Indian Motorcycle has had to issue a recall of "certain" 2020 Challenger motorcycles
already, due to a potential engine output shaft bearing problem. The bearing may not have been sufficiently lubricated during assembly, possibly resulting in bearing failure at very low mileage.
Kevin Lackey of Freedom Powersports, the 13-dealer group in Texas, and Curtis Sloan of Sloan's Motorcycle & ATV (Murfreesboro, TN., a 13-brand powersports store) have joined the MIC's Dealer Advisory Council, "adding more veteran talent to represent the needs and interests of dealerships across the nation."
Royal Enfield is discontinuing production of the 500 cc single-cylinder engine it introduced in 2009 - reportedly due to compliance issues with India's new domestic emissions regulations. The popular 'Classic' and 'Bullet' model names that used the engine will continue, but with a new engine that is in development.
A recent survey of 100 dealers in 35 US states by PSB and BMO Capital Markets found that as at the final 10 days of March, a total of 67% were either operating at full capacity or were still open, but with reduced hours. The remaining 37% were either only open for service or closed entirely until further notice. Some 61% of those surveyed were stores with a turnover of $3m or more.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Report shows continuing decline in ATV injuries according to the ATV Safety Institute. Assessing a 10-year period (2009-2018), CPSC staff continued to find a statistically significant decreasing trend of -38% for the 10-year period; with a -13% decrease coming in 2017/2018.
The Irvine, California Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) hopes to be conducting a series of regional Rider Education Training System workshops across the country this year. These RETS are one to two-day professional development workshops offering a variety of activities to help RiderCoaches become more effective motorcycle safety professionals.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news