Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral will make it easier for buyers and sellers of used motorcycles to find each other at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this July 9-11 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral is a free, centralized location where sellers can display and market for-sale, running motorcycles. The service is sponsored by The Federal Companies/Allied, which transports more than 12,000 motorcycles a year through its dedicated Federal Motorcycle Transport Division and Allied Special Products Division. More information can be found at FunTransport.com.

“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days draws motorcyclists of all types — from trials riders to café racers to collectors — but one thing all these enthusiasts have in common is they love to look at used bikes for sale,” said AMA Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “As a free, centralized location where sellers can display their classic bikes, late-model bikes and everything in between, we expect The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral to be a popular area, where, hopefully, a lot of motorcycles find new riders.”

Tsujikawa emphasized that that The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral is for individually owned, running bikes. Parts bikes, and parts or assemblies must still be sold in purchased space in the swap meet.

There is no fee for parking a bike in The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral, although donations to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame are encouraged. Space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Any motorcycles left overnight will be the owner’s responsibility. No security will be provided.

The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral will be located on the infield of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near the Hall of Fame tent. Attendees wishing to include their motorcycle in The Federal Companies/Allied Used Bike Corral can follow directional signage on the day of the event, fill out an information tag, and park the motorcycle where instructed. Information tags for displaying model, pricing and contact information will be provided by an attendant.

Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track. The event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, educational seminars, bike shows, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.

Husqvarna is the 2010 Marque of the Year at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, with off-road racing legend Malcolm Smith serving as grand marshal.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The goal of the Hall of Fame, located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, is to honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

For tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, see MidOhio.com. For more information about the event, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

SPEARFISH, South Dakota – Lehman Trikes announced today an exclusive new partnership with National Powersport Auctions (NPA).  The new relationship provides Authorized Lehman Trikes dealers access to the largest network of powersports auctions in the United States.  Qualified Lehman Dealers can purchase motorcycles at any NPA location.  Dealers must be enrolled with NPA to participate at auctions either in person or online.

Lehman Trikes and NPA have arranged additional benefits to Lehman Dealers, including storage and transportation to Spearfish, South Dakota for Lehman factory conversion to trikes.  Lehman Trikes will also deliver the newly assembled trikes back to the dealers.  As an additional benefit, qualified dealers are eligible to have the motorcycle purchase and factory conversion put on floorplan with GE Commercial Distribution Finance.

“This is an excellent opportunity available exclusively to Authorized Lehman Trikes Dealers to purchase units for trike conversions at competitive pricing.” stated Ken Hines, President and CEO of Lehman Trikes. “It’s the perfect business scenario for all parties involved and we are happy to continue to provide our dealer network with new opportunities and industry leading service and support.”

“We are very excited to be working with Lehman Trikes, providing new avenues for dealers to participate in the expanding trike market.” states Justyn Amstutz, Executive Vice President and COO for National Powersport Auctions.

For more information on Lehman Trikes or to become a Lehman Trikes dealer, call 1-888-3WHEELS or visit their website at www.lehmantrikes.com.

MIC Applauds the 18 Representatives who Sent a Letter to the Forest Chief Opposing the Highly Restrictive Management of Recommended Wilderness Areas

 Washington, D.C., April 20, 2010 – The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) applauds the 18 Members of Congress who wrote U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell expressing strong objections to managing Recommended Wilderness Areas (RWAs) as full-fledged, congressionally designated wilderness areas. Wilderness areas are specially designated federal public lands on which access is prohibited to particular uses including motorized (i.e. motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles) and mechanized vehicles, which include bicycles. The statute that provides authority to establish these areas, the Wilderness Act of 1964, defines potential wilderness areas as those that are “untrammeled by man” and that retain “primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation.” The Forest Service is currently in the process of reviewing its policies on managing RWAs.

The letter notes that only Congress has the authority to designate wilderness areas. “The law is crystal clear that the power to designate wilderness rests squarely and solely with the Congress. It is a baseless, twisted reading of the law to suggest that Congress intended to allow an agency to administratively declare an area as recommended for wilderness designation and then to manage that area exactly as if Congress had taken action to make such a designation.” 

The 18 signers of the letter also point out the importance of involving the public in making wilderness designations, “Wilderness designations are not actions that should be taken lightly, which is why the Act was specific in restricting the ability to make designations to Congress so as to ensure a careful, public, and deliberative process. This is the proper approach. The congressional process allows for local stakeholder involvement and makes certain that those impacted have a true voice through the representative branch of government. While not perfect, this process allows local citizens, many of whom have livelihoods dependent upon activities potentially affected by the public lands in question, to have their voices heard.”

MIC Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck said, “We thank Ranking Member Hastings, Ranking Member Bishop and the 16 others who signed the letter as we have been concerned that the Forest Service is considering implementing a policy of managing RWAs as though they are congressionally designated wilderness areas. This policy would certainly mean a loss of access for off-highway vehicles and severely restrict the ability of the public, including motorized recreationists, to have their voice heard.”

Duane Taylor, MIC’s Director, Federal Affairs said, “While some areas may warrant designation as a wilderness area, it is important that the public processes established in the Wilderness Act remain in place. As the congressional letter points out, designating an area as wilderness imposes the strictest land use policies that can be taken, making it important that all affected constituencies have an opportunity to have their voices heard.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues.

It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org/.

Company Generates Earnings Per Share of $0.29 from Continuing Operations

Harley-Davidson Financial Services Returns to Profitability

Retail Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Sales Decline Moderates

MILWAUKEE, April 20, 2010 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) reported first-quarter 2010 income from continuing operations of $68.7 million, or $0.29 per share. First quarter earnings included operating income from Financial Services of $26.7 million, marking a return to profitability for the Company’s Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) subsidiary. Revenue from Motorcycles and Related Products was $1.04 billion in the first quarter.

Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles declined 18.2 percent in the quarter compared to the first quarter of 2009, an improvement in the rate of decline from the prior three quarters. In the U.S., retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales were down 24.3 percent and in international markets, retail sales declined 2.8 percent, compared to last year’s first quarter.

“We are encouraged by our progress in the first quarter,” said Keith Wandell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “We are seeing directional improvement in our dealers’ retail motorcycle sales as we enter the key selling season. At the same time, given the global economic uncertainty that still exists, we believe conditions will remain challenging throughout this year, and we will continue to factor that into how we manage the business.

“Our entire team is moving with great purpose and speed as we implement our go-forward business strategy, with its focus on global growth through market and demographic outreach, commitment to core customers, and developing motorcycles that inspire and fulfill dreams. We also continue to be intensely focused on continuous improvement, looking at all opportunities to drive cost-competitiveness and efficiency throughout our operations,” Wandell said.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and Related Products Segment

Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the first quarter of 2010 of $808.8 million was down 20.0 percent compared to the year-ago period. In line with guidance, the Company shipped 53,674 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide during the quarter, compared to shipments of 74,670 motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009.

Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $149.1 million during the quarter, down 12.1 percent, and revenue from General Merchandise, which includes MotorClothes® apparel, was $66.3 million, down 11.9 percent compared to the year-ago period.

Gross margin was 36.6 percent in the first quarter, compared to 37.1 percent in the year-ago period.  First-quarter operating margin decreased to 12.2 percent from 18.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009, driven by higher restructuring costs and the impact of lower revenue in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the year-ago period.

Motorcycle Retail Sales Data

During the first quarter of 2010, worldwide dealer retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 18.2 percent compared to the prior-year quarter. In the U.S., retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles declined 24.3 percent for the quarter and industry-wide heavyweight motorcycle (651cc-plus) retail unit sales declined 21.4 percent.

International retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 2.8 percent during the quarter, compared to the year-ago period, after double-digit declines in each of the prior four quarters. In the first quarter of 2010, the Europe region was up 1.2 percent, Canada was up 1.5 percent, the Asia Pacific region was down 9.8 percent and the Latin America region was down 7.8 percent, compared to the year-ago period.

Guidance

The Company reiterated its expectation to ship 201,000 to 212,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide in 2010, a reduction of five to ten percent from 2009. In the second quarter of 2010, the Company expects to ship 55,000 to 60,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Company continues to expect gross margin to be between 32.0 percent and 33.5 percent for the full year. The Company also continues to expect full-year capital expenditures of between $235 million and $255 million, including $95 million to $110 million to support restructuring activities.   

Financial Services Segment

First-quarter operating income from Financial Services was $26.7 million, an increase of $15.5 million compared to the year-ago quarter. The return to profitability for HDFS after three consecutive quarters of operating losses was primarily driven by improved credit performance in the retail motorcycle loan portfolio and by a lower cost of funds.

Restructuring Update

Previously announced restructuring activities that began in 2009 are proceeding on schedule and on budget. The Company continues to expect those activities to result in total one-time charges of $430 million to $460 million into 2012, including charges of $175 million to $195 million in 2010. In 2010, the Company continues to expect savings of $135 million to $155 million from previously announced restructuring activities, increasing to expected annual ongoing savings of approximately $240 million to $260 million upon completion of the restructuring.

“During the first quarter, we implemented the new labor agreement at our York facility and are on track with our restructuring of York for best-in-class production capability. I have been impressed by the efforts of our York employees to move forward together with this important transformation,” said Wandell.

Income Tax Rate

The Company’s first quarter effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 47.2 percent compared to 45.4 percent in the same quarter last year.  The rate increase was generally due to the tax impact of the recently enacted federal healthcare reform legislation and the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit, partially offset by the non-recurrence of a one-time tax charge related to a change in Wisconsin tax law in the first quarter of 2009.  Relative to the tax impact of healthcare reform, the Company incurred a one-time tax charge of $13.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 associated with the taxation of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug reimbursements. The Company now expects its 2010 full-year effective tax rate from continuing operations to be approximately 40.5 percent.

Cash Flow

Cash and marketable securities totaled $1.48 billion as of March 28, 2010, compared to $884.6 million at the end of last year’s first quarter. Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $200.8 million and capital expenditures were $14.6 million during the first quarter of 2010.

Discontinued Operations

The Company is in discussions with potential buyers regarding its previously announced intention to sell MV Agusta. For the first quarter of 2010, Harley-Davidson, Inc. incurred a $35.4 million loss from discontinued operations, comprised of operating losses as well as a fair value adjustment of $28.6 million net of taxes. Including discontinued operations, the Company reported earnings per share of $0.14.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta.

Steel Toe Tours at Harley-Davidson’s Powertrain Factory Begin April 21

Harley-Davidson will launch its new Steel Toe Tours at the Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on April 21^st, offering visitors a chance to see how the company’s legendary V-Twin engines are produced.

The Steel Toe Tour gives visitors a chance to learn Harley-Davidson history and get an up-close and personal view of the engine and transmission assembly lines, powder coat process, cold testing, and aluminum machining. The tour package includes one ticket to the Harley-Davidson Museum, one ticket to the Steel Toe tour (steel toe shoes and safety goggles will be provided) transportation to and from the factory, a commemorative pin and a unique photo inside the Pilgrim Road facility. Tickets may be purchased at h-dmuseum.com.

 Steel Toe Tours are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., depart from the Harley-Davidson Museum, and last approximately three hours. Free 30-minute factory tours are also offered on Mondays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. starting at the Pilgrim Road plant.

Harley-Davidson at the Myrtle Beach Rally

Harley-Davidson is pleased to announce its involvement in the 2010 Myrtle Beach Rally on May 12-15. Activities include a H.O.G. pin stop located at Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson, 4002 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, with demo rides from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the same location. Demo rides are open to all licensed motorcyclists, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to test ride bikes from all families of the current model year lineup. Demo rides are free. Riders and passengers must be 18-years old, have a valid motorcycle license, sign a release form, and wear long pants, eye-protection, closed-toed shoes, and a DOT-approved helmet. H.O.G. members stop by to pick up your commemorative pin (must be present to receive) and chat with H.O.G. staff.

First Rumble Opens the Riding Season at the H-D Museum May 29 – 31

Kickstart the riding season at the H-D Museum,­ rain or shine, over Memorial Day weekend. Indoor and outdoor activities include H-D demos and racing dynos, American Motor Drome Wall of Death, grilling demonstrations by Motor Bar and Restaurant’s Chef Travis, live music, and food. Sunday features a Bike Blessing by Milwaukee’s new Catholic Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, and a special breakfast for H-D Museum Members. Have a flag that needs to be retired? Bring it to the Museum on Monday and partake in the flag retirement ceremony. For more information, visit h-dmuseum.com.

DIXIE BIKER MONK PASSED AWAY SATURDAY NIGHT.  HE HAD BEEN FIGHTING CANCER STAGE FOUR FOR A WHILE. WE JUST LOST ANOTHER PATRIOT AND FREEDOM FIGHTER AMERICAN. MONK SUPPORTED THE CONSTITUTION AND THIS GREAT COUNTRY AND CONSERVATIVE VALUES HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LOVED THE GUY. GOD BLESS.
                                    

RESPECT,
                                     

WILLIE

Braselton, GA…The AMA Pro Daytona SportBike event at Road Atlanta proved to be a tough weekend for DNA Energy Drink pilots Bobby Fong and Mark Crozier and the entire Crozier Roberson Motorsports Team.

“This was definitely one of those times that things didn’t go according to plan,” explains team manager and co-owner Mark Crozier. “Qualifying went off without a hitch, putting  Bobby on the Grid in 9^th and me in 16^th. When the green flag waved, we both took off looking to move up, but then the plan began to fall apart. A spectator’s hat flew onto the track due to the wind and Bobby hit it which caused him to fall off. While he wasn’t hurt, he was out of the race for the day. He was really bummed, but it wasn’t his fault. It was just something completely out of our control.” 

Round 5 on Sunday proved to be a little better and Fong rebounded to put his DNA Energy Drink Ducati in tenth place.

Crozier struggled throughout the weekend and just couldn’t get the results he wanted.

“This was only our third weekend of racing,” continues Crozier. “We started off at Daytona with a new crew, new bikes, a new sponsor and a new rider.  Everyone has been working really hard and we are making improvements each time out. We are definitely all about winning and everyone on the team is determined to put us out in front.  With their hard work and determination, it won’t be long before we get the DNA Energy Drink/Crozier Roberson Motorsports name in victory lane.”

Crozier Roberson Motorsports is sponsored by: DNA Energy Drink, Quality Brands, Inc., Arai Helmets, Race Tech, Motion Pro, Pit Bull, EBC Brakes, Leo Vince Exhaust Systems, EK, Melillimoto Ducati, Moto-Heaven.com, XES, Thrust Company, HEL, Woodcraft, Armour Bodies, Puma, Held Gloves, GP Tech, Active, Zero Gravity and Christopher Bean Coffee.

Lee’s Summit, MO- Cycle Sounds, LLC, a market leading premium motorcycle and motorsports audio manufacturer has recently introduced an audio system specifically designed and engineered for the sportbike market.

2” Chrome Sportbike Speakers 100 Watt

Each system comes complete with your choice of low-profile 2” bullet speakers (black or chrome), high-powered micro amplifier with wiring harness, flex disc adhesive mounting pads and all necessary connectors and wires. Their lightweight custom bullet speakers produce clean crisp sound, with minimum distortion… even over your engine noise. Systems work with iPod, iPhone, mp3, Satellite radio or any device that uses a 3.5mm earphone jack. The 2” 100watt plastic bullet speakers (available in black or chrome) work perfect on most any sportbike.

Ed Files, President of Cycle Sounds has over a dozen patents regarding their audio products and has recently introduced some revolutionary new products by which all others will be judged, including the new water-resistant Bagger Audio^TM lids. All Cycle Sounds motorcycle sound systems are thoroughly tested under true riding conditions… ensuring you the highest quality motorcycle audio in the industry. These are the only audio systems designed and engineered specifically for the motorcycle market and complete systems start at only $299.00.

Cycle Sounds, LLC also produces a wide variety of audio components, not just for the Harley market, but also for sportbikes, metric cruisers, ATV, UTV and scooters. For dealers, OEM’s and distributors that are interested in adding Cycle Sounds products to their parts line up, please call (866) 427-2346 or email them at sales@cyclesounds.com. Check out their website at www.cyclesounds.com/.

Exclusive Insider Experience Offers Unparalleled Access

Milwaukee (April 16, 2010) – This summer the Harley-Davidson Museum will offer a select group of riders and enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to become the ultimate Harley-Davidson insider.

The Harley-Davidson Fantasy Camp is an exclusive behind-the-scenes Harley-Davidson experience, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse themselves in Harley-Davidson Motor Company history, gain entry to the building where bikes are engineered, styled and tested, ride with Harley-Davidson executives, and become the ultimate Harley-Davidson insider.

From June 21-25, 2010, twenty Harley-Davidson Fantasy Campers will be immersed in Harley-Davidson history and culture as well as get to know Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson’s hometown for 107 years.

A sneak peek of what is planned:

• Enjoy VIP guided tours of the Harley-Davidson Museum including an in-depth look at the limited-access archives collection.
• Discover historic Harley-Davidson sites during a never-before-offered city tour of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Tour the access-restricted Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center (PDC), where motorcycle prototypes are engineered, styled and tested.
• Learn how Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines work from a Harley-Davidson University instructor.
• Bond with a Harley-Davidson Motor Company executive while riding through Milwaukee’s countryside.
• Experience must-do Milwaukee activities like enjoy a Brewer’s game from the exclusive Harley-Davidson Deck, and check out Summerfest from the private Harley-Davidson Roadhouse.
• Share daily meals with Harley-Davidson staff and other H-D Fantasy Campers.
• Chronicle the trip with plenty of opportunities for photos

The Harley-Davidson Fantasy Camp experience includes hotel, food, and transportation to all destinations – including motorcycles for the ride – and exclusive access to areas not available to the public for $3,000 per person.

To enroll in the Harley-Davidson Fantasy Camp, call the Harley-Davidson Museum Group Tours Coordinator at 414-287-2799. Registration deadline is May 31, 2010.

Lee’s Summit, MO- Cycle Sounds, LLC, a market leading premium motorcycle and motorsports audio manufacturer has recently introduced their new dealer counter top audio display program. Want a Cycle Sounds counter top display? Well, we would like to give you one. We have found great value in our displays because it gives the consumer a chance to touch, see and hear our products before they buy. We know the proof is all in the sound and that is why if you buy two Cycle Sounds speaker systems, we will give you a free counter display as well as install one of your units on the display before we ship it to you; no strings attached. Just go to www.cyclesounds.com/ and check out all of the quality products that Cycle Sounds offers. Call (816) 525-2628 and ask to speak to a sales rep to become an authorized Cycle Sounds dealer and place your order requesting a free counter top display. It’s that easy! Counter display offer ends September 30, 2010.

All Cycle Sounds “clamp-on” style sound systems are ASTM tested for UV stability, water and salt spray resistance, thermal resistance and vibration…ensuring you the highest quality motorcycle audio in the industry. All Cycle Sounds products must pass a battery of rigorous tests based on “real” road condition simulations as well as extreme temperature and weather changes. These are the only audio systems designed and engineered specifically for the motorcycle market and complete systems start at only $299.00.

Cycle Sounds, LLC also produces a wide variety of audio components, not just for the Harley market, but also for sportbikes, metric cruisers, ATV, UTV and scooters. For dealers, OEM’s and distributors that are interested in adding Cycle Sounds products to their parts line up, please call (866) 427-2346 and ask to speak to a sale rep to set you up with a dealer account or email them at sales@cyclesounds.com. Check out their website at www.cyclesounds.com/.