Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/458425
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • January 26, 2015 • 19 non-riders, yet both groups of people like the same thing — they like music; they like food; they like whatever kind of drinking establish- ment; they like tattoos; they all get their hair cut the same way," Fischer said. "There's a divide between our riders and non-riders, and that's only because non-riders don't under- stand our business, and for me to grow our business, I have to create a space to share and that they're excited to share." His hope is that by bringing together rid- ers and non-riders, more of those non-riders will convert to the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. "The ideal situation with Six Bends," he said, "is that it's a destination where riders and non-riders will spend time because there things to do beyond spending money on Harley-Davidson merchandise." PSB SIX BENDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Suzuki's new V-Strom 650XT is now avail- able in U.K. dealerships, with pricing con- firmed at £7,499 ($11,311). Based on the popular V-Strom 650, which has been the best-selling mid- capacity dual-purpose motorcycle over the last decade, the new XT ver- sion boasts lightweight DID wire spoke rims, designed to improve performance on unpaved roads, while a new beak takes design cues from the V-Strom 1000 and iconic DR Big and improves airflow to the radiator. Hand guards, aluminum sump protector and engine bars complete the look and add to the V-Strom 650XT's rugged presence. "The XT version of the popular V-Strom 650 builds on the original bike's proven platform as a comfortable and capable adventure-tourer, but adds new levels of practicality with the wire wheels and other added extras, helping maintain the V-Strom's position as the best dual-purpose machine in this sector of the market," said Suzuki Great Britain marketing manager Rob Cooper. DUCATI SHOWING GROWTH IN CHINA The motorcycle marketplace in China remains lackluster due to governmental pol- icies that ban or restrict the use motorcycles in more than 200 cities. That said, Ducati China's dealer net- work has expanded to eight dealerships in eight cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Haikou, Kunming, Shenyang and Macau) and helped Ducati sell a record of more than 45,000 motorcycles in 2014. Cristiano Silei, vice president of sales and marketing at Ducati Motor Holding, made the announcement during the Ducati lineup unveil at EICMA. The top-selling Ducati bikes are the Diavel and Monster 795. A special edition Monster 795 ABS Corse Stripe also has been a hit. Multistradas also have found success with high-end consumers looking to take long journeys on their bike. The Thailand-assembled Hypermotard and Hyperstada, along with the 899 Pani- gale, also figure to provide a sales boost for Ducati China. The Scrambler, meanwhile, is likely set for showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2015. PROTAPER PARTNERS WITH ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY OFF-ROAD ProTaper has joined forces with Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna for the 2015 off-road season. "ProTaper is pleased to announce a partnership with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Off-Road Team for the 2015 season … and beyond," ProTa- per brand manager Paul Perebijnos said. "With 2014 champions Andrew DeLong and Jacob Argubright returning to the team, and the addition of veteran Mike Brown, Factory Husky will be a force to be reckoned with!" Joining this strong group of contenders is past champ Josh Strang, who completes the team's in-house factory effort. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Off- Road will use and endorse ProTaper's EVO handlebars, sprockets and grips. "The multiple disciplines of off-road rac- ing my guys are competing in are very gru- eling and really put both rider and machine to the test each and every time we race," said Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team manager Timmy Weigand. "ProTaper sup- plies us with a product line I know I can trust to withstand the torture my guys put their machines through, and give us a shot at winning every time we compete." NEW DIRT BIKE OIL FROM AMSOIL AMSOIL has unveiled its new synthetic dirt bike oil, available in three viscosities. The oils are made to deliver maximum protec- tion and performance for a wide range of dirt bike applications in need of 10W-40, 10W- 50 or 10W-60 viscosities. This new product line fulfills the demand for dirt-bike-spe- cific motor oil both on the trail and at the track. It delivers a con- sistent clutch feel and out- standing gear protection in four-stroke dirt bikes. Formulated with durable synthetic base oil, AMSOIL synthetic dirt bike oils have undergone extensive laboratory and on- track testing prior to market release. PSB DIGEST Suzuki V-Strom 650XT now in U.K. dealerships The all-new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT reached dealerships in the U.K. in early January, retailing at £7,499 ($11,311). Cristiano Silei, vice president of sales and marketing at Ducati Motor Holding, proclaimed 2014 the best year ever for the Italian OEM during EICMA in Milan. viscosities. This AMSOIL has launched its new synthetic dirt bike oil, available in three viscosities.