Fast Motorcycle Industry News

cyril-Huze-fast-newsBarber Vintage Motorsports Museum Unveiled Plans For Major Expansion. Last year, Guinness World Records named the museum as the world’s largest collection of vintage and contemporary motorcycles, with 1,398 unique exhibits. The 144,000-square-foot museum, which opened in 2003 at Barber Motorsports Park, will grow by an additional 85,000 square feet. All five stories will be expanded, and a glass atrium is a key feature of the new space. The expansion will help the facility maintain its role as the global benchmark for motorcycle collections. In addition to displaying more motorcycles, some type of traveling exhibits are also planned. The museum will remain open during construction, and the work is expected to be complete in the fall of 2016. Officials did not disclose the capital investment for the project. No public incentives are involved. Birmingham-based Williams Blackstock is the architect for the expansion. The general contractor is BL Harbert International, also based in Birmingham.

Ex-Harley-Davidson Executive To Build The Royal Enfield Brand In The US From Milwaukee. In 2014, less than 1000 Royal Enfield motorcycles were sold in the US. A newly hired Milwaukee team with years of experience at Harley-Davidson plans to change that with a re-positioning of the brand and an aggressive distribution and sales strategy. Royal Enfield intends to become the worldwide number one brand in the middleweight market, from 250cc to 750cc. “ With smaller, lighter bikes than many other brands, Royal Enfield could have a wider appeal than what’s on the market. The bikes also have a smaller price tag between $5,000 and $6,000,compared with Harley’s Street 500, the Milwaukee manufacturer’s only comparable bike at almost $7,000” said new US President Rod Copes, a former head of global sales and customer service for Harley-Davidson.

He added “We also see an opportunity for spouses of Harley riders, especially females who are used to riding on the back, to get their own bikes,” CWe hear continuously that bikes in the market just aren’t conducive to women’s stature”. In addition, the Royal Enfield brand could appeal to residents of large cities where it’s expensive and inconvenient to drive or even own a car. By 2017, Royal Enfield plans to build its Milwaukee office to 25 employees. It currently employs 12. Copes said the company has no plans to bring any manufacturing to the U.S., but could foresee doing customization and configuration here in the future. The company sells three models in the U.S. The 535cc Continental GT, the 499cc Classic 500 and the 499cc Bullet.

The Harley-Davidson, Inc. Board of Directors Has Approved A New Cash Dividend. The approved dividend is $0.31 per share for the third quarter of 2015. The dividend is payable Sept. 25, 2015, to the holders of record of the Company’s common stock on Sept. 15, 2015.

8 Responses to “Fast Motorcycle Industry News”


  1. 1 Tommy Sep 4th, 2015 at 9:26 am

    It means that RE will compete with the HD Street. The RE looks better. But it’s made in India…

  2. 2 zipper Sep 4th, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Too bad they look so junky and lack performance. …Z

  3. 3 chicagojohn Sep 4th, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Rod Copes: Enfield needs a longer lower frame design, kind of like Arlen has done with the Victory, for it to be a success here in the states.

  4. 4 LeChatNoir Sep 4th, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    they ride pretty nice, unfortunately the fuel injected Suzuki TU250 is comparable to the RE Bullet 500 in every way. the bullet performance needs to be raised by a margin to be competitive in this market. but it looks spot on to me.
    i have test ridden one every year hoping to be swayed and it just is not enough.
    if the new US branch decides to improve on suspension and engine maybe we may have something.
    it is fun to ride around though just underwhelming and a bit dull

  5. 5 skeeter Sep 4th, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    “the company has no plans to bring any manufacturing to the US” SO they send their bikes we send $$$ back sounds like a bad idea. Made in india has a quality ring to it ???

  6. 6 NoH2oh Sep 4th, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    I seriously doubt anyone looking at a Street would cross shop a RE. Maybe a 10 year old Honda Shadow. Anyway, RE came out with the really good looking Conti GT and even had a real for god sakes British company design the frame. They even bought the company…I think they are serious and taking small thought out steps. Bring over better, larger engines and you might sway some biyers.

    And there is a loooooong list of bike makers that have zero manufacturing in the States. Like almost ALL of them.

  7. 7 Grumbler Sep 7th, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    If they had the Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor then that’d outsell their current thumpers.

  8. 8 VForce Sep 7th, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    Hiring a bunch of ex-HD guys really worked out well for Triumph Motorcycles America…

    I can see it now…

    “Dear RE dealer, you are now required to spend $25k in “store design” to remain a dealer.

    You are required to purchase $5k in RE signage, $10k in special tools, $10k in merchandise and clothing, $10k in spare parts, and have a certified RE technician.

    Starting next spring, you will have an ALLOCATION of bikes. This allocation is based on (INSERT MARKET STATISTIC BULLSHIT HERE). If you do not accept your full allocation, you will forgo all of your floorplan, retail financing, and will be unable to secure the better selling models.

    Please sign the revised dealer agreement at your earliest convenience.”

    Hopefully they do not go down this road, but I would not be surprised if they did.

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Cyril Huze