Polaris Industries Buys Indian Motorcycles

Polaris is ramping up their motorcycle division by the recent purchase of Indian Motorcycles.  According to a press release from Polaris last week, they bought the business for an undisclosed amount from Indian Motorcycle Limited, a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. 

“We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine said. “Indian built America’s first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known.”

Along with the Victory line of motorcycles, Polaris is adding a whole new dimension to their line-up by adding the historical name of Indian Motorcycles.  Indian began making motorcycle history when they began selling bikes in 1902.  Although the name has been passed around the past few decades, there are few enthusiasts who won’t recognize the brand.    

“Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle,” said Indian chairman Stephen Julius.  “Indian’s heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market.”

Although now owned by Polaris, the Indian brand of motorcycles will operate as “an autonomous business unit”.  The bikes will also still be built in the same factory where they are now, in Kings Mountain, N.C.  Hopefully Polaris is what the Indian brand needs to become competitive again in today’s motorcycle marketplace. 

 

Harley-Davison Raffle to Benefit National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Museum

Harley-Davidson has a long history when it comes to police motorcycles, having been supplying them to America’s law enforcement for over 100 years.  They are continuing to celebrate that relationship by announcing that they will be giving a 2011 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide Peace Officer Special Edition to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.   

This will mark the fifth year in a row that Harley has donated a motorcycle to benefit the fund.  The non-profit organization will be raffling off the motorcycle with all of the proceeds to benefit the National Law Enforcement Museum that is going to be built in Washington, DC. 

"Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a long and distinguished history of supporting law enforcement in our country, and we are excited to continue our partnership to build the National Law Enforcement Museum," said Craig W. Floyd, the Memorial Fund's chairman and CEO.


Tickets will be sold for $25 apiece, and if the bike isn’t motivation enough, the first 1,000 people to buy two or more tickets will receive a limited edition, “Thin Blue Line Harley-Davidson & National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund" t-shirt.  Only 4,000 tickets are planned to be printed, and they will go fast, so don’t wait too long.  The motorcycle being raffled is valued at $21,747; for $25 you are guaranteed a 1 in 4,000 chance of winning.  Those are great odds, after all, who can pass up a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle for $25? 


There are two ways to get your hands on one of the raffle tickets and that is to either call 877-622-BIKE (202-737-3402 an alternate number) or you can stop in the Memorial Fund Visitors Center at 400 7^th street, NW, in Washington, D.C.  The motorcycle is currently being displayed for viewing at the visitors’ center as well.   The raffle tickets will be available for purchase on Monday through Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm (EDT).  The actual drawing will take place on Monday, May 16 (the day after the National Peace Officer Memorial Day) and you do not need to be present to win. 

In the five previous years of donating motorcycles, Harley-Davidson has helped to raise over $175,000 to benefit the Museum.  The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was created in 1984 and is a non-profit organization that pays tribute to the daily service and sacrifice provided by America’s law enforcement officers.  A copy of the press release can be found here and more details about the raffle can be found here .

BMW Motorcycles Makes ABS Standard on 2012 Lineup

BMW Motorrad USA announced yesterday that they are going to be making Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) standard on all 2012 motorcycles.  BMW motorcycles have been available with ABS since 1988, making them the first major motorcycle manufacturer to use ABS.      

“Plain and simple, being able to stop a motorcycle faster and more predictably helps prevent a rider from becoming a statistic,” Pieter de Waal VP of BMW Motorrad USA said a press release.  “It’s time for all of us in the motorcycle industry to embrace the benefits of ABS. Extensive testing by safety experts, law enforcement authorities and journalists around the world consistently demonstrates that ABS reduces overall crashes and saves lives.”

ABS can make a huge difference when braking under certain situations, such as on wet or low traction surfaces, and also under hard breaking.  I’ve locked up the rear brake on a motorcycle a few times and I can honestly say ABS seems pretty appealing.  Check out this video from the press release and decide for yourself.

According to the press release, a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims that bikes with ABS are 37 percent less likely to be in a crash (over bikes without ABS). You can see the press release here on The Knee Slider. “Our research results show ABS on motorcycles saves lives, and riders are taking note, too. A recent survey found that a majority of riders said they would look for ABS on their next bikes,” IIHS President Adrian Lund Said.     

While the IIHS study reveals some interesting finds on ABS, studies from the IIHS should be scrutinized as they are known to have conflicting interests.  Here is what an article from Sport Rider Magazine had to say:

             

“While we don’t doubt that ABS can help the vast majority of riders and that they will help reduce the number of fatalities, many of the flawed conclusions the IIHS (which is funded and sponsored by the insurance industry) gleans from its “studies”—at least when it comes to motorcycles—should always be looked at with a wary eye. Using only the perfunctory follow-up investigations from insurance claims for an actual full-blown motorcycle crash analysis is ham-fisted at best, and the conflict of interest present by having insurance industry backing is undeniably prevalent.” 

BMW Motorrad is no doubt taking the next step in motorcycle safety evolution by offering ABS as standard equipment (albeit with their already high MSRP).  I won’t be surprised to see more motorcycle manufacturers following suit, and if not making ABS standard equipment, offering it on most models. 

Wisconsin to Offer Harley-Davidson Liscense Plates

Starting on April 13, drivers in Wisconsin now have the option of getting a Harley-Davidson branded license plate.  According to a release on PRNewswire, HD is partnering with Wisconsin DOT to make the plates available for cars, trucks, and motor homes.  Wisconsin, which is actually the birthplace of HD, is going to be the first and only state in the country to have these plates. 

In order to get one of these plates you will need to pay a $15 fee to issue the plate, then a yearly $25 “donation” (on top of annual registration fees).  The donation will provide grants for motorcycle safety courses, evaluation courses and public workshops.  You can learn more and apply for a plate on the Wisconsin DOT website. 

"Rider safety is critically important to all of us at Harley-Davidson," Matt Levatich, COO and President of Harley-Davidson Motor Company said in a press release. "We are pleased to partner with the State and help increase awareness and support for motorcycle safety programs that further enhance rider safety and driver awareness in Wisconsin."

While Wisconsin may be the first to see these plates, I have a feeling people are going to go crazy for them and you will start seeing more and more states offer similar plates.  One more step for the marketing giant that is HD.   

Chip Yates Sets 190mph Record on Electric Motorcycle

Chip Yates recently became the fastest man on an electric motorcycle after he set the record of 190.6 mph over the past weekend at the Mojave Mile Competition.  Yates and his custom built SWIGZ electric bike shattered the previous record of 176.4 mph set by Riches and Nelson’s E-Race Bike.

This is not your typical electric bike, as show on Yates’ website.  This impressive machine was built on the frame of a Suzuki GSX-R 750, with custom Ohlins USA forks, shocks and steering damper.  The power comes from a “Permanent Magnet” DC Electric motor producing 8,000 RPM and 194 Hp with 295 Ft/Lbs of torque.  Impressive.  The motor gets its juice from LiFePO4 Lithium-Ion batteries.  Now on to the brakes, this bike sports Brembo monoblock GP 4-pad calipers that cost $2,300 a piece, according to Yates’ website.    

Although Yates broke the current record the team was hoping to break the 200 mph barrier, but due to technical problems they could only make two runs. “I only got 2 runs cause we blew up $5000 in chargers with the generator we rented, we tested prior, but got diff model w/big volt spikes…What an honor to have ridden an electric motorcycle faster than anyone in the world,” Yates wrote on his Twitter page.  Next on Yates agenda, according to a write-up on Hell For Leather, he is planning on entering Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. 

“The SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing Team is ecstatic to have been invited by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb officials to compete in this epic event,” Yates said in a recent press release.

Congrats to Chip Yates and his new record, no doubt a huge achievement.  This is quite possibly the future of motorcycles and I am happy to see someone create such a powerhouse out of an electric motor.  Now if anyone is curious what a 200 mile-per-hour electric bike sounds like, I leave you with this on-board video of the record-breaking run. 

Victory to Ship Motorcycles to India

     Victory Motorcycles are rumored to be sending bikes to India in 2012 and could possibly be building a factory there in the near future.  According to an article on allaboutbikes.com, Victory will be debuting bikes at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo (one of Asia’s largest shows).  Although Victory hasn’t released any official comments about this, it was apparently reported in India’s Business Standard. 

     "Polaris has recently established a subsidiary in India and we are currently researching that market as well as several others around the world,” Victory PR guy Robert Pandya told All About Bikes Magazine.   

     Victory will be joining Harley-Davison as one of the few American bikes to cruise the streets of Calcutta; Harley has been building dealerships around the country and is apparently constructing a factory in Haryana, according to an article on Motorycle-USA.com.

     Overseas sales are nothing new to Victory, as they have been selling bikes in New Zealand, the UK, and all over Europe.   “The company is very aggressive at bringing its products to India, as the market is looking at a sustained long-term growth in life style vehicles like cruisers,” an industry source told Business Standard.

Harley-Davidson Donates $370,000 to Support Breat Cancer

     Harley-Davidson announced in a recent press release that they will be donating $370,000 to help support women and families that have been affected by breast cancer. A portion of their profits from their new “Pink Label Collection” will benefit the YourShoes 24/7 Support Center, an organization that is affiliated with Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization (the oldest national breast cancer organization).

     "Harley-Davidson and its dealers are proud to make this donation to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization," said Harley’s VP Patrick Smith.  "Pink Label is our most successful new women's MotorClothes product launch ever and we could not be more pleased that it is helping support counseling efforts and peer support for those affected by breast cancer," Smith stated in the press release.  

http://www.examiner.com/motorcycle-in-national/pink-harley-to-raise-money-for-the-cure

The New Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak

     Ducati recently released details of  their new Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak model to celebrate their domination in the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, where they took both a first and third place finish.  The new edition to the Multistrada lineup will feature a red and white Ducati Corse paint-job with black anodized engine guard and carbon fiber all over the place.  It even comes with a race inspired wind screen molded from carbon fiber.       

           
     According to a post on autoblog.com, models traveling to Europe will be equipped with a carbon fiber silencer made by Termignoni.  The exhaust will be slightly different in the States, but apparently the bike will feature a special numbered crankcase cover instead.  Other unique features include a custom-stitched seat and black wheels with red pinstriping.  
           
     The 1198 cc L-twin engine features 4 valves per cylinder (all desmodromic of course), and delivers 150 horses 9250 rpm.  A Mitsubishi fuel injection and Mikuni throttle bodies ensure a top of the line fuel delivery system.  Pirelli Scorpion tires, dual-piston calipers, and available ABS, this bike is impressive.  Unfortunately, at a starting price of around $22k, only a select few will be able to enjoy this machine.  I might have to sneak off to the local Ducati shop to check it out, but alas..it won’t be around until June.    

Zero Motorcycles CEO Stepping Down

     Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles is going through yet another management shift after CEO Gene Banman recently announced retirement.  An article on gigaom.com reports that Banman will still sit on the board of directors but will no longer be running the show.  COO Karl Wharton, who spent over a decade in the motorcycle industry (mostly at triumph), will take over daily operations as Zero looks for a new CEO.   
        
      Banman joined the company as COO in 2007 and became the CEO 60 days later.  He “raised tens of millions in funding, built a strong exectutive team and positioned Zero as (a) worldwide leader in the electric motorcycle industry,” Zero said in a recent press release. 
           
     This news comes just weeks after Zero announced it received a $26 million investment and that their founder, Neal Saiki, was leaving.  Saiki, along with his wife Lisa, started the company in 2006 inside their Scotts Valley, CA garage.  Zero claims Saiki was leaving due to a recent birth in the family, but an article on asphaltandrubber.com claims Saiki’s exit was not necessarily voluntary.  They reported that various sources close to the company verified that Saiki was part of a “larger management shake-up” that left members of the upper tier of leadership unemployed. 
           
     Zero motorcycles designs electric street and dirt bikes that are powered by lithium-ion batteries.  Retail price is around $10,000 and Zero is currently producing 30 to 40 bikes per week; although they are hoping to increase capacity up to 70 a week, according to Gigaom. 

     “It’s definitely a different company now,” Zero VP Scot Harden told Gigaom in a recent interview.  Apparently investors were looking for a way to “make over the company for over a year now”, and want to create a management team with “true, honest-to-god motorcycle experience.”

AMA Champ James Stewart Arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer

     Here is a great Bone-Head story I found recently, so get ready to laugh.  On March 28, AMA Supercross champion, James “Bubba” Stewart, was arrested for impersonating a police officer when he used flashing lights to pull over another car.  Unfortunately for him, that car was full of cops.   Yup, 25-year-old Stewart was driving his 2008 Toyota Tundra down Florida Rt. 417 outside of Orlando, when he decided to use his “police-type” red and blue flashers to pull another vehicle over.  

     When he pulled up alongside the car, one of the off-duty highway patrol officers flashed a badge and Stewart took off.   He was later arrested and charged for impersonating an officer when he was spotted at the Orlando International Airport.  His passenger, Thames Jehrrod Quinault, was also arrested for tampering with evidence when he tried to hide the lights in his luggage.  They are now both facing felonies.  And according to an article on ESPN, Stewart’s truck was also seized.  I’m very curious what truck was seized, it could have been this one.

      Stewart, who is a 2-time AMA Supercoss Champion and 3-time AMA Motocross National Champion, later released a press-release saying, "I hope to resolve this incident quickly and show people that I am someone that upholds the law and someone they can respect as a competitor and as a person.  Apparently Stewart also has a reality show on FUEL TV called “Bubba’s World”, I wonder if they have any of this on film…it would make a great episode.