Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/698493
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • July 11, 2016 • 53 Standard bike segment expected to grow A highly anticipated addition to Suzuki's street bike lineup, the 2017 SV650 is now ship- ping to Suzuki Motor of America Inc. dealers nationwide, at the same time it's receiving praise from motojournalists who've tested the V-twin street bike. "The 2017 Suzuki SV650 is simply a great all-around bike," said Rider magazine, a Power- sports Business sister publication. Suzuki is eager to get this motorcycle in front of consumers — especially considering the starting retail price of $6,999. Added to SMAI's standard bike segment, SV650 sales are expected to be robust. This class of street bikes, including the new GSX- S1000 models, leads the sales trend for Suzuki dealers, with strong growth year over year. Suzuki RM-Z and RM motocross models also remain strong sellers, with year-over-year gains of 30 percent. Sales of Suzuki's youth off-road motorcycles — the DR-Z70 and DR-Z125 — are also growing. Many Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs show solid year-over-year sales perfor- mance, with sales of KingQuad 400FSi and KingQuad 500AXi Camo models ahead for the year to date. Street motorcycles and scooters, such as the Boulevard M50 and M90 models, plus the adventure-ready V-Strom 650XT ABS and Burgman 650 ABS Executive scooter, are performing well at retail. Overall retail sales for May, however, were off for Suzuki, but in line with other indicators showing a slowing of the broader U.S. economy and vehicle sales specifically. For the month of June, Suzuki is increasing its schedule of demo-ride activities, both at Suzuki dealer events and at rallies and races. Suzuki is eager to let licensed motorcyclists ride a wide range of models, including the new SV650 and SV650 ABS. Curious shoppers will also find that Suzuki dealers offer industry-leading retail financing, such as SMAI's "Get Excited about Zero Per- cent Financing" campaign that offers qualified buyers full-term 0-percent APR financing for 60 months or cash back. (APR of 0 percent for qualified buyers. Monthly payments required. Valid on amount financed of $5,000 or more of select new untitled Suzuki powersports models made between April 1 and June 30 on install- ment loan by Synchrony or Sheffield. Model and year exclusions apply.) To better connect Suzuki employees at its Brea, Calif., headquarters with the com- pany's involvement in racing, SMAI held the Suzuki T.E.A.M. Day on May 25, with a lunch and game-filled event where staff got to meet the racers, see the race bikes and tour the race team rigs. Suzuki roadrace teams are also full-speed ahead with their MotoAmerica race season. Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing team riders Toni Elias and Roger Hayden are in a close contest for the championship at the season's halfway point. June started off strong with M4 SportbikeTrackGear.com Suzuki's Valentin Debise winning a thrilling Supersport Race 2 at Elkhart Lake's picturesque Road America track on his GSX-R600. The summer motocross racing season is shifting into high gear, and Suzuki has an increased presence at the motocross tracks this summer. RCH Racing's Ken Roczen has consis- tently put his RM-Z450 on the top of the box to start the summer, taking five of the first six moto wins so far this season, including an overall vic- tory at the recent round in Colorado, and he cur- rently leads the championship. The Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing team is suffering from injuries early in the season, giving 250 rider Matt Bisceglia an opportunity to fill in at the Colorado MX round where he carded an eighth overall in his first outing on the RM-Z450. With the motocross field filled with Suzuki riders from the Motorcycle Superstore team, TPJ Fly Racing Suzuki team, MAD Racing team, RCH team and Yoshimura Suzuki Fac- tory Racing team, there are more RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 race bikes on starting lines this year than ever before. PSB Suzuki's 2017 SV650 debuts to rave reviews Husqvarna Motorcycles has unveiled the all- new 2017 FS 450 — a drastically revamped supermoto machine offering a notable leap for- ward in terms of technology and performance. The FS 450 features updated and top-of-the- line componentry, further advances in engine management and a fresh design that stays true to Husqvarna's heritage. Combining state of the art technology with unparalleled on-track per- formance, the FS 450 ensures supermoto racers and riders alike have the perfect machinery to achieve their goals. Reaching new heights in terms of suspen- sion technology, the 2017 FS 450 is equipped with WP's revolutionary AER 48 forks. Offer- ing progressive and consistent damping char- acteristics, the new split air forks are 1.66 kg lighter than their predecessors. They also offer unprecedented ease of access for adjustment, with the necessary air pump provided as stan- dard. The CNC-machined triple clamps allow the fork tubes to flex under load. For 2017 the upper triple clamp has a new design to perfectly match the characteristics of the new forks. A new set of aluminum engine mountings further improve suspension functionality while reduc- ing the overall weight. The FS 450 features a new handlebar map switch, which allows the rider to modify the engine characteristics in the blink of an eye. Optimized for easy operation, the switch allows selection between two different engine maps and also activates launch control for maxi- mum traction at every start. Taking a big step forward, the 2017 FS 450 introduces a revo- lutionary traction control system, which can also be engaged via the new map switch. Analyzing a series of parameters, the system is able to modify the amount of power delivered to the rear wheel ensur- ing maximum traction in all conditions. True to the brand's Swedish roots, the bike features a minimal- istic but striking design with the new model get- ting new graph- ics. Added to the low-profile, high-grip seat cover tailored to deliver supe- r i o r c o n t r o l and comfort, the advanced ergonom- ics allow riders to perform at the highest level for extended periods of time. Crafted by WP Performance Systems, the hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame of the FS 450 delivers superior handling and maneuverability. Showcasing pioneering inno- vation, Husqvarna continues to feature a com- posite subframe, made from 30 percent carbon fiber. As well as being incredibly strong, it weighs only 1.4 kg. Here's a look at what's new for the 2017 FS 450: All-new WP AER 48 front forks CNC-machined upper triple clamp New handlebar clamps New aluminum engine mountings Handlebar switch with selectable map- pings and launch control EMS with traction control New Husqvarna color trim and graphics For North America, the new MY17 FS 450 will be available in September in limited quantities at selected Husqvarna motorcycle dealerships.PSB Husqvarna reveals 2017 FS The 2017 Suzuki SV650 and its $6,999 MSRP is expected to provide a significant sales boost for dealers. Husqvarna's FS 450 supermoto features a host of improvements for unparalleled on- track performance. PHOTOS BY ADAM CAMPBELL