NEWS
BRIEFS
BRP has reported revenues up by + 15 % and gross profit up by + 7 % for the first three quarters of 2017. At $ 1,240.5m, revenues are a new 9-month record. The company has also confirmed that a second phase of investment to increase Can Am side-by-side and powertrain production capacity will go ahead and should be completed in 2020.
Race legend Dan Gurney passed away January 14, at 86 years young. We here at AMD Magazine are proud to say that we had the pleasure of meeting Dan and his son Justin a couple of times- when they were guests of S & S Cycle at their Lacrosse, Wisconsin 50th anniversary celebrations in 2008- they displayed their new S & S 124” engined Alligator Motorcycles prototype production cruiser; and again when they entered the bike(“ Instigator”) in the Production Class of the AMD World Championship at Sturgis in 2010. RIP, Dan.
Magazine publisher Bonnier has announced it is to reduce the frequency of Cycle World to quarterly as the winds of change continue to blow for the print consumer magazine( and newspaper) industry. Founded in 1962 by Joe Parkhurst( who died in 2000) Cycle World is widely credited with having ushered in a“ golden era” of quality objective, accurate and informed motorcycle journalism. It would appear that it is to be reduced to the status of being a picture book from now on, with Bonnier saying that Cycle World Cycle World is“ moving to a captivating, quarterly, coffee table-sized journal focusing on the art of the motorcycle.” Hot Bike magazine will be combining with Baggers“ to become the premier American custom and V- Twin touring publication”, published six times a year. Sport Rider and Dirt Rider will no longer be print publications, Motorcyclist continues to be published six times a year.
12 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- FEBRUARY 2018
Moto Beach Classic reaches far and wide
The first Moto Beach Classic promoted by Roland Sands Design( Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, California, October 14, 2017) saw over 5,000 guests attend the one-day festival that has generated a veritable storm of internet and social media traffic.“ This was a passion project,” says RSD,“ and our first attempt at bringing new eyes to two wheels through racing, surfing, art, music and custom bikes,” and what started out as a“ wild idea has developed into a Southern California cultural explosion,” according to one outlet.“ The one-day festival brought together Super Hooligan street bike flat track racing, drag and mini bike racing, No Limit stunt shows, surf contests, art, music, food, custom motorcycles and of course, the love for two wheels.” The Bolsa Chica facilities were said to have been“ at capacity and filled with lovers of all types of creativity and counterculture.” At the core of the event were the race pits,“ with over 120 hooligans, veterans and professional racers from across the nation orchestrated into a compact carnival. Teams brought makes and models of almost every motorcycle out there ranging from antique hand shift Indians and Harleys, to modern Ducatis. The smell of burning octane and brakes mixed with salty air and tacos made for quite the sight to
MSI Wheel Blanks
MSI Wheel Blanks is a new South Gate, California based distributor that claims to provide“ the largest selection of wheel blanks for the motorcycle industry.”“ Having offered big wheels for more than ten years, the opportunity to now offer all sizes was too hard to pass up,” stated owner, Ron Loynds of Metalsport wheels.“ Bringing in Lizette Hotinger to help run MSI gives us a fast start. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the motorcycle industry.” Lizette said that she is“ excited to be able to offer the complete line of wheel blanks and accessories to the wheel companies.“ MSI will offer wheel blanks sizes from the 16 x 3.5” to the big one of 32 x 4.0”. In the near future, look for the 34” wheel onlookers on the Pacific Coast Highway and those hanging on the fences beachside.” Indian Super Hooligan Championship winner, Andy DiBrino, took home the lion’ s share of the prizes, which included an Indian Motorcycle FTR750 as well as a $ 2,500 check from Bell Helmets. The event also featured BMW Boxer Cup races, and a vendor village with“ established custom motorcycle shops, hip vendors and brands, as well as motorcycle industry icons. Local dealerships including Orange County Indian, Kiwi Indian, Long Beach BMW, Irv Seaver Motorcycles and Huntington Beach Harley-Davidson were interspersed with brands like Moon Equipped, Cycle Zombies, Revival Cycles and Brat Style. Event Sponsors included Indian Motorcycle, Geico, Dunlop, Bell, K & N, Yamaha, Motul and Ducati Scrambler. Commenting on the publicity
blank, 3D blanks and hybrid blanks. We will also offer one-off blank short-runs to customer’ s specifications. Adding to the wheel blank line, MSI will also offer pulleys, rotors and sprockets. We now feature a floating 18” rotor with new and improved buttons.“ Making MSI the one-stop shop for your wheel needs, we are adding a wide selection of tires including Vee Rubber and Shinko. Coming soon is a full line of hubs for Harley, Indian and metric brands.” sales @ msiwheels. com
generated RSD says that“ the true outreach and effects of an event are literally in the hands of the attendees. Our first year brought over 5,000 spectators, twice the anticipated number, but with the ability to connect followers through pre and post social media event content, the impressions are endless.“ The diverse grouping of moto, flat track, bike builder, artist, musician, surfer, photographer, culture maker and brands at the Moto Beach Classic is what makes the event so unique. With so many facets involved, it is a mash up of ideas all in one place with a true soul and spirit. It’ s not just about any one thing, it’ s about everything, all in one place.” Moto Beach Classic will return in 2018, with the date yet to be confirmed but the organizers saying it will probably be the same weekend, 13-14 October. www. rolandsands. com www. motobeachclassic. com
www. AMDchampionship. com