Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com
NEWS
BRIEFS
The WorldSBK series is to see a new entry level class introduced- World Sportbike. The FIM and Dorna Sports say it will debut in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026. World Sportbike is set to succeed the World Supersport 300 class, which has provided an accessible and competitive stepping stone for emerging talent since its introduction in 2017. WorldSSP300 was the category in which Ana Carrasco made history in 2018 as the first woman to win a motorcycle circuit racing world championship.
Royal Enfield already has substantial facilities in the UK but emphasising the importance of continental European markets to its future plans, parent company Eicher Motors has approved the establishment of a Royal Enfield Europe BV branch in Germany later this year.
BMW Motorrad posted another strong result in 2025: for the fourth consecutive year the company delivered more than 200,000 motorcycles to customers- a total of 202,563 units worldwide. " Despite a challenging market environment, including a global decline in the over-500 cc segment, volatile conditions, intense price competition, regulatory constraints and new customs rules, BMW Motorrad achieved a solid sales result." Several of BMW ' s markets nonetheless recorded best ever results, including Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, Portugal, Canada, Malaysia and the Netherlands. In December 2025, a total of 15,109 motorcycles were sold, their third-best December in BMW Motorrad ' s history and a positive indicator for 2026. The German market saw BMW gain market share(+ 4.1 p. p. in the over 500 cc segment) as it expanded its home market leadership, with 25,516 units sold. France was its second strongest market in Europe with 19,019 units sold, Italy third( 16,692), and Spain fourth( 14,005). Outside Europe, the USA saw 14,869 units sold; Brazil 14,488, and China 10,555. Unsurprisingly, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and R 1300 GS were their strongest sellers, followed by the S 1000 RR.
Mitchell, SD. based Klock Werks has hired Chad Fergen to head-up its iOmounts division- the magnetic phone mounts brand.
Dunlop has been named as Official Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup tire supplier. The new 12-race international series kicks off March 27- 29 at Circuit of the Americas.
<<< Continued from page 64 Gross profit margin performance was driven by favorable mix, partially offset by tariffs. North America unit retail sales for Indian Motorcycle were down highsingle digits percent. Estimated North America unit retail sales for the comparable motorcycle industry were up mid-single digits percent. Marine segment sales were driven by higher volume on entry level pontoons. Gross profit margin performance was impacted by negative mix driven by success of entry level pontoons. For 2026 the Company expects sales
In what has been referenced as a " tangled unwind ", Polaris announced that it had completed its sale of a majority( 80 %) stake in Indian Motorcycle to Los Angeles based investor Carolwood LP. With former H-D and V & H man Mike Kennedy as the new Indian Motorcycle CEO( see interview elsewhere in this edition of AMD), the deal had been originally announced in September – although rumors that Polaris was looking to sell Indian Motorcycle had been swirling since late 2024. " The successful completion of this transaction is a great outcome for all," said Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen. " Separating Indian Motorcycle enables Polaris to sharpen our strategic and operating focus on our core growth businesses, while driving immediate value creation for shareholders." It is believed that under their ownership Polaris had grown
The well-received new 2026 Indian Sport Scout RT
to be up one to three percent versus 2025. The Company expects adjusted diluted EPS attributed to Polaris Inc.
production to around 23,000-26,000 units annually since it bought the brand. The transaction includes the main Indian Manufacturing facility at Spirit Lake, Iowa; the Monticello, Mn. operations and the industrial design / technology center in Burgdorf, Switzerland( formerly known as Swiss Auto). Indian Motorcycle will not be using Polaris facilities in either Asia, Poland or Mexico and engine manufacturing will move to Spirit Lake- Polaris did not include the Osceola, Wi. Powertrain facility in the sale and has now been shuttered by Polaris. Polaris acquired the Indian Motorcycle brand from Stellican( Kings Mountain, NC). Owned by Brit Stephen Julius, Stellican was best known at the time for its revival of common stockholders to be between $ 1.50 and $ 1.60, relative to($ 0.01) in 2025.
Polaris Completes Separation of Indian Motorcycle
In the last new model launch to be released in the ' Polaris ' era, Indian Motorcycle followed up news about its year-long 125th brand anniversary celebrations in 2026 by unveiling a 50- State legal 2026 Indian Chief Vintage- " honoring its heritage by reimagining a timeless classic into a new icon for today ' s riders." Inspired by the 1940s Chief, " its flowing valanced fenders and unmistakable silhouette pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle ' s roots, while the Thunderstroke motor delivers the power and presence that set today ' s standard." Design Director Ola Stenegard, who is remaining with Indian Motorcycle under Mike Kennedy ' s leadership, said that " Indian Chiefs from the 1940s remain
one of the most recognizable and celebrated motorcycles in American history. With its iconic V-twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a standard for performance and design that resonates today. It represents the spirit
Chris Craft and had itself acquired the Indian brand in 2003. Prior to that it had been owned and operated by Ray Sotelo, of Indian Motorcycle Company of America( aka California Motorcycle Company). Sotello, a custom bike builder( South County Motorcycles) restarted Indian brand manufacturing at Gilroy, California in 1999 after it been out of production pretty much entirely since the Original Indian Motorcycle company went bankrupt in 1953 and their Springfield, Mass. factory closed down, triggering several rival and legally complex disputes over brand ownership until Sotello merged his CMC with IMCA in 1998. The brand was started by George Hendee and Swedish-American engineer Oscar Hedstrom at Springfield in 1901. The new owners have already announced that they will be marking the brand ' s 125th anniversary with a series of events through this year.
A Modern Take on A Historic Icon
Taking design cues from the 1940s, the 2026 Chief Vintage " recalls the style and craftsmanship of America ' s Golden Age of Motorcycling."
of Indian Motorcycle- bold, timeless, and always pushing forward." MRSP starts at $ 19,999. Arriving at dealerships in March it is available in Black Metallic and Indian Motorcycle Red. www. indianmotorcycle. com
12 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- MARCH 2026 www. AMDmag. com