Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/551693
www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • August 17, 2015 • 3 HOTNEWS CONTINUED FROM COVER Americas custom bike building competition, alongside Biker's Choice. The winner of the inau- gural contest will advance to the AMD 2016 World Cham- pionship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany, at the 2016 Intermot show. S&S Cycle and world-class bike-building events go hand- in-hand as a long time sponsor of the AMD World Champion- ship. With the introduction of the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas, it recognized the opportunity to expand its sup- port of bike builders in its home market. "With AIMExpo increasing activities for the V-twin seg- ment of the industry, we feel that it's definitely something worthwhile for S&S Cycle to support. So, we're stepping up to be part of those activities by becoming a sponsor of a new competition for custom bike builders," said Paul Langley, president of S&S Cycle. "Spe- cifically, we're donating an S&S P93 engine for AIMExpo to use to help finance a trip for the winner of the Championship of the Americas custom bike building competition that will represent the Americas in the AMD 2016 World Champion- ship of Custom Bike Builders." "As importantly, S&S has chosen to invest in AIMExpo to take advantage of the all-in-one platform where we can interact with dealers, consumers and members of the media, in addi- tion to showcasing our latest products. It's an event with an international appeal that allows us to conduct our trade busi- ness and then meet our end- users in one place at one time. It's a win-win." S&S Cycle will maximize its show presence by participating at the new Garage Party on Sat- urday afternoon and evening. "S&S Cycle is a highly recog- In response to popular demand, Kawasaki introduced America to the Versys 1000 LT motorcycle in 2015. Now, Rider magazine has recognized it as 2015's "Motorcycle of the Year." Rider cited the versatility of the Versys 1000 LT and its "best of both worlds" makeup — part adventure bike, part sport tourer — as a contributing factor in its decision to name it 2015 Motorcycle of the Year. "But what makes the Versys truly special," said editors of Rider magazine, "is how easily it won the hearts and minds of everyone who rode it." "We are thoroughly overjoyed to receive this award for the Versys 1000 LT motorcycle," said Kawasaki manager, PR + Brand Experience Kevin Allen. "The large displacement adven- ture street segment has seen stiff competition as of late, but the value and the versatility of this machine, along with its proven engine and LT touring components truly set it apart. From a true enthusiasts' publication like Rider magazine, this award is well appreciated and helps further justify the decision to grow the Versys family in America." With new styling and powerplant, the Versys 1000 LT motor- cycle retains the characteristics that made the Versys 650 LT model so popular. It has a comfortable, upright riding position that allows riders to stay on-board all day when touring, as well as long-travel suspension that helps ensure it can soak up the bumps on the road less traveled. Adjustable suspension means it can easily be set to carry a passenger and a full load in its waterproof standard-fit KQR hard saddlebags, or entertain on back roads. And with its 1-liter engine, the 2015 Versys 1000 LT motorcycle is guaranteed to deliver plenty of fun. Rider magazine is a sister publication to Powersports Business. RIDER MAGAZINE NAMES 2015 MOTORCYCLE OF THE YEAR NEWS 4 ... Kawasaki renews brand identity 4 ... ATV/UTV event gets sponsor 4 ... Tucker Rocky adds industry veteran FINANCIAL NEWS 12 ... Steve Dodds 14 ... Horsepower Financial adds dealers OPINION 15 ... From the Editor 15 ... Online at PowersportsBusiness.com PSB: FOCUS Adventure Bikes 26 ... BMW tops KBB.com adventure bikes 27 ... Foothills Motorcycles offers road trips 29 ... Honda's 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin ATV/UTV 32 ... Yamaha releases 2016 Kodiak 700 33 ... STI unveils Sand Wedge Tires 33 ... TopperEZLift distributed by A.R.E. SOLUTIONS 30 ... Sam Dantzler 31 ... Neil Pascale MOTORCYCLE 37 ... Q2 pre-owned bike popularity stats 38 ... Honda to debut at AIMExpo 38 ... AIMExpo to host V-twin garage party PWC 40 ... PWC sales rise in June 40 ... A 4-peat for Kawasaki AFTERMARKET 43 ... Hot Products INSIDE Marzocchi closing global operations L a k e F o r e s t , I l l . - b a s e d T e n n e c o I n c . (NYSE:TEN) in July announced its intention to discontinue its Marzocchi motorcycle fork sus- pension business and its mountain bike busi- ness, and liquidate its Marzocchi operations. These actions are subject to a consultation process with the employee representatives and in total would eliminate approximately 138 jobs. Tenneco intends to assist its motor bike customers with the transition of current pro- duction to an alternative supplier and expects to complete the closure by the end of 2015. "We sincerely regret the impact these actions would have on our Tenneco Marzoc- chi employees and thank them for their tireless efforts to improve performance and reduce costs. Unfortunately, it was not enough to over- come continuing market challenges in the two- wheeler business," said Brian Kesseler, chief operating officer, Tenneco. "We are committed to working with our employees' representatives and with our customers to make the transition as smooth as possible." This intended action is a part of Tenneco's efforts to optimize its Ride Performance busi- ness globally while continuously improving its operations and increasing profitability. PSB SWAT team turns to Hisun UTVs for patrolling The Garland, Texas, Star Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Event at the Firewheel Town Center was certainly nothing short of spec- tacular with fireworks, face painting, balloon artists and traditional 4th of July fare. What wasn't present was any interruption from those who might disrupt such a quintessential American celebration with acts of terrorism. This was due in part to the presence of the Garland SWAT team patrolling the event grounds in full SWAT gear in four UTVs supplied by Hisun Motor Corp., USA of McKinney, Texas. The Garland SWAT team took delivery of the four utility vehicles at Rockwall Honda Yamaha Hisun of Rockwall, Texas. Four teams of imposing SWAT members patrolled in HS700 series UTVs outfitted with elevated rear facing seats to provide a com- manding view of the crowds assembled at the celebration. "We sincerely appreciate Hisun for allowing us to use the UTVs," Captain John Atkins of the Garland SWAT said. "Their application was outstanding and made our patrol process much more efficient. We were able to cover more ground quickly and the UTVs relieved some of the burden from the heavy gear and weap- ons systems." In May, Garland SWAT, along with Garland Police, were involved in subduing would-be gunmen at a controversial art show at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. Ryan Daugherty, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Hisun Motors Corp., USA said, "Michael Worrell, owner of Rock- wall Honda Yamaha, was instrumental in getting us in touch with Captain Atkins, and we were more than happy to help out the Garland SWAT unit during this great event. We anticipate helping again when needed." Rider's Editor-in-Chief Mark Tuttle (2nd from left) recently paid a visit to Kawa- saki Motors Corp. USA in Irvine, Calif., to present Team Green with Rider's 2015 Motorcycle of the Year award for the Versys 1000 LT. Accepting the award are (from left) Media Relations supervisor Brad Puetz; manager, Public Relations + Brand Experience Kevin Allen; and vice president of Marketing Chris Brull. Hisun UTVs were manned by the Garland, Texas, SWAT team during the city's 4th of July event. nizable industry leader and joins the growing list of V-twin exhibi- tors who will have a presence at AIMExpo," said Bob Kay, AIM- Expo V-Twin director. "They've taken notice of the platform avail- able to them and the initiatives being undertaken by AIMExpo to drive V-twin dealer and enthu- siast participation. We welcome them on board!" NOWAKOWSKI JOINS AEGIS POWERSPORTS Aegis Pow- ersports announced that Ryan Nowa- kowski has joined its team as the sales manager for Northern California. Nowakowski brings more than a decade of dealer F&I sales experience to the team at Aegis. Aegis Powersports pro- vides cutting-edge powersports service contracts, road hazard protection and priority mainte- nance products through dealer- ships across California. Nowakowski cut his teeth in a powersports dealership working for his father, Ray Nowakowski, who was president and co-owner of Golden Gate Cycles in San Francisco and active as both the president and a board member of the California Motorcycle Deal- ers Association. Ultimately, Ryan Nowakowski became the general manager of Golden Gate Cycles for eight years before joining an independent service contract company as a sales manager. "The depth of talent on our bench is simply unparalleled in the industry, and Ryan extends the level of expertise we are able to offer our dealer partners," said Tim Summers, president of Aegis Powersports. "Coupled with our See Hot News, Page 4 RYAN NOWAKOWSKI