|
NEWS 2 READ! Follow our Industries news here!
 JUST GET OUT AND RIDE!
| |  | Need More Daytona Bike Week Info?
Check out the Official Bike Week Welcome Center at the
Chamber, Daytona Beach/Halifax Area Riverfront Park, call 386-255-0981 or visit their website: http://www.officialbikeweek.com/ which includes a survival guide and local restaurant listing. A free Daytona Vendor & Event map is a great resource to
stuff in your jacket pocket. |
| |
3 03 2010
By LYDA LONGA DAYTONA BEACH, FL – March 2,2010 –
(Motor Sports Newswire) – The county’s motorcycle theft task force netted two Georgia chiropractors riding stolen
motorcycles near Main Street in Bike Week’s first such arrests of the event, officials said.  The suspects — David Nudelman, 31 and David Hershkowitz, 35 — looked uneasy when members of the county’s
Motorcycle Anti-Theft Task Force approached them as they patrolled Main Street after 5 p.m. Monday, said Brandon Haught, Volusia
County sheriff’s spokesman. When police noticed the vehicle identification numbers on the Kawasaki ZX-10 and
the Yamaha R-1 seemed altered, they ran the numbers and discovered that both bikes had been reported stolen out of Georgia
— the Kawasaki in January, the Yamaha in 2008, Haught said. The suspects denied they knew anything about the
motorcycles being stolen, Haught said. Nudelman said he had bought both bikes, but could not remember when and where because
it had been a long time ago. Hershkowitz meanwhile, was listed as a witness in the Yamaha theft, according to information
dug out by the Task Force, Haught said. In addition, it was also learned that Hershkowitz is a friend of the Yamaha’s
owner, Haught said. The chiropractors were charged with grand theft auto and possession of a vehicle with an altered
ID number. The men both posted $5,000 bail this morning and were out of the Volusia County Branch Jail. lyda.longa @news-jrnl.comSOURCE: Daytona Beach News-Journal As a rule Motor Sports Newswire doesn’t run this type of
story. However, when I read this, it just had to share it with you. I specifically love the part
where the one dumb ass is listed as a witness to the theft and a friend of the former owner. Can you say insurance fraud?
The mugshots are just the icing on the cake. If you’d like to share your thoughts regarding this
matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for indulging me. 5 03 2010 WILMINGTON, DE – March 5,2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – As a part of their new
Powersports line, Mishimoto has developed a dirt bike radiator for the Honda CRF250R/CRF250X. Upgrade your stock Honda CRF250R/CRF250X
radiator with a Mishimoto Aluminum Dirt Bike Radiator to receive 30% greater cooling efficiency. All Mishimoto Powersports
Radiators are made with aircraft  quality brazed aluminum and are precision tig welded for extreme durability. The Honda CRF250R/CRF250X dirt bike radiator
is designed as a direct OEM fit to ensure smooth installation. Mishimoto has developed both left and right side radiators. Mishimoto
Aluminum Radiators deliver excellent performance and a lifetime of efficient cooling for your bike. Mishimoto guarantees superior
performance and quality with an unmatched lifetime warranty on all parts. *Note – Left Side and Right Side
are Sold Individually! HONDA CRF250 R/X ALUMINUM DIRT BIKE RADIATOR, 2004-2009, Left Side
Model: MMDB-CRF250-04L
MSRP: $200.00 HONDA CRF250 R/X ALUMINUM DIRT BIKE RADIATOR, 2004-2009, Right Side
Model: MMDB-CRF250-04R
MSRP: $200.00 7 03 2010 BENTON, IL – March 1, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – BRP
hit the 75,000 unit milestone at its sport boat manufacturing facility in Benton Illinois as the 21-foot 2010 Sea-Doo 210
Challenger SE rolled off the line on February 11. In operation since 1996, there are currently 362 dedicated and
passionate people who work in the facility. The 398 264 square foot (37,000 square metres) building was recently upgraded
with energy efficient HIF lighting systems and has a host of lean manufacturing tools. With an array of semi-automated computer
controlled fiberglass processes and automotive style assembly lines, the Benton site is a paramount manufacturing facility. “Despite our investments made in Benton and across all BRP sites, a company is only as good as its employees.
Our people are empowered through a teamwork management approach that allows for continuous improvement generated at the plant
floor level”, said Alain Villemure, vice president, general manager, Vehicle Development and Manufacturing Operations
(VDMO). “Our employees show an unrelenting commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. They are
truly the best at what they do and are a credit to themselves and to BRP”, he concluded. BRP’s marine
product portfolio is built on a long-standing history of innovative technologies and superior performance positioning the
company as the industry leader in jet drive propulsion systems and EPA approved two-stroke engines. Sea-Doo watercraft and
sport boats rank number one in the world while BRP’s award winning Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines continue to gain
momentum capitalizing on more than one hundred years of history and customer satisfaction worldwide. Bombardier
Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution
and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles,
Sea Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am
all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines and karts. With manufacturing facilities on three continents,
BRP products are distributed in more than 80 countries. Ace Motorcycle Rare Drawings
from 1919 Found in Dumpster!In 1919, at the end of the World
War One, a significant set of drawings was created. They would be lost for the next 90 years, until discovered in a trash
bin; it seemed their fate was to end up in a land fill. Instead, they will be sold at the Mid-America Auction, which will
be held at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas on January 10th 2009. Las
Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 23, 2008 -- In 1919, at the end of the World War One, a significant
set of drawings was created. They would be lost for the next 90 years, until discovered in a trash bin; it seemed their fate
was to end up in a land fill. Instead, they will be sold at the Mid-America Auction, which will be held at the South Point
Hotel in Las Vegas on January 10th 2009. | The Ace Four: the
finest thing on two wheels! |
| After spending much of my adult life looking for this type of treasure, it was overwhelming to find what represents
the finest work of the most renowned designer in American motorcycle history. And to think they were headed for a landfill;
when I found them, I had goose bumps for a week. |
During the World
War I era, a number of early manufacturers went out of business or were bought up by stronger companies. William Henderson,
who is still considered America's most creative motorcycle designer, sold his company to a German immigrant, Ignatius Schwinn,
who started making bicycles in Chicago in 1895. The Henderson had a fine reputation as being America's most luxurious, elegant,
and expensive four cylinder motorcycle. Schwinn felt he had taken ownership of the "best of the best" and added
it to his Excelsior Line. Despite signing a non-compete clause, Henderson was unhappy and soon began plans for a finer and
even more elegant replacement, the ACE. Henderson would call it
"The Ace Four: the finest thing on two wheels!" He began drawing the plans for his elegant new ACE and searching
for investors to help finance the new factory. As soon as his non-compete expired production began. Money would eventually
run out, and while searching for the finances needed to complete his machine, production was moved, and even discontinued
a couple of times. One tragic cold day, Dec. 11th 1922, Henderson
was test riding the new Ace and was struck by a car and killed. Within weeks his assistant, Arthur Lemon, completed the final
drawings, and then sold the rights to Indian Motorcycle Co., America's largest manufacturer. Indian produced the bike as the
Ace, then Indian Ace, and finally as their own brand, the Indian Four. During the 1930s, it went on to become America's only
luxury motorcycle, akin to a Duesenberg or Cord. The original drawings,
numbering approximately 400 pieces, disappeared from view. Lost in the files of the massive Indian Company, the Henderson
Ace drawings were assumed to have been destroyed in 1953, when Indian went out of business. Astonishingly, the new owner,
Bill Melvin, found the drawings as they were being placed in a dumpster and headed for a land fill. They had sat under layers
of dust in a warehouse for years. Bill Melvin says "After spending much of my adult life looking for this type of treasure,
it was overwhelming to find what represents the finest work of the most renowned designer in American motorcycle history.
And to think they were headed for a landfill; when I found them, I had goose bumps for a week." The drawings are each signed and dated by William Henderson and Arthur Lemon; they were
done on a cloth material and are in beautiful condition. They still rest in the old envelopes from the Indian factory They
have added significance in that many of Henderson's inventions are still in use in today's machines. |
15 02 2010 By PAUL MIDLER February 9, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – China and Japan are each going through their own unique quality
crises. In China, officials are hunting for 170 tons of contaminated milk powder that is still on shelves more than a year
after the melamine scandal was first exposed. And in Japan, discussions are focused on all that has gone wrong with its automotive
industry after Toyota’s recent recalls. But a closer look at the two scandals shows how far apart the countries are
in their approach to quality—and how much China stands to learn from Japan. China’s quality challenge has
at times been compared to Japan’s efforts in the 1950s and 1960s to transcend a bad reputation for manufacturing low-quality
goods. At that time Japan also suffered tragic industrial disasters, like the mercury poisoning in Minamata that left 1,000
people dead. But Japan’s leading companies have since been able to establish strong reputations for quality. Although
the automotive recalls currently underway are extensive, design errors and electronic malfunctions are in a different league
from China’s instances of willful product manipulation, especially when that manipulation has involved artful efforts
at circumventing third-party controls. In China, operators display an incredible willingness to place public safety
at risk in exchange for only the smallest gains in profit. The dairy industry’s 2008 scandal is instructive. The trouble
started when dairy farmers began adulterating milk with water, prompting dairy companies to test protein levels. Milk suppliers
next discovered they could trick laboratory equipment into believing protein concentrations were higher by adding a toxic,
chemical compound—melamine. Over time, more of the chemical was added, along with more water, and no one knows how little
real milk was in the final product by the time scandal broke. We only know the end result: six babies died, 300,000 were sickened
and over 50,000 were hospitalized, causing untold grief to Chinese families. The melamine scandal is by far the most
disturbing of all the quality crises China has faced in recent years. It was not just the amount of suffering endured, but
the fact that the contamination was an open secret shared by possibly hundreds of individuals at dozens of companies. While
some people involved in the 2008 scandal might have been able to claim that they didn’t know melamine could do so much
harm, those caught using melamine more recently cannot possibly plead ignorance. Making matters worse has been the government’s
wrongheaded response. Beijing reacted to this year’s melamine scandal with a heavy-handed cover-up. Chinese journalists
have been warned not to report details surrounding milk cases. Parents of children sickened by melamine-tainted products who
have attempted to organize themselves to protest or seek compensation risk being sent to jail for “social disruption.”
China’s state-directed legal system has failed to provide justice to victims. The government meted out severe
punishment to only a small number of perpetrators engaged in the distribution and production of poisoned milk—two were
executed—and a far greater number were let off the hook. China’s response to past scandals has been to protect
industry with a government shield, so no one should be surprised when fraud recurs in such an environment. The melamine
case illustrates the dangers of Chinese manufacturers’ pathological focus on short-term profitability. Accidents can
happen in almost any production process, but melamine did not coincidentally make its way into milk. China’s obsession
with thrift is a virtue often carried to a fault. Police have noted that the current melamine scandal was made possible by
the many tons of melamine that remained from the 2008 scandal. Some distributors chose to repackage the tainted powder and
put it on store shelves. They couldn’t stand the thought of throwing away so much milk powder, even if it was dangerously
contaminated, and even if it meant running the risk of being punished for it.
Japan’s reputation for high quality in recent decades owes much to W. Edwards Deming, the father of “total
quality management.” Were he around today, Deming would remind us that negative reinforcement mechanisms are no way
to improve quality standards. Quality must be seen as something positive, it must be seen as something that drives long-term
growth. It must be a goal shared by all stakeholders. As it stands today, a small number of unscrupulous actors in China threaten
to ruin the export opportunity for many.
When he arrived in Japan in the 1950s, one of Deming’s goals was to drive fear out of manufacturing processes.
Workers ought to have an open line of communication with management. There must be an opportunity to report incidences and
concerns from the factory floor. Partly thanks to the work of Deming, Japan is today an economy that places a high value on
the pursuit of quality for its own sake, and that vision has helped Japan to become an innovator in a wide variety of manufacturing
sectors. In China, workers are too afraid to report even the most obvious production errors or the most egregious cases
of unethical misconduct. Working with many factories, I have seen line operators reluctant to report anything at all. Managers
ignore issues that might cause embarrassment. Everyone involved is making a risk calculation, determining that staying silent
reduces the likelihood of trouble, at least in the short run. Where workers ought to speak up, the inclination is to look
the other way instead. One of China’s problems is that efforts to improve quality are focused on the finished
product only. Every time a scandal erupts, the answer has been to test more of the finished product. This after-the-fact approach
is no match for an emphasis on continual, systemic improvement. As Deming suggested, “we should work on our process,
not the outcome of our processes.” China should not take Japan’s recent stumble as an opportunity to gloat.
Japan’s quality problems are unfortunate, but they are an aberration not representative of the manufacturing industry
there. Now more than ever, China should be looking to its easterly neighbor as an example of how its own economy can adopt
a philosophy of quality and product development that is the envy of the world. Mr. Midler is author of “Poorly
Made in China” (Wiley, 2009). SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal 16 02 2010 MILWAUKEE, WI – February 9, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Harley-Davidson gets
the riding season off to a fast start at Daytona Bike Week 2010 with activities at a new location at Riverfront Park on Beach
Street and a larger presence at the Daytona International Speedway. The 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week 2010 renews the
long tradition of riders, enthusiasts, bikes and racing all in the sun and sand of Daytona Beach, Fla. Attracting huge crowds
of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts of all kinds from all places, Daytona Bike Week is a biker’s rite of spring not
to be missed. Harley-Davidson will welcome everyone to Daytona Bike Week 2010 at its exciting new location at Riverfront
Park on Beach Street and with an array of Harley® products and activities at Daytona International Speedway. “Daytona
Bike Week marks the start of the riding season, like New Year’s Day for motorcycle riders, and Harley-Davidson will
be there to celebrate,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Consumer Events. “Our new location at Riverfront
Park is a showcase for custom Harley motorcycles, while our spot at the Speedway gives riders a chance to test ride any of
our 70 demo bikes.” Harley-Davidson activities at the Riverfront Park on Beach Street will run from Friday, February
26 to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Highlights include: - Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories®
and MotorClothes® Products interactive experience: Check out the latest and greatest in customization and technology.
- Third Annual Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride (Tuesday, March 2)
- Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show
(Wednesday, March 3)
- V-Rod® Race Experience – Race your friends and win!
- Fit Shop customization
activities
- Tattoo competition
- Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) bike build and raffle
- Food,
beverage, music and free parking
Harley-Davidson activities at Daytona International Speedway near the Intersection
of Midway Avenue and Richard Petty Boulevard will run from Saturday, February 27, to Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Highlights include: - Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides
- Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) pin stop:
Members get a free event pin
- H.O.G. Day, Saturday, Feb. 27: Members receive a special gift
- 2010 Harley-Davidson
interactive motorcycle display
- Fit Shop motorcycle experience – see how any Harley can be custom fit
- Food,
beverages, music and free parking
Motorcycle owners are invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in
the Ride-In Custom Bike Show on Wednesday, March 3. Registration is only $10, and will be at Riverfront Park on Beach Street
from 9 a.m.-noon, with cash prize winners in a variety of classes. Entries are open to the general public. Harley-Davidson
motorcycle demo rides will be available at Daytona International Speedway February 27 to March 6. Riders with a valid license
and appropriate riding gear can test ride any 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson
events, please visit our Web site at www.harley-davidson.com and there will be online coverage direct from Daytona at www.harley-davidson.com/daytona. Please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for additional times and locations of entertainment and other
special attractions, as well as social media Web sites like Facebook and Twitter for updates from Daytona. 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. #### Husqvarna Named 'Marquee of the Year' Husqvarna has been named "Marquee of the Year" for the upcoming Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio, July
9-11. Event organizers cite Husqvarna's return as a present-day racing championship contender after its dominance of the '70s
and '80s.
"Arguably the most dominant off-road racing brand in the United States for a generation of racers, Husqvarna
has recently returned full force to AMA Racing national competition,'' says Tigra Tsujikawa, AMA special events and marketing
manager. "We're pleased to showcase both Husqvarna's history and the company's renewed investment in motorcycling's present
and future at this year's AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days." As part of Husqvarna's participation in AMA Vintage Motorcycle
Days, fans will be able to get up close and personal with the company's history, from its beginnings in Sweden in the early
1900s to the high-tech off-road, motocross and dual-sport bikes the company sells and races today. Ticket information
for Vintage Motorcycle Days is available at www.MidOhio.com. H-D Predicts Lower 2010 ShipmentsHarley-Davidson says it will likely ship 201,000 to 212,000
motorcycles to dealers and distributors in 2010, according to its latest quarterly report. H-D president and CEO Keith Wandell
says 2010 will "continue to be a challenging year" for the Motor Company. The drop in shipments reflects a five
to ten percent decline from 2009 figures. H-D saw fourth quarter revenue of $552 million, down 45.6 percent; revenue
from all of its key streams — new units, P&A and its MotorClothes gear — fell. The company shipped 35,938
units, down 53.1 percent from the year-ago period; revenue from P&A sales was $144.6 million, down 4.9 percent; and apparel
revenue was $66.8 million, down 3.2 percent. The company posted a fourth quarter net loss of $218.7 million, its first such
quarterly loss in 16 years. Its U.S. market share appears to have contracted during the fourth quarter of 2009, but
for the year it seems it improved. It experienced a retails sales decline of 27.9 percent in the fourth quarter while industry-wide
heavyweight motorcycle (651cc+) sales declined 20.9 percent; on the year, H-D's domestic sales fell 25.8 percent while industry-wide
sales fell 36.7 percent, according to H-D. For all of 2009, H-D reported income of $70.6 million and revenue of $4.29
billion from continuing operations; costs associated with MV Agusta and Buell Motorcycles are now considered discontinued
operations. Evinrude SAYS WHAT OTHERS FEEL: ‘We’ve given up on four-strokes’ | Leading outboard motor firm Evinrude sells at the premium performance
end of the marine market. The firm abandoned four-stroke development after discovering direct injection offered their 25-300bhp
two-strokes more power, better economy and less weight. They’re also emissions compliant to projected Euro 2010 standards.
Spokesman Mike Loach says: “There’s a place for four strokes – doing the dull jobs. They’re bloody
heavy and don’t give the power or the torque of the two-strokes. We believe two-strokes are simply better and people
who try them quickly agree”. But Loach warns that the four-stroke mafia loom large: “The misinformation that’s
spread about two-strokes goes right up to government. |
Yamaha
to Increase U.S. ATV Production Looking to increase responsiveness to market needs in a nation that has the highest demand for ATVs, Yamaha Motor Co. will
increase its U.S. ATV production by transferring capacity from Japan, according to a Yamaha release.
With the exception
of a few ATV models, virtually all of Yamaha's ATV production will be moved to Newnan, Ga., and will be overseen by its U.S.
subsidiary with headquarters also in Newnan. The move is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and be completed by 2013. Yamaha
believes the move will also "optimize manufacturing capacity and improve productivity." A Yamaha representative
could not provide an estimate of how many jobs the move will create in Newnan, though he did say it will "have a positive
impact on the local economic community." U.S.-based Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America currently
produces ATVs with 250 to 421 cc engines and will continue to manufacture golf cars, personal watercraft and SxS vehicles.
The production transfer will increase the facility's lineup to include ATVs with up to 700 cc engines. "We are
pleased to have this additional ATV production transitioning to . . . Newnan, Ga.," says Mike Martinez, Yamaha's U.S.
general manager of ATV and SxS operations. "We expect this transition to have a positive impact on the local economic
community and provide worldwide recognition for our state-of-the-art facility and its ability to produce durable and reliable
off-road vehicles." 7 02 2010 By Matt Carter “American Chopper” is getting ready to ride into the sunset. The series, which focuses on the Teutul family’s Orange County Choppers,
will air its series finale on February 11.  The show itself has been in a state of flux for much of its six seasons. It moved to TLC over two years ago after spending much if its time on the Discovery Channel, and since then a massive rift has occurred inside the star family. Paul Sr. is currently suing his son over ownership of
the motorcycle shop.
The Teutuls have appeared on numerous trade show and even guest-starred on an episode of “Jon and Kate Plus 8” last year. Are you shocked that “American Chopper” is getting the axe, or are you just happy that
it had a good run? Let me know your thoughts with a comment. SOURCE: TV Examiner 6 02 2010 JUSTICE QUESTIONS MOTIVES OF CITY’S BIKE LAW By
Adam Fogle The debate over the constitutionality of a Myrtle Beach motorcycle helmet law headed to the South Carolina supreme
Court on Wednesday. The city of Myrtle Beach legal counsel and attorneys for a group of motorcyclists cited under the
ordinance presented oral arguments before the five members of the state’s high court. In 2008, in an effort to
push annual motorcycle rallies outside of the city, Myrtle Beach officials enacted a law requiring riders to wear a helmet
in the city. But state law mandates that only those under 21 must wear head gear — everyone is free to ride without
a helmet. Tom McGrath of the Motorcycle Law Group, who is representing nearly 50 people ticketed for helmet infractions, and his fellow attorneys argued that the law that
violated the state constitution. “This is bigger than the helmet laws,” said State Rep. Thad Viers, who
is representing his brother in one of the cases. “This is what a local government can do and whether a local government
can make a law stronger and more stringent than a state law.” Justice Don Beatty questioned the motives of the
law. “I realize the issue is narrow here, but don’t pretend like we don’t know what’s going
on,” Beatty said to Myrtle Beach attorney Mike Battle. “We read. We all know why the city [passed the rally ordinances].” The
justices won’t likely rule in the case for at least a few more months. 
Signs posted on Highway 17 warning motorcyclists to wear a helmet in Myrtle Beach April 28, 2009 (AP Photo) Piaggio
USA is recalling 2010 Aprilia RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R models manufactured between July 2, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009. The potential
number of units affected is 335. According to NHTSA, a manufacturing process used to straighten the rods to meet specifications introduced
stresses that greatly affected strength and reliability. The rods could fail, the government says. Piaggio will notify owners and replace the engines for free. The recall is expected to begin on or
about Feb. 28. Owners can contact Piaggio at 212-380-4431. The NHTSA campaign ID number is 10V029000. Interested in having recall information e-mailed to you immediately as it becomes available? NHTSA
offers recall alerts via e-mail and RSS. Follow this link to sign up
Publish date: Feb 4, 2010 The Fifth U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals has upheld a decision releasing Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and Chunky River Harley-Davidson from liability
related to a rider’s accident. The decision, recorded Feb. 3, finds that the plaintiff, Donna Rutledge, failed
to prove her accident was the result of a defect that later led to a recall. Rutledge bought her bike Dec. 13, 2006,
from Chunky River. She noticed a steering problem but continued to ride the bike, then ran off the road Dec. 29 despite good
road conditions and obedience to speed limits. She sustained serious injuries. H-D issued recall notices for that model
of bike Jan. 22 and March 15 of 2007. According to a copy of the decision posted at Leagle, “The recall informed motorcycle owners that the size and location of a voltage regulator could make contact with the
front fender of the motorcycle in certain circumstances, potentially impacting the driver's ability to steer.” But
in pretrial motions, Rutledge’s attorneys did not bring on an expert to tie the defect to her accident, or even prove
it existed on her bike. An H-D expert said it was unrelated and her bike did not have the defect. H-D’s attorneys persuaded
the court to dismiss the case, and Rutledge appealed. The Fifth Circuit court upheld the District Court’s decision,
finding that recall notices for the same model of bike were not sufficient to prove the defect that was the subject of the
recall caused the accident. The case Is Rutledge V. Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 09-60533 Publish date: Feb 2, 2010
Source: Dealernews Yamaha says that the 2011 Rhino 700 FI lineup, including
a new Sport Edition (shown), will begin arriving at dealers this summer. “Yamaha’s leading Rhino continues
to hold the top spot as the toughest, most off-road-capable and versatile, as well as the all-time best selling, SxS vehicle,”
the company said in a statement released today. The 2011 Rhino has a new steering wheel and adjustable seat belt that
Yamaha says are more comfortable. New to the Rhino line is a White Armor Sport Edition with fully adjustable piggyback
shocks, one-piece cast aluminum wheels, an injection-molded sun top, over fenders, a Baja-inspired front carry bar, and a
special graphics treatment. The Sport model also comes with dealer-installed LED tail lights, a custom shift knob and black
bed rails. Yamaha says the 700-class power plant is optimized for the Rhino with a liquid-cooled, four-valve SOHC engine
providing plenty of torque. Helping manage that power is the Yamaha Fuel Injection system. The engine has a forged piston
for durability and an aluminum cylinder body with ceramic composite coating for decreased weight, increased cooling ability
and additional wear resistance. The roller rocker arms lessen friction in the valve train, reducing wear and increasing durability
while providing improved throttle response and better overall off-road performance. Yamaha’s Ultramatic automatic
transmission system has a centrifugal clutch that allows the drive belt to remain under constant tension for better durability.
The Ultramatic system’s one-way sprag clutch provides four-wheel engine braking. The On-Command 2WD/4WD system
with differential lock gives the driver options with the push of a button. The Rhino 700 FI has 12.1 inches of ground clearance,
and its fully adjustable and fully independent front and rear dual A-arm suspension offers more than 7.3 inches of travel. Yamaha
says the Rhino has large axles and CV joints to accommodate its engine power. Front and rear A-arm guards help prevent sticks
and debris from getting to the boots, but should something find a way past the guards, the CV boot material is tough and resistant
to most impacts, Yamaha says. An automotive-style pedal controls the four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston
calipers. The parking brake lever is located on the center console and engages a separate disc brake located on the axle. The
Rhino 700 FI comes with a number of standard extras and creature comforts. And Yamaha offers more than 100 official and accessories
for the Rhino line. As with all previous models, the 2011 Rhino has a U.S. OSHA- and ISO 3471-compliant rollover protection
structure (ROPS). Its 12-volt accessory outlet receives a GPS device, spotlight or even a cell phone charger. The Rhino has
padded bucket seats with headrests for both driver and passenger, and a digital meter is standard on the Rhino 700 FI, providing
self-diagnostic capabilities for troubleshooting, a voltage meter for monitoring battery condition, and an hour meter function
that operates only while the engine is running. The digital LCD multi-function display meter also features a speedometer,
odometer, dual trip meter, clock, fuel gauge and gear position display. The 7.9-gallon fuel tank holds enough gas for hours
of riding. The Rhino 700 FI also comes standard with passenger grab handles and cup holders, as well as tough, rotomolded
doors to keep mud, water and trail debris out of the cab. Helping keep passengers clean and keeping cabin noise to a minimum
is the noise and dust shield located behind the seats. The tools-free air filter under the hood is another convenience. Yamaha
says it’s a snap to service, and that an optimized filter size helps the filter stay clean longer. The Rhino has
a standard 2-inch receiver and is capable of towing up to 1,212 lbs., while the cargo bed is capable of carrying 400 lbs.
The cargo bed has an assisted-dump function with tilt levers on both sides of the bed. The 2011 Yamaha Rhino will be
available in Hunter Green, Red and the Sport Edition White Armor. Yamaha launched the first Rhino in 2003. The company
claims the Rhino line continues to be a category leader today. “Combining Yamaha quality and durability, the Rhino has
received nearly every best-in-class award from the ATV and SxS world as well as hunting and farming communities because of
its ability to tackle off-road terrain while also serving many utility functions,” the company says. Last spring,
Yamaha voluntarily suspended sales of Rhino 450 and 660 models. The company offered a free repair program to owners of the units to address what the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission called “safety issues.” Yamaha reports that during the first nine months of 2009, U.S. dealers sold roughly 10,000 side-by-sides, a year-over-year decline of 63
percent. Publish
date: Feb 1, 2010 CFMoto
Powersports is recalling its V3 and V5 automatic motorcycles, model years 2005 to 2009, because they don’t
have a foot brake as required by law. The units were manufactured between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2009, with a CHG
make and either a CF250T V3 or CF250T V5 model designation. The potential number of units affected is 6,405. According
to NHTSA, the units do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”
The units were intended to be made as scooters and therefore lack the required rear wheel foot brake. CFMoto Powersports
will notify owners, and dealers will install a foot brake for free. The recall is expected to begin on or about July 1. Owners
may contact CFMoto at 888-823-6686 Publish date: Feb 2, 2010
Piaggio
USA is recalling 2010 Aprilia RSV4 Factory and RSV4 R models manufactured between July 2, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009.
The potential number of units affected is 335. According
to NHTSA, a manufacturing process used to straighten the rods to meet specifications introduced stresses that greatly affected
strength and reliability. The rods could fail, the government says. Piaggio will notify owners and replace the engines
for free. The recall is expected to begin on or about Feb. 28. Owners can contact Piaggio at 212-380-4431. The NHTSA campaign
ID number is 10V029000. Interested in having recall information e-mailed to you immediately as it becomes available?
NHTSA offers recall alerts via e-mail and RSS. Follow this link to sign up. 28 01 2010 SEOUL, – January 25, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Harley-Davidson Korea will
recall a total of 629 units of nine motorcycle models due to defective fuel tank systems, government officials said Sunday. The
motorcycles were manufactured between June 6, 2008 and Nov. 19 2009, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs
said. The fuel tanks may rupture and leak if stress is placed on them in an accident, the ministry said. Free repairs
will be available starting Monday at Harley-Davidson service centers across the nation, it added. 29 01 2010 BREA, CA – January 27, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Suzuki takes great
pride in its longstanding support of motocross racers. That support continues in the 2010 racing season with more than $2.2
million in posted contingency. These funds will be available at 300 events across the country – more than any other
manufacturer. Suzuki will pay the owner of any 2008, 2009 or 2010 RM85, RM-Z250 or RM-Z450 purchased new from a dealership
for top 5 finishes at every contingency event, and the top 10 at any of the seven major amateur national events. Those important
events include the Lake Whitney Spring National, the GNC International Finals, the NMA World Mini Grand Prix, the Mammoth
Mountain MX, the NMA Grand National Championships, the Unlimited Sports Winter Olympics and the AMA Amateur National Championships.
In addition to this generous monetary support, Suzuki will also be providing free trackside assistance at the seven amateur
nationals as well as other selected events. “American Suzuki continues to support motocross enthusiasts like no
other manufacturer. Every dollar invested in the Motocross Contingency Program is going to the core of our sport – every
local and regional racer who attends their weekly event in pursuit of victory. With the addition of the all-new, fuel-injected
RM-Z250 and our race-proven RM-Z450, Suzuki racers across America will have a head start on the competition,” stated
Brian Noah, Suzuki Motocross Support Specialist. As always, it pays to race a Suzuki. For program details, rules, registration
and more, visit www.suzukicycles.com/racing. About Suzuki: The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif.,
was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout
49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide
manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it
has 120 distributors in 191 countries. 30 01 2010 by Aaron Frank EAST TROY, WI – January 29, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) –
The first sign appears a few miles away, stuck into the frozen grass alongside I-43. “Motorcycle Liquidation”
it reads, black letters on a yellow background, with an arrow pointing right. I exit at East Troy and head north toward Buell
Drive, and the soon-to-be-vacant Buell Motorcycle factory. It’s a clear, sunny, bitter-cold January morning in
Wisconsin, barely above zero. Still, a line at least 500 people long snakes single-file the length of the factory parking
lot and stretches well out onto Buell Drive, waiting for the sale to open. I recognize lots of faces—friends,
racers, former Buell employees, staff from dealerships in nearby Milwaukee, Madison and Janesville. Some are looking for good
deals on tools and shop fixtures. Some are looking for an authentic Buell souvenir. Some have no connection or affection at
all, and have just come to witness the dissolution of this proud—and occasionally puzzling—American motorcycle
brand.  The doors open at 10 am, and the mob descends on the factory’s steel and concrete carcass like vultures. “Rape
and pillage” is how one Harley-Davidson employee describes the scene. Like the sign says, EVERYTHING MUST GO NOW. Bike
lifts. Engine stands. CNC mills. Floor scrubbers. Air compressors. MAKE AN OFFER. Hundreds of rechargeable DeWalt tool batteries.
Neatly stacked plastic bins holding thousands of hand tools, priced $4 each. Office chairs: $40 for cloth, $70 for executive-grade
leather. “Look at all these computers—no wonder this company went out of business,” I overheard one attendee,
clearly ignorant of the demands of producing and selling 136,923 world-class motorcycles, say.
There were vehicles,
too. The Freightliner FL60 crew-cab that pulled Buell’s demo trailer around the country. The 2004 Ford Econoline van
that was a familiar—make that iconic—sight at racetracks around the Midwest, where it was driven by Henry Duga,
Buell Racing Manager and Buell employee #1. Even competitive-model motorcycles, including a KTM 640 Adventure and 990 Super
Duke, a BMW R 1000 RT and a roulette-green Triumph Speed Triple. One dollar bought your choice of posters—including
a signed action shot of Pascal Picotte on the Harley-Davidson VR1000 Superbike—that looked like they had just come from
some employee’s cubicle wall, complete with tack holes in the corners. Boxes of rubber bands. Bundles of zip ties. Packets
of staples. Open cans of paint. When the merchandise is gone, they’ll likely roll up the carpets and sell those, too. Deals
were few and far between, at least on the first day of this month-long sale. Trucks and bikes were priced at Blue Book value.
A tired-looking enclosed trailer, covered in Harley-Davidson graphics, was marked $2300. You can probably buy a brand-new
Craftsman box-end wrench at Sears for $4. That didn’t stop the shoppers. A large Buell dealer sign, $400, was gone in
the first sixty seconds. A $60 Firebolt airbox cover, signed in kanji by Japanese Buell fans, was also quick to sell. A friend
waited in the checkout line for over an hour to buy for a multi-meter, a few ratchets and a large roll of “Not For Production”
stickers. There were also some ghosts at this funeral. A back corner of the warehouse was roped off with caution tape,
protecting a lone forklift operator who quietly loaded crated Buell  motorcycles onto a semi. Behind another ribbon of tape sat 30-odd 1125CRs, partially disassembled. These were the last remaining
Buells, one of the last remaining Buell employees told me. Originally intended for the Brazilian market, they were now being
converted back to American-specs to be delivered to U.S. dealers. Eight air-cooled Buells, mostly Ulysses adventure-tourers
and all marked sold, sat in a fenced in cage at the back of the building. Across a dry erase board inside the cage someone
had scrawled, in blue magic marker, “Harley Davidson (sic) sucks.” Speaking of ghosts, I recognized former
Buell President and COO Jon Flickinger also walking the sale floor. After giving me a few non-answers about details surrounding
the “discontinuation” of Buell, Jon asked if I wanted to speak with Erik Buell. The headquarters of the newly
founded Erik Buell Racing remain on the Buell grounds in East Troy, in a small office and race shop adjacent to the former
factory. Erik happened to be in the office that day. Honestly, Erik was the last person I wanted to see on what I only
imagined was an emotionally charged day. This was a man who has taken incalculable risks and made untold sacrifices over the
past 27 years to build a motorcycle company from the ground up. A man whose two-wheeled legacy was largely being liquidated
at that very moment, just fifty yards away. I couldn’t imagine what he was feeling that day. Or that he’d be in
the mood for any light conversation. The meeting went pretty much as I expected. Erik was cordial, as always.
But with little to lose and no brand to protect anymore, he told me with extreme candor exactly how he felt about Buell Motorcycles’
unceremonious end. Then he went on for some minutes—many minutes, in fact—about his frustration with the motorcycle
media. Buell has had a notoriously prickly history with the motorcycle press. Some of the stories written recently, especially
those regarding Buell’s controversial Daytona Sportbike championship, have profoundly upset him, and he let me know
why and how. We also talked about his occasionally prickly history with Harley-Davidson, and also about the fate of the recently
leaked Buell Barracuda prototype. That we’ll likely never see this particular motorcycle enter production is unquestionably
heartbreaking to Buell. I have no intention of going further with any of this. It was a difficult conversation—probably
the most difficult of my career—and one that in some ways I’d like to forget. Be assured this isn’t the
last we’ve heard from Erik Buell, however. Buell is renowned for his resilience. Through his career he has faced many
obstacles, everything from racing injuries to bankruptcies to massive product recalls, and has always clawed back stronger
than ever. Though his pride might be wounded, he remains as passionate about performance motorcycles as ever, and every bit
as committed building world-class, American-made sportbikes. I can’t imagine he’ll go back to Harley-Davidson,
but he’s certainly not going away. He’s got too much unfinished business—and too many critics still to silence—to
just leave now. The Buell Motorcycle Factory Liquidation sale is happening now at the former Buell manufacturing facility
in East Troy, Wisconsin. The sale will run through February 28th or until everything is sold, whichever comes first. Details
about the sale can be found here. 29 01 2010 IRVINE, Calif. – January 26, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Kawasaki contingency
program is back in 2010 with unparalleled support for its Kawasaki racers. With the confidence-inspiring 2010 Kawasaki line-up,
it is a great time to go green and get paid. Not only is Kawasaki’s contingency program the most profitable in
both off-road and motocross racing to date, Kawasaki racers can take advantage of industry-leading perks. Every Kawasaki rider
has access to track-side support, the assurance of award-winning machinery, and the opportunity to take part in the dealer-racer
assist program. “Even in the current economy we are proud to offer one of the most lucrative contingency in the
sport,” said Reid Nordin, Team Green Manager. “We feel that everyone who races a Kawasaki is a member of Team
Green. Our support is second to none in the industry and we strive to see our green machines at the front of every race.” Being
part of the program is as easy as following these steps: - BUY — Purchase a new or used 2009
or 2010 U.S. model Kawasaki
- REGISTER — Online at kawasaki.com
- RACE
— Compete in any contingency paying event
- WIN — There is no claim form to file. Payments
are automatically deposited directly to a Kawasaki Contingency Card, which can be redeemed at any Kawasaki dealer and more
than 32 million MasterCard® retailers worldwide.
For class payouts and schedules, or more information and
the official rules, please visit www.kawasaki.com. At
its annual Ski-Doo dealer meeting last week in Orlando, BRP unveiled its 2011 sleds. Six of them have a new engine
option that, according to the company, sets new standards for fuel efficiency, low emissions and value.  The Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine is the first in a family of Rotax four-stroke engines. BRP describes
it as a 600cc DOHC two-cylinder getting 29 miles per U.S. gallon for a fuel range of 310 miles. The 60 hp power
plant will be available with the following models: the MXZ TNT and Sport, Renegade Sport, Grand Touring Sport, Expedition
Sport, Tundra LT and Skandic WT. BRP will also continue to offer the Rotax 600 H.O. E-TEC engine. "BRP sees
this new engine as key to getting more people to try snowmobiling,” Bob Lumley, VP of sales and marketing for Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo,
stated in a press release. “The fuel consumption of BRP's 2011 Ski-Doo sleds equipped with the new Rotax 600 ACE engine
is up to 45 percent lower than our closest competitor. Its outstanding fuel mileage rivals most automobiles, not to mention
the fact that it is quieter than most other snowmobile engines and requires very low maintenance.” BRP expands
its two-stroke direct-injection E-TEC technology with the Rotax 800R E-TEC engine. According to the company, the engine delivers
up to 37 percent better fuel economy (19 miles per gallon) and the lowest emissions of competitive models in the same class. The
2011 Ski-Doo lineup also introduces new platforms “targeting emerging markets that are attracting new enthusiasts to
the sport.” - BRP built the new Ski-Doo Summit Freeride to “take on the most challenging terrain; backcountry
riders have no issues climbing chutes and throwing whips with this machine.”
 - The new Ski-Doo Summit S-36 suspension package offers mountain riders a narrower ski stance. Changes to the front
and rear suspension transform the deep snow handling of the Summit sled, reportedly making it easier to lean the snowmobile
while boondocking and sidehilling.
- In the utility segment, the Ski-Doo Skandic Wide Track model with LTS front suspension
moves from the REV-X to the REV-XU platform, making it nimbler and 31 lbs. lighter.
 - For recreational riders who prefer an off-trail powder experience, the Tundra X-treme model combines the deep snow
floatation of the Tundra with the power of the Rotax 600 H.O. E-TEC engine.
 "The expansion of our engine technologies and platforms has improved our performance and competitiveness dramatically
over the years," Yves Leduc, VP and GM of BRP's North American division, stated. "Our 2011 Ski-Doo lineup continues
to enhance the consumer experience while appealing to a broader audience and thus dictating the way the snowmobile industry
will go.” BRP also previewed its 2011 Ski-Doo riding gear and accessories. The company says people can choose
gear based on their riding style and needs, whether those needs be warmth, lightweight breathability, trendy snowboard-inspired
designs or long-distance touring gear.  New products include a complete boot lineup, the Vision180° helmet, an expanded windshield lineup, Tundra-specific
accessories and handlebar wind deflectors. "The 2011 Ski-Doo snowmobiles lineup and accessories provide dealers
what they need to continue to create excitement with their customers,” Rob Strauss of Rob’s Performance in Johnson
Creek, Wisc., told BRP. “When you combine the continued innovative capacity with the quality of the BRP lineup, you
have a win-win formula to go beyond customer expectations, and that will eventually allow us to reach a new breed of consumers.”
 |  |  | AMA needs your support regarding the lead-related ban of youth
off-highway vehicles| Appropriations bill debate creates opportunity to influence lead-related ban of youth
off-highway vehicles | Take Action! | | Contact
your Representative Today! | | | On March 4, the
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on the
proposed fiscal year 2011 Financial Services Appropriations bill. The agenda for the hearing will focus on the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC). This hearing will provide an opportunity for Congress to address how the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 has created a severe and unwarranted disruption to families who recreate together responsibly,
and a deleterious effect on youth amateur racing. On July 7, 2009, Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) attached an
amendment to the House fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill which would have prohibited the use of funds
by the CPSC for the implementation and/or enforcement of section 101(b) of the CPSIA as it relates to youth-model off-highway
motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). To see Rehberg's press release on his amendment, please click here. The
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauded the Rehberg amendment, and submitted a letter of support that was placed
in the Committee Report on June 23, 2009. To see the AMA's letter of support, please click here. The AMA is hopeful and
is working with Rehberg's office to, once again, include similar language to the fiscal year 2011 Financial Services Appropriation
bill. Therefore, the AMA needs your help to let your lawmakers know how you feel about the lead-content ban
and its impact on the sale of youth-model off-highway vehicles. The quickest way to reach your Representative is to call
them. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your zip code at AmericanMotorcyclist.com >
Rights > Issues & Legislation. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to immediately send to your lawmakers
by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information. For more information about ways you
can help exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA, click here. Please contact your Representative
immediately and urge them to address your concerns with the CPSIA at the hearing! |
|
|
2010-03-02/17:26:38 Honda
Motor Co., Ltd. says it is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle. The OEM says it plans to introduce
the electric cycle to the market about two years from now.
GS Yuasa Corporation and Honda recently reached an
agreement to establish a joint venture company to manufacture, sell and conduct R&D for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
The two companies aim to establish the new company sometime around spring 2009.
The new company will be 51 percent
owned by GS Yuasa and 49 percent owned by Honda. The headquarters of the new company is planned to be located in Minami-ku,
Kyoto, and the factory is planned to be established within the property of GS Yuasa’s Osadano operation in Fukuchiyama,
Kyoto.
The new company will manufacture batteries based on EH6, the lithium-ion battery developed by GS Yuasa.
|
quality brazed aluminum and are precision tig welded for extreme durability. The Honda CRF250R/CRF250X dirt bike radiator
is designed as a direct OEM fit to ensure smooth installation. Mishimoto has developed both left and right side radiators.
