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22 • December 26, 2016 • Powersports Business MOTORCYCLE www.PowersportsBusiness.com Indian Motorcycle, Zac Brown team up for veterans Dealership, Menneto contribute to Veterans Day event in Atlanta In honor and recognition of Veterans Day, Indian Motorcycle paid tribute to the nation's veterans with a day of gratitude and a motorcycle ride on the outskirts of Atlanta. In partnership with Zac Brown Band, the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group and char- ity partner Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis, the ride kicked off at Indian Motorcycle of Marietta, Georgia, and ended at the campus of Camp Southern Ground, Zac Brown's non-profit passion initiative, in Fayetteville. The ride hosted more than 100 riders and veterans from California all the way to Virginia, in addition to Indian Motor- cycle Riders Group (IMRG) members from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Veterans and other participants were welcomed by breakfast and a kickoff tribute delivered by Steve Menneto, president of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries, who joined the vet- erans for the day. The scenic ride lasted two hours and traveled through the outskirts of Atlanta. The full day of events dedicated to saluting all American military veterans culminated in lunch and a surprise acoustic performance by Zac Brown Band at Camp Southern Ground. "All of us at Indian Motorcycle are hon- ored and humbled to continue our steadfast support of America's military personnel, their families and our veterans, whom we proudly salute today on Veterans Day," Menneto said. "I thank the more than 100 veterans and IMRG riders who took part in this epic day of motorcycle comradery. I would also like to thank Zac Brown Band and their team for their support of our troops, and for making this a legendary event." Along for the ride and day's events were four representatives of the Veterans Char- ity Ride to Sturgis, which provides two- wheeled motorcycle therapy for wounded and amputee American military veterans. This past summer marked the second straight year Indian Motorcycle has sponsored this charity ride, which departed from Los Ange- les en route to the 76th annual Black Hills Rally through some of America's most scenic landscapes. "It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this day, and the band is proud to have played a small role in making this day special for our veterans," said Zac Brown. "Camp Southern Ground was proud to host this spe- cial event and welcomes our nations veterans today and every day." PSB The Indian Motorcycle Riders Group and charity partner Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis kicked off their ride at Indian Motorcycle of Marietta in Georgia. The ride around Atlanta wrapped up as the band entertained and delighted veterans with an impromptu acoustic performance. Husqvarna Motorcycles has extended its partnership with SHOT Race Gear for an additional three years. The agreement will see the French manufacturer supply all Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Enduro and Extreme Enduro team riders with their race gear throughout the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons. Manufactured to the highest standards in France, SHOT's products are known within the off-road industry for their superior qual- ity and unique design. Founded in 1993, SHOT Race Gear rapidly became the leading riding gear manufacturer in France and one of the top three brands in the European off- road market. Using high-end competition to develop and further improve all their products, SHOT now offers a wide range of gear and equip- ment to satisfy riders of all abilities, from the amateur rider to professional racer. In extending their partnership with Husqvarna Motorcycles, SHOT's gear and equipment will be used by all Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Enduro and Extreme Enduro riders. "SHOT have been one of our most trusted partners, and we've already celebrated four Enduro World Championship titles and numerous key Hard Enduro victories with them," said Robert Jonas, vice president of Husqvarna Motorsport. "Always remain- ing very close to world-class competition, they've been at the forefront of all gear and equipment development for quite some time now. We're pleased to announce that SHOT will continue supplying Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's enduro and extreme enduro riders with their high- quality race gear and equipment through the 2019 season." "We are proud to renew our partnership with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing," said Ghislain Huot, CEO of SHOT Race Gear. "It is extremely important to align ourselves with some of the best riders in enduro and extreme enduro. Our partner- ship is based on a continuous exchange of information, offering Shot the chance to test and develop the right equipment for the job. By testing our latest gear with the world's best athletes we make sure they meet the most extreme demands. Our goal is to offer prod- ucts that allow riders to remain 100 percent focused on their performance and we believe the great results achieved by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory team riders in recent years demonstrate that perfectly." EBR MOTORCYCLES UNVEILS BLACK LIGHTNING East Troy, Wisconsin-based EBR Motorcy- cles revealed its Black Lightning motorcycle at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show in November. The Black Lightning is an "accelerated" version of the 1190 platform, designed for superior street performance with improved rider ergonomics, higher torque delivery and improved performance handling for all rider styles. "When you combine the upright seat- ing with intense acceleration, you have the ultimate all around superbike. It has striking looks and performance for urban riders, and yet it is comfortable for a long day of riding or sport touring," said Erik Buell. The Black Lightning retains the qual- ity and performance of the 185 hp, 1190cc V-twin found in the SX and RX versions. The revised gearing has improved the torque delivery and acceleration of this power plant, making it more responsive for street riding. A lower seat height, lower foot pegs, higher bars and an optional comfort seat create a new riding position for a wider range of performance capabilities at a vari- ety of speeds. Expected delivery is in the spring of 2017. "With this new model, an improved capital structure and additional models in develop- ment, it is an exciting time at EBR Motor- cycles," said EBR's CFO Bill Melvin. PSB DIGEST SHOT to outfit Husqvarna Factory enduro teams The Black Lightning from EBR Motorcycles features revised gearing that improves torque and acceleration. Robert Jonas (left), vice president of Husqvarna Motorsport, and Ghislain Huot, CEO of SHOT Race Gear, celebrate their companies' new partnership.