Billy Lane’s “Sons Of Speed” Inaugural Race Postponed. The inaugural race was set to take place at the New Smyrna Speedway during the 75th Anniversary of Daytona Bike Week in March 2016. The new date for the debut race is unknown. “We have really high standards, and we worried about meeting them under the time constraints we face. There has been so much enthusiasm from potential sponsors, fans and participants–we have to get it right” says Billy Lane. Inspired by early twentieth-century board-track racers, the Sons of Speed race hearkens back to a stripped down, wide-open approach to motorcycle riding. The inaugural race will feature up to 9 riders in several different Heats, and winners of the Heats will advance to a championship round. Each racer will sit astride identical hand-built racing chassis holding pre-1925 1000cc American V-Twin engines, and most racers will customize their machines by fabricating handlebars, exhaust, fenders, foot pegs and fuel/oil tanks.
Motorcycle Industry In Canada Trying To Cope With Low Canadian Dollar. Canada’s dollar has fallen to 11-year lows this month, largely because of persistently weak oil prices, slow global economic growth and the comparative strength of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. The largest motorcycle manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson and Polaris, use currency hedging to offset money fluctuations. It still remains that pricing will continue to be driven by currency and that in 2016 some models discounting will be required to remain competitive in Canada. The Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council has seven shows scheduled across Canada in January and February.
Royal Enfield Records 50% Sales Growth In 2015. Royal Enfield has recorded another year of stunning growth. The iconic Bullet maker, which is part of Eicher Motors, has registered 50% growth in its total unit sales for the calendar year 2015. Royal Enfield, which sells bikes in 250cc and above segments, registered total domestic sales of 445,27o units when compared with 296,370 units in 2014. Exports grew by 33 per cent at 8,285 units. Royal Enfield is planning to unveil two mid-weight platforms over the next two years and is focusing on the commuter market in big cities.
Synchrony Financial Announced A Multi-Year Renewal And Expansion Of its consumer Financing Program For Polaris Dealers. Synchrony Financial has provided financing for Polaris motorcycles since 2006. Qualifying buyers will now have access to special financing options and exclusive offers for nearly all of Polaris’ products through their more than 1,500 dealers in the United States. A 2014 study commissioned by Synchrony Financial of powersports customers explores the path to purchase and shows the importance of financing. 76% of survey respondents who have used dealer financing says it helps make large purchases more affordable with 52% of them saying they would not have made the purchase had financing not been available…and would have gone to another dealer.
I don’t know if Billy Lane realizes how much money, how much liability insurance is required to organize such races, as “amateur” the races can be. Good luck in this venture, but beyond the fun of friends spinning on a track I am not sure it makes sense, financially speaking.
Sons Of Speed Good idea and probably a big headache and I agree many liability issues on non-tested bikes. Worth it?
Harley/Victory/Indiam. A war is boiling on discounts and financing terms. Especially if we have a recession like many Wall Street pundits predict for 2016.
Billy Lane should talk to AMA before doing anything.
Look for Royal Enfield to be the 1st bike of many millennials commuting to or living in big cities.
If I was an American with a few $$$ to spend, I would look at purchasing a bike from here in Canada. You guys are looking at over 30% on the exchange in Canadian. And if the major manufacturers are going to discount with rebates to try and offset things, savings could be huge! Even with shipping and duties, it’s a crazy difference. I know of one Honda dealer close to the U.S border who can’t keep enough bikes in his showroom and probably the only thing keeping his doors open right now with our messed up economy up here selling to U.S customers!!
Royal Enfield growth…Something wrong with those numbers? S/B 444,527 vs. 296,370???
And the factories still just don’t get it, especially HD. For example, if you buy a 2015 touring you get a $1500 instore credit, costing them, oh maybe $700. Besides that, the 2016’s msrp dropped a grand. Sounds ok til they add on $1000 freight, $199 doc. fee, 10% tax. The big bike market up here is dying and no one seems to know how to fix it. My province has a rape mentality regarding insurance. Over 400 cc costs $2000 to $3300 per year, depending on category and year of bike. I guess 6 mths of winter helps, I still hate winter.
Billy will be fine.. Races are an every weekend thing where I am from. I don’t race anymore but I used to race GNCC dirt bikes and 4 wheelers plus the local circuits which was district 11 and has since been taken over by WEXR.. These are off road races that take place on private land for profit for the land owner. This is far more dangerous. Imagine wide open 3rd or 4 gear on a two stroke through narrow trails and near vertical hill climb sections. It is crazy dangerous.. Yet insurance is not a problem as long as you have an ambulance there.. If the ambulance is dispatched then racing stops until it’s back or you can hire 2. The point is that this is regular life all over the country so don’t worry about Billy’s legalities…
I’m sorry the races were postponed, really looked forward to a worthwhile reason to get worked up for bike week. Maybe worth a day trip on Thursday.
Was really looking forward to the son’s of speed race, it was one of my things to do this year at bike week. Hopefully Billy gets everything worked out and the race will happen in the future