Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/274927
38 • March 17, 2014 • Powersports Business MOTORCYCLE www.PowersportsBusiness.com www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • March 17, 2014 • 39 business. … It's really worked out well. Again, I applaud Polaris." PSB: Did the build out require a substantial investment from Big #1? JB: Polaris called us up front before we ever actually committed. They said, 'It's going to require an investment. You're not going to get it back overnight, so be prepared for that.' So we knew what we were getting into; it wasn't a surprise. But Harley dealers have to invest in their dealerships. That's becom- ing a trend, I believe, in the future. … The build out is a successful idea, and what I like about it was to do this and to do this investment, you had to be in the Indian busi- ness. It wasn't just so you can say, 'OK, I'll INDIAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Now owned by KTM, Husqvarna celebrates fresh digs Nearly a year ago, the sale of Husqvarna Motor- cycles to Pierer Industry AG was announced, and only 10 months ago, Husqvarna Motorcy- cles North America came under the proprietor- ship of KTM North America. A lot happened during this short amount of time, including the unveiling of the all-new 2014 line of Mattig- hofen, Austria-built Husky models. But it was in February at the 2014 Husqvarna Motorcy- cles North American Dealer Meeting in Muri- etta, Calif., that the new keepers of the iconic brand were finally able to showcase what's been going on behind the scenes. "We're thrilled to have the who's who of motorcycle dealers and business owners here to commemorate this landmark moment," said Husqvarna Motorcycles North America vice president Brad Hagi. "The new headquarters is really impressive. The vintage photography alongside the brand-new Husqvarna motor- cycles illustrates how far this brand has come, and this all-new facility clearly shows our com- mitment to the future." After a champagne toast and official ribbon cutting, more than 300 dealers, VIPs, media and industry guests received a tour of the new 15,000-square-foot facility. From there, dealers attended a dinner and presentation at Ponte Winery in Temecula, where Hagi, along with president Jon-Erik Burleson, talked about the future of the company. Topics included the reuniting of Husqvarna and Husaberg, the direction of Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2014, and how KTM and Husqvarna will comple- ment each other in the marketplace. "We not only have a great opportunity with Husqvarna, but also a responsibility to uphold its core values," Burleson explained during the Sunday evening address to dealers. "Husky stands for premium components, Swedish culture, heritage and of course, racing, and we remain dedicated to these values with the rebirth of Husqvarna." Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH and KTM- Sportmotorcycle AG now stand together under the umbrella of KTM AG, and as such, will share a number of platforms and resources. Burleson also outlined where the companies will remain separate and distinct in the U.S. market: "We plan to have unique dealerships where possible," Burleson explained. "Husqvar- na's marketing, customer service and racing efforts will be run completely separate from KTM North America. We're excited to have two European brands to challenge the four Japanese brands with in the marketplace instead of just one, but I'm also really looking forward to going to the races and seeing Husqvarna and KTM battling each other for the win." Burleson concluded the presentation by inviting Husqvarna legends up to the stage, which, of course, included his father, eight- time National Enduro champion and AMA Hall of Famer Dick Burleson. Also in the house were Malcolm Smith, Gunnar Lindstrom, Chuck Sun, Larry Roeseler and Mark Blackwell. "Husqvarna would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Tom White, Kelly Owen and Malcolm Smith for use of their immaculate vintage Husqvarna Motorcycles at the Southern California headquarters, which will remain on display," Hagi added. With the North American facility now oper- ational, and a healthy dealer network quickly taking shape, Husqvarna Motorcycles were expected to begin arriving on showroom floors as early as the first week of March. Model year 2014 MSRPs were also finally announced, as was the coming of a 2015 model year lineup in summer 2014. Model year 2014 Husqvarna MSRPs are as follows: Motocross — TC 85, $5,399; TC 125, $6,549; TC 250, $7,249; FC 250, $8,049; FC 450, $9,049; Enduro — TE 250, $8,349; TE 300, $8,549; FE 250, $8,649; FE 350, $9,549; FE 501, $9,899. PSB Husqvarana dealer meeting marks opening of new HQ The Husqvarna Motorcycles North America dealer meeting kicked off at the all-new headquarters in Murrieta, Calif. Husqvarna managing director Reinhold Zens (left) enjoys a champagne toast at the ribbon cutting with Jon-Erik Burleson, Brad Hagi and John Hinz. VIPs on hand at the meeting included (from left) Mark Blackwell, Malcolm Smith, Jon-Erik Burleson, Dick Burleson and Larry Roeseler. Dealers from 43 states, 19 countries attend Ever since the first V-Twin Expo was held in 2001, V-twin industry leaders have been acknowledged in a special awards ceremony held during the Expo weekend. This year marked the 14th annual V-Twin Expo Awards, at which Steve Menneto, vice president, Motor- cycles at Polaris Industries, was recognized at the Industry Leader of the Year. Menneto was nominated for the award because of the vision and leadership in the creation of the 2014 Indian Motorcycle brand re-launch. The styling and build quality of the Indian Chief motorcycles spoke volumes to the motorcycle fraternity. "Steve did an excellent job leading his team in the re-launch of Indian Motorcycle," said Paisano Publications editor Dave Nichols. "The Indian brand has been beaten up in the past, so lots of people held their breath as the new mod- els were introduced. It was clear right away that Polaris was committed to Indian Motorcycle and managed by a visionary leader." In his acceptance speech, Menneto men- tioned the momentum and excitement in the entire motorcycle industry. "2013 was an incredible year for American V-twin motorcycles. Victory celebrated 15 years, our friends in Milwaukee revealed their work from the past few years and the Indian team launched the exciting new lineup of Indian Motorcycles in Sturgis. 2014 is going to be a great year for all of us, and I genuinely appreciate this award and receive it on behalf of both teams at Victory and Indian Motor- cycle," he said. DEALERS FROM 43 STATES ATTEND The 14th consecutive V-Twin Expo wrapped up in Cincinnati on Feb. 9, with positive reactions from both exhibitors and attending dealers. With nearly 200 exhibitors, the V-Twin Expo welcomed dealers from 43 states and 19 countries. Dealers came looking for the latest trends in the V-twin industry, new- est products and learning opportunities. Increased dealer registrations were clearly visible Saturday followed by a steady flow of traffic Sunday. Exhibitors offered glowing reviews on the traffic, business conducted and quality of deal- ers present at the V-Twin Expo as stated by Jamie Goodson, a first-time exhibitor from Brooks Leather. "The dealers here came to buy. They are Indian VP Menneto honored at V-Twin Expo P36x39-PSB4-Cycle.indd 38 3/5/14 11:55 AM