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

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

“Active members include active duty (including activated Reservists) of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard, and those who have recently finished active service (within 6 months) with a current military identification card. A copy of Department of Defense form 214 may be necessary for retired service members and those who have recently been discharged from active service. If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact your local BMW Motorrad Dealer”.

BMW Model Series Allowance:

K-Series $500
R-Series $400
G-Series $250
F-Series $250

Read the BMW Terms and Conditions (PDF File)

Link to: BMW Dealer Locater

Image courtesy of BMW

The 2009 Chief features “a state-of-the-art, Indian engineered and developed, electronically fuel-injected PowerPlus v-twin motor that fully upholds Indian’s legendary reputation for power and durability. Powertrain components are constructed in-house by skilled engine-builders at our Kings Mountain facility”.

In addition to prototype testing, the company is busy building their flagship dealership just outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is franchising Indian dealers throughout the country (50 are expected), and is partnering with “some of the most respected, creative leather and fashion designers in the world to create a premium line of official Indian riding gear and apparel”.

Visit the Indian Website

TVS Motors Company is currently the third largest motorcycle company in India and lags behind Hero Honda Motors and Bajaj Auto Ltd in sales.

TVS has been accused by Bajaj Auto of infringing on it’s DTS-i patent. “DTS-i” is an acronym for Digital Twin Spark Plug ignition. TVS Motors latest bike the “Flame 125” uses CCVTi technology, which Bajaj claims to be a copy of its DTS-i technology.

India based TVS Motors, whose 11 month sales decline continued into 2008 with January sales decreasing by 23%, had been counting on the Flame to boost its sagging numbers. The 125cc Flame was not only expected to fill TVS’s market gaps, but is also considered a major contender against its rival’s products.

TriRod Motorcycles set out to create a radical new vehicle that TriRod Motorcycle Side View would offer unparalleled performance. By combining advanced technologies from Formula 1 racing, aerospace, and motorcycles, TriRod developed this groundbreaking three wheel motorcycle.

With a low center of gravity and a wide track, the F3 Adrenaline is exceptionally stable and corners aggressively. TriRod engineers chose the 2-1 layout (2 wheels in front, 1 in back) over the traditional 1-2 trike configuration for its superior handling, stability, and rollover resistance.

The F3 Adrenaline’s styling is raw and minimalistic, flowing from its mechanical underpinnings. Carbon fiber body panels, fully adjustable racing shocks, and exposed suspension components reinforce the aggressive nature of the product.

Robert Miller, TriRod Motorcycles Co-founder and Chairman, states, “TriRod’s platform offers increased safety and stability over traditional motorcycles while adding a whole new level of thrilling performance.”

Keith Berryman, owner of Big Bike Motorcycles of Jacksonville, Florida – TriRod’s first dealer, states, “This is the most exciting product to come along in years. We cater to a segment of the motorcycle market that embraces forward thinking and exotic products like the F3 Adrenaline. We estimate this platform will start an entirely new industry and we want to be a part of that.”

“We believe motorcycle and car enthusiasts are looking for something new and exciting,” says Paul Seiter, CEO of TriRod Motorcycles. “The F3 Adrenaline offers people a whole new way to enjoy motorcycling.”

TriRod’s F3 Adrenaline is the first of a line of tandem seat three wheel performance motorcycles under development. The company is taking orders now for the 2008 F3 Adrenaline, which is scheduled to start shipping during the 2nd quarter of 2008.

About TriRod Motorcycles:

TriRod Motorcycles is a premier specialty motorcycle manufacturer developing performance products that are shaping the next generation of motorcycle transportation. By integrating best of class technologies from different industries, TriRod is blurring the lines between motorcycles and race cars. Located in San Diego, California, the company was founded in 2007 and is a privately held corporation.

Related Web Article:

Trike Article – Wall Street Journal

Get additional information and view more photos here www.trirodmotorcycles.com

Read Polaris Industries Press Release Below:

Third Quarter Highlights:

MINNEAPOLIS – (October 16, 2007) – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today reported third quarter net income from continuing operations of $39.1 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. By comparison, 2006 third quarter net income from continuing operations was $42.7 million, or $1.04 per diluted share. Sales from continuing operations for the third quarter 2007 totaled a record $544.0 million, an increase of 11 percent from last year’s third quarter sales from continuing operations of $490.1 million. Reported net income for the 2007 third quarter, including discontinued operations was $38.8 million, or $1.06 per diluted share compared to net income of $42.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2006.

“We are pleased to report strong third quarter results, which we believe clearly reflects our commitment to the operating plan we laid out at the beginning of the year. Dealer ATV inventories are much lower than a year ago, the benefit of our productivity and efficiency improvement programs are being realized and many new products introduced this year are selling nicely,” commented Tom Tiller, Chief Executive Officer of Polaris. “Demand continues to outpace supply for our new RANGER RZR™ model, and the overall side by side market continues to expand. Additionally, in the past few weeks we began shipping the new Victory Vision™ model which was named motorcycle of the year for its class by Motorcyclist™ magazine. We are very pleased with the positive reception these and our other model year 2008 products have received to date.”

Tiller continued, “While the recent macro economic environment has caused some concern within the overall markets in which we compete, we are continuously monitoring consumer spending and industry trends and are making adjustments as appropriate. However, given the positive feedback we received at our dealer meeting held in July, our continued productivity and efficiency improvement efforts and the success of several of our new products, we are optimistic about the future for Polaris. Accordingly, we are raising our guidance for both full year 2007 sales and earnings per share, and now expect sales to grow in the five to six percent range over 2006 and earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to be in the range of $3.05 to $3.10, a 12 to 14 percent increase over the full year 2006 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations. As a result, we expect fourth quarter 2007 sales growth in the range of 12 to 15 percent with earnings from continuing operations in the range of $1.01 to $1.06 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2007, a nine to 14 percent increase over the fourth quarter 2006 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations.”

ATV (all-terrain vehicle) sales in the 2007 third quarter increased 15 percent from the third quarter 2006. This increase reflects the new product introduction success of the RANGER RZR™ side-by-side recreation vehicle in the marketplace and the continued solid demand for the base RANGER™ side-by-side utility vehicles during the quarter. This growth was offset somewhat by the planned reduction in shipments of core ATV’s to dealers during the third quarter 2007 in the continued effort to assist dealers in reducing their inventory levels and the ongoing impact of weak overall market conditions. As a result of these efforts, core ATV dealer inventories for the third quarter 2007 are significantly lower than the same period last year and sequentially lower from the second quarter 2007 to the third quarter 2007. Although shipments to dealers of core ATV’s were once again lower during the third quarter, the Company gained market share at retail during the third quarter and year to date 2007 periods in a declining overall core ATV market.

Sales of Victory motorcycles decreased 17 percent during the 2007 third quarter compared to the third quarter of 2006. Although the overall motorcycle industry in North America has slowed during the 2007 year-to-date period, the Victory growth in retail sales to consumers continues to outpace the industry. However, given the more challenged industry retail environment, the Company shipped fewer cruiser motorcycles to the dealers during the third quarter 2007 than in the third quarter 2006. The Company remains optimistic about the Victory business as the all-new 2008 Victory Vision™ touring models begin to ship in greater quantities in the fourth quarter 2007. The Victory Vision™ models have received very positive reviews by the motorcycle enthusiast magazines and from consumers that have ridden the bike during demonstration rides.

Snowmobile sales increased five percent during the 2007 third quarter compared to the prior year’s third quarter. The third quarter increase reflects a benefit of product mix related to the timing of shipments of the new models as well as the positive impact of currency movements.

Parts, Garments, and Accessories sales increased 13 percent during the 2007 third quarter compared to last year’s third quarter driven primarily by increased shipments of ATV and RANGER side-by-side related PG&A, particularly accessories for the new RANGER RZR™, as well as the timing of delivery of pre-season snowmobile related PG&A during the third quarter.

Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 22.5 percent for the 2007 third quarter, an increase of 160 basis points from 20.9 percent for the third quarter of 2006. Gross profit dollars increased 19 percent to $122.5 million for the 2007 third quarter compared to $102.7 million for the third quarter of 2006. The improved gross profit margin and absolute dollar increase in gross profit was primarily due to the positive impact of increased sales of higher gross margin products, such as RANGER™ side-by-side vehicles and PG&A, and favorable foreign currency fluctuations during the third quarter of 2007, which were partially offset by increased sales promotion and warranty costs.

Operating expenses for the third quarter 2007 increased 29 percent to $71.2 million compared to $55.1 million for the third quarter of 2006. Operating expenses as a percent of sales increased to 13.1 percent for the third quarter 2007 from 11.2 percent in the third quarter of 2006. The increased operating expenses during the third quarter are primarily attributed to; a) additional selling and marketing expenses resulting from higher advertising costs incurred to launch the new products and become more competitive in the ATV industry, b) increased research and development costs from continued emphasis on new product development and c) higher general and administrative expenses due to more normalized performance based compensation expenses as a result of the Company’s improved financial performance in 2007 as compared to 2006.

Income from financial services decreased 28 percent to $9.1 million in the 2007 third quarter, down from $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2006. As expected, Income from financial services decreased substantially as the Company’s revolving retail credit provider HSBC, discontinued the financing of non-Polaris products at Polaris dealerships during the third quarter 2007. Additionally, the income from wholesale financing was lower in the third quarter 2007 due to lower dealer inventories.

Interest expense increased to $3.7 million for the 2007 third quarter compared to $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2006 due to higher debt levels maintained during the third quarter 2007.

Equity in (income) of manufacturing affiliates (which historically has primarily represented the Company’s portion of income from the investment in KTM, net of tax), was less than $0.1 million for the third quarter 2007 compared to $2.7 million for the third quarter 2006. As has been previously disclosed, during the first half of 2007 Polaris sold a majority of its investment in KTM; therefore, the Company no longer receives a net benefit from its ownership percentage of KTM’s income in Polaris’ income statement.

The Income tax provision for the third quarter 2007 was recorded at a rate of 30.8 percent of pretax income, compared to 28.4 percent in the third quarter 2006. The higher income tax rate in the third quarter 2007 is primarily due to lower dollar value of favorable tax events in the third quarter 2007 compared to the third quarter 2006.

Financial Position and Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 totaled $127.7 million compared to $83.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. Year-to-date ended September 30, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations totaled $149.4 million, an improvement of $56.9 million from the $92.5 million in the first nine months of 2006. Increased accrued expenses primarily due to more normalized compensation expenses accrued in 2007 and slower growth in factory inventory compared to the same period last year were the primary contributing factors for the increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement were $200.0 million at September 30, 2007, due to the utilization of a term loan to complete the accelerated share repurchase transaction in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 52 percent at September 30, 2007, compared to 19 percent at the same time last year. Cash and cash equivalents were $87.0 at September 30, 2007 compared to $9.1 million a year ago.

Share Buyback Activity
During the third quarter 2007 the Company paid $13.0 million to Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Goldman) related to the purchase price adjustment that was contemplated under the 3.55 million shares accelerated share repurchase transaction with Goldman in December 2006. Additionally, during the third quarter 2007 the Company repurchased and retired 808,000 shares of its common stock bringing the total shares repurchased to 834,000 shares for the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2007. The cost of repurchasing Polaris common stock and the purchase price adjustment payment under the accelerated share repurchase transaction for the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2007, totaled $51.5 million. As a result of the accelerated share repurchase transaction completed in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the subsequent share repurchases completed by the Company in the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2007, the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the third quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2007 were 11 percent and 13 percent lower, respectively, than the comparable prior year periods. As of September 30, 2007, the Company has authorization from its Board of Directors to repurchase up to an additional 3.9 million shares of Polaris stock. Polaris may repurchase the balance of the share authorization from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws.

Conference Call to be Held
Today at 9:00 AM (CDT) Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2007 financial results. Tom Tiller, CEO, Bennett Morgan, President and COO, and Mike Malone, Vice President Finance and CFO, will host the conference call.

To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 800-374-6475 in the U.S. and Canada or 706-679-2596 internationally. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet at www.polarisindustries.com (click on Our Company then Investor Relations).

A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes for a one-week period by accessing the same link on our web site, or by dialing 800-642- 1687 in the U.S. and Canada or 706-645-9291 internationally. The Conference I.D. is 4158562.

About Polaris
With annual 2006 sales of $1.7 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), including the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ATV’s in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations regarding 2007 sales, shipments, net income and cash flow, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as product offerings, promotional activities and pricing strategies by competitors; warranty expenses; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; effects of the KTM relationship; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; commodity costs; uninsured product liability claims; and overall economic conditions, including inflation and consumer confidence and spending. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source:
Polaris Industries