Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Smaller Polaris Sprit Lake Workforce. Following January 15th Polaris decision of winding down Victory motorcycles operations to strengthen its position in the powersports industry, a much smaller Spirit Lake Workforce is expected, Polaris will eliminate first temporary positions, then gradually reduce the number of full time workers by not replacing personnel lost through retirement or resignation. On Tuesday January 24th, Polaris will release its fourth quarter and full-year 2016 financial results. It will be very interesting to know what will be 2017 guidance regarding Indian motorcycles and the Slingshot.

A 100% Tax On Imported 51cc and 500cc Motorcycles Is Being Proposed. The Office of United States Trade Representative requested comments regarding its proposal to include tariffs on imported European Union motorcycles with an engine size between 51cc and 500cc The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 30. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMS) opposes the proposed 100% tariff because it will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, consumers will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreational motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well being of millions of American families. Manufacturers that will be impacted: Aprilla, Beta, BMW, Ducati, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

Two women Held After They Were Filmed Riding A Motorcycle. Not in the US, of course, but in Iran where women face discrimination in all spheres of life. “The women exploited the opportunity presented by the absence of police at a national park to commit an “obscene act” worsened by a viral footage of them seen riding” officials said. In the video, the women wearing headscarves and loose clothing were seen being followed down a road by several male motorcyclists, chanting and whistling. The 2 women will be judge for “breaking “revolutionary norms and values” In a fight against oppression, Iranian women call on Western tourists to violate hijab law.

Consolidation At MAG (Motorsport After Market Group). Motorcycle-Superstore Integrated In J&P Cycles. Under pressure to make its retail operations more profitable, MAG is folding the Motorcycle Superstore into J&P Cycles with customer sales operation in Texas with inventory held in Louisville, KY. Between 40 and 60 people from the Motorcycle-Superstore are expected to be laid off.

Illinois “Blue Light” Measure Is Effective Since January 1st, 2017. The “blue light” bill allows for a blue light to be used in the center of the rear red lights of motorcycles. Blue lights in all other states are reserved to police vehicles and illegal for use on motorcycles. The objective is to make motorcyclists more visible to other motorists. Another measure that took effect in 2017 creates a U.S. Route 66 specialty plate for motorcycles, with funds going to the Route 66 Scenic Byways Commission to preserve the history of the legendary roadway.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII) To Report 4th Quarter And Year-end Earningson January, 24. Harley-Davidson Inc. Will Report Tuesday January 31, 2017. For Harley-Davidson results will be announced before market hours Jan. 31, 2017. The public is invited to attend an audio webcast from 8 – 9 a.m. CDT with Matt Levatich, president and chief executive officer, and John Olin, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. A slide presentation will also be available 30 minutes before the call at Harley Investor  as visual support to the webcast.

14 Responses to “Fast Motorcycle Industry News”


  1. 1 Chief Waldo Jan 17th, 2017 at 10:29 am

    Who is the 100% tax aimed at? Protectionism? Who’b building bikes under 500cc in the USA? Is it aimed at Husky and KTM dirt bikes? BMW and KTM’s small sport bikes? Scooters? I don’t get it.

    I know it’s fantasy, but I’d love to see the people getting laid off from Motorcycle-Superstore start a new company and go up against the bean counters that are screwing them.

  2. 2 richards Jan 17th, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Who are “The Office of United States Trade” ?

  3. 3 marcus Jan 17th, 2017 at 11:20 am

    This has nothing to do with free or fair trade of this class of motorcycles with EU manufacturers. Currently, the EU does not permit a large class of American meat products to be sold in the EU due to concerns over artificial hormones, etc.

    This retaliatory trade sanction is being pushed by the US Beef Lobby, and includes a laundry list of agricultural products (somehow small bikes are in that category). It is typical Washington corruption at its best.

  4. 4 Chief Waldo Jan 17th, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    The US wants to put import fees on small European motorcycles because they don’t want our growth hormone injected (infected) beef.
    Now that’s funny! 🏍🐂

  5. 5 x-HD Rider Jan 17th, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    Polaris must be cooking the books to show a loss and make us believe

  6. 6 James just another crazy kiwi Jan 17th, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    We Export Beef and Lamb to the USA cause we buy your vehicles when the steering wheel is on the correct side. Though god knows if they are made in the States. Mustangs and Harleys including the 500 which is made in India. All this trade retalitory sniping could hurt us and it might not even be intentional we are so bloody small no one gives a shit about us lol

  7. 7 Zenaldo Jan 17th, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    MAG…can u feel the downward circular swirl starting ?

  8. 8 Rick Dorfmeyer Jan 18th, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Chief Waldo,
    Why don’t you start a online retail business and hire all those Superstore folks.

    Zenaldo,
    Right sizing a business to fit the opportunity provides lots of cynical snyping opportunities as well.
    Just ask H-D Polaris and many others.
    The industry has not rebounded yet. Perhaps you could lead the charge.

  9. 9 Rick Dorfmeyer Jan 18th, 2017 at 8:40 am

    In intended consequences or just more bueacratic stupidity. We elect folks and they turn the business of the country over to people who are not held accountable for the damage they do.

  10. 10 Jim Preisler Jan 18th, 2017 at 9:52 am

    Wonder if other states will stop and ticket motorcycles traveling from Illinois with blue rear lights.

  11. 11 MAGNET MAN Jan 18th, 2017 at 11:05 am

    What a sick import law!

    President elect Trump, sir. Get rid of this law, it is STUPID and hurts American workers.

  12. 12 Chief Waldo Jan 18th, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Rick Dorfmeyer,
    Wish I could start up a new company, but, unlike the people getting laid off, I have no experience in that field. They do.
    But since the story states MAG is trying to make its retail operations MORE profitable, rather than trying to make them profitable, that tells me Motorcycle-Superstore is making money, it’s just that the owners want MORE.

  13. 13 KIrk Perry Jan 20th, 2017 at 3:47 pm

    1-20-2017
    Predicting a surge in motorcycle (H-D) side hacks.

  14. 14 Rodney Best Jan 23rd, 2017 at 9:31 am

    It is not a law yet.

    Politicians say things they never expect to get just to get elected and get donations (bribes)

    Any actual law will be quite different.

    Until we quit playing the donation and scare game and start kicking some out it will never get better.

    Rod

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Cyril Huze