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NEWS
BRIEFS
The MRF is highlighting a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety( IIHS) that underscores the problem of distracted driving- " it remains a serious threat on America ' s roads, and riders often pay the price." The study found that cellphone use before crashes is significantly underreported in police form filling. Using data from nearly 17,000 crashes, researchers found drivers were using their cellphones within 30 seconds of impact in 7 % of single-vehicle crashes and 8 % of two-vehicle crashes. Police reports recorded cellphone use in less than 1 % of those crashes.
The FIM will stage a second biennial Intercontinental Games( ICG) from 11-13 December at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiania, Brazil- " where teams from all six FIM Continental Unions( CONU) will come together for this biennial gathering of the FIM Family." The successful first edition was held at Spain ' s Circuito de Jerez- Ángel Nieto in 2024- won by FIM Europe, who will be the defending Champions in Brazil.
The IMF( International Monetary Fund) has forecast that the United States ' present 125 % debt to GDP ratio is set to steeple to around 140 % in the next 5-years as National Debt burdens are feared to cross unsustainable ' runaway ' thresholds. China ' s present 110 % ratio is forecast to reach 125 % by 2031, while the standard basket of Advanced Economies rises from 110 % to 115 %, with Emerging Economies climbing from a current 75 % GDP to debt ratio, to 85 %( all figures rounded).
According to provisional figures for August 2026 in China, the industry there produced 1.8059 million FPU / fuel powered units(+ 13.54 % yoy) with 1.7553 million FPU / fuel powered units sold(+ 12.27 % yoy). Electric motorcycle production was 332,700 units(+ 9.80 % yoy) with 348,600 units sold(+ 16.86 % yoy). Motorcycle exports in August were 1.3372 m units(+ 18.97 % yoy). Chinese motorcycle exports have been up yoy in every month of 2026 from January to August at 10.2941 units(+ 17.77 % yoy). The top 10 manufacturers by unit volume for January to August 2025 were Dachangjiang, Loncin, Tayo, Yinxiang, Haojin, Zongshen, Sundiro- Honda, Jiangmen Summit, Lifan and Bashan.
MotoAmerica- " Disappointed "
Following Harley-Davidson ' s announcement that it will conclude its factory racing participation and official team support in the Mission King Of The Baggers Championship( after the 2026 season) MotoAmerica voiced its disappointment at Harley ' s decision. " MotoAmerica would like to thank the millions of fans across the United States and around the world who support the Mission King of the Baggers series. " King Of The Baggers has developed into a true performance competition between two unique American manufacturers [ Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle ]. " It pushes the boundaries of what these motorcycles can do and showcases a level of performance few could have imagined when the series began. That competition has been a major part of what has made the series so exciting for our fans." Clearly aiming their remarks at their race fans, MotoAmerica went on to state: " We share in your disappointment with Harley- Davidson ' s decision. Receiving this news at such a late stage presents challenges, but we are actively
Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel ' s Tennessee Whiskey, have reunited in a multi-year partnership- " bringing together two iconic American brands with a mutual commitment to independence, originality and American craftsmanship that dates back more than a century." The Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel ' s partnership revives a past collaboration that spanned from 2016
One for the ages- Brit Bradley Smith with what will likely prove to be a final team photo for Harley ' s official KOTB support team.
exploring all available options to continue supporting the class." " We appreciate the passion and support of our fans and participants, and we will share additional news as it becomes available." So, no white flag of surrender being waved by MotoAmerica quite yet. However, with the Bagger Racing League " owning " the grassroots of Bagger racing, many are pointing to
Indian Motorcycle, Jack Daniels and Brian Klock Reunite
to 2023, where the two American brands collaborated with Klock Werks Kustom Cycles of Mitchell, South Dakota. Built and designed around various Indian Motorcycle models, each collab featured a compelling nod to the American craftsmanship and grit each brand was founded on. The collaboration quickly became one of Indian Motorcycle ' s most sought-after
Indian Motorcycle ' s recent KOTB dominance being a replay of their previous ' control ' over the AMA AFT Championship. There are also those who wonder if Moto America will be able to carry the burden of the series on its own shoulders in the face of competition for fan ' s focus from the FIM Harley- Davidson World Cup and a reinvigorated Bagger Racing League.
limited-edition series, with demand so strong that the 2018 Jack Daniel ' s Indian Scout Bobber sold out in less than 10 minutes. " Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel ' s share deep-rooted American heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship and authenticity," said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. " We ' re excited to reunite with Jack Daniel ' s and build on what we ' ve previously created together and look forward to an exciting new chapter ahead."
14 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- NOVEMBER 2026 www. AMDmag. com