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Article source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2012/01/30/lahaduc-a-laverda-harley-ducati-bitsa-bike/

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Ryan Villopoto is back on the path toward defending his crown after becoming the first repeat winner in 2012.
Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto became the first repeat winner of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series after snagging a major victory in Anaheim. The defending champ encountered little resistance during the 20-lap main after passing TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed early on for the lead, taking victory nearly five seconds ahead of the field. Meanwhile JGR Yamaha’s James Stewart rode a commendable race in second after suffering a hard crash in his heat race. Reed seized the final podium spot in third, the Aussie now trailing RV in the championship by three points.

RV and Reed were fighting bar-to-bar out of the gates as the Aussie nabbed  the lead through the first whoop section. Honda’s Justin Brayton and JGRMX Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps closely followed the duo as Stewart and Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey both had mediocre starts outside the top-five. On the second lap Villopoto slipped by Reed to become the new leader as JS7 and RD5 made quick progress to close on the frontrunners. On Lap 3 Stewart passed Brayton for third as RV slightly opened his lead ahead of Reed to just over a second. Millsaps, Honda’s Kevin Windham, Jeff Ward Racing’s Kyle Chisholm, Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe and Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle rounded out the top-10 as LM Honda’s Andrew Short and HH Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen both had to pull into the mechanic’s area temporarily with bike trouble.

JGR Yamaha’s James Stewart had a solid ride in second to keep him in the title hunt.
The top-three riders remained at a standstill on Lap 7, but it was only a brief pause for Villopoto – who quickly stepped up his game to put more of a gap on Reed. Meanwhile Dungey was still stuck behind Brayton, the lone Factory Honda rider putting in good defense until RD5 finally swept by for fourth. At the halfway point Stewart got the better of Reed for second place, but the former champ still had more than five seconds to make up on Villopoto. It was at this point that RV laid down some of the fastest laps of the night in order to prevent Stewart from catching up. As RV’s lap times became quicker, JS7 faced a renewed threat from Reed as Millsap and Windham went at it for sixth.

With seven laps to go Stewart wasn’t making any progress on Villopoto. Metcalfe, Tickle, Alessi and Chisholm still held their own inside the top-10, with Reed still sticking it to Stewart for second. In the final laps RV completely checked out, eventually winning his second race of the year with a sizeable gap.

“James (Stewart) and Chad (Reed) were riding good tonight,” said Villopoto. “I knew I had to stay on my toes and not make a mistake. We need to take it one race at a time. I had a great start and to be perfect on the start was difficult.”
 
Stewart – usually prone to major blunders during the main event – put in a solid performance with minimal errors for second after a hard fall earlier in the evening. For the second week in a row Reed was outdone by Stewart, but the Aussie’s third-place finish at Anaheim leaves his just three points shy of the championship lead. Dungey finished off the box for the second consecutive round – leaving the ’10 SX champ five points behind RV and just two points away from Reed.

Anaheim 2 AMA Supercross Results:
1. Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki)
2. James Stewart (Yamaha)
3. Chad Reed (Honda)
4. Ryan Dungey (KTM)

Chad Reed (above) lost another battle with James Stewart but remains just three points shy of Villopoto.

5. Justin Brayton (Honda)
6. Kevin Windham (Honda)
7. Davi Millsaps (Yamaha)
8. Mike Alessi (Suzuki)
9. Brett Metcalfe (Suzuki)
10. Broc Tickle (Kawasaki)
11. Jake Weimer (Kawasaki)
12. Kyle Chisholm (Kawasaki)
13. Nick Wey (Kawasaki)
14. Andrew Short (Honda)
15. Weston Peick (Kawasaki)

2012 AMA Supercross Championship Points:
1. Ryan Villopoto, 108
2. Chad Reed, 105
3. Ryan Dungey, 103
4. James Stewart, 95
5. Kevin Windham, 73
6. Jake Weimer, 71
7. Andrew Short, 59
8. Brett Metcalfe, 57
9. Davi Millsaps, 56
10. Justin Brayton, 53

Article source: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/812/12178/Motorcycle-Article/Anaheim-2-Supercross-Results-2012.aspx

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Edgar Heinrich Named New BMW Motorrad Design Studio Director

More wBW: 
Motorcycle Reviews 
| 

Product Reviews  | 
BMW Motorcycles

January 31, 2012 – Edgar Heinrich was named as the Director of the BMW
Motorrad Design Studio, starting July 1, 2012, succeeding David Robb in
this position.

After completing his university degree in design, Edgar
Heinrich started his career as a motorcycle designer with BMW back in
1986. Within the BMW Group BMW Motorrad Design Studio, Heinrich was Head of Vehicle Design
Motorcycles under the overall direction of David Robb from 2007 to 2009.

In July 2009,
Heinrich’s career took him to India. As Vice President Product
Design with the Indian vehicle manufacturer Bajaj Auto LTD, he currently
heads up the styling and model studio, responsible for brand definition
and brand strategies for two-wheel and four-wheel design.

During his time with BMW Motorrad, Heinrich was responsible for
such vehicles as the first four-valve boxer models, including the R 1100 RS and RT, the K
1200 S and R, the HP Megamoto and the victorious Paris-Dakar racing
machines.

The successful R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS were also created on
his drawing board.

Under his direction, the motorcycle design team created the S 1000 RR,
the F 800 / 650 series, the G 450 X and also the BMW Custom Concept
study. Heinrich was even involved at the start of the design development
of the 6‑cylinder touring bikes and the new maxi-scooters.

Motorcycles take up a large part of his leisure time, too. His passions
include modifying sports bikes, restoring and collecting vintage models
and in particular riding motorcycles himself, both on and off the road.

As Edgar Heinrich himself says: “I am very pleased to be returning to
BMW Motorrad and having the great opportunity to be involved in shaping
the two-wheel future of the BMW Group with an outstanding team.”

“Edgar Heinrich is an excellent motorcycle designer and passionate
motorcyclist who has already made key contributions to BMW Motorrad
design in the course of his many years of experience. I very much look
forward to collaborating with him to take BMW Motorrad design to ongoing
success in the future,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President
BMW Group Design.

David Robb, the previous head of the BMW Group Motorcycle Design
Studio for 18 years, has left the company.

Under his leadership, the design team elaborated the
development of the BMW Motorrad product portfolio from three to a
current total of six model lines, as well as creating the extensive
product range of BMW Motorrad rider equipment and motorcycle
accessories.

The first motorcycle designed under David Robb’s direction was the BMW K
1200 RS. This was followed by such models as the first BMW cruiser R
1200 C, the innovative K series with transversely mounted 4-cylinder
engine, the F series with 2-cylinder parallel twin and the most
successful BMW motorcycle of all time, the travel enduro R 1200 GS.

The
design concept of the latter is regarded to this day as the benchmark in
the category of big enduro bikes.

Recently, there were additional
highlights such as the BMW motorcycles with in-line 6-cylinder engine,
the K 1600 GT/GTL, and the BMW superbike S 1000 RR. The first BMW
maxi-scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT only recently saw their world
premiere in autumn 2011.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design,
said “I would
like to thank David Robb for his many years of successful work and wish
him all the very best for the future.”

Note: For informational use only. All material and
photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC – 2000-2011.
All rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld©
Site Info
page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may
change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read
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Article source: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/2012/bmw-motorrad-new-design-director.htm

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Feb 04, 2012

• Mamola, Schwantz To Headline Festival Of 1000 Bikes July 6-8 At Mallory Park
  

Feb 03, 2012

• Driven Performance Products Recycling Program To Benefit The Roadracing World Action Fund
  
• AMA Pro Racing Requiring Riders To Have Class Sponsor Patches On Leathers To Be Eligible For Points Fund
  
• Honda TT Legends Announces Four-Rider Lineup For 2012 Season
  
• Video: Jason DiSalvo Under The Lap Record While Preparing For An Upcoming Jason DiSalvo Speed Academy At Jennings GP
  - Featured Video
• A Video Of Something You Don’t See Every Day: The Safety Sphere, Featuring A Rider Bouncing Post-Crash Down The Road Inside An Inflated Ball
  - Featured Video

Feb 02, 2012

• Swan Yamaha British Superbike Rider Hutchinson Breaks Leg At Motorcycle Show
  
• Video: Ducati Plans To Return To The Pikes Peak International Hillclimb In 2012
  - Featured Video
• Suzuki Test Rider Aoki Holds Rider Training School In Indonesia
  
• Yamaha Australia To Run Four-Rider Team In 2012 Australian FX Superbike Championship
  
• Harley-Davidson Gearing Up For 110th Anniversary In 2013
  
• Stoner Under Lap Record As Round One Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang Ends
  
• BMW’s Marco Melandri Says He’s Looking Forward To The Start Of The World Superbike Season
  

Feb 01, 2012

• Staring To Replace Injured Mercado On Team Pedercini Kawasaki At Phillip Island
  
• Harley-Davidson Rolls Out Two More 2012 Models
  
• Pirelli Launches Pirelli Moto Facebook Page
  
• U.S. House Committee To Vote On Bill To Fund Recreational Trails Program, Eliminate Funding For Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints
  
• Video: AMA Pro Racer Jake Holden Will Conduct Rider Clinics At Selected XCEL Trackdays In 2012
  - Featured Video
• Foremost Renews As Title Sponsor Of Pegram Racing AMA Pro Superbike Team
  
• Full Tuck Racing Severs Ties With AIP Racing
  
• Scott “Mr. Daytona” Russell Will Continue As A Guest Instructor With Yamaha Champions Riding School In 2012
  
• MSS Colchester Kawasaki Announces 2012 British Superbike Rider Lineup
  
• SCRAMP, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Recognized For Addressing Needs Of Disabled Visitors
  
• Video: Yamaha Motor Racing’s Lin Jarvis On The 2012 MotoGP World Championship
  - Featured Video
• Althea Racing Presents 2012 World Superbike Team In Italy
  
• Pacific Northwest Tire Vendor KFG Racing Switches From Dunlop To Pirelli
  
• Southeast Sales To Field KTMs Again In 2012 CCS Midwest Championship
  
• Stoner Fastest On Second Day Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang
  

Jan 31, 2012

• Dunlop Still Looking For More Help Distributing Race Tires In The Western U.S.
  
• Hear Team Owner Danny Walker And Racer Travis Wyman On The Radio Tonight
  
• Wagnon To Ride For HSBK Racing During 2012 CMRA Season
  
• Cornerspin Releases 2012 Winter/Spring School Schedule
  
• Information, Entry Forms For AMA Pro Racing Tests At NOLA Motorsports Park, Homestead-Miami Speedway Now Available
  
• Harms Joins Bimota Moto2 Project
  
• Motorcycle-Superstore.com Renews Sponsorship Of AMA Pro Flat Track
  

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Article source: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=47178

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Harley Davidson Seventy-Two

If you understand the words “factory custom,” you’ll understand everything you need to know about Harley Davidson. The just introduced Sportster Seventy-Two is a perfect example of what the Motor Company does, it builds factory customs; not new motorcycles, not racers, not cutting edge technology machines, it builds custom versions of every standard model in their lineup. The Seventy-Two will not appeal to anyone not already considering a Sportster, however, among that group, it will attract quite a few buyers.

Harley knows its customers and their sales are steadily, albeit slowly, rising. Many readers here will look at this metal flake and ape hanger equipped Sportster and shake their head, they’ll refer back to the Storz SP1200RR and ask, why can’t they build something like that? The simple answer is, they can, and if their customers were crying out for a cafe racer, you would see one in their showrooms, however, the Seventy-Two has a lot more in common with the Storz special than you might think.

Step back a bit, park this bike next to a Storz SP1200RR and what do you see? I see two Sportsters dressed for different occasions or just trying to hang out with two different crowds. Is one better than the other? Nope, unless, of course, you’re trying to hang out with the wrong crowd. The performance of both bikes will be amazingly similar, the Storz might handle a bit better and be more comfortable for riding in the twisties because of your seating position, wheels and tires and the upgraded shocks, but the engine is the same. The body work on the Storz won’t make it go any faster.

Take the comparison a little further and you’ll see both bikes appeal to the same customer. Wait, … what? Yep. Who is going to buy the Seventy-Two and who is going to bolt on the pieces to turn his Sportster into an SP1200RR? In both cases, the customer is someone who wants his bike to stand out from the crowd a little bit, or even a lot, yet doesn’t have the time, skills or inclination to shape metal, machine parts and lay down custom paint. In the case of the Harley, he writes a check and rides a bike, with the Storz he will have to spin a few bolts, too, and in both cases, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Harley ran for years on the doctors and lawyers who bought their customs ready made, pulled on their leather jackets and became someone else, after all, they had no time to build their own bikes or learn how. There might be less of that right now, but even the guys who buy these bikes are doing something very similar. The ability to do major surgery on their own bikes isn’t as widespread as the custom bikes you see might make it appear, but having something that appeals to their own particular tastes and rewards them with an enjoyable ride is reason enough to buy one or the other and that’s why Harley builds bikes like this, because more of their customers want this than a cafe racer. I’ve seen very similar bikes before, and so have you, Harley just made it a little easier for more riders to have one.

So look at the Seventy-Two and appreciate what it is, for that matter, look at every bike in the Harley lineup the same way. Think of the Seventy-Two as you would one of the hundreds of craft beers available today. You might like a stout, someone else an IPA or maybe you prefer to sip an imperial. Who’s right? Everyone. Choice is good and each one appeals to someone. The Seventy-Two just gave everyone another choice.

Available in Black Denim or Big Blue Pearl for $10,499; Hard Candy Big Red Flake $11,199.

Harley Davidson press release:

MILWAUKEE – The Harley-Davidson® Seventy-Two™ motorcycle is a metal flake dream machine, a Sportster® on a trip back to the days when the cool kids rode a Sting-Ray and the big boys parked choppers in a row on the curb. Those motorcycles were long and lean; candy-apple color and gleaming chrome shimmering in hazy summer sunlight. From its Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint and ape bars to its narrow whitewall tires, the Seventy-Two is a respectful nod to that era, and to the influence of the custom culture that still percolates today along Whittier Boulevard, the legendary cruising street in East Los Angeles also known as Route 72. A new generation of custom builder is tapping into that era and making a fresh statement, not just in California but in garages across the country, even around the world.

“In creating the Seventy-Two, we were also inspired by the vibe of the early chopper era,” says Frank Savage, Harley-Davidson Manager of Industrial Design. “Those bikes were colorful and chromed, but also narrow and stripped down to the essentials. You look at period examples and they are almost as simple as a bicycle. It’s a custom style that’s very particular to America and that California scene.”

Metal flake, an iconic design element of the ’70s, appeared in everything from dune buggy gel coat to vinyl diner upholstery, and on custom motorcycles. Harley-Davidson brings the sparkle back on the Seventy-Two with Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint. This new finish is created by applying a black base coat, followed by a polyurethane system that carries hexagon-shaped flakes that are more than seven times the diameter of metal flake used in typical production paint. Each flake is coated with a thin aluminum film and then tinted red. Four applications of clear coat, combined with hand sanding, create a smooth finish over the flakes.

“The final touch to the Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint is a logo on the tank top and pinstripe scallop details on both fenders,” says Savage. “Each was originally created by hand, and we recreated that art in a decal for production, so they still have the appearance of hand-applied graphics in that they are not exactly perfect. The graphics are then covered with a final clear coat application.”

A solo seat and side-mounted license plate bracket leave much of the chopped rear fender – and more of that paint – exposed on the Seventy-Two. The powertrain is finished in Gray powdercoat with chrome covers and a new round air cleaner with a dished cover. A classic Sportster 2.1-gallon “peanut” fuel tank adds a final period touch to the motorcycle.

Key features of the 2012 Harley-Davidson® Seventy-Two™ include:

• Air-cooled Evolution® 1200cc V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 73 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3500 rpm.

• Powertrain is finished in Gray powdercoat with Chrome covers.

• Paint color choices include Hard Candy Big Red Flake with period pinstripe details on fenders and fuel tank, Black Denim, and Big Blue Pearl.

• Classic 2.1-gallon peanut fuel tank.

• Dunlop® white side wall 21-inch (MH90-21) front and 16-inch (150/80B16) rear tires.

• Chrome Laced wheels.

• Ten-inch mini-ape handlebar mounted on a two-inch high riser.

• Chrome, eight-inch round air cleaner cover with center screw mount.

• Chopped rear fender exposes rear tire.

• Side-mounted license plate bracket.

• Chrome, staggered, shorty dual exhaust with slash-cut mufflers.

• Solo seat with black textured vinyl cover.

• Handlebar-mounted speedometer with chrome cup.

• Chrome rear fender struts.

• Chrome coil-over pre-load adjustable rear shocks.

• Forward foot controls.

Article source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2012/02/02/harley-davidson-seventy-two/

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Wizards Cleaning products are now available through Tucker Rocky and Biker’s Choice.
Coming off a banner year celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2011, WIZARDS is twisting the throttle again in 2012 with another big announcement. WIZARDS is proud to announce that their full line of top quality professional detailing and finishing products is now available through Tucker Rocky and Biker’s Choice and is in their 2012 catalogs. Bringing a combined total of more than 100 years of industry experience, WIZARDS, Tucker Rocky and Biker’s Choice are excited to team up.

Amy Antonsen, President of Wizards Products says, “I am excited about this new partnership.” Adding, “Feedback from Dealers nationwide has been super positive and we are thrilled to be able to continue to offer superior customer support, face-to-face sales and prompt delivery of product through our new relationship.”

Tucker Rocky and Biker’s Choice Vice President of Marketing, Hank Desjardins, states, “We are stoked to be taking on the complete line of Wizards Products. We have been using the products and are completely satisfied that they are some of the finest cleaners on the market. We are proud to have them onboard.”

For more information about Wizards Products, please visit WizardsProducts.com or call 800-356-7223.

RJ Star Inc./WIZARDS, manufacturer and exclusive distributor for WIZARDS Products, offers a complete, professional line of appearance care items designed to clean, shine and protect all surfaces of the vehicle.

Article source: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/12177/Motorcycle-Article/Tucker-Rocky—Bikers-Choice-Sells-Wizards.aspx

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

wBW
Motorcycle
News:  Our reports on motorcycle sales statistics and
figures have become popular enough to warrant their own page. 

This information is compiled from
various sources around the world regarding motorcycle
sales numbers and trends. 

Contribute your
information by sending it to 

Japan Motorcycle Exports for 2011

February 1, 2012 – Motorcycle Export Data from Japane for the Calendar Year
2011 (January to
December 2011) is now available (Source:
JAMA).

Number of Motorcycles Exported
Motorcycle exports from Japan for Calendar Year 2011 was recorded as 504,985 units. Compared
with the 493,464 units total recorded for the previous year, this is an increase
of 11,521 units or 2.3%, an export increase after four years of downturn.

Value of Motorcycles Exported
Total value of motorcycles exported for the calendar year 2011 was $4,698.934
million including $3,185.216 million for vehicles and $1,513.718 million for
parts. This is an increase of $284.369 million or 6.4% as compared with
$4,414.565 million recorded for the previous year.

Export total achieved a 79.0% share of the total production of 638,987 units
recorded for calendar year 2011. (*74.3% for calendar year 2010)

BMW Motorrad USA Reports 2011 Sales Increase

January 13, 2012 – (BMW Motorrad Press Release, Edited by webBikeWorld) – On
the heels of BMW Motorrad reporting record global sales in 2011, BMW Motorrad
USA posted a 7.4 percent growth in sales in 2011, nearly double the gain posted
the previous year.

See this extended
report on the 2011 BMW record sales increase.

Sales were fueled by continued demand for BMW Motorrad USAs best
selling model, the S 1000 RR Superbike, as well as for the popular core
models R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure and the all-new
six-cylinder K 1600 GTL and K 1600 GT.

The company credits their sales performance to improved market
conditions, a broad, continually enhanced model lineup and a strong
dealer network.

“BMW had successfully weathered the downturn in the motorcycle market in
recent years” commented Mac McMath, National Sales Manager, BMW Motorrad
USA. “Now, with market conditions improving and the arrival of new and
updated models, we are poised for continued success in 2012.”

For model year 2012, BMW Motorrad USA is offering the all-new dual-sport
G 650 GS Sertão
(report), model updates for the F 800 R and S 1000 RR superbike, the
K 1300 S and K 1300 S HP Limited Edition and the Special Edition R 1200
GS Rallye. All of these models are currently available at BMW retailers
nationwide.

More information on these motorcycles is available on the wBW
BMW Motorcycles page.

Harley-Davidson Reports 2011 Sales Increase

January 26, 2012 – (H-D Press Release, Edited by webBikeWorld) -
Harley-Davidson reported that worldwide retail new motorcycle sales rose 10.9%
in the fourth quarter of 2011. Sales rose 5.9% overall in 2011, while overall
company earnings doubled.

Harley-Davidson reported a strong finish to 2011, with improved
fourth-quarter performance capping a year of earnings and dealer retail
sales growth. Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 10.9%
worldwide in the fourth quarter compared to the prior-year period,
including an 11.8% increase in the U.S.

For the full year 2011, new Harley-Davidson motorcycle retail sales
rose 5.9% worldwide and 5.8% in the U.S. On a worldwide basis, dealers
sold 40,359 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the fourth quarter of
2011, a 10.9% increase compared to 36,390 motorcycles sold in the
year-ago period.

Dealers sold 23,753 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S., an
11.8% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. In international
markets, dealers sold 16,606 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the
fourth quarter, an increase of 9.7% compared to the year-ago period.

For the full year, worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson
motorcycles increased 5.9% to 235,188 units, compared to sales of
222,110 units in 2010. U.S. retail sales of new Harley-Davidson
motorcycles increased 5.8% to 151,683 units, and in international
markets sales increased 6.1% to 83,505 units, for the full year compared
to 2010.

Industry-wide U.S. heavyweight new motorcycle (651cc-plus) retail
unit sales increased 4.3% for the full year, compared to 2010.

Revenue From Motorcycle Sales

 Revenue from Motorcycles during the fourth quarter of 2011 of
$791.9 million was up 13.5% compared to the year-ago period. The company
shipped 50,730 motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide during
the quarter, compared to shipments of 44,481 motorcycles in the fourth
quarter of 2010.

Revenue from Motorcycle Parts and Accessories (PA) totaled $161.2
million during the quarter, up 7.9%, and revenue from General
Merchandise, which includes MotorClothes Apparel and Accessories, was
$69.3 million, up 12.8% compared to the year-ago period.

2011 Results

For the full year of 2011, the Company shipped 233,117 motorcycles to
dealers and distributors, a 10.7% increase compared to 210,494 units
shipped in 2010. Revenue from Motorcycles for the full year was $3.55
billion, a 13.3% increase compared to the year-ago period.

Full-year PA revenue was $816.6 million, a 9.0% increase compared to
2010. General Merchandise revenue was $274.1 million, a 5.8% increase
compared to 2010. Gross margin for the full year was 33.4% and operating
margin was 12.0%, compared to 34.2% and 9.1% respectively in 2010.

2012 Forecast

Harley-Davidson expects to ship 240,000 to 245,000 motorcycles to
dealers and distributors worldwide in 2012, a three-to five-percent
increase compared to 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company
expects to ship 58,000 to 63,000 motorcycles.

For the full year, Harley-Davidson expects gross margin to be between
34.75% and 35.75%. The company expects capital expenditures of between
$190 million and $210 million in 2012, which includes approximately $25
million to support restructuring activities.

BMW Reports 2011 and 3Q Sales

November 3, 2011 – (BMW Press Release, Edited by webBikeWorld) – Worldwide
BMW motorcycle sales improved slightly in the third quarter by 6.5% to 28,862
units for a total of 26,312 BMW (+7.4%) and 2,550 Husqvarna motorcycles (2.0%).

The 2011 year-to-date (three quarters) sales volume totaled 92,972
motorcycles (+4.7%), while just the BMW brand sold 86,892 units, up 6.6%
on the previous year.

Husqvarna recorded a drop of 16.3% to 6,080 units, “reflecting a
drastic decline in the relevant market segment and the effect of
wide-ranging measures undertaken to restructure worldwide sales for this
brand”, according to the Q3 BMW financial report.

BMW motorcycle sales in Europe during the first nine months of the
year totaled 63,685 units, a similar level to the previous year (+0.9%).
BMW said this was largely due to the strong German market, where sales
rose dynamically by 18.0% to total 17,039 units. An increase was also
recorded for France (8,586 units; +3.9%).

By contrast, nine-month sales volume figures were down for Spain
(5,195 units; 6.2%), Italy (13,583 units; 9.3%) and Great Britain
(5,475 units; 6.1%).

During the period from January to September 2011, BMW sold a total of
9,553 motorcycles in the USA, 9.5% more than in the corresponding period
last year.

The number of motorcycles handed over to customers in Japan fell by
15.9% to 2,004 units as a result of the natural catastrophe.

Increased sales volumes were translated into higher revenues for the
BMW motorcycle segment both in the quarter (euro 334 million; +14.8%)
and for the nine-month period (euro 1,181 million; +9.3%). As a result
of the strategic realignment of the Husqvarna Group, the segment
recorded a negative EBIT of euro 16 million (2010: positive EBIT of euro
2 million) for the third-quarter. EBIT for the nine-month period was
euro 62 million, down 29.5% from the previous year.

As a consequence of these developments, earnings for the Motorcycles
segment were down on the previous year, with a third-quarter loss before
tax of euro 17 million (2010: euro 0 million) and a nine-month profit
before tax of euro 60 million (27.7%).

The motorcycle workforce increased slightly; BMW currently employs
2,924 people in the motorcycles segment as of 30 September 2011.

Triumph Reports 2010 – 2011 Fiscal Year Sales

December 7, 2011 – (Triumph Motorcycles Press Release, Edited by webBikeWorld) -
It’s often difficult to get a clear understanding of motorcycle sales
statistics, but bits and pieces dribble out from various manufacturers and
sometimes give a more global view of the market.

Here is an edited version of a Triumph press release describing their
fiscal year (ended June 30) results for 2011:

Triumph Motorcycles Group announced that turnover increased by 11%
from £312.4 million in 2010 to £345.3 million in 2011 and
that unit sales of Triumph motorcycles increased by 7% from 45,501 to
48,684. The increase in sales was attributed to the introduction of
incremental models to the range.

Triumph operating profit before interest and taxes was £22.3
million, up from £15.1 million, an increase of £7.2 million.
(Note that without comparable numbers for previous years, it’s difficult
to know whether this is a good or poor result).

Triumph stated what regular readers of the webBikeWorld Motorcycle
Sales Statistics page already know:

“2011 was another very difficult year for the global motorcycle
industry. The global market (for motorcycles bigger than 500cc) is down
almost 50% from its peak four years ago, decreasing by 7% within the
last year alone.”

The report also stated that “Triumph remains cautious in terms of the
general market outlook for 2012 due to the continued global economic
turmoil and the impact upon consumer confidence and in particular
spending on discretionary consumer goods.

New models are extremely important in driving growth and we have been
able to increase spending in our RD investment during the recession,
which continues to positively impact our business. This year, Triumph
has already launched three new motorcycles: the Tiger Explorer, Speed
Triple R and the Steve McQueen Special. Feedback from dealers, press and
the public has been extremely positive.”

Triumph North American Operations

There was also a note about Triumph’s North American subsidiary,
which was established in 1994. It serves one of the largest motorcycle
markets in the world with a network of approximately 200 Triumph
dealers.

In the last 7 months of the fiscal year, Triumph outperformed the
category slightly, growing market share by half a percentage point.
Turnover increased by 9% and retail sales of motorcycles increased by
15%. The increase was helped by the introduction of new models late in
the selling season, but increases also were seen across the entire model
range line-up.

Parts, accessories and clothing grew at a rate of 8%, “due to the
introduction of several new core riding and seasonal items”. Triumph
stated that “the sales momentum continues as the dealer network supports
the new changes, resulting in an increase in retail sales of 31% for the
month of October”.

The North American subsidiary is focusing on growing the business
through increasing brand awareness, dealer profitability, and expanding
the network footprint in key open territories.

U.S. and European Motorcycle Sales Still Very Weak in 2011

October 22, 2011 – (Various
Sources, Edited by webBikeWorld) – U.S. street bike and
scooter sales
have
improved over the course of 2011 when compared to the
same period in 2010, while other segments have dropped, making for a relatively
flat year overall.

Dual-sport motorcycle sales were down significantly for the year when
compared to 2010, but increased 14% in the third quarter of 2011, a
hopeful sign indicating
the popularity of this segment and hopefully a portent of things to come (see the wBW “Budget Adventure Touring”
article and the Suzuki DR650 blog).

Scooter sales were also up by 17% for the year overall when compared
to 2010, and scooter sales are the only bright spot in an otherwise
dismal report. Street bike sales showed a weak improvement.

The improvement in scooter sales helped make combined retail sales
for the three quarters reported in 2011 at least remain flat compared to
2010. Take away the increase in scooter sales and the result is a very
weak market overall for motorcycles.

European Powered Two-Wheeler Sales Down

In Europe, ACEM reports that from January to August of 2011, sales of
new motorcycles and scooters in the countries monitored by ACEM were
down 8.86% over the same period in 2010, with 105,6906 registered units.
Malaguti, the Italian scooter manufacturer, will close this year after
81 years of operation.

Among the five main EU markets studied by ACEM, Powered Two-Wheeler
(PTW) sales in Italy are down 17.3%; Spain  down 15,1% and The
Netherlands down 13%. France is down 2.82%, while Germany is up 3.7%. UK
is down 2.36%.

2011 European Two-Wheeled Vehicle Sales Lag

July
17, 2011 –
ACEM, the European motorcycle industry association,
reports that “the crisis is not over yet for the
European motorcycle sector. The latest figures for the
spring sales and registrations confirm the enduring
negative trend.

Motorcycle sales fluctuate during the course of the
year, but with the beginning of the warmer and dryer
season, dealers expect a surge in demand. This year they
were disappointed once more.

After a negative 2009 and 2010, did not yield the
hoped positive results. During the first five months of
2011, sales of new powered two-wheelers in the countries
monitored by ACEM, were down 3.2% over the same period
of 2010, with just 633.362 registered units.

The expected rebound from the a long period of
negative news that began at the end of 2008 did not
materialize. Even the onset of the good season, which
marks a surge in interest for PTW and usually generates
a spike in sales, is not contributing to relieve the
damages provoked by the economic crisis.”

Since 2008, ACEM has called for policymakers to
devote more attention to this situation which is causing
dramatic consequences to the labor market. For instance,
Spain lost 25% of jobs in PTW manufacturing out of a
workforce of 50,000 in 2007. Despite this negative
average trend some countries distinguish themselves for
their good performance.

Belgium reports an exceptional 18,7% increase in
registrations, while France and Germany grow
respectively by 8,2% and 7,7%.

Unfortunately, all other EU markets are confirming a
constant decline, with Spain  down 10.4%, the UK
down 1.7%and The Netherlands down 1.3%.

In this scenario, Italys disappointing performance,
losing 15.4% from January 2010 to January 2011 is
holding back the rest of the EU market averages.
Considering that Italy represents 25% of the entire EU
market, this loss translates to a crippling blow to the
aggregated EU sales. Since the incentives scheme ran out
a year ago, the decline patterns experienced by Italy
have been the same as elsewhere.

2010 U.S. Motorcycle Sales Report

January 29, 2011
- (Various Sources, Edited by webBikeWorld) – Motorcycle
sales (traditionally reported as Dual-Sport, Street,
Off-Road and Scooter) declined in 2010 to roughly 1998
levels.

Total sales in 2010 were estimated at 439,678,
down from 521,876 in 2009. This is a decrease of
approximately 18.5% and it is a very dramatic change
from the peak year of 2005, when motorcycle sales
reached approximately 1.1 million total. This means that
in just 5 years, total motorcycle sales have dropped by
more than 50%.

Sales of off-road motorcycles in 2010 declined the most at
-23.3% and they were already down 28% from the 2008 to
2009 sales year (see chart below).

For comparison, here is the 2008-2009 table:

Selected Worldwide Motorcycle Statistics

Interesting

motorcycle ownership and use graphs and charts
courtesy of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers
Association.

Article source: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/statistics/motorcycle-sales-statistics.htm

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Feb 02, 2012

• BMW’s Marco Melandri Says He’s Looking Forward To The Start Of The World Superbike Season
  

Feb 01, 2012

• Staring To Replace Injured Mercado On Team Pedercini Kawasaki At Phillip Island
  
• Harley-Davidson Rolls Out Two More 2012 Models
  
• Pirelli Launches Pirelli Moto Facebook Page
  
• U.S. House Committee To Vote On Bill To Fund Recreational Trails Program, Eliminate Funding For Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints
  
• Video: AMA Pro Racer Jake Holden Will Conduct Rider Clinics At Selected XCEL Trackdays In 2012
  - Featured Video
• Foremost Renews As Title Sponsor Of Pegram Racing AMA Pro Superbike Team
  
• Full Tuck Racing Severs Ties With AIP Racing
  
• Scott “Mr. Daytona” Russell Will Continue As A Guest Instructor With Yamaha Champions Riding School In 2012
  
• MSS Colchester Kawasaki Announces 2012 British Superbike Rider Lineup
  
• SCRAMP, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Recognized For Addressing Needs Of Disabled Visitors
  
• Video: Yamaha Motor Racing’s Lin Jarvis On The 2012 MotoGP World Championship
  - Featured Video
• Althea Racing Presents 2012 World Superbike Team In Italy
  
• Pacific Northwest Tire Vendor KFG Racing Switches From Dunlop To Pirelli
  
• Southeast Sales To Field KTMs Again In 2012 CCS Midwest Championship
  
• Stoner Fastest On Second Day Of MotoGP Testing At Sepang
  

Jan 31, 2012

• Dunlop Still Looking For More Help Distributing Race Tires In The Western U.S.
  
• Hear Team Owner Danny Walker And Racer Travis Wyman On The Radio Tonight
  
• Wagnon To Ride For HSBK Racing During 2012 CMRA Season
  
• Cornerspin Releases 2012 Winter/Spring School Schedule
  
• Information, Entry Forms For AMA Pro Racing Tests At NOLA Motorsports Park, Homestead-Miami Speedway Now Available
  
• Harms Joins Bimota Moto2 Project
  
• Motorcycle-Superstore.com Renews Sponsorship Of AMA Pro Flat Track
  
• Szoke To Host Weekly Canadian Motorcycle Race Report On “Biker TV”
  
• Keith Amor Retires From Racing Due To Injury
  
• Penguin Roadracing School Announces 2012 Schedule
  
• Updated: Lorenzo Is Fastest And Stoner’s Back Seizes Up At MotoGP Test In Malaysia
  

Jan 30, 2012

• Rossi Posts Photo Of Newest Ducati Desmosedici GP12
  
• AMA Pro Racing Caps Add-On Electronics At $18,000 Per Superbike For 2013 Season
  
• New Jersey Motorsports Park Adds To 2012 Event Calendar
  
• Jim Cox Racing Will Provide Dunlop Sales, Service, Support At All 2012 WERA West Events
  
• Ride For Kids Events Raised $4.5 Million For The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation In 2011
  
• AMA Pro Racing Does Deal With Cardo Systems, Inc.
  
• Blackhawk Farms Raceway Releases 2012 Rider Clinic, Track Day Schedule
  
• Two Teams Joining Forces For Daytona 200 Effort
  

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Article source: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?lnk=rss&article=47175

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

Previous post: Desmohog Finishes the DesmoHarley Engine Project

Article source: http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2012/01/31/storz-performance-sp1200rr-cafe-racer-accessories/

Motorcycle Helmet Critic

As a prelude to the 2012 road race season in the USA, Dunlop would like to remind racers that customers situated in the western portion of the country can order tires for mail order delivery from Race Tire Service in Nashville, TN. The toll-free phone number for Race Tire Service is 800-772-TIRE (800-772-8473). The direct line for orders or tech questions is 615-641-3323; fax 615-641-8959. Also, race tires can be ordered via email at info@dunlopracing.com, and online orders or requests for information can be obtained at www.dunlopracing.com. Race Tire Service is available for phone orders from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central time (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific time). Orders placed before 2:00 PM Central time will ship that day. All messages left will be returned the next day so orders can be shipped as quickly as possible.

Dunlop is currently working with RTS to develop a strong sales and service presence at all major club-racing events in the west that have historically enjoyed Dunlop service. A complete schedule for Dunlop tire services at these events will be announced shortly.

In addition, Dunlop will cover all 2012 AMA national road race events with services provided by RTS. Currently, Dunlop is also actively seeking a new distribution partner to assist with sales and service in the western U.S. Interested groups should contact Dunlop Senior Manager of Motorcycle Road Racing, Sabastian Mincone, directly at sabastian_mincone@dunloptire.com.

Article source: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/1/12150/Motorcycle-Article/Dunlop-Road-Racing-Support-Services-for-2012.aspx

Motorcycle Helmet Critic