Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/243961
CONTINUED FROM COVER "This move will free Tom up to focus on the next generation of products and emerging market trends for Küryakyn and other MAG brands," said Brian Etter, MAG president and CEO. "Tom started Drag Specialties back in 1968 as a small parts and accessories store in Minneapolis. Over the next 20 years, Drag Specialties grew to become the largest motorcycle parts and accessories business in the country." In 1987, Rudd sold the company and later founded Küryakyn. "Küryakyn is known for bringing innovative products to the market, and I will always be looking for that game-changing idea that everyone wants," Rudd said. "The team is looking forward to working with Holger during this transition." Mohr has been a leader in the motorcycle aftermarket parts industry for more than 15 years, which included being the president and CEO of Custom Chrome, Inc. He joined MAG in May 2012 as VP of business development and was directly responsible for several key MAG brands, including Mustang Seats, Roland Sands Design and MAG International. "Holger's experience and passion for our motorcycle industry makes him an excellent addition to the Küryakyn family," Etter said. Effective Jan. 6, Mohr took over daily operations at Küryakyn. "This has been an exciting ride so far," Mohr said. "The explosion of the RSD apparel and hard parts lines has been great to be a part of and Mustang is really on the move … 2014 should be an exciting year for both these brands. Now I am really looking forward to kicking Küryakyn into overdrive." JAPANESE BIKE EXPORTS GROW SLIGHTLY IN NOV. 2013 Continuing a trend of minimal growth with occasional monthly declines, Japanese motorcycle exports increased slightly in November 2013 as compared with the same month of the previous year, according to the latest data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Total motorcycle exports from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha collectively increased by 881 units, resulting in growth of 2.3 percent. Overall motorcycle production in Japan was recorded as 52,541, which represents an increase of 7,156 units or 15.8 percent. November's data marks the third month of consecutive same-month increases. Broken down by displacement segment, all categories P01x09-PSB2-News.indd 3 Powersports Business • January 27, 2014 • 3 NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com INSIDE HOTNEWS aside from the 126 to 250cc category showed export declines. The 50cc and under class was down 9.5 percent (55 fewer units exported). The 51 to 125cc class was down 18.4 percent (548 units), while 126 to 250cc increased an even 50 percent (2,073 units) and the over 250cc class exported 1.9 percent fewer motorcycles (589 units). By manufacturer, Yamaha and Kawasaki were the strongest, with November 2013 exports 34.1 and 23.1 percent higher, respectively, for the month. Suzuki's drop was most severe, exporting only 66.2 percent of the total from the previous November. Regionally, exports rose sharply to the Middle East, up 118.1 percent (but only 434 additional units) while also increasing across Europe (up 30.9 percent), Latin America (20.4 percent) and Africa (15.2 percent). November motorcycle production figures showed that the 50cc and under class was up 17.9 percent, while 51 to 125cc units grew by 38.6 percent. The 126 to 250cc category grew by 25.98 percent and the over 250cc category jumped by 3,679 units, or 11.8 percent. IMG TO EXPAND YAMAHA BRANDING Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA has partnered with IMG Licensing, a division of the global sports, fashion and media company, IMG Worldwide, to exclusively manage and expand Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA's licensing business in North America. Under the terms of the multiyear licensing representation agreement, IMG Licensing, the largest licensing agency in the world, will work closely with the Yamaha licensing team. The two organizations will work together to effectively manage Yamaha's current licensee base and create new business opportunities that extend the brand into different lifestyle categories throughout North America. "Through its extensive core product line, Yamaha appeals to a broad base of consumers who value quality, innovation and performance," said John Meis, vice president of IMG Licensing. "IMG sees tremendous potential for Yamaha to deepen that connection and to build even stronger customer loyalty by expanding its licensing program." Malaika Underwood, senior director of IMG Licensing, added, "Yamaha is a globally recognized brand, and we look forward to working closely with their licensing team to develop consumer products that build on Yamaha's longstanding history and leadership in motorsports." NEWS FULMER TO SELL SHIRO HELMETS TO U.S. MARKET Fulmer Helmets is kicking off 2014 with a bang by introducing Shiro Helmets to the U.S. market. Fulmer's factory-direct sales force has forged very strong relationships with its dealers in their more than 40 years in the motorcycle industry, and these relationships will be the backbone for a successful U.S. launch of the prominent European brand, Fulmer said. Dealers will enjoy the same high margins they are Fulmer Helmets will accustomed to but at a higher price distribute Shiro in the U.S. point with Shiro Helmets to maximize their bottom line across the board. Shiro has never had a presence in the U.S., but the partnership with America's oldest family-owned helmet company will change that. Shiro was established in 1993 and is currently celebrating its 20th year of success as a major player in world helmet market. Its growth is credited to its innovative research team and rider-inspired helmet designs. Shiro has a strong presence in the world racing scene and utilizes the feedback of their riders to contribute to every aspect of helmet design and functionality. This collaborative approach to innovation has allowed Shiro to remain true to its mission of providing cutting edge designs that are safe and comfortable for the rider at a reasonable price. It isn't every day that a major player in the helmet market willingly introduces a potential competitor to their dealers. "Our dealers love our no-Internet policy and all the steps we take to protect their business and their bottom line, but one thing they were asking for was the same business model for higher price point helmets, so they can compete with the online outfits in that arena and maximize their margins across the board," said Nick LoMonaco, director of powersports for Fulmer Helmets. "When we began searching for a solution, we got word of Shiro's 20-year history as a family-owned helmet company and saw tremendous parallels between our brands. Shiro seemed like a natural fit and the perfect solution to meet our dealer's needs." The initial wave of Shiro Helmets will hit stores in early 2014 in the form of four distinct models: Full Faced, Off Road, Modular and Dual Sport. Shiro Helmets range in price from $149-$349 and will be available in authorized Fulmer Helmet dealerships across the U.S. in 2014. Fulmer will continue to sell Shiro helmets direct to their network of dealers and enforce the same no-Internet policy to protect their dealers' investments and profits. "Fulmer has been family owned and operated for over 40 years; Shiro just celebrated its 20th anniversary and also remains family owned and operated; we share the same core values and principals, and the relationship was a natural fit. Shiro will allow our dealers to purchase a higher price point helmet and truly protect their business from the rampant Internet undercutting," LoMonaco said. "We are thrilled to be collaborating with IMG Licensing," said Cindy Thompson, licensing manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. "This relationship will allow us to extend the Yamaha brand into products that reflect Yamaha's core values of quality, innovation and performance. We are confident IMG will help us take our licensing program to the next level." FREEMAN'S MCCUE'S ALEXANDER MOVES ON Sean Alexander, formerly the Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. account manager at Freeman/McCue Public Relations, has been named powersports editorial director at VerticalScope. SCORPION HIRES EX-KLIM PRODUCT LINE MANAGER WILKINSON Scorpion Sports, Inc. has added veteran motorcycle apparel developer Edward Wilkinson to its lineup as director of development. "We are incredibly fortunate to bring Edward on board to oversee and expand our development team," John Kim, vice president of business operations. "Not only is he an avid motorcyclist, he is also a materials and production expert. He was the innovator behind Klim's successful dual sport line, and we are excited to bring his broad range of skills, experience and enthusiasm to the Scorpion family. Scorpion's vision is to offer high-end, technically-advanced See Hot News, Page 4 4.... MIC board members reelected 4.... PWC sales grow 8.... CFMOTO adds experienced DSMs FINANCIAL NEWS 10....Peter Jones 10....Same Store Sales 10.... Stock Market Watch OPINION 12.... From the Editor 12.... Online at PowersportsBusiness.com PSB: FOCUS Service Department 13....Dealers increase efficiency 1 6....MMI adapts to new technology ATV 19....Maxxis signs GNCC sponsorship deal MOTORCYCLE 22....Dealers plan V-Twin Expo trips 22....Service open house draws customers 24....BMW sales increase in 2013 AFTERMARKET 25....Hot Products 26....Arai partners with Doe-Anderson SOLUTIONS 30....Neil Pascale 31....Sam Dantzler 32.... Stennis Prochnow SNOWMOBILE 33....USXC aims for 2015 I-500 race Phoenix Bikefest set for April 4-6 Chandler, Ariz.-area Harley-Davidson dealers plan to deliver a roaring inaugural Phoenix Bikefest Friday, April 4–Sunday, April 6 to the site of Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The free event welcomes riders, spectators and enthusiasts to explore the world of motorcycles, clothing, gear, design and more. Valley Harley-Davidson dealers including Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson, Chandler Harley-Davidson, Chester's Harley-Davidson, Superstition Harley-Davidson and RideNow Powersports, along with Barry Caraway of Cyclerides.com, are presenting the event. "We are excited to bring the riding community together for a free event thanking our loyal customers for their continued support. This is an event solely with the customer's wishes in mind at a venue with unlimited potential," said Jack Stubbs of Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Bev LeResche of Superstition Harley-Davidson said: "We really wanted to put together a huge party for all bikers. It's exciting to be a part of something that brings us all together." Phoenix Bikefest also features participants Indian Motorcycle, BMW, Aprilia, Ducati, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Can-Am, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, Spyder, Honda and Kawasaki. PSB 1/15/14 11:52 AM