Based near Schweinfurt, German adjustable exhaust system manufacturer Kesstech (founded in 1984 by Roland Kess), a subsidiary of The Motorcycle Equipment Company (MEC) group, has now filed bankruptcy, having previously filed for insolvency protection under the German 'Self Administration' court procedures. MEC, which also operates the Austrian Cult-Werk accessories brand, is a "company that combines brands to create a range of high-quality motorcycle equipment parts". Originators of the adjustable exhausts sound concept, Kesstech was once a favourite among Harley dealers in particular but has faced strong competition for the sound adjustment niche. Kesstech products were made in Germany and EC type approved for Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, and BMW motorcycles; www.kesstech.de
The Drag Specialties Louisville NVP Expo in January saw control cable, hose and handlebar specialist Magnum Shielding unveil an update in styles and construction for its already popular handlebars. Magnum has traditionally made its handlebars from steel, but has now upped its game to using stainless steel and then Chroming or Black Powder coating for a rust resistant and very durable finish. According to Magnum Engineer, Cameron Hurwitz,"the goal is to produce is precision formed bar with no noticeable necking at the bends, minimal internal wire obstruction and artisan quality weld fillets throughout. This is what makes for a truly amazing bar." They are available in several of Magnum's best-selling designs, including the Crusader Bagger, Top Gun T-Bar, Caliber Ape and Bagger and Mach 1.25 Moto, although the company's patented Viking Bagger and Ape bars still remain very popular; www.magnumshielding.com
The MIC reports that Maryland is considering a total ban on consumer products containing PFAS chemicals (polyfluoroalkyl substances) - a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals". Scott Schloegel, MIC Senior Vice President of Government Relations stated that "roughly a year from now, as drafted the bill would be disastrous for powersports sales. A wide range of powersports products contain PFAS chemicals - found in or used to produce products such as riding gear, vehicle components resistant to heat, fuel, and chemicals, as well as semiconductors and chrome plating. In many of those products the use of PFAS is currently unavoidable. This measure would mean an end to sales for all manner of products inside Maryland dealerships." Both California and Maryland recently placed restrictions on products in which PFAS are deliberately used.
For FY2024, Irving, Texas based RumbleOn saw an 11.5% drop in revenue, from $1.36bn in 2023 to $1.21bn, recording revenue of $269.6m in the fourth quarter ($311.17m in 2023, a -13.4% decrease). The company did reduce its net losses for the quarter, recording a loss of $56.4m in the Q4 '24, compared to a loss of $168.5m in Q4 '23. The company's net loss for the year was "just" $78.6m, compared to a net loss of $215.5m for 2023. The self-styled 'Omni Channel' powersports vehicle retailer saw pre-owned powersports unit sales decrease for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. Q4 units were down -9.5%, and pre-owned were down -8.8%; YOY retail sales for new powersports units dropped -7.1%, and pre-owned fell -16.4%.
RideApart has reported that it looks likely that the iconic Willow Springs International Raceway property in SoCal is about to be sold. The buyer is said to be Boston-based real estate investor CrossHarbor Capital Partners - a $10bn property developer. All seven racetracks and the entire 600-acre site are said to be on the block. Willow Springs presently hosts the final round of the Bagger Racing League (BRL).
WorldSBK is has announced that it has obtained ISO 20121 certification for its event sustainability management system.
