With domestic shipments down about 62% since 2006, International shipments now make up a larger percentage of sales. In fact, international shipments accounted over 37% of sales in 2010, which is nearly double the 2006 percentage of 21.8%. See chart below for annual breakdown.

New Promotion Lets Riders Test Ride New Motorcycles at Local Dealerships

MILWAUKEE (April 3, 2009) – Harley-Davidson and its dealers are giving riders a unique opportunity to demo the motorcycle of their dreams with the new Super Ride promotion. Harley-Davidson is working with its U.S. dealer network to enable customers to ride any 2009 motorcycle between April 1 and June 30. Customers can then provide a written evaluation of the ride and post it online to qualify for rewards.

“Riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a unique and powerful experience,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “We want to give every rider the chance to experience the genuine feel of riding a Harley, the freedom of the open road and everything that goes with it.”

The Super Ride promotion is only valid at participating Harley-Davidson dealers and riders must present a valid motorcycle license, among other requirements.

For additional information on Super Ride, visit a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or go to www.harley-davidson.com/superride.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

The new law prevents the sale of all products for children ages 12 and under that contains lead over specified limits. The new law will hurt all ages of riders of some widely popular motorcycles, motocross and mini-bikes because they now won’t be able to get new equipment or repair the machines they have.

The new law, which is widely recognized as being well intentioned, is now being criticized as being too far reaching and lacking common sense. For example, according to Paul Vitrano, executive vice president and general counsel, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) – “Some ATV and motorcycle parts unavoidably contain small quantities of lead,” … “Lead in these components is necessary, either for safety, as in the case of facilitating the machining of tire valves, critical to assuring tire air retention, or for functionality, such as the lead in battery terminals, which is needed to conduct electricity.”

On January 28th, 2009 the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), a not-for-profit industry association representing about 300 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and distributors, requested immediate relief from the new law.

In the petition, the MIC stated “through this petition, MIC joins some of its member companies in seeking emergency relief, in the form of a temporary final rule, granting a temporary exclusion from the lead limits for certain lead-containing materials…” The MIC is hoping to gain some time to allow the industry to review the feedback and impacts of the new law.

Read the contents of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Petition. (PDF)

Read the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) – General Council’s Response. (PDF)

Contact Information for the CPSC:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Headquarters
General Information: (301) 504-7923 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm ET
Fax: (301) 504-0124 and (301) 504-0025
E-mail: Contact Form

Related Links:

Motorcycle Industry Council Letter to the CPSC.

CPSC response to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Photo Credit: Christy Bowe. Courtesy of Harley Davidson

On Jan. 20, 2009, at 12 p.m. President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States. Leading the way will be a Police Motorcycle escort riding a one-of-a-kind 2009 Harley-Davidson Police concept Tri-Glide Ultra Classic Trike.

Lieutenant Scott Fear (pictured in photo on right), Commander of the U.S. Park Police Motorcycle Unit, will lead the parade from the Capitol to the White House.

For more information on the Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide, please visit www.harley-davidson.com.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be saying goodbye to some long-time events this year and the future of some other big events is still hanging in the balance.

The end of an era

Last month American Honda announced that the 2008 Honda Hoot was the last one. This brings to a close 15 years of what has been arguably one of the most successful motorcycle rallies in history. Honda attributed the move to current economic conditions and said “based on the current economic crunch which may have significant impact on our customers during 2009, American Honda will take this time to seek out new and innovative ways to engage with our customers so that we can continue to ride together”.

Other events having difficulty or announcing cancellations include:

- Tampa Bay Motorcycle Rally. Earlier this year CC Productions issued a release stating that the event was “cancelled due to lack of community support”.

- Lone Star Rally. As of this writing, the organizers of Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas are still negotiating with Galveston officials. They have not been able to release even a tentative date for their rally and are threatening to leave if progress is not made.

- Concours d’Elegance. While taking a softer approach in breaking the bad news, the Legend of the Motorcycle has nevertheless cancelled the 2009 “Concours d’Elegance.” The Concours d’Elegance, which takes place the first weekend each May, will be not be held in 2009 but is scheduled to resume in 2010. The decision is attributed to “the effect the world economy has had on many sponsors”. Said co-founder Jared Zaugg: “We’d rather suspend the event than see it done halfway”. The good news is that plans are already underway for May 2010.

- Hollister Independence Day Rally. The event, which was tentatively scheduled for July 10-12, 2009, remains “officially” cancelled. This is the second time in three years city council members cancelled the Rally. The Horse Power Promotions website announcement states; “The city council has decided not to sanction the 2009 Hollister Motorcycle Rally. There will be no motorcycle activity in 2009.”

Lawmakers set their sights on bikers

Other potentially significant news for motorcyclists is pending legislation intended, in part, to limit motorcycle rallies. Back in September of 2008, the Myrtle Beach City Council passed 15 ordinances aimed at motorcycles and motorcycle events (See article). These ordinances include a curfew for underage individuals, administrative processes to address parking issues, new rules for checking into a hotel or motel, and a mandatory citywide helmet law. While these ordinances will not become law unless they are passed in a second reading, the potential is significant and Motorcycle Rally supporters have fired back with lawsuits (see article).

The communities and the many businesses that have relied on these events over the years will no doubt find they must reinvent themselves and will certainly face significant challenges ahead. Far away from these communities, some see the cancellation of these major events as a chance for other competing events to maintain their base or even provide a window of opportunity for smaller regional events to grow as a result. Others, still, view this as a sign of things to come and predict more events to pull back or cancel.

Manufacturers respond to the issues

The painful truth is that in addition to the current economic uncertainty, we are also seeing a convergence of issues, which have bubbled up to the surface at exactly the wrong time.

Issues and concerns such as “loud pipes”, “wheelies and stoppies” being performed on city streets, and resort communities being overwhelmed by non-stop summer-time motorcycling events have caused a backlash.

These seemingly unrelated concerns have created quite a complicated if not volatile situation for the motorcycling industry. Manufacturers, who absolutely recognize that motorcycling has always been based on freedom and the philosophy of “live and let live”, are being forced to divert resources. They find themselves in a position of having to take sides on the issues and to stave off criticism, they run campaigns on issues like “loud pipes” when they would rather be focusing on R&D, sales and marketing.

Motorcycling has been dealt somewhat of a cruel blow

Where high gas prices were recently driving up sales and expectations were high, we now see events being canceled and motorcycle sales plummeting due to economic conditions as well as communities actively pursuing new laws aimed squarely at motorcyclists.

Ultimately, just like riding the bikes they make, the motorcycling industry must keep going forward in order to keep its balance. This industry has seen its share of hard times and with the economy showing no signs of easing up any time soon certainly, more big changes are on the way. However, when the dust finally settles, though focused efforts and diligent planning, motorcycling and motorcycling events can no doubt emerge stronger and better.

Related Links:

Visit the Motorcycle Cruiser Links – 2009 Events Directory

Harley-Davidson riders who either buy a new Sportster motorcycle or trade in their recently purchased Sportster between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009, will get the Sportster’s original MSRP value (see note below) when they trade up to a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycle.

“This effort is driven by the uniquely strong value of Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Our strong trade-in values allow us to offer something nobody is likely to match.”

The offer includes the following details:

• Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.
• Riders trading in a 2007-2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycle at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 will receive the original MSRP on that Sportster toward the purchase of qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

For additional information on the offer, interested customers should visit a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or go to www.h-d.com/ridefree.

The MSRP value used for trade-in will be the factory-delivered MSRP (including factory installed options) of the qualifying new motorcycle excluding parts and accessories, taxes, titles, licenses, set-up/prep charges, Extended Service Plan, GAP coverage and any dealer add-ons, and regardless of the amount actually paid.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com

Harley-Davidson Offering a Free 105th DVD with Motorcycle Demo, Rental or Purchase.

Get your voucher by visiting the Harley-Davidson website or ask your local dealer, then take a demo ride or make a qualifying purchase at a participating U.S. Harley-Davidson dealer between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, 2008. The voucher must be validated by the dealership where the demo, rent or purchase activity was made.

105th Commemorative Anniversary DVD will feature the:

• Ride Home
• Harley-Davidson Museum^TM
• Parade
• Summerfest Grounds
• Street Parties
• Live Musical Performances
• And much more!

American Ironhorse Motorcycles filed bankruptcy earlier this year. Since then, the manufacturing rights have been sold and now the excess parts will be auctioned off. The sale includes everything needed to make your own bike from scratch and parts to customize your Harley and other V-twin’s.

The auction is being conducted by Liquid Asset Partners LLC and auction dates for the general public are Friday Sept. 12 though Sunday Sept. 14, 2008 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The Auction is being held at the American Ironworks motorcycle factory: 4600 Blue Mound Rd., Fort Worth, TX.

Click here to view a detailed Parts List (excel spreadsheet), or contact Liquid Asset Partners at 616-719-5917 or visit their website.

Blaming financial conditions in the United States as well as high crude oil and raw material prices, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. ,who is the world’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer, has revised its forecast financial results for fiscal 2008.

Yamaha officials say “business conditions surrounding the Yamaha Motor group remain worrisome… In this environment, demand for motorcycles in Japan and Europe is projected to decrease in 2008, while in North America the demand is forecast to remain about the same as 2007.”

“Meanwhile, demand for motorcycles in Asia (excluding Japan) is expected to continue its mild expansion. In the marine product segment, demand for outboard motors in Europe and the United States is projected to decline. In the power product segment, demand for all-terrain vehicles in Europe and the United States is also forecast to decrease. Surface mounters are likewise predicted to suffer decreased demand. In addition to these prospects, other negative factors likely impacting the Company’s profitability on a non-consolidated basis include shrinking demand in advanced nations; soaring raw material prices; and adjustments in production of the Company’s mainstay products for export to advanced nations”.

Yamaha has lowered it expectations to 45 billion yen from an earlier prediction of 59 billion yen (or roughly 416 and 536 millions of dollars respectively).

The forecast is based on the assumption that one U.S. dollar and one euro will equal ￥105 and ￥158, respectively. Yamaha’s Fiscal year runs from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008.

Visit the Yamaha Website to read the full Press Release

While high gas prices have seriously hurt automakers, the scooter segment of the motorcycling industry, has benefited significantly.

Nationwide, scooter sales were up about 66 percent in the first half of 2008 and these machines are appealing to older riders as well with the median age of a scooter buyer rising from 26 in 1990 to 46 in 2003, according to The Motorcycle Industry Council.

Averaging between 70 and 90 miles per gallon and at today’s average price of $4.02 a gallon, gas scooters can save the average driver upwards of $65.00* a week in fuel costs.

The U.S. scooter sales surge has caught the eye of manufacturers worldwide and there are now dozens of scooter manufacturers vying for the U.S market. Among the most popular are scooters manufactured by companies such as Vectrix, Piaggio (Vespa), Italijet, Kymco, and Honda. See Motorcycle Cruiser Links for a complete Motorcycle and Scooter Manufacturers List.

Going Green

Improvements in manufacturing processes and battery technology are making today’s Electric Scooters a viable alternative. Modern electric scooters can go highway speeds, accelerate quickly, charge from any electrical outlet, go 30 to 60 miles on a charge, and sport good looks.

Electric scooters also require very little maintenance. Aside from minor adjustments and pre-ride safety checks, little else needs to be done on these machines. Troubleshooting has gone high tech and most machines only need to be hooked up to a laptop computer to conduct diagnostic checks and install software upgrades.

Electric scooter manufacturers such as eGo, Electric Moto, ZAP, and Vectrix, are reporting that these machines cost only pennies a day in electricity to operate. Some scooters are getting the equivalent of 200-400 miles per gallon and the carbon footprint of these machines is roughly 90% less than that of some automobiles.

Incentives To Buy Electric Scooters

If high gas prices weren’t enough, some consumers are receiving even more incentives to buy electric scooters in the form of tax credits and rebates.

States such as California, Georgia and West Virginia are offering significant consumer incentives toward the purchase of who purchase alternative fuel and electric vehicles.

photo courtesy of Vectrix

*Savings based on driver traveling 15,000 miles per year at 15mpg (city) in automobile vs. 90mpg (city) on scooter.

Milwaukee, Wis., July 11, 2008 – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

The acquisition is expected to close in several weeks, pending the satisfaction of contingencies and receipt of regulatory approvals. Harley-Davidson intends to fund the transaction primarily through euro-denominated debt.

MV Agusta Group has two families of motorcycles: a line of exclusive, premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta brand; and a line of lightweight motorcycles sold under the Cagiva brand. MV Agusta’s F4-R motorcycle, powered by a 1078cc in-line four-cylinder liquid cooled engine, is rated at 190 hp. The company sells its products through about 500 dealers worldwide, the vast majority of them in Europe. In 2007, MVAG shipped 5,819 motorcycles. During 2008 MVAG has significantly slowed production due to financial difficulties.

“Motorcycles are the heart, soul and passion of Harley-Davidson, Buell and MV Agusta,” said Harley-Davidson, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jim Ziemer. “Both have great products and close connections with incredibly devoted customers. The MV Agusta and Cagiva brands are well-known and highly regarded in Europe. They are synonymous with beautiful, premium, Italian performance motorcycles,” Ziemer said.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. plans to continue to operate MV Agusta Group from its headquarters based in Varese, Italy. Following closing, the first priority will be to appoint a leadership team to include a new Managing Director and to resume the manufacture of current models.

Current MV Agusta Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni will continue in a leadership role as Chairman and will play a major role in future product development. Design Chief Massimo Tamburini will continue his leadership of MV Agusta Group’s world leading sport-bike design studio.

“We take enormous pride in MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycles,” said Castiglioni. “Our riders seek an uncompromising experience in premium performance motorcycles. And with Harley-Davidson’s deep understanding of the emotional as well as the business side of motorcycling, I have great confidence that our motorcycles will excite customers for generations to come.”

According to Ziemer, the acquisition is intended primarily to expand Harley-Davidson, Inc’s presence and footprint in Europe, complementing the Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle families. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles have grown at a double-digit rate in Europe in each of the last three years, as the Company has increased its strategic focus on global markets.

“The acquisition of MV Agusta Group will enhance Harley-Davidson, Inc’s position as a global leader in fulfilling customer dreams and providing extraordinary customer experiences. We look forward to a long relationship with the MV Agusta and Cagiva families of customers and employees,” said Ziemer.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell) and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise and related services. HDMC manufactures five families of motorcycles: Touring, Dyna®, Softail ®,

Sportster® and VRSC™. Buell produces premium sport performance motorcycles and offers a line of motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

Photo courtesy of MV Agusta

Article Source: Harley-Davidson

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