Erik Buell Racing And Hero MotoCorp Working On Small-Displacement Motorcycle Line-Up. How small can be an EBR bike? Last summer, Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp bought a minority stake in Erik Buell Racing. A great source of financing for EBR to support its manufacturing and dealers expansion, here and abroad, but also an opportunity for Hero MotoCorp to tap into the expertise of EBR for design and technological innovations to conceive new small displacement models for the Asian market. Everybody in the industry knows that there is a huge potential worldwide for small bikes from 350 to 750 cc’s, And of course, without turning its back to quality sport and street bikes, EBR is also interested by the Hero powerful logistic to enter this market. How a small displacement EBR bike will look? We may know in the next 12 moths or sooner. Now, imagine Harley and EBR competing in this segment. Not only in Asia but maybe also in the US.
Mercedes Will Reportedly Begin Selling MV Agusta Motorcycles At Selected AMG Performance Centers. As I reported, Mercedes purchased a 25% stake in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. The justification? Cross-marketing opportunities. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said “Mercedes AMG customers have a lot in common with MV Agusta customers so it makes sense to market to both of them.” Zetsche is now revealing that Mercedes has no interest in becoming a motorcycle manufacturer, won’t decide which engines are used in MV Agusta, but will sell the motorcycles at selected AMG dealers to increase their showroom traffic.
Royal Enfield Hires Pierre Terblanche As Chief Designer. After a 10 years collaboration with Ducati (Ducati 749 and 999) and a very short stint with Confederate Motors, Pierre Terblanche will design for Royal Enfield, a subsidiary of Eicher Motors Limited, and one of the world’s oldest motorcycle makers with a notable presence in the fast growing mid-premium motorcycles. Royal Enfield is currently working on a new 400cc engine for its upcoming models and makes the USA its priority market outside India.
Polaris Acquires Pro Armor. Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of certain assets of LSI Products Inc. and Armor Holdings, LLC, privately-held Riverside, Calif.-based companies that design, develop, manufacture, source, sell and distribute accessories for performance side-by-side vehicles and ATV markets under the Pro Armor brand. This acquisition adds Pro Armor to Polaris’ growing parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Pro Armor will continue to operate as a distinct brand and the operations will remain in Riverside. Both Polaris and Pro Armor will continue to develop independent product plans while leveraging development, sourcing and distribution capabilities.
Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex Named “Track of the Year”. The American Motorcyclist Association’s ATV Extreme Dirt Racing has awarded the Buffalo Chip’s PowerSports Complex the honor of “Track of the Year” for 2014. Racers participating in the national series, along with EDT officials, chose the Buffalo Chip as their hands-down favorite after being asked to vote for the best overall track and facility. This was the first year for the track, which was constructed by TORC: The Off-Road Championship Racing Series, expert track builder Jeff Nordstrom.
How many tracks competed against Buffalo Chips track?
Rodent. ALL in the US.
Terblanche is one of the most talented designers alive. I’m sure, if given enough latitude, he will be a huge asset to Royal Enfield. I wish him all the best.