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Rumors from India that Harley licensing partner Hero Motorcorp will launch Harley badged X500 , X440 and X350 models " overseas " are intensifying . Meanwhile , the speculation that the next move will be a 210 cc machine are also gathering credence . One of India ' s motorcycle magazines is saying that Harley is indeed currently testing a 210 cc machine for sale in India in the future . The speculation is that it will be based on the recently launched Hero Karizma XMR 210 - a 25 hp , 15 ft-lb torque liquid-cooled 210 cc single-cylinder , with DOHC , four-valve top end . Hero , the former Buell partner " back in the day " is already building the X440 for Harley .
British Columbia based electric sport bike manufacturer Damon Motors ( makers of the awardwinning HyperSport EV motorcycle ) has announced a merger with UK based Inpixon Ltd ., ( NASDAQ : INPX ) and plans for Nasdaq listing of the combined company . Damon claims to have US $ 85m in reservations for its motorcycle designs . The arrangement is described as a " reverse merger ." Inpixon is a data analytics and statistical visualization solutions business . The ambition is to make Damon ' s HyperSport " one of the safest , smartest and most powerful motorcycles available in the market ."
Eugene , Oregon based Arcimoto is to recall certain 2023 FUV and MUV hybrid electric motorcycles - due to a potential tie rod separation and resulting sudden loss of steering control .
Austin , Tx . area based Volcon ( NASDAQ : VLCN ) has announced that initial units of its new Grunt EVO electric motorcycle are now shipping to U . S . customers through its powersports dealer network . The company anticipates additional shipments to be made over the coming weeks as the dealer pipeline is filled . The company says that interest remains strong both domestically and in Latin American markets . Grunt EVO is the latest edition of its fattired , off-road , two-wheel electric motorcycle . One of the key features is the near-silent Gates carbon belt drive ( Moto X9 ) which replaces the chain drive on the original Grunt ( Grunt FE ). Volcon says that customers can expect improved suspension with custom-tuned Walker Evans shocks and an overall weight reduction of 20 %.
KSR Group Files for ' Bankruptcy Protection '
Founded some 25 years ago and considered a leading business in the ' new gen ', post 2007 financial crisis landscape of the motorcycle industry in Europe , KSR Group GmbH , a market leader in several key sectors of twowheeled mobility and a longstanding wholesale company , has filed for a court-supervised restructuring procedure . Based in Gedersdorf in Austria and owned and operated by brothers Michael and Christian Kirschenhofer , the announcement cited the multiple difficulties of the unstable economic situation in Europe and the significant changes the business has had to undergo over the past year as a result - specifically referencing rising energy prices , high inflation and decreased purchasing power among customers . The company has currently been selling 60,000 vehicles a year and owns , licenses or manages at least 15 motorcycle , scooter and broader powersports vehicle brands ( including Brixton , Motron , Lambretta , Malaguti , Italjet , NIU and CFMoto Off-Road ). It has been selling through some 2,300 dealers in 60 countries worldwide and offices in Greece , Italy , Spain , Switzerland , Belgium and the Netherlands , as well as its head office in Austria . " We have been working intensively in recent months to meet these conditions ," said Michael and Christian Kirschenhofer . " However , in the interest of a
In just six months , Buell Motorcycle Co . has booked over $ 120m in preorders for the Roland Sands Super Cruiser 1190 collaboration it unveiled in February 2023 . Bill Melvin , CEO of Buell , said : " Americans love style , muscle and performance . The Super Cruiser breaks the mold for all three , and the response shows that Buell simply nailed it . This is utterly unheard of for an American V-twin ." The Super Cruiser is " an evolution to Buell ' s innovation in engineering ." Weighing 450 lbs and boasting an impressive 175 hp , it " seamlessly combines the West Coast cruiser aesthetic with the agility and handling of a sport bike , positioning Buell as the successful and responsible continuation of our business and to preserve jobs , we now see the need to apply for a court-supervised restructuring procedure ." The key reasons for initiating the restructuring procedure include high material costs due to the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict , exchange rate fluctuations , reduced sales due to stronger-than-expected consumer restraint in recent months , and full dealer inventories . Though it should be noted that for the first half of 2023 , industry-wide new unit registrations have been + 7 and + 10.1 % in Austria and Germany respectively . " After an intensive evaluation phase , we see this decision as unavoidable to guide our company through challenging times and continue our
Buell - $ 120m Super Cruiser Concept Preorders
undisputed high-performance leader in American motorcycles for the foreseeable future ." Returning to the industry in 2021 , Buell set up shop in Grand Rapids , MI , launching with two models - claiming the Hammerhead 1190 as America ' s fastest production motorcycle . Rapid expansion of its lineup included sport , touring and adventure bikes . The Super Cruiser is slated to enter production in 2025 , with an estimated retail price in the $ 20,000 - $ 30,000 range . " We ' ve laid a solid foundation over the last two years with an amazing team and support from West Michigan leaders ," said Melvin . " Now , the overwhelming demand for
business successfully for the benefit of all stakeholders ," said Michael Kirschenhofer . The company ' s Smart Products and Mobility business segments will be operated as usual and with sales in Household and Leisure sectors , apparently not all of KSR ' s divisions ( KSR Swiss , KSR Hellas , KSR Thailand , KSR Solution and KH Holding ) are affected by the restructuring procedure . The KSR Group says it will use the coming months to reposition itself for the 2024 season , stating that it is " confident in the future of its business models , existing partnerships , the competence of its employees , and the strength of its brands ." In Austria , making an application for " judicial reorganization proceedings without self-administration " is a signal that the Group ' s problems run deep and that it is going to have to work hard if it is to stave off liquidation of its assets and preserve some jobs and trading .
the Super Cruiser puts Buell on a trajectory for significant long-term growth . This ramp-up will be nothing short of exhilarating . Anyone interested in joining us for this exciting ride - in any capacity - should reach out now . We want to work with you ." www . buellmotorcycle . com
22 AFTERMARKET MOTO DESIGN - DECEMBER 2023 www . AMDmag . com