A new custom motorcycle competition has been announced for AIMExpo at Orlando, March 3-5 2027
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles. news, RideApart. com, Motor1. com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter. com
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Exports of Japanese made motorcycles to USA by the ' Big Four ' were down by-6.46 % at 59,460 units for the first eight months of 2026- snapping a recovery streak that went back to 2014( 73,502). Exports to Europe were-17.55 %( 128,544 units).
New Harley registrations in Germany for the first nine months of 2026 sees it in ninth spot in market share terms( BMW is top dog) with 3,378 units sold for a 3.76 % share and no models recorded among the top 50 best sellers. While models such as the XL883 & 1200 were being sold, Harley ' s German market share peaked at 10.50 %( 8,778 units) in 2011.
Discussing the paucity of AI regulation, Microsoft President Brad Smith has warned that " your washing machine and the milk you buy are subject to more safety rules than AI."
Taking over from Bob Kay, who has resigned so he can spend more time with his motorcycles, Jim Bengtson is the new Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket( IMA) chairman, effective September 2026.
It is being reported that MV Agusta was finally forced to file for insolvency protection in September because it had no other refinancing options to pursue after the collapse of a proposed investment deal with CFMoto. It is believed that the terms that Timur Sardarov ' s ' Art of Mobility ' family investment vehicle said it found unacceptable were the Chinese manufacturer ' s requirement for a 49 % ownership stake in the Varese, Italy manufacturer. By July 2026, MV Agusta had allegedly sold only 1,238 units YTD in 2026. The future of 185 employees in Italy are at stake / BDN.
Drag Specialties, S & S and AMD backing ' The Builders Cup ' at AIMExpo 2027
A new custom motorcycle competition has been announced for AIMExpo at Orlando, March 3-5 2027
The Builders Cup Fueled by Drag Specialties is an all-new competition showcasing leading custom builders and the machines and ideas influencing the future of motorcycling. Cinnamon Kernes, VP of Market Expansion at the Irvine, California based Motorcycle Industry Council( MIC) said: " With an additional and substantial level of participation from S & S Cycles, and the endorsement of the AMD World Championship ' Approved ' Custom Bike Show program, the Builders Cup Fueled by Drag Specialties will invite selected custom builders to showcase their skills, creativity and innovation AIMExpo 2027." Note the timing too- the Daytona Bike Week timing is no coincidence. The organizers are hoping that the proximity and timing to Daytona Bike Week, and the backing of Drag Specialties, S & S Cycle, AMD Magazine and The Buffalo Chip, will help the ' Builder Cup ' to provide a meaningful V-twin segment dimension to AIMExpo where authorized and aftermarket custom bike and P & A vendors and dealers are concerned. " We understand that AIMExpo is principally a ' mainstream ' powersports dealer, distributor and vendor industry expo, but now that the event is so well established in the industry, hosting a specific initiative that also allows the custom motorcycle market to showcase its creativity and craftsmanship is all part of our mission
to ' bring the industry together '- all of the motorcycle industry, with all its enthusiasm and excellence, all in one place at the same time." The motorcycles will be displayed inside The Builders Club, a dedicated show-floor destination designed to connect custom culture with manufacturers, distributors, dealers, media, and other leaders from across the powersports industry. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip will present the Spirit of the Chip Award to the builder whose motorcycle best captures the spirit of freedom and individuality at the heart of motorcycle culture. For decades, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has created experiences that bring together motorcycles, music, art, and community. Its involvement in The Builders Cup brings that rider-facing perspective directly to the AIMExpo show floor.
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