The United States Motorsports Association (USMA) and Indiana University Purdue University are to conduct the first-ever nationwide economic impact study of motorsports in the United States. The Motorsports Impact Report (MIR) is slated to demonstrate the billions in economic impacts and other benefits competitive racing provides. In addition to economic figures the report will include additional motorsports benefits such as Military Innovations, STEM Education, Charity Contributions, USA Made Products, and Small Businesses as they relate to Motorsports in the U.S.
BRP has reported revenues of $856 million for the second quarter of FY2017, +5%; gross profit of $172 million representing 20% of revenues, an increase of $3 million. As part of a series of patent infringement lawsuits involving the company and Arctic Cat, a decision was rendered by the trial judge to award additional damages in one of these lawsuits. Consequently, the company recorded an additional $43 million expense during the quarter. The company filed an appeal on August 23, 2016.
Hal’s Harley-Davidson of New Berlin, Wisconsin, has been sold to Sara and Eric Pomeroy, owners of Kutter Harley-Davidson in Janesville, Wisconsin. Hal Toppel acquired and renamed the former J&S Cycles business in 1978. The dealership will continue to operate at its current location at 1925 South Moorland Road in New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151.
The Harley-Davidson Café on the strip in Las Vegas has closed after 20 years in business.
Following its acquisition of a 51 percent stake in Peugeot’s Scooter business, giant Indian conglomerate Hahindra has acquired ownership of the legendary BSA brand, as the major players in the Indian PTW (Powered Two-Wheeler) market continue to jockey for strategic and brand positioning on the international stage.
Zero Motorcycles is to provide AMA memberships with all new 2017 motorcycle purchases. New Zero customers will receive “all the benefits of AMA membership, including discounts, information about AMA-sanctioned activities, home delivery of American Motorcyclist magazine and AMA Roadside Assistance.”
The EPA’s announcement of higher ethanol blends could mean trouble for motorcyclists. The AMA says that “none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States are approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Using higher ethanol blends in those vehicles is illegal and may cause engine and fuel system damage and void the manufacturer's warranty. Increasing the ethanol is going to result in higher ethanol blends, such as E15, at more pumps and stations. The widespread availability of E15 and higher ethanol fuels increases the risk that owners will inadvertently misfuel their motorcycles." E15 fuel is a blend of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol and represents a 50 percent increase in ethanol over the common E10 blend most Americans currently use in their vehicles.
‘Ken’s Factory’ has announced that its parts and accessories designs have been picked up by Drag Specialties and will be appearing in the 2017 ‘FatBook’.
Jody Perewitz (daughter of bike builder Dave) lit-up Bonneville back at the start of September with an exit speed of 211 mph on her all new 120”, turbo-charged V-twin – establishing her again as the ‘Fastest Women on an American Motorcycle’. She put both her bikes in the 200 mph Club at the event and raised her tally to 15 Land Speed records, 4 National #1 plates (AMA records) and 1 all-important World Record.
Rocket Harley-Davidson of Madison, Alabama, one of six Harley stores owned by Scott Fisher, has been sold to Josh Russom, and re-named Redstone Harley-Davidson. Russom is owner of the Harley dealership in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Sturgis City Council has passed a resolution standardizing the official start date of the Rally as being the first Friday of August, continuing through the second Sunday. The 2017 start date will be Friday August 4 (through Sunday 13); in 2018 it will officially start Friday August 3; Aug 2 in 2019; Aug 7 in 2010.