Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/772602
24 • January 23, 2017 • Powersports Business MOTORCYCLE www.PowersportsBusiness.com Making its debut on the national amateur motocross circuit, the 2017 Cobra Moto CX65 was launched at the 2016 Thor Win- ter Olympics, presented by Pro Circuit, at Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, Florida, in November. "Thanksgiving with the Cobra Moto fami- lies from all over the USA — doesn't get much better than that for Cobra's factory support staff," said Cobra Moto president Sean Hil- bert. "The Mini O's is an event Cobra Moto looks forward to every year, acts as a highly important gauge for our engineering team and allows us to make a big splash with new product — this year being the debut of our all-new CX65." Packed full of American-made parts, the "radically re-designed" CX65, according to Hilbert, features an array of improvements, including: All-new top end, exhaust, transmission and brakes; Improved clutch, featuring a redesigned hydraulic actuator that's more reliable and requires less maintenance; The most horsepower in its class, "not just in peak, but also the broadest and smoothest power delivery," according to Hilbert; All-new computer-controlled electronic power valve; Only bike in its class with a full cartridge fork; Answer/Pro Taper bars; Dunlop MX51s; Topped off with Bel-Ray's industry- leading brake, shock, fork and air filter oil, transmission fluid and bearing grease; Bulletproof wheels made in Cobra's fac- tory and exclusive to the CX65; Appointed billet goodies everywhere. ETHERINGTON, SCHUTTLER PROMOTED WITHIN KTM GROUP KTM North America Inc. announced that Tom Etherington has recently been pro- moted to vice president of Sales for KTM Group North America, effective immediately. In this new role, Etherington will oversee the sales departments for both KTM North America, Inc. and Husqvarna Motorcycles North America. Etherington's career with KTM began in 2003 in Canada, where he started as national sales manager. In 2010, Etherington moved to the KTM North America headquarters in Murrieta, California, when he was promoted to North American sales manager and most recently vice president of Sales for KTM North America. Prior to his time with KTM, his history includes more than 20 years of experience working at the OEM and dealer- ship level. Etherington said, "I am excited to take on this new role, having been a part of the group's growth over the years. I am looking forward to working toward continued eleva- tion of both brands within the North Ameri- can market." John Hinz, newly-appointed KTM Group North American president, stated, "Tom is uniquely qualified for this new position based on his extensive experience in the North American motorcycle industry. His leader- ship will help guide the KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycles brands to sales success in a con- tinuously evolving market." Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Blaine Schuttler as managing director in the United States, effective immediately. In his role, Schuttler will be responsible for delivering on the Sales and Marketing busi- ness plans. Since the KTM Group acquired the brand in 2014, Husqvarna Motorcycles has experi- enced exponential growth in North America; doubling in sales year-over-year. Fast-forward to 2016, where the company sold more motorcycles in the United States than ever before in the brand's history. Schuttler said, "I feel very honored to be part of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand. The brand has grown significantly over the past three years within the North American and Global motorcycle markets. I am fortunate to have been part of that growth and look forward to expanding my role within the executive team as the Husqvarna Motorcycles managing director in the U.S." In addition to more than 20 years of expe- rience in the motorcycle industry, Schuttler's clear dedication to the KTM Group dates back to 2004 when he started as a district sales manager in the Canadian office. In 2014, Schuttler relocated to the U.S. office in Mur- rieta, assuming the director of Sales role for Husqvarna following its acquisition by the KTM Group. Hinz said, "Blaine has been instrumental in the recent record-setting growth and suc- cess of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand in the United States. I am looking forward to supporting him with our pioneering brand initiatives as we expand into new segments in the industry." MOTUS NAMES FIRST OF FOUR SALES MANAGERS Birmingham, Alabama-based Motus Motor- cycles has hired industry veteran John Alex- ander as Northeast sales manager. Motus is growing its product line and distribution network, and Alexander brings considerable dealer development experience to support the expansion. "We are so proud to announce that John Alexander has joined Motus as Northeast sales manager. John brings an incredible amount of strategic and tactical experience earned over 25 successful years in the indus- try," said Motus vice president Brian Case. Alexander has enjoyed an impressive career in dealer development at BRP, Tri- umph and Husqvarna. He is the first of four regional managers to be hired by Motus and will oversee business development from Maine to Virginia to Michigan. In addition to new dealer acquisition, he will continue to develop the current network of authorized Motus dealers. "I couldn't be more excited about joining Motus as we grow from both product and dealer growth perspectives. The three-year plans are amazing, and I have never seen a more capable, passionate group of riders and entrepreneurs. Team Motus has achieved an incredible amount so far, but we are just get- ting started," Alexander said. CHESTER'S FORT LAUDERDALE HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOLD E.B. Chester and his partners have sold Fort Lauderdale Cycles, LLC dba Chester's Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson. George C. Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Ser- vices exclusively represented Chester. The new owners, JSFM, LLC, took over and renamed the dealership Alligator Alley Harley-Davidson. The dealership will con- tinue to operate in its existing location at 201 International Parkway in Sunrise, Florida. The buyer's corporate office is located in South Florida, and Chester's Fort Lauderdale Harley-Davidson's close proximity was a perfect strategic acquisition for JSFM. The high profile and very profitable dealership was a great opportunity to expand and grow through another acquisition. Chaconas also sold the buyer Harley-Davidson of San Jose, California, in 2015. Currently, the buyer owns the following Harley-Davidson dealerships: Doc Holliday Harley-Davidson of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Lane Splitter Harley-Davidson of San Jose, California; and Stinger Harley- Davidson of Medina, Ohio. "It was a pleasure working with E.B. Ches- ter and his team to help facilitate this very large and complicated transaction," Chaconas said. "Since I had helped the buyers acquire another Harley-Davidson dealership in the past, we were able to work very well together to make this transaction happen. I wish both parties the best of luck." LUKAITIS JOINS ENGINE ICE MANAGEMENT TEAM Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant announced the addition of industry veteran Scott Lukaitis to its management team DIGEST New CX65 revealed by Cobra Moto Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, Florida, JOHN ALEXANDER Cobra Moto unveiled its 2017 CX65 at the Mini O's in Gainesville, Florida. See Digest, Page 25