leadership

Kawasaki KX™ Brand Celebrates 50th Anniversary

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50 YEARS OF DIRT DOMINATION KAWASAKI KX™ BRAND CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY Making its motocross racing debut in 1973, the Kawasaki KX™ motocross lineup has served as the bike that builds champions for many of the sport’s brightest stars. This year, the Kawasaki KX lineup celebrates 50 years of dirt domination. Over the past 50 years, Kawasaki KX motorcycles have dominated at the pinnacle of off-road racing, collecting an industry-leading 63 combined AMA motocross and supercross championships as well as 720 victories in AMA professional racing. Kawasaki’s impressive list of champions who have relied on their KX motorcycles to take them to the top step of the podium starts with Jimmy Weinert in 1974 and include all-time greats such as Jeff Ward, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, Eli Tomac and current Monster Energy® Kawasaki factory riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo. The development of the revolutionary technology for the KX lineup has remained constant throughout the years in Kawasaki’s pursuit of victory. These technological advancements include the Uni-Trak® rear suspension in 1979, disc brakes in 1980, and the perimeter frame in 1989. The Kawasaki Team Green™ support program was established in 1981 to support all Kawasaki riders at major amateur motocross events, and has helped turn aspiring young riders into future champions. Recent innovations include the DFI® system with dual injectors and launch control mode in 2012, but in 2019, Kawasaki engineers took the KX brand a step further by introducing both electric start and a hydraulic clutch to an already impressive list of features found on its flagship KX™450. Today, the KX™250 and KX™450 remain poised to continue their industry-leading charge and have adopted FIM World Superbike-derived technology from the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) efforts such as the finger follower valve train, ensuring KX riders have the power needed

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MRF: Continuing to Bridge the Gap

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Almost a decade ago, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) began outreach to motorcycle clubs to find common ground on key legislative items. An MRF board seat, titled Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs, was created and that seat is held by Russell Radke. Part of Russell’s mission is to educate the motorcycle club community on what the MRF is working on in D.C. and how our efforts impact all riders. The National Council of Clubs (NCOC) has, for the past several years, invited the MRF to participate in its meetings to foster that dialogue. Last weekend, leaders of the MRF attended the February NCOC meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. The MRF was represented by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (MRF President), Fred Harrell (Director of Conference & Events), Russell Radke (Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs), Seven Cassel (Membership Director) and Rocky Fox (Government Relations). Also in attendance was ABATE of Wisconsin Legislative Director, Steve Panten. Four different presentations involved an MRF or ABATE member sharing their views on motorcycling and legislative action. Hardtail gave a presentation on the “The Future of Motorcycling in America.” Rocky spoke on the MRF’s recent victories on profiling in D.C. Seven discussed how best to unite independents and MCs. Steve gave a case study on a recent summit held in Wisconsin between ABATE and motorcycle clubs in the state. The weekend was filled with lively debate and great questions. The MRF thanks the NCOC and the club community for their hospitality and willingness to work together on issues we all care about. About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit website at http://mrf.org * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Remember them for their Sacrifice – Memorial Day 2022

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This Memorial Day weekend take a moment and remember the sacrifices made by many while fighting for the freedoms each of us enjoy everyday. In streets across our nation traditional motorcycle events honoring those lost in military service will be held. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are forever grateful to our brothers and sisters lost defending the freedoms we cherish. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” Message from MRF: As we spend time with family and friends, let’s all take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country Free. We at the MRF wish you and yours a safe and happy Memorial Day. Visit: https://mrf.org/ About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. * * * * We all at Bikernet.com honor and remember our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces. Keep America Free. Keep Riding Free Forever.

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Wreaths Across America & Young Marines Enter Partnership

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Nonprofits agree to work together to help support common missions of teaching the next generation the values of leadership, citizenship, and freedom. COLUMBIA FALLS, Me., and ST. CHARLES, Mo. – May 13, 2022 – Yesterday, national nonprofits Wreaths Across America (WAA) and the Young Marines are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations. The signing is to build a stronger awareness for each group’s common missions while supporting educational events throughout the nation. These events will help teach lessons of character and patriotism to the next generation. WAA’s Director of Military and Veteran Outreach, Joseph Reagan, and Young Marines National Executive Director Col. William Davis signed the MOU live as part of the Young Marines Adult Leadership Conference held in St. Charles, Missouri. To watch the video of yesterday’s signing, please click here or visit https://vimeo.com/709265876/c5414c677a . The MOU between the two groups outlines key agreements that establish a framework for cooperation between WAA and the Young Marines. This includes collaborative volunteer efforts to provide opportunities for joint community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions throughout the country, and regular feature interviews on Wreaths Across America Radio. The interviews will highlight youth participants’ academic achievement, community service, good citizenship, and other attributes. “As a program whose core mission focuses on teaching the next generation the value of freedom, supporting and working with leadership groups like the Young Marines is critical to the future of this country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “These kids are learning not only what it means to be a productive member of society, they are learning that anyone can find a way to serve their community, and what it truly means to be an American.” “The Memorandum of Understanding solidifies the two organizations’ commitments

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Mustang Seats Acquired by Veteran-founded Investment Firm

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Mustang Seats Acquired by Veteran-founded Investment Firm LDR Growth Partners New Growth-Oriented Owners Will Invest in Company’s Factory Operations, Marketing Programs and Presence with Customers Three Rivers, Massachusetts – April 4, 2022 – LDR Growth Partners today announced the acquisition of Mustang Motorcycle Products LLC, maker of Mustang Seats and related motorcycle accessories, in a private transaction closed last Friday. Mustang, known for high-quality, handmade motorcycle seats, was founded in 1980 near Three Rivers, MA, where the company maintains factory operations. Mustang was purchased out of Motorsport Aftermarket Group, owned by a group of investors, led by Monomoy Capital Partners. “Mustang Seats presents a tremendous opportunity for us at LDR,” said William Brame, partner at LDR and co-head of its acquisition business. “Our unique approach is in providing growing companies the resources they need to continue to expand while identifying areas for new value creation. We’ll invest in people, technology, and the machinery the company needs to help deliver the iconic Mustang Seats to motorcycle riders looking for our products domestically and internationally.” Mustang employs 85 people in a historic facility in Three Rivers. The company was founded by Al Simmons and named after the legendary P51 military aircraft from World War II. Mustang designs and manufactures a variety of styles of seats, with fitments for all major brands of motorcycles. The company also offers rider and passenger backrests and seating-related products. LDR Growth Partners is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and growing unique, cash flow generating businesses in the manufacturing, industrial products, and transportation sectors. The company currently owns and operates Whitman Controls, a 50-year manufacturer of process automation controls with large, multinational customers across a range of industries. LDR, founded in 2011 by three US Army officers, is also the owner of LDR Advisory Partners and

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Lon Nordbye Joins Electrify Expo

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Lon Nordbye Joins Electrify Expo as Business Development and Sponsorship Executive (Sioux Falls, SD December 9, 2021) Lon Nordbye has joined Electrify Expo, North America’s largest Electric Vehicle Festival to lead Business Development and Sponsorship efforts. A recent recipient of ‘Expo of The Year’ honors at the 2021 IMPACT Conference, Electrify Expo is focused on scaling the experiential platform, and this appointment highlights the commitment to achieve that. Nordbye brings two decades of leadership experience in business development and integrated marketing to the Electrify Expo executive team. Lon Nordbye most recently served as VP of Strategy & Commercial Development at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip where he played a significant role in developing some of the rally’s most successful promotions, events, and brand partnerships. “Our team is excited for Lon to join the company and know he will make immediate contributions that will benefit our partners and fans,” said BJ Birtwell, Founder and Executive Producer of Electrify Expo. In his new role with Electrify Expo, Nordbye will lead development of Electrify’s e-motorcycle, e-bike, e-scooter, e-skate, and e-surf lifestyle categories. He will also oversee larger scale activations with national, non-endemic brands looking to reach the e-mobility consumer. “BJ, Jeff and their dynamic team have not only pioneered how consumers engage and interact with e-mobility, they’re pushing the industry, culture and lifestyle of electric mobility forward,” said Nordbye. “I couldn’t be more excited to join an enterprising team and get immersed into the day-to-day work to achieve the high expectations we have for Electrify as well as ourselves.” Electrify Expo is a weekend festival that takes place multiple times per year featuring the world’s leading brands in e-mobility. Consumers get the opportunity to demo and drive the best electric vehicles the industry has to offer as well as engage with interactive brand displays, enjoy live music and

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Harley-Davidson ‘From Evolution To Revolution’ Global Reveal Event

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Virtual Launch Registration Now Open MILWAUKEE, WI (June 21, 2021) – Harley-Davidson announces a new mid-season motorcycle reveal, “From Evolution to Revolution.” This virtual launch experience will be held July 13, 2021, at 10 a.m. CDT. This new model follows the exciting arrival of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 with its all-new Revolution Max powertrain in dealerships around the world. “Following the successful launch of our first adventure touring motorcycle, the Pan America, we are excited to reveal another all-new motorcycle, built on the Revolution Max platform in the sport segment, showcasing unmatched Harley-Davidson technology, performance and style,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO Harley-Davidson. The reveal event will preview details of the new motorcycle model and will include presentations by Harley-Davidson leadership, product experts and the passionate riders who are developing and bringing to market another powerful new motorcycle coming to Harley-Davidson® dealerships in 2021. To take part in the “From Evolution to Revolution” virtual launch experience, register now at www.H-D.com/JulyReveal.

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J J Solari on CEO of Harley-Davidson

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A fictional account of leadership and vision by the one and only J J Solari. Oh yes, we were talking about me and my vision for Harley-Davidson and whatever it is they do. While I am depicted here with my two-wheeled cycle of manly mayhem, you will notice I am not actually riding it. And the animals and the birds have come to me to ask ‘Good sir, canst thou not defile our sacred home with thine fumes?’ And to this I say ‘consider it done! I shall merely pose with this monster of manliness: I shall not actually start it up! The forest shall be safe!’ And speaking of not starting things up, this accoutrement to my portrait does not actually have an engine. It is a prototype of what I hope will become the future of Harley- Davidson: engine-free coasting cycles. Noise, smoke, gasoline, decimated rubber forests, asphalt, bugs in the face……these nightmares, under my leadership and guidance, shall be eliminated, to be replaced by happy animals safely crossing non existing roads, bluebirds chirping happily on the ends of our outstretched index fingers, green grass and pine trees reclaiming once again their rightful ownership of the planet. Click Here to Read this Fun Ride into a new sunset only on Bikernet. Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today. https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

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