General Posts

Indian Motorcycle is expected to outsell Victory, in 2014, according to a “Top 10 Predictions for 2014” list by Robin M. Farley, an analyst with UBS Investment Research. In a research note provided to Powersports Business, Farley provided three predictions in the leisure stock segment. “1. We believe Polaris’ Indian motorcycle will outsell Victory motorcycles in 2014, which suggests unit retail sales of roughly 15K in its first full year. 2. We believe that Harley’s US motorcycle retail sales, given the comp against last year’s 13% decline, could easily grow 10% in Q1 (though that would be needed to get to 5% growth for the year, since Q1 has the easiest comp.) 3. We believe Polaris will introduce the Slingshot in 1H ’14 which we believe will be targeting a younger demographic than the more comfortable seat of BRP’s Spyder (thus little customer overlap), though we think the marketing of PII’s Slingshot will certainly raise awareness of the 3-wheel market overall and may give that segment higher coolness factor.” Source: Powersport Business

The editor of IronWorks Magazine announce a new title that’s really an old title: Iron Trader News. This was the name that founding editor Dennis Stemp gave the original publication back in 1989, and it’s the name that started it all. Iron Trader News was the springboard for IronWorks, a biker magazine in a classy package that insisted on quality images, spunky layout, reliable information and concise, intelligent writing. Over 24 years those pages brought respect to biker rags at large and produced the industry wide identity of “an IronWorks Bike.” We can’t turn back the clock but we can go back to pursuing motorcycle riding and wrenching the way we did then: with spirit, instinct, drive, intent, and authentic passion – no holds barred. We’re jumping back in with no corporation to kowtow to, no newsstand to tell us where we can and can’t be sold, no limit on space. Just original voices bringing the best in biking: by riders and for riders, retaining the level of excellence that you, our readers, have come to appreciate and expect. First up is the ITNFacebook page (like us now!) then the website and blog. We’ll follow with a full-fledged digital magazine at a totally retro price, especially considering the superior quality of its unique content. With your interest and support, subscriptions to the print version of Iron Trader News won’t be far behind. Connect with: Marilyn Stemp, Editor, Iron Trader News; ph: 336-945-2500 and 828-205-8482; marilynstemp@gmail.com

Bikernet got to test ride all three 2014 Indian Motorcycles this years and so can you. All you have to do is sign up here. Enjoy the ride!   Advertisement

From an elite slate of highly qualified candidates, Motorcycle Industry Council members recently elected Steve Menneto, Larry Little and Sarah Schilke to each serve two-year terms on the MIC Board of Directors. A leader in the powersports industry for nearly 20 years, Menneto was the driving force behind the successful New York dealership, Menneto Powersports. He has also held multiple positions with Polaris, including Director of North America Sales and General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. Currently, Menneto is Polaris’ Vice President, Motorcycles, and leads the return of the Indian Motorcycles brand. This year marks Menneto’s first term on the MIC Board. As Vice President and General Manager, Motorcycle Group for Marketplace Events, Little recently spearheaded the start-up and successful launch of the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo). Currently, he’s busy working on preparations for the show’s second event. Prior to that, Little was Senior Vice President, Chief Brand Officer, of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.’s Cycle World print, digital and event platforms. No stranger to the MIC Board of Directors, Little served as Chairman for 10 years and Vice Chairman for six. This year marks the beginning of his 18th year on the Board. Likewise, Schilke is also a veteran of the industry and currently serves as Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Schuberth North America. Schilke brings to the MIC Board a wide range of industry marketing experience, drawing upon her former roles as Western Advertising Manager for American Motorcyclist Magazine and Marketing Director and Show Feature Manager for Advanstar Communications. This will be Schilke’s third term on the MIC Board. The MIC Board is composed of 12 directors; six are elected and six are appointed by the motorcycle manufacturers/distributors who pay market share dues. In addition to Menneto, Schilke and Little, the 2014 MIC Board of Directors includes Hans

  The Latest News and Stories brought to you monthly by Shorai Lithium Batteries. First off we would like to thank all of our loyal customers and fans for a great 2013. Going into 2014 we will have a few changes in pricing, and our warranty. First, the LFX36L3 and LFX36A3 will have a price drop, the MSRP for each battery will now be $329.95. Second, going into 2014 we are extending our warranty to three years with the first year being a free replacement. This change will apply to all previous purchases. Month                Discount 1~12                                100% 13~24                              50% 25~36                              25% For full details regarding our warranty please visit: http://shoraipower.com/customer-service —————————————————————   Product Review: Pint-size Powerhouse Shorai Lithium LFX #3 Series Battery Reviewed by Robert Filla The Shorai LFX36L3-BS12 fits all FLH and FLT models from 1997-2013 and is literally dwarfed by the stock unit from my 2003 Road King. The width remains the same between the two (6.5″) but the diminutive Shorai measures a mere 3.5″ deeo (compared to the OEM at 5.5″) and is only 6-1/8″ tall (while the stock lead-acid comes in at 7″). The contrast in weight mass is even more impressive………..Click to read Article ————————————————————-    

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Barnett, the industry leader in control cables, offers a full line of stock length and custom length cables for all Harley Davidson and Victory models. Barnett also specializes in custom length and “one-off” cables for any handlebar conversion or custom bike application. Four different casing types are available- Traditional Black Vinyl, Classic Stainless braid, Platinum Series bright silver plated braid and Stealth Series black on black (HD only). All braided cables feature a protective clear coating that is guaranteed not to discolor from sun exposure. All 1987 & later Harley Davidson clutch cables and Victory clutch cables come standard with “High Efficiency” nylon coated and silicone lubed inner wire for an extremely smooth pull and reduced lever effort. All cable assemblies, fittings, and hardware are made and assembled in-house by Barnett, in the USA. Also available are “plug & play” throttle-by-wire extensions for 2008 & later FL’s in lengths of 8”, 12”, 15” and 20” to cover any handlebar conversion. The 20” version has a bare bottom end for routing through sharp handlebar bends. To order, please contact your dealer or visit us online! Barnett Tool & Eng. 805-642-9435 Advertisement

Portland-based photographer Lanakila MacNaughton created the Women’s Motorcycle Exhibition of her photos “to document the new wave of modern female motorcyclists.” It’s currently on view at the Riverside Art Museum near Los Angeles. To me, MacNaughton’s photos have a timeless quality to them, depicting women who are basking in the thrill and freedom of the ride. You can see many of the images online: The Women’s Motorcycle Exhibition

The Harley Sportster has been an American motorcycling icon since 1957. Around 50,000 are built every year, taking up a fifth of the Milwaukee factory’s production capacity. Not surprisingly, quite a few XLs have found their way into custom shops. They’ve been turned into choppers, bobbers, café racers and trackers. And although most Sportster owners use their bikes for cruising and bar hopping these days, there’s a solid racing history behind the name, grounded in the US dirt track scene. Setting the choppers aside for the moment, our friends at Bike EXIF have picked out the best recent customs from well-established builders in the USA. See them all here.

    IMS/Ultimate Builder Show — Detroit, Mi. Text and Photos by Jeff Najar Ahh Detroit in the wintertime. The roads were so bad a 20 minute ride from the airport took one and a half hours. The weather was so crazy, it included thunder snow. So you would think that the Progressive International Motorcycle Show would be a ghost town… Nope. It was packed and the enthusiasts really liked the outstanding diversity of the custom bikes in the show. To get your bike into the show, logon to http://custombikeshows.com/. All participating builders took home a J&P t-shirt and helmet bag. People’s Choice winner in Detroit was “Bone Dragger” from Keith Lafer of Classic and Exotic, who won a Bell Custom 500 helmet. The top 15 winners won a HelmetLok and a Metal Rescue product. Shannon Best won the SHO DOG award and receives a Rocking K Leather custom chain wallet and Evan Edwards of Plymouth Cycle and Speed takes home a Garage Leathers’ solo bag. CLICK TO SEE ARTICLE Advertisement