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
According to MIC Events, the Orlando Florida, March 3-5, 2027, AIMExpo show floor is nearly sold out, with " the industry ' s most influential brands showing up in force." Connect, Engage, Unite; www. aimexpousa. com
Polaris Industries reported Q2 sales of $ 2,023m, up 9 % compared to last year, driven by continued strength in utility and shipments aligning to retail coupled with positive price and lower promotions. Total Polaris retail sales for the quarter, excluding Youth, were up 4 % over last year. ORV retail sales were up 5 %, resulting in Q2 ORV market share gains. The Q2 results included $ 74m of tariff refunds, which benefited adjusted EPS by $ 0.96. Polaris substantially raised full year 2026 guidance to adjusted EPS of between $ 3.00 to $ 3.10 from $ 1.60 to $ 1.70.
The fallout from the trade spat between the USA and Canada will likely involve the imposition of 50 % tariffs on Canadian Harley- Davidson and Indian Motorcycle imports.
With the backing of Drag Specialties, S & S Cycle and the Buffalo Chip, AIMExpo( Orlando, FL, March 3-5, 2027) is to add a ' Builder Cup ' invitational custom bike competition.
The MIC has acquired MotorcycleIndustryJobs. com to expand its " powersports workforce reach." Founded in 2004 by Alex Baylon, " the acquisition could provide another avenue for recruiting qualified candidates at a time when attracting and retaining employees remains a key industry challenge."
Indian Motorcycle – American Racing Operations
Racing has always been core to the meaning and heritage of the Indian Motorcycle Brand, from the original Board Tracks and Wrecking Crew through to the FTR750. Now, their near total domination of the Kind Of The Baggers series with the Indian Challenger, Indian ' s newfound independence after the Polaris sell-off means new opportunities. The formation of a formalised Race Department – Indian ' s American Racing Operations( ARO- pronounced ' arrow ') is an all-new performance division( announced in May 2026) to represent Indian
Motorcycle ' s " commitment to developing integrated performance solutions inspired by its rich racing heritage." " Our brand was founded by two racers who built a legacy pushing performance and driving American motorcycle innovation literally through racing," said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. " As stewards of Indian Motorcycle ' s 125-year history, we ' re proud to continue this legacy of innovation with our new race-inspired, factory-backed performance halo brand. ARO represents our commitment to performance, authenticity, and the continued evolution of American motorcycling, driven by and inspired by our historic investment in racing." Kennedy went on to say that ARO had been created to " push Indian Motorcycle forward through a comprehensive portfolio of performance parts, accessories, future technologies and rider-focused solutions." As the performance division of Indian Motorcycle, ARO will develop factorybacked performance solutions inspired by 125 years of American motorcycle innovation and competition, giving
riders a seamless path to elevate power, handling, sound and the overall riding experience." The announcement also included the debut of an all-new dual slip-on exhaust system for select bagger and touring models. The ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust was designed by Vance & Hines Factory Indian Motorcycle race team principal, Terry Vance. " Pulling design inspiration from road racing, the ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust features exhaust screens similar to those common with international road racing bikes." The new ARO GP Slip-On Exhaust has been run on Indian ' s KOTB race bikes and is said to " elevate the dynamic voice of PowerPlus with a precisiontuned sound, highlighted by a deep, low-frequency exhaust note at idle and low RPM, before transitioning into a broad, high-output tone under acceleration and elevated engine speeds." Kennedy went on to say that he had been " running a prototype on my own Indian Challenger since Daytona, and I can say wholeheartedly that it sounds absolutely amazing and truly elevates the experience of riding an Indian PowerPlus bagger." Rooted in Indian Motorcycle ' s extensive racing heritage and its championship-winning MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Factory Racing Team, ARO components are engineered to meet rigorous performance and reliability standards " for riders seeking the ultimate in American V-Twin performance. ARO represents a growing portfolio of premium components and accessories engineered to enhance power, sound, and style. " While select products will be directly derived from Indian Motorcycle ' s King of the Baggers race program, including exhaust systems, air intakes, and performance hard parts, the broader ARO lineup draws inspiration from the spirit of innovation and competition that has defined Indian Motorcycle for 125 years." The ARO GP Slip-On is slated to retail for $ 799.99.
48 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- SEPTEMBER 2026 www. AMDmag. com