NEWS

SAVE THE DATE!

AIMExpo is back on the calendar for powersports industry’s first in-person trade show in two years. Following up on the success of the AIMExpo CONNECT virtual event, the cryptic save the date announcement was released, however the venue and other particulars are still under wraps… for now.

“The numbers tell a great story of an engaged industry looking for ways to stay connected,” says Cinnamon Kernes, VP of MIC marketing and events. “With this in mind, we are working towards our first in-person event in more than two years, to bring the industry together, under one roof, at one time.” That time will be January 19-21, 2022.

In the meantime, see full coverage of the virtual version of the show in the latest issue: https://issuu.com/dealernews/

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HD CPO

“There are two distinct parts to this market: new bikes and used bikes, both of which present opportunities which we will pursue,” says Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz. J.D. Power data demonstrates Harley remains at the top of the NADAguides look-ups, fueling the belief that the certified program will draw in new customers. “We believe this program will drive Harley-Davidson desirability, increase sales and margins, and enhance the overall customer experience while supporting growth,” notes Zeitz. “There are approximately 3 million used Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the road, one million of which are 7 years old or more. We want to focus on those that are five years old or newer, with no more than 25,000 miles.” He says that’s the sweet spot of the market, offering “the highest potential to also get them engaged in new motorcycles in the future.” Pre-owned could be the path to build brand loyalty and attract new customers without added engineering and manufacturing expenses for lower-cost/lower margin bikes like the discontinued XG500 and XG750 Street models.

Under the terms of the HD-Certified pre-owned bike program, which is set to kick off in April, The Motor Company will certify units up to five years old with up to 25,000 miles on the clock. Certified bikes will be inspected and backed by a 12-month limited warranty and can be financed by HDFS.

SHARING IS CARING

EagleShare Takes Flight

Dealers can now rent rides via “EagleShare” the latest spinoff of EagleRider Holdings, the world’s largest powersports rental, tour, and subscription provider. EagleShare connects dealers with rental customers from around the world. EagleRider handles the behind-the-scenes technology, simplifying everything from the initial request through confirmation, check-out and return via mobile phone, tablet or desktop.

“Developing EagleShare felt very natural for our team, says EagleRider co-founder Chris McIntyre. “Our team, led by our incredible CTO, Hal Oreif, was able to draw from successful sharing models like Airbnb and Turo and then weave that into our 29 years of expertise in delivering incredible motorcycle and powersports experiences.”

Roll out began in mid-March. Vehicle owners set their rates and availability and may communicate with potential renters before approving each request. EagleShare suggests units generate an average income of $775.

“The sharing economy is here,” notes EagleRider Holdings CEO Karsten Summers. “Our new sharing platform provides the millions of customers already visiting our websites for rentals with a wider range of destinations and models to choose from when it comes to on-road and off-road experiences. Dealers that choose to list their vehicles for rent on EagleShare will instantly benefit from our sister company EagleRider’s loyal customer base earned over the past 29 years.”

DEALER DEMOS MADE EZ

Looking to do demos within your dealership, but not quite on the international scale of peer-to-peer sharing proposed by EagleShare? EZRiderDemo is stand-alone and scalable according to Vince Denais, President/Founder. Launched during the AIMExpo CONNECT virtual event, the technology solution service has opened a new office in Newport Beach and expanded upon the concept.

“We started with the premise of giving any dealer the ability to offer demo rides in a contactless transaction because of the COVID concerns,” says Vince Denais, President/Founder of EZRiderDemo. “Customers take demo rides for granted in the automotive world, but it is unheard of in the motorcycle space. Unfortunately, 80% of powersports dealers have limited or no demo ride programs. Those that do are doing it “old school” with no technology tools. We strive to deliver this customer-centric experience through our seamless technology. We automate the process and make it ultra easy to demo a motorcycle.”

All EZRiderDemo data is CRM compatible. “We procure and save all the riders data in their customer profile, including a photo of their drivers license, address, email, phone, and even their riding history story,” explains Denais. “Future versions can also track the rider via phone GPS and offer demo “riding routes” for dealers to create, allowing for a better overall riding experience, understanding of the bike, and a smarter purchasing decision.”

Click here to demo the EZRiderDemo program yourself:

https://www.ezriderdemo.com/

SHEFFIELD HELPS THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

“Our long-standing relationship with Sheffield has been a winning combination,” says Bill Jenkins, Kawasaki senior VP, Sales & Operations, of the OEM’s multiyear financing services program agreement with Sheffield Financial. “Sheffield’s superior service and flexible financing solutions, coupled with Kawasaki’s industry leading products, such as our very popular Ninja motorcycles, exciting Versys motorcycles, KLX off-road motorcycles, Mule Side x Sides, groundbreaking Teryx Sport Side x Sides, Brute Force ATV, and Jet Ski personal watercraft, have allowed our customers to ‘Let the good times roll.” “Sheffield has a strong commitment to Kawasaki, its dealers and customers,” adds Jeff McKay, Sheffield Financial CEO (and head of point-of-sale lending for Truist, parent company to Sheffield). “We’re thrilled about our continued relationship with Kawasaki, a premier player in the powersports industry, and proud to offer financing solutions to a diverse group of Kawasaki customers.”

Since 2009, Sheffield has provided Kawasaki customers with innovative financing solutions through Kawasaki’s independent network of powersports dealers. “We are excited to continue our relationship in making premium financing programs available to our dealer network through Sheffield,” Jenkins concludes.

BUY THE NUMBERS…

With the integration of VINData History into the National Powersport Auctions process, dealers can bid with certainty both online and in-person knowing that NPA has already checked a vehicle’s history for significant issues like title brands and active theft. Dealers can also purchase the full VINData History Report on any units acquired at auction to provide greater transparency to their customers, ensuring customer confidence when that vehicle hits the showroom floor.

“We’re delighted that NPA has selected VINData History to identify problem vehicles prior to sale,” says Adam Siner, President of VINData Products. “Our best-in-class history reports for motorcycle and powersport vehicles help NPA and their wholesale clients reduce risk while adding a powerful end-to-end marketing tool.”

Full VINData History Reports feature DMV title, junk/salvage/ insurance total loss data sourced from NMVTIS, superior unrepaired recall data, unpaid liens, active and recovered thefts, vehicle values from leading value guide providers, warranty information, specifications and more. This invaluable data takes the guesswork out of taking trade-ins off the street by mitigating a dealer’s risk and providing them with a complete snapshot of the unit.

“We are excited about our partnership with VINData History,” adds NPA CEO Jim Woodruff. “Knowledge is power, and this data gives dealers the information needed to bid with confidence. Having the ability to access full reports also gives dealers peace of mind when taking trade-ins off the street, knowing that there aren’t any hidden issues.”

DEALER LEAD PRO

CRM Designed For Dealers By Dealers

“When I ran marketing in-house for dealerships, my sales team wasted so much time following up with leads that didn’t go anywhere,” says Joe Iribarren, owner of Beyond Creative Digital Growth Agency. “I also spent so much time and money monitoring different phone, email and marketing automation systems. That’s why we built Dealer Lead Pro: it helps dealers increase sales, save time, and save money.”

LANE FILTERING LEGAL IN BIG SKY COUNTRY

Montana joins California and Utah as the third state to recognize lane filtering. We applaud the efforts of Montana’s motorcycling community and the state’s legislators and thank Governor Greg Gianforte for signing this legislation into law,” said Russ Ehnes, chair of the American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors. According to the announcement from the AMA, S.B. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not in excess of 20 mph, to filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as conditions permit and specifies reasonable and prudent motorcycle operation while lane filtering.

“With the signing of S.B. 9, Montanans have recognized the benefits of lane splitting, which allows motorcyclists the choice to filter in traffic when it is safe to do so,” said Tiffany Cipoletti, on-highway government relations manager for the American Motorcyclist Association. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Russ Tempel (R-SD14) and state Rep. Barry Usher (R-HD40), was signed by Gov. Gianforte on March 2 at a public signing ceremony in Helena. Ehnes was in attendance. The bill takes effect October 1, 2021.

EVS RX FOR PROTECTION

The 2021 EVS catalog, packed with 46 pages worth of protection, just dropped. Back in 1985, two gentlemen developed a strategy that would forever change and revolutionize the sport of motocross. After years of knee injuries and no brace on the market to fit their need, EVS Sports was born. Since their first moto-specific knee brace 35 years ago, EVS has transformed into becoming the leader in innovation and technology in the protection industry. Now the company offers a full line of knee braces, helmets, neck braces, roost deflectors and more all made for almost any activity imaginable. The EVS motto says it all: “We have the same love affair with powersports and action sports you do and we’ve spent our lives making sure you’re prepared and protected for anything that comes your way.”

Click here for your scrip: https://www.evs-sports.com/

pages/2021-evs-sports-catalog?

BDR ON A ROLL!

Pacific Powersports, U.S. distributor of Motoz Tires, signed a multi-year sponsorship of the Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), with Motoz Tires named the Official Tire of the upcoming Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route (WYBDR). The BDR expedition team will be putting the Motoz Tractionator RallZ tires to the test on multi-day, long-distance off-road trips while scouting and filming the 11th adventure motorcycle route.

“We are happy to partner with the Backcountry Discovery Routes because we support their mission to create and preserve off-highway riding opportunities,” says Pacific Powersports founder Brian Cornelius. “The most common question we get from the community is about tire choices for our routes,” adds BDR Director of Operations Inna Thorn. “We always recommend DOT-approved knobby tires with an aggressive tread pattern for superior off-road traction and better grip in technical terrain.”

The BDR team will be putting the RallZ tires to the test during our upcoming 1,200-mile, 10-day filming expedition of the WYBDR. Click here for more info:www.motoztires.com