Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/379417
www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • September 8, 2014 • 7 AIMExpo to launch Kawasaki vehicle reveal Suzuki America reports bike, ATV sales increase Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. establishes itself as the latest OEM to join the growing list of exhibitors showcasing new products at the 2014 American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo). The groundbreaking event returns to the Orange County Convention Cen- ter in Orlando, Florida, this Oct. 16-19. Kawasaki has chosen the all- in-one platform AIMExpo provides to announce key 2015 products, one of which will make its world debut in Orlando. Attendees will also be able to witness the North American intro- duction of all-new vehicles in several categories that demonstrate the heritage and dynamic capa- bilities of Kawasaki Heavy Industries. "AIMExpo demonstrated last year that it can serve as the ideal platform for media and brand activities, and Kawasaki will leverage this grand stage to reveal new products, as well as interact closely with dealers and con- sumers," explained Kevin Allen, Kawasaki Manager, PR + Brand Experience. "We have some very exciting new product to share, and AIMExpo is the perfect place to make these announcements." Following the unveilings, all products will then be on full display for all to see inside Kawasaki's booth (#2165) on the AIMExpo show floor. "Kawasaki joins an expanding list of key companies that sees AIMExpo as the per- fect means to infuse energy into the powers- ports business in North America," said Larry Little, v i c e p r e s i d e n t and general man- ager, Marketplace E v e n t s M o t o r - c y c l e G r o u p . " T h e A I M E x p o platform was stra- tegically created for OEMs to glob- ally launch prod- uct to the press and engage their dealer body while also generating excitement among consumers with an imme- diate look at the brand's new vehicles. Kawa- saki has captured the vision, and we're elated for them to join us in Orlando in October." In addition to Kawasaki, more than 400 exhibitors have committed for 2014 and more are being added daily. Exhibit space allocation is ongoing as AIMExpo continues to cement its place within the powersports marketplace. PSB Sport quad sales double in July compared to last year Introduced in mid-June, the completely updated 2015 Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross bikes are now arriving in Suzuki dealerships, with 2015 RM-Z250 motocross bikes also arriv- ing. With big changes to the RM-Z450 such as new triple-chamber air forks, the Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control and more, the new bike is building anticipation among dealers and consumers. Still, sales of existing Suzuki RM-Zs, both the 450 and 250 models, remain strong with July's monthly sales up more than 20 percent compared to the same month last year. Developed with the race-testing help of Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart, the 2015 Suzuki RM-Z450 is sure to continue Suzuki's history of delivering race-winning motocross bikes. After riding the new bike along with media at the press introduction held at Zaca Station MX near Santa Barbara, Calif., Stewart said the 2015 RM-Z450 "reminds me why I picked the Suzuki in the first place … it's cool to see with the triple-air (fork) how much the same it is as our (race) bike. The motor is actu- ally really good, and I'm surprised how close they are to a race bike." Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is also providing entry-level motorcyclists with new opportunities. Suzuki dealers increased sales of entry-level motorcycles through July, with the fuel-efficient and highly affordable GW250 and new Burgman 200 ABS — the best-selling scooter through July — leading the way. The refreshed 2015 DR200S DualSport will began arriving at Suzuki dealers in August; its outstanding fuel economy, RM-Z styling and DualSport performance will keep it in high demand, according to Suzuki. "Demand for affordable, fuel-efficient motorcycles is strong," said Steve Bortolamedi, communications manager for SMAI, "and Suzuki has a diverse lineup of motorcycles to offer everyone from entry-level riders to veter- ans looking to add a bike to their fleet. From the classically styled TU250X — 2015 models are in Suzuki dealers now — to the sporty standard GW250, plus the smart-scooter Burgman 200 ABS and the adventure-seeking DR200S, Suzuki has a motorcycle for anyone looking to save money. Our new #FoundMySuzuki campaign lets riders share their Suzuki experience, too." Getting a headstart on the ATV season, Suzuki dealers increased sales of Suzuki KingQuad True Timber XD3 Camo ATVs through July. Updated with important improvements to deliver improved power feel, better fuel economy, easier cold starting and more, the 2015 KingQuad 750 and KingQuad 400 models are beginning to arrive now at Suzuki dealerships. The 2015 utility-sport KingQuad 750 ATVs is equipped with a newly designed twin-spark- plug cylinder head, plus multi-hole fuel injec- tors, modified intake and exhaust cams, and more. The 2015 KingQuad 400 ATVs — both the five-speed and auto-tranny models — fea- ture new ECUs with Suzuki's "Slip Control Logic" technology to improve drivability and grip in loose and slippery terrain. The True Timber XD3 camo pattern remains a popular feature for ATV buyers. ATV sales growth was not limited to camo KingQuads. Sport ATV buyers made it clear in July that the Suzuki QuadSport Z400 was their vehicle of choice, according to SMAI, with sales up 109 percent over the same period last year. Consumers continue to find a wide range of easy-to-purchase financing options avail- able through Suzuki dealers. The Star Spangled Summer promotion ran through August, offer- ing low-percentage financing plus cash-back opportunities on some models. By combining these attractive offers with the arrival of excit- ing new products, Suzuki is giving powersports customers a number of ways to enjoy riding and owning a Suzuki motorcycle, scooter or ATV. To celebrate the sales success of Suzuki's leading dealers, Suzuki created the "Race to Suzuka" contest and escorted 30 dealers to Japan for the famed Suzuka 8-Hour road race. Dealers got to watch Kevin Schwantz com- pete on the Yoshimura Legends team, and were also on hand to celebrate Yoshimura's 60th Anniversary. "It was my first time to Japan," said Shawn Bostwick of Del City Oklahoma Suzuki. "It was a great experience overall, with phenomenal racing action. And Suzuki did a wonderful job of putting it on; I couldn't have asked for any- thing better. I've been on many incentive trips before, and the difference with Suzuki is that the company's executives are always approach- able. The people who didn't take advantage of this contest missed a trip of a lifetime." PSB Suzuki treated 30 dealers to a trip to Japan for the Suzuki Road Race. brooke, Quebec, has become the distributor for ONE Industries products in Canada. The complete line of products will be in inventory for all dealers in September. One Industries, with its family of brands such as TAG Metals Racing and Sunline Racing, offers helmets, race wear, protections, accessories and parts for the motocross market. The new 2015 ONE MX collection includes GAMMA helmets and VAPOR jerseys and pants. CONTINENTAL ISSUES TIRE RECALL Continental announced a safety recall cover- ing approximately 9,000 Continental 120/70 ZR 17 and 120/70 R 17 motorcycle tires sold in the U.S. and Canada. Market feedback indi- cates that some of these tires have exhibited a condition in the tread and/or belt that may lead to separation and possible air loss. Conti- nental hasn't received any reports of accidents or injuries in connection with this condition. The safety recall is being initiated to avoid any potential risk to road users. The affected tires were sold to original equipment and replace- ment customers worldwide between 2007 and 2014. This safety recall is part of a worldwide program affecting 170,000 tires. The Continental 120/70 ZR 17 and 120/70 R 17 tires are identified as follows by product line and DOT serial number: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) TL ContiSportAt- tack (CP8BB5MV1008to2614) 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) TL ContiSportAt- tack 2 (CP8BB5M44811to2614) 120/70R17 M/C 58H TL ContiAttack SM (CP8BBXM91011to2614) 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W TL ContiRaceAttack Comp. Soft (CP8BB5M11907to2614) 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W TL ContiRaceAttack Comp. Medium (CP8BB5M12307to2614) 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) TL ContiRaceAt- tack Comp. Endurance (CP8B918B3011to2614) 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) TL ContiRoadAt- tack 2 GTW (CP8B91E92513to2614) The last four digits of the DOT serial num- bers indicate the production period (week/ year). Tires between 1907 (19th week of 2007) and 2614 (26th week of 2014) are covered by this voluntary safety recall. No other tire sizes, production periods or prod- uct lines are affected. FLORIDA GM STICKNEY TAKES ON NEW ROLE Nate Stickney, formerly general manager at DeLand Motorsports, a 2013 Powersports Busi- ness Power 50 dealership in Florida, is now a partner at Sky Powersports North Orlando. Stickney partnered with Roc Northey of the Sky Powersports Group to acquire the existing dealership. Sky's group expands to four loca- tions with the purchase, with Stickney as the managing partner. "I finally reached my personal goal of own- ership after 15 years of grinding in the indus- try," Stickney said. "I couldn't have found a better group to partner with. Their dealers in Lakeland, Lake Wales and Port Richey, Florida, have always been top ranked in the Southeast. Going into the metro Orlando market with the likes of Suzuki, Polaris, Vic- tory and the new Slingshot, we are expecting fast growth." PSB HOT NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 The Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo will provide dealers with 32 complimentary training ses- sions. View the lineup and speakers on page 44. OEM commits to October show in Orlando