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Aprilia to compete with Enfields?

There might be an Aprilia model to compete with Royal Enfield Classic 350 which is a top-selling model in its class since launch. A new test mule has been spotted in Europe and it has a similar engine casing as the RS 457. It also features old-school styling and body parts that indicates that the world is finally noticing the timeless appeal (and profits) of Enfield models which have built a nice empire in mid-capacity motorcycles for over a decade now. A new retro-styled test bike is getting testes around Europe which on close scrutiny of spied photos suggests it is an Aprilia. Multiple aspects convince eager enthusiasts to claim it is an upcoming Aprilia motorcycle. Engine casing visible on the right hand side is similar to the RS 457’s unit. This test model’s motor appears to be larger in the images. It has a larger exhaust also. But there are many features giving it an appearance of RS 457. However, the design is not very impressive so this would have to be a very early prototype. The aesthetics of its headlight, tank shrouds, and the tail section, seem as if they were all assembled by a local garage shop. A retrofitted model is not exactly a test mule so the mystery is intriguing indeed. RS 457 uses a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm linked to a six-speed gearbox. It has a slipper clutch. Aprilia may carry these forward with different tuning. A slim USD front forks, dual rear shocks, and single disc at both ends are possible indications as well. Its alloy wheels and TVS tyres seem to be borrowed from the RS. It could take any amount of time before Aprilia debuts this retro-styled motorcycle in production form. The current iteration of RS 457 has […]

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Royal Enfield offers Assured Motorcycle Buyback Program

Royal Enfield is now offering an opportunity for buyers to get assured resale value for the purchase of their new motorcycle. This is made possible with Enfield’s new ‘Assured Buyback Program’. The two-wheeler giant has partnered with OTO Capital for the buyback program, promising guaranteed buyback value of up to 77 percent depending on customer’s selected tenure. Flexible purchase tenures spanning from 1-3 years are on offer, ensuring customers up to 45 percent lower EMIs with guaranteed buyback value as per the ownership period. OTO Capital is offering a cashback incentive at the end of the tenure in a first-of-its-kind initiative. Enfield is calling it a seamless ownership experience. Customers have the option to either trade in their existing motorcycle for a new RE offering or return their motorcycle when their choice of tenure ends. Apart from this, lower EMIs will translate to a lower cost of ownership for customers. Commenting on the launch, B Govindarajan, CEO – Royal Enfield, said, “At Royal Enfield, we always prioritise the customer. Right from the stage of motorcycle conception and development, all the way to designing in-store and in-use consumer experiences, we always endeavour to create what consumers want. The Assured Buyback Program shows our commitment to making motorcycle ownership more seamless, more accessible and more fun for potential riders. Offering a first-of-its-kind, innovative solution, this programme is designed as a promise to consumers for complete peace of mind, so they can absolutely enjoy a pure motorcycling experience with Royal Enfield.” For now, Royal Enfield Assured Buyback Program will be available in 12 cities including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. This scheme will later extend to other cities in the future. Refer: https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/finance/assured-buyback/ * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Harley-Davidson X 500 model specs for USA

Qianjiang-Produced Harley-Davidson X 500 is expected to be available in USA from 2024. US-specific owners manual has been published by Harley-Daivdson. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April, and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual assures a U.S. launch. There are distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown specifically details the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States. Warranty information and a clause marked as “Other Limitations” included six items in 2023 manual but for year 2024 manual there is an addition of a seventh item. This addition states United States customers are not allowed particular modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. A definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems is mentioned. These were absent for the manual meant for Chinese market. X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. The smaller engine model was not intended for US market as per Q1 2023 report, though X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. It is expected the people and dealerships (and media) will react fast & furiously to a Made-in-China Harley-Davidson being sold in USA. We can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles. Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter 2024 Harley-Davidson X 500

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Tucker Powersports will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution

Tucker Dealer Update – August 14, 2023 Dear Tucker Powersports Dealer, Today we are announcing that Tucker Powersports will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution, one of the largest automotive aftermarket distributors in the United States. The purchase includes certain assets of Tucker and all of its private label brands, which include well known brands. We know that this will have a positive impact on you and all of our customers. Turn 14 Distribution is a sixteen-year-old national B2B-only distributor based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have operations in four states, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, and have over five hundred employees across three distribution centers and two office locations. The purchase of Tucker Powersports is Turn 14 Distribution’s entry into the powersports market, and with that comes more stability and growth for the market. They will apply many of the principles their company is founded on, including strong relationships with partners and employees, and leveraging its strengths in efficiency, focus, and excellence in serving all types of dealers. For you, the customer, this means: Better access to more inventory. Reduced operating costs through better efficiency. Increased transparency. More tools to help you plan and operate your business. More customer service representatives. Optimized logistics. Turn 14 Distribution has a well-earned reputation for listening to its customers and partners. They are known as the distributor who has embraced technology to ensure efficiency while maintaining a human-facing, customer-first mentality that comes from the core value, “our customers are royalty.” In the short-term, your Tucker.com orders will be fulfilled by both Tucker and Turn 14 Distribution and in time you will be transitioned to the Turn 14 Distribution B2B website and provided with new login information. Please remember that this acquisition is a work in progress involving several moving parts. Please be patient

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2023

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish This week in the news: U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL PROTECTING ‘MULTIPLE-USE’ LAND NATIONAL FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION VERMONT CLOSES “BASKET CASE” REGISTRATION LOOPHOLE MIC WARNS OF BILLS THAT “WILL HINDER THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY” HELP TO PRESERVE VEHICLE CHOICE FIGHT FOR YOUR “RIGHT TO REPAIR” and lots more Click Here to read this month’s NCOM Newsbytes on Bikernet.com ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE). * * * * * * * * All the Motorcycling News you need to use to stay on Two-Wheels – get updated with free Bikernet Blog Weekly Newsletter. Click & Start !!!

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for June 2023

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world THIS MONTH IN THE NCOM NEWSBYTES: CORNHUSKERS REMOVE LID LAW WASHINGTON STATE TO PROTECT VULNERABLE ROAD USERS EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE MARKET EXPERIENCING DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH FIRST-EVER WOMEN’S RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING DUCATI HONORED BY ITALIAN POSTAGE STAMP RIDER SETS DISTANCE RECORD NEW RECORD SET FOR MOST COUNTRIES VISITED IN A DAY BY MOTORCYCLE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE PARITY ACT BIPARTISAN CALL TO RE-ESTABLISH MAC (Motorcyclist Advisory Committee) AS REQUIRED BY LAW Click Here To Read this Month’s NCOM Newsbytes on Bikernet.com National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE). * * * * * * * * * * * * Rest assured, our coverage is comprehensive…yet revealing. Subscribe now! Click & Go!

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for April 2023

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. Click Here to read the NCOM News on Bikernet.com In the news this month MSF CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TRAINING RIDERS US & EU PUSH IMMINENT DEMISE OF FOSSIL FUEL VEHICLE HAWAII CONSIDERS ‘RIDE ON RED’ LEGISLATION FACIAL RECOGNITION COMING TO MOTORCYCLES POLICE DRONES ZERO IN ON MOTORCYCLE ROAD SAFETY CALIFORNIA BILL WOULD LIFT BANS ON CRUISIN LANE SPLITTING BILL FILTERS THROUGH OREGON LEGISLATURE EAR PROTECTION FOR MOTORCYCLISTS QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.” ~ USMC Col. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller during the Chosin Reservoir campaign in Korea, 1950 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow Bikernet.com Weekly News, every Thursday — know your market, know your industry, know motorcyclists. Visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/cantina_bikernet_news.aspx

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Harley Financials and Growth Prospects for 2023

by Bandit I’m not a financial advisor. I’d rather build another motorcycle than chase the stock market. But take a look at my portfolio. I have maybe 20 motorcycles, one triumph, one Indian (I had two but traded my ’46 for a ’50 bobbed Panhead). What does that tell you? I’m a Harley guy. All bikers have a special relationship with Harley-Davidson. The question always is: Does the factory respect and embrace that relationship? So, the final quarter, yearend financials surfaced, but they weren’t posted like they were in the past, you had to ask for them. However, the factory slipped into the mainstream media spotlight leading into 2023, in some troubling ways, and others indicate positive growth. Click here to read this Special Report only on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow the lead, get membership to Bandit’s Cantina. View your options now, click here.

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for February 2023

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Click Here to read the February 2023 NCOM News on Bikernet.com YAMAHA PLEDGES 10 MILLION YEN TO TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF HONDA SHOOTS FOR THE MOON EUROPEAN UNION PROPOSES DIGITAL DRIVING LICENSES SKILLS CRISIS OVER LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING IN MOTORCYCLING MOTORCYCLE HELMET MARKET EXPECTED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION COULD INVOKE DONOR-CYCLISTS RIDER SAVED BY SMARTWATCH AFTER FALL FROM CLIFF ON HIS MOTORCYCLE JAY LENO SUFFERS SERIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASH SAFETY INSTITUTE BACKS CAT-ASTROPHIC ROAD RULES NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE SAVE THE DATE – 38TH ANNUAL NCOM CONVENTION IN ARIZONA National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world. CLICK Here to view options to subscribe to Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter

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H-D1 Marketplace now accepting Private-party listings

Private Parties Join Dealers on the Go-To Online Marketplace for Used H-D Bikes MILWAUKEE (January 18, 2023) – H-D1™ Marketplace, the largest online marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson listings, is taking the exciting step to connect a wider range of riders to their next bikes by accepting private-party listings of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This will be the first time that individual customers will be able to list their motorcycle for sale on H-D1™ Marketplace. All motorcycles listed for sale may be viewed by the thousands of customers visiting the H-D1™ Marketplace website. Customers who are interested in purchasing a bike from the H-D1™ Marketplace can either contact the private party seller or the dealer directly through the site. Rider-to-Rider financing options are available to customers purchasing from a private party, in addition to in-dealership financing. “H-D1 Marketplace has redefined online marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson. “This new private-party feature will bring together even more buyers and sellers of Harley bikes. This is our next step in building the ultimate online home for the sale and purchase of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles.” Private-party listings on H-D1™ Marketplace will be limited to Harley-Davidson models located in the United States. Each listing will include photos and details about the motorcycle. All bikes will also be validated by VIN and go through a review-and-approval process before the listing is launched. About H-D1™ Marketplace H-D1™ Marketplace was created in July 2021 to provide consumers with the most-comprehensive opportunity to search, experience, sell, customize and purchase used H-D® motorcycles from the inventories of participating authorized Harley-Davidson dealers. Today H-D1™ Marketplace offers the largest selection of dealer pre-owned H-D® motorcycles in the United States, with more than 34,000 listings by 540 participating U.S. Harley-Davidson® Dealers. Currently focused on the USA, H-D1™

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