NEWS
BRIEFS
Despite its focus and investments on its manufacturing procedures and quality control functions , Polaris has again had to issue a Slingshot recall for ‘ 15- ‘ 18 models . The issue this time revolves around the driver seat and passenger seat belt and seat back - the anchoring bracket may have been improperly welded and differences in the seat assembly may prevent proper latching of the seat slider .
In further Polaris recall news , the company has had to agree to a $ 27.25 million settlement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ) to settle two 2016 instances of late reporting ; the company has also had to issue yet another recall , due to a fire hazard , affecting 107,000 2014 to current RZR XP 1000s .
Indian Motorcycle has started the year with a strong showing in market share terms in Germany – they were up to 14th for the first two months of 2018 with a 0.66 percent market share , albeit on low volumes so far in 2018 ; they have though more than doubled the number of bikes sold compared to the same period in 2017 , from 24 to 53 units .
Royal Enfield parent company Eicher Motors has acted to close down its joint venture with U . S . partner Polaris – after initial success , sales of the Multix personal utility vehicle have disappointed . The equal venture , Eicher Polaris Pvt Ltd , was formed in 2012 and a loss of some $ 14.13 million was reported for the year ended March 31 , 2017 , with Eicher ’ s total investment in the project to date believed to be north of $ 40 million .
MAG / TR Emerges from Chapter 11
Tucker Rocky / Biker ’ s Choice and MAG have announced that they have now emerged from the restructuring process they initiated with the bankruptcy courts in November 2017 . Addressing their dealers primarily , Kenan Ikels , Tucker Rocky Sales & Marketing VP , released a statement saying that “ we are pleased to report that on March 29 , Motorsport Aftermarket Group ( MAG ) and Tucker Rocky Distributing received confirmation of its Plan of Reorganization from the bankruptcy court and successfully emerged from chapter 11 on Friday , March 30 , 2018 . “ Our goal was to move through this process quickly , emerging within 4 to 6 months , and that is exactly what we have done . We recognize that this process has not been without its challenges , and we are grateful for your support and patience as we have moved through the restructuring . “ Now we are standing on solid financial footing and are a stronger
Clutch Specialist Rekluse sold
Mentor , Ohio based Race Winning Brands ( RWB ) has acquired Boise , Idaho based clutch specialist Rekluse . A “ portfolio company ” of Kinderhook Industries , LLC ( of New York – who bought then Wiseco parent PMI from Dover Corp in early 2017 ), RWB says of Rekluse that they are an “ industry leader and prominent manufacturer of high-performance clutches and drive components for the powersports market ” and that as a “ technology and market leader “ Rekluse fits perfectly within the Race Winning Brands ’ portfolio .” RWB describes itself as a “ leading manufacturer of high-performance and racing-application focused components for the powersports and automotive
Addressing dealers , TR / Biker ' s Choice VP Sales & Marketing Kenan Ikels said : “ Now we are standing on solid financial footing and are a stronger and more competitive company . This makes us a more secure and reliable partner , and we look forward to continuing our work together ”
and more competitive company . This makes us a more secure and reliable partner , and we look forward to continuing our work together .” Speaking to the future , Ikels went on to say that “ upon emergence we are
performance aftermarkets and markets its products globally from its Mentor , Ohio headquarters through a portfolio of leading brands including JE Pistons , Wiseco Performance Products , Diamond Pistons , Trend Performance , K1 Technologies and ProX Racing Parts .” Brian Reese , CEO at RWB , said : “ We expect Rekluse to accelerate further innovation and growth as we add this vibrant brand into our already dynamic portfolio . This acquisition is a reinvigorating demonstration of our commitment to lead the powersports market .” Serial entrepreneur Al Youngwerth , who founded Rekluse in 2002 , said : “ I am excited about the opportunity for Rekluse to join the Race Winning
under new ownership led by Monomoy Capital Partners , Blue Mountain Capital and Contrarian Partners . These companies have extensive experience with businesses such as ours and are committed to Tucker Rocky Distributing . “ They recognize our strength in the market and believe in the value of our company as a whole . This means that we do not anticipate any significant changes in our strategic direction , priorities or organization structure , and you can be assured of continuing to work with your normal Tucker Rocky sales representatives and contacts . It is business as usual !” Although the process has created issues for many of the vendors who supply the company , a market shaken by three years of declining sales and still haunted by the trauma of prior distributor filings will be relieved that this process has been one that has largely gone as smoothly as could have been hoped for .
Brands ’ family . I ’ m thrilled to play a key role in taking Rekluse through a new phase of growth and to join such an experienced leadership team with a deep and proud history in powersports . We expect this decision will have an immediate , positive and measurable impact for the Rekluse brand .” Youngwerth will “ continue his passion for innovation as part of the RWB leadership team .” Though best known for their off-road products , Rekluse products for Harley- Davidson and some Indian ( Scout ) applications include their Radius X with EXP automatic clutch , TorqDrive clutch pack and CoreEXP automatic coil spring clutch conversion for Sportsters . www . rekluse . com
64 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - MAY 2018 www . AMDchampionship . com