economy

The Educational Bikernet Weekly News for August 26, 2021

It’s a Twisted Road but the Truth will Prevail There’s never a dull moment in the Badlands. Hang on and remember to ride free forever. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Click Here to Read the Weekly News only on Bikernet.com Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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Why Harley-Davidson Dealers Struggle

Where Are We Headed? by Stealth with photos from Sam Burns I have been thinking about this for a good while now. I THOUGHT I was done with the Harley-Davidson dealer business, but every time I try to get out, I get pulled back in but probably not for long. I have seen this business in the ‘90s. It was wide open. People standing in line to buy bikes, but not today. Next time you are at a dealership check out how many new bikes you see. Click Here to Read this Report only on Bikernet.com Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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Creation of Harley-Davidson Museum

by Michael Horne from https://urbanmilwaukee.com Name of Property: Harley-Davidson Museum Address: 400 W. Canal St. Milwaukee. Also known as 126 N. 6th St. Assessed Valuation 2020: The 661,807-square-foot (15.93 acre) lot is assessed at $1,899,100 ($2.87/s.f.) and the 110,250 square foot improvements are valued at $10,120,600 for a total assessed valuation of $12,019,700. (In 2008 the land was assessed at the same amount, while the improvements were valued at $9,000,900 for a total of $10,900,000.) Taxes: 2020 Tax Bill $319,187.51. Payments current on the installment plan. Owner: HD MILW, LLC Type: Commercial Architect: HGA in collaboration with Pentagram Architects. Harley-Davidson Museum – HGA Year Built: 2007 Neighborhood: Menomonee River Valley Subdivision: Walkers Point Aldermanic District: 12th, Jose G. Perez Walk Score: 61 out of 100 “Somewhat Walkable” Some errands can be accomplished on foot. Score would leap if pedestrian connection over canal to east were constructed. City average: 63 out of 100 Transit Score: 69 out of 100 “Good Transit” Many nearby public transportation options. City average: 48 out of 100 Bike Score: 78 out of 100; “Very Bikeable.” Biking is convenient for most trips. Plus, it is flat terrain, once you cross the 6th St. Viaduct. City average: 59 out of 100 Bridgehunter 6th Street Viaduct https://bridgehunter.com/wi/milwaukee/bh36811/ 1910 Map https://cdm17272.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/san/id/855 1894 Map https://collections.lib.uwm.edu/digital/collection/san/id/241/rec/9 Historic Photos of Site https://www.thevalleymke.org/history Schlitz beer may have made Milwaukee famous, but the Cream City’s most famous and widely available product is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The firm has retailers in 98 countries spanning the globe. So strong is the brand loyalty that the H-D logo is frequently requested by customers at tattoo parlors. The firm’s headquarters remains at 3700 W. Juneau Ave., where the first factory was built in the back yard of the home of William C. Davidson (1846-1923). His sons Walter Davidson, Sr.

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2021

Highway Bill passes House, Right to Repair moves ahead, Motorcycle Industry Council program, Emission free motorcycles in UK and more nations to phase out new gas engine motorcycles, EU & US truce on Trade Tariffs, Mandatory Motorcycle Inspections for Europe, Easyriders magazine to come back. E-news service from National Coalition of Motorcyclists Click Here to Read the NCOM motorcycle industry news on Bikernet.com Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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Motorcycle dealers in Canada blame rising insurance for drop in sales

by Gillian Francis from https://leaderpost.com “I’m not going to say it’s all because of SGI, but I’d say three-quarters of it is.” In just over three years, Robb Hertzog, owner of the Regina motorcycle dealership Prairie Harley Davidson (click here), estimates he’s lost well over $1 million worth of sales. “I’m not going to say it’s all because of SGI, but I’d say three-quarters of it is,” he said in an interview Thursday, adding that skyrocketing insurance rates for motorcycles are leading to a decline in the amount of customers he receives. Hertzog is one of many business owners in the motorcycle industry who have voiced concerns about the increasing expenses for bike owners. SGI is considering upping insurance rates again, by 15 per cent for insurance premiums greater than $1,000 and by $25 to $150, for those that total $1,000 or less, leaving businesses with increasingly dire prospects. “They just can’t afford to ride anymore,” Hertzog said. “My younger clients are just not getting into it because when your monthly rate is as much or more than your loan payments, it makes it very, very difficult.” Earlier this week, an SGI spokesperson told the Leader-Post that increasing fees are part of a plan to rebalance insurance rates. This would lead to an annual rate decrease for some types of vehicles and in an increase for vehicles like motorcycles that are perceived to have higher accident risk. A latest proposed rate increase is being reviewed by The Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel. Insurance rates for new models with large engines, like Harley cruisers, can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per year. While this is enough to dissuade individual motorists from buying, there is also a chain reaction that extends to other parts of the industry as well. Hertzog explained the number

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Andy’s Harley-Davidson shuts down after 60 years of business

by Jacob Holley from https://www.grandforksherald.com Andy’s Harley-Davidson will close its doors in August after 60 years of business Andy’s Harley-Davidson will close on Aug. 1 – its 60th anniversary of business. Andy’s Harley-Davidson will be closing Aug. 1, its 60th anniversary, after the business struggled through the last year amid COVID-19. The pandemic took its toll on the business in 2020, as customers were staying inside and not traveling. Owner Denny Anderson said the showroom floor was empty most days, but the service department was still drawing in customers. In fact, the service department was the only thing keeping the business afloat last year. “There was hardly anybody coming in,” Anderson said. “Everybody was staying home, except for when people were sitting at home looking at their motorcycle sitting in their garage and probably wanted to get it going again.” The business was started by Anderson’s father in 1961. Back then, it didn’t exclusively sell Harley-Davidson motorcycles. “We sold Triumph and Norton motorcycles,” Anderson said. “We didn’t take Harley-Davidson on until 1975.” Anderson began working at his father’s business in 1978. He started out by sweeping floors, then moved to stocking oil and then cleaning and working on motorcycles until he eventually took over ownership duties from his father. The microchip shortage also had an impact on Andy’s Harley-Davidson. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on the production of semiconductors, which are needed to make microchips. Microchips are needed to make motorcycles and many motorcycle accessories, which caused a shortage in stock. It has made selling to the few people who came into Andy’s Harley-Davidson even more difficult. “It’s still difficult to get parts and accessories and (things like that),” Anderson said. “You can’t get something when somebody needs it, and sometimes they get a little upset. They’re kind of

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UK Motorcycle sales see post-pandemic bounce back

by Felicity Donohoe from https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk UK motorcycle sales have shown a healthy post-pandemic recovery with figures revealing a fresh enthusiasm for purchasing new machines – including EVs. Recent data from the Motor Cycle Industry Association shows that 13,398 units were sold in May 2021, an increase of 148.4% compared with May 2020, with sales topping 43,242 for the first five months of this year and across all segments. Adventure Sport and Naked categories were up 242% and 197% in sales (2,449 and 4,567 respectively) in May but EVs have found a place in the revived market, seeing 509 sales in May 2021 compared to 119 sales last May. The sales reflect the interest in alternatives to cars and public transport solutions, along with the financial, environmental and practical benefits that riding offers. Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA said: “May’s figures are against a time in 2020 when the first wave of the pandemic had hit. We forecast a positive summer for the sale of PTWs (powered two wheelers) and associated products as restrictions ease, and the backlog of those awaiting CBT and testing reduces. “As life returns to normal and people return to their leisure pursuits we’ll be ensuring our close links with Government consider PTWs at every opportunity.” Top 10 motorcycle sales May 2021 Honda: 2,392 Yamaha: 1,717 Triumph: 1,133 BMW: 1,009 Kawasaki: 810 KTM: 652 Lexmoto: 418 Harley-Davidson: 404 Royal Enfield: 397 Ducati: 388

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How The Pandemic Has Kick-Started a Motorcycle Boom

by Emila Smith It is hard to think about silver linings amidst a devastating pandemic. However, despite the crumbling health systems and faltering businesses, many people have found ways to keep their heads up. They are taking this as an opportunity to enjoy a COVID-triggered breath of fresh air. The pandemic has kick-started a global motorcycle boom. More people are turning to their two-wheelers to break away from the stress and fears, enjoy the outdoors, and ease movement. According to a Bloomberg report, motorcycle industry leaders are optimistic. Eric Pritchard of the Motorcycle Industry Council looked forward to the best run since 2016. Like tech-based companies, motorcycle companies look forward to explosive growth during this COVID-19 season. But what are the reasons behind this motorcycle boom? As the experts at McKinsey would say, “The pandemic reshaped what consumers buy and how they go about getting it.” Previously, motorcycle sales were low because people considered it a risky affair. Bike riders had a disproportionately high number of accidents, and people were grey concerning handling injury and claims. But it looks like the tide is turning. The pandemic has somehow caused a shift in how people perceive motorcycling. It is no longer a stressful, hair-raising activity, but one pursued its health benefits. Read on and learn how wellness-craving buyers are causing a motorcycle boom. A COVID-Triggered Breath of Life Before the pandemic, dark clouds were hanging over the motorcycle industry in the US. There were not enough new buyers to replace those who were giving up their two-wheelers. According to  Statista.com, sales peaked in 2015 when industry sales stood at about 500,000 units. But the figures plummeted in subsequent years. Motorcycle companies like Harley Davidson were on the deathbed for a long time. But then COVID-19 happened. Lockdowns, social distancing, and other

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Royal Enfield presents Rupees 20 Million to State for Covid-19 relief works

from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com Approximately US $ 276,000 was presented to State of Tamil Nadu, India which is the home of Royal Enfield. Its commitment to extend support to the state government is being accompanied by other initiatives in the region, the company said. Chennai: Royal Enfield, part of Eicher Motors Ltd, has committed INR 20 million to the Tamil Nadu Disaster Relief Fund for the Covid-19 relief works in the State. The cheque for this was handed over to Chief Minister M K Stalin by Vinod K Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, at the Secretariat on Tuesday. “Tamil Nadu is the home of Royal Enfield motorcycles and we are committed to supporting the State in all its efforts to combat the devastating second wave of the pandemic. Our commitment to extend support to the state government today is being accompanied by a host of initiatives that Royal Enfield is undertaking in the region for the community. We continue to assess the situation closely and will extend further support to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the long run,” Dasari said.

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