Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/551693
FOCUS PSB Adventure Bikes www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • August 17, 2015 • 29 world, including Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Australia and the U.K. McConnell gets emails on a weekly basis from people who are interested in buying a bike and then driving from Dead Horse to Argentina, or back home, wherever that may be. Just this year, TMS has sold 25 bikes to own- ers flying in and traveling the rest of the way on two wheels. "We arrange all that for them and make sure that the bike and everything else they may need is 100 percent ready to go when they get here because you don't get a second chance — everything has to be perfect," he said. Along with making sure the bikes are ready, McConnell says he gives advice to all travelers, talking through route and travel logistics. "We really try and educate all our travel- ers," he added. "We have some pretty danger- ous roads up here, some pretty big stretches." Dalton Highway, located in Alaska, is the lon- gest dirt highway in the country. The highway consists of a 500-mile stretch from Fairbanks to Dead Horse, and McConnell says it's impor- tant to know how quickly the conditions can change on such a long route. OUTREACH EFFORTS The dealership as a whole has made com- munity outreach a focus for the coming year. "Especially because we're in a smaller market, we really are trying to take an approach where when anybody needs something relating to motorcycles, they think 'The Motorcycle Shop' first," said McConnell. TMS markets such outreach events mostly by word of mouth, especially with such a tight- knit riding community. The dealership has seen a large increase in its target audience for social media and email marketing as well. Last month, TMS hosted an Adventure Bike Showcase, which combined bike con- tests, free food and a fundraiser for the Lone Survivor foundation. "It was a community event first and fore- most, and then we added in this fundraiser aspect and of course for the dealership side of things, we want to make sure that we were showcasing some bikes that we actually have available." The parking lot was full of 50 adven- ture touring travelers sharing stories about their bikes and their journeys. McConnell agreed it was a success, as it attracted riders who hadn't heard about the joys of adventure touring. Part of what makes the TMS team so unique is not only their commitment to customer sat- isfaction or adeptness to change, but their age, said McConnell: "We have our dealer principal who has been here the whole time, so he keeps us in check. But as far as our management and people doing the ordering, nobody's over 30. We all have this fresh approach, and we're not afraid to try things out." PSB TMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 998cc parallel twin engine to power 'true adventure' bike Honda has announced further technical details on the new CRF1000L Africa Twin, which will be in Honda showrooms across the U.S. in early 2016. Like its celebrated forerunners, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is thoroughly equipped for true adventure, with a potent engine and dynamic chassis ready to explore continents, on- or off-road. From the start of the CRF1000L Africa Twin project there was one motorcycle that consis- tently impressed with its balance of usability, poise and handling, on the road and in the dirt— the seminal XRV750 Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark, even when set against today's myriad choice of adventure motorcycles. The machine that now bears its name shares no common parts with the old model but it inherits the full essence and spirit of what made the XRV750 Africa Twin so good. The "true adventure" approach starts with the engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road long- range touring and all points in between. The CRF1000L Africa Twin's 998cc parallel-twin power plant draws heavily on Honda's off- road race experience with the CRF250R/450R competition machines, and uses the same four-valve Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast cam- shaft — using the same materials as that on the CBR1000RR — operates the valve train, and twin spark plugs fire the fuel/air mix- ture in each combustion chamber. Strong and linear power and torque deliver instant response anywhere in the rev-range — accompanied by a satisfying, char- acterful deep growl as rpm rises. A 270-degree phased crankshaft gives the power delivery a distinct charac- ter as well, delivering excellent feel for rear-wheel traction. The engine's short height contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin's excellent ground clearance. — another prerequisite for a true adventure machine. PSB All-new Honda 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin revealed