused on the art of storytelling.

After traveling in the same circles and sharing, we finally had a chance to compare notes on a pub crawl in London before the 400 Singles were introduced… and then on the bus ride out to the Factory in Hinckley, I had the opportunity to listen to Campo and Triumph’s Marketing Director Adam VanderVeen talk about some of the details for the forthcoming Vahna Film Festival (see sidebar).

Although I was the lucky fly on the wall this trip, Campo and VanderVeen talked all about the quarterly print magazine and premium moto-film projects back when Andrew dropped by Triumph HQ in Atlanta. Check out the For The Ride Podcast for META origins story, and how the pandemic caused canceling their first-ever large consumer event.

www.listennotes.com/podcasts/for-the-ride/andrewcampo-meta-eDU392TS07F

“I’M

“I’M

“I’M

“I’M

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THE WORLD’S MOST INTERESTING MAN

The third member of our less than Innocents abroad was The Most Interesting Man In The Motorcycle World, John Burns. After a recent stint with Motorcycle Online came to an abrupt end the original Bitter Little Man has been reunited with his former Motorcyclist magazine Editor-in-Chief Mitch Boehm. A made-man, Burn’s dreams of retiring to a cabana in Mexico have been put on hold as Boehm assigned him the global launch of Triumphs’s ground breaking new singles.

“Perhaps I should establish my credentials,” said Burns of a previous role. “Phil Schilling, he of Cycle magazine fame and protege of Cook Neilson, Gordon Jennings, et al, hired me to come to that magazine in 1988, which seemed at the time like being plucked from a sandlot softball game to play shortstop for the Yankees. Under Schilling, I had learned that motorcycles are important and deserving of careful scrutiny and a fair road test, and I think it’s hugely important to respect the work of the brilliant engineers who produce our favorite toys (in truth, motorcycles represent much more than playthings to me).

Unfortunately, a corporate coup shortly afterward saw Phil ousted and me sent from God’s motopark — Westlake Village, California — to the bowels of Orange County, where Cycle lived on “under new management” for a couple more years before being “merged”, yes that’s it, merged, into Cycle World…”

And then, depression set in.

The phone did eventually ring and I worked at Cycle World for a couple of years, good times. While there, I am maybe most proud of having taught Jimmy Lewis to ride a dirt bike. Anyway, the siren song of Mitch Boehm and Motorcyclist sounded about 1994 — more of a foghorn, really — and I moved there for the same reasons everybody changes jobs: mo money, mo freedom, etc. And it worked very well for a long time. Under Boehm, I learned to ride faster and fall off less…”

And that pairing led to the infamous Bitter Little Man columns until Motorcyclist was “restructured” and the golden era of monthly print publications abruptly ended.

PETER STARR 1942-2023

Ave atque vale Peter Starr! He took it to the limit, but the legendary filmmaker lost his battle with cancer. Virtually everyone in the powersports industry has been inspired by his work and probably personally interacted with the indefatigable promoter, filmmaker and TrailBlazer since he arrived in the U.S. — and we all have stories! Fellow motojournalists Don Emde and Paul Clipper were Peter’s pals from the beginning, so we defer to them.

But Peter transcended the U.S. powersports industry… In 2012, the Taiwanese government commissioned a video about Starr, Starr’s efforts to bring American riders to Taiwan and the extent to which Starr has been embraced by the Taiwanese riding community:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=81ExAcPyq7A

GODSPEED PETER STARR

Courtesy Don Emde and TrailBlazers Motorcycle Club

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news again, but I got a phone call a short time ago that Peter Starr has passed away. The legendary motorcycle film maker, author and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast lost his 18-year battle with cancer today while staying at the home of a friend in Colorado.

As President of the Trailblazers club, we take this news with great pain, as Peter had been one of our Board members for many years until being designated a Director Emeritus a few years ago. He had made so many contributions to our organization through the years, as well as others during his long career. He was inducted to the Trailblazers Hall of Fame in 2011 and the AMA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Peter was probably known best for his movie Take It To The Limit, although he had many other productions which yielded 14 international awards for film making, including the Chicago (Gold) and Houston (Silver) International Film Festivals. One bit of history that Peter achieved in his career was being the first to have a film camera on a motorcycle during an AMA national race — Laguna Seca 1980. The pilot of that motorcycle turned out to be my younger brother David.

That was not the first time that David had worked for Peter. In Take It To The Limit, it was David who was the speeding rider in the opening scene of the movie. There is more to be learned about Peter at the following websites: motostarr.com/peter-starr-bio

hof.motorcyclemuseum.org/detail.aspx?RacerID=493&lpos=1845px&letter=S&txtFname=&rblFname=S&txtLname=&rblLnam e=S&discipline=0

Godspeed to our friend Peter Starr.

RIP PETER STARR

Rest in peace Peter Starr, old friend. To list everything Peter managed to squeeze into one short life would fill many pages here, and I’d still manage to miss a few things I’m sure.

I met Peter way back in 1977, as a green newbie in southern California while Peter was just finishing up production of his film Take It To The Limit. Somehow I was conned into being an extra in a final scene in the movie, where a large group of us “crashed” on a hill at Indian Dunes MX Park and then laid there all afternoon while Peter shot hundreds of feet of film, only to have that day’s work fall to the cutting room floor at the final cut. Somehow or another we hit it off, and our paths crossed regularly over the next 40 years or so. Along the way I helped him out with graphic arts and editing work on a number of his books, and we hung out at quite a few events together.

Peter did me a huge favor when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and took me to his doctor in Phoenix for a second opinion. That’s when I found out that he, too, had tested positive for the disease, and we spent years comparing notes on our progress. That time in Arizona was also the first time I learned his real name was Grahame Wallace, and that he’d adopted his “stage name” when he came to the States during the British Invasion of the 1960s and became a famous radio DJ in the U.S. and Canada.

He had a wild and crazy life — he could tell you stories about Kenny Roberts one minute, then Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits the next. The man had so many friends it’s a wonder he ever got any work done between the socializing!

I understand that he spent his last year finally putting together his autobiography, the story of how Grahame became Starr, and soon we’ll have a chance to read all about it… I can’t wait to see that book.

In the meantime, I’ll just remember the fun times we had together and all the interesting work we collaborated on. Godspeed Peter, I’ll miss you old top. — Paul

Clipper

The family have set up an online memorial page for Peter. It would mean an awful lot if people could pop over and share memories and photos there so they have a central spot to view all your amazing stories about your time with him: www.joincake.com/memorial-pages/peter-graham-wallacestarr/#tributes

The photo is from Hodaka Days in 2012, with Paul Stannard and Preston Petty-Preston is also gone too soon.

LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Three Characteristics Of A Great Leader

By Brandon Prokupek

Leadership development has been a key factor in my success at the dealership level. It’s the magic potion that cannot be physically seen in the dealership but can be felt and seen on our P&Ls. The reason leadership development works so well is because inside the subject of leadership are skill sets and values that allow your employees to grow themselves professionally and it empowers them to be confident in decision making. Often, the best decision is the one made with speed and confidence.

Leadership gives employees the mindset as well as the compass to make decisions. Leadership starts at the top. That’s you, the owner or GM of the dealership. They say you can’t push a rope uphill, you have to go to the top and pull it up. People are always looking for someone with direction and they are looking for someone to take interest in their professional career. Once you do this you will motivate your staff to work even harder (and they will be happy about it) and thus your customer will have a better experience. This is the key to retaining what you have gained, the experience the customer receives when they walk in or call in to your dealership.

Character, Communication & Consistency

These three things are the foundation of becoming a great leader. Leadership develops daily, not in a day. If you think you can read one book or watch one video on leadership and think it’s going to make you a great leader, you might as well not even start. Leadership is a lot like investing, if you think you’re going to make a killing in a few days you’re going to be highly disappointed.

What matters is what you do day by day over the long haul. I’ve been on my leadership journey for over 6 years now and I still am learning and growing to become a better leader.

Character Leaders without inner strength can’t be counted on day after day because their ability to perform changes constantly. You can’t get much done if you only work on the days you feel good.

Character communicates potential. You don’t build trust by talking about it, you build trust by achieving results always with integrity and in a manner that shows personal regard for the people you work with.

Character communicates respect. Respect is earned by making sound decisions in regard to what’s fair for everyone involved in the situation. By making decisions that are not around your own personal interests or agenda you are showing your employees your true character and that you can be trusted to make the right decision no matter the circumstance.

To have and keep good character you must communicate. Communication is key to maintaining good character. If your staff don’t know what’s going on or what the common goal is, you will have a bunch of people just “doing their jobs” and not rowing the boat in the same direction.

Communication

Communication is the key in forging relationships and making your leadership as strong as possible. Communication is one of the most important things you can do as a leader. When you keep people in the “know” as to what’s going on in the dealership, where you’re going and what you’re trying to accomplish you keep everyone on the same page and then they see how they can help accomplish those goals.

Communication is also important because you have to be able to communicate when you mess up. Let’s face it, everyone makes mistakes and bad decisions. The key to becoming a great leader is your ability to admit when you make a mistake… and you have to do it quickly! People are forgiving and are willing to accept the fact that you made a mistake as long as you can put your ego aside and admit fault. This builds trust with your people and also opens up an environment of honesty.

Consistency

If your people don’t know what to expect from you, at some point they won’t look to you for leadership. Character communicates consistency and consistency is what people need from you to be able to trust that you will lead them in the right direction. If you show up every day and are consistent in your leadership and actions you will earn the respect from your peers and ultimately be trusted to lead your team to new heights.

What you don’t want to do is go full blast into any of these subjects if you cannot sustain it long term. Everyone is going to have ups and downs, that’s just life. What you want to do is find a speed for you that you can be consistent with day in and day out. Sometimes you’re going to have to push harder than others to get to that speed but remember what’s important.

We help Powersports Dealers drive traffic into the dealership, leads into the CRM and ultimately help close more deals. Our digital marketing strategies are proven to increase dealership sales. Our main focus is driving clients to the dealership’s website as well as in the front door.

www.motorsportsmarketinggrp.com

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