American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 229 August 2018 | Page 64

Avon Agrees Multi Year AMD BRIEFS World Champion and Freestyle Class Sponsorship NEWS One of the big factors driving the evolution of transport policy and technology is the ongoing trend to urbanization. Urban population is set to rise to 4.7 billion by 2030, an estimated 63% of global population; an increase of +34% since 2010, an extra 1.6 billion city dwellers (and estimated to rise to 73% by 2050). This is the context in which H-D and other manufacturers have to plan the dealer networks of the future. As at the end of July, AIMExpo (Las Vegas, October 11-14) said that this year’s exhibitor line-up already featured more than 100 businesses new to the event. There will be over 400,000 sq ft of “exclusive business, education and networking opportunities.” Confirmed V-twin sector exhibitors include Harley- Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, Drag Specialties, Tucker, V-Twin, AirFX/Hawg Halters, Andrews, Barnett, National Cycle, Avon Tyres, Sport Chrome and more. The free trade deal signed between the EU and Japan is good news for the EU motorcycle industry. The WTO standard rate 6% import tariff on Japanese made units will go away. Less good news for the UK though. Once outside the EU, British bikers will still be paying the tariff. Worse, one of the primary incentives for Japanese auto makers (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) to produce in the UK will also have disappeared. Having acquired it in 2006, MAG has sold UK based handlebar and sprocket specialist Renthal back to founder Henry Rosenthal. Following the sale of MAG Europe to Dutch based international distributor Motorcycle Storehouse earlier this year, this represents sale of the last of MAG’s holdings outside the U.S. 64 eading custom tire manufacturer AVON has signed a multi year agreement to be Freestyle Class sponsor at the 2018 and 2020 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building - the winner will be the ‘Avon World Champion Custom Bike Builder’. One of the oldest motorcycle product manufacturers of any kind in the world, Avon traces its origins back to 1885. The company entered the motorcycle and sidecar tire market in 1911. Always an avid supporter of motorsport, Avon’s dominance in motorcycle racing was historically so great that in its 1957 to 1963 ‘Glory Years’ every solo world champion, including legendary Britons John Surtees and Mike Hailwood, rode to victory on Avon motorcycle tires (Surtees remains the only man to have won World Championships on two and four wheels). In the 1970s Avon’s reputation as the L custom motorcycle tire of choice was cemented through its association with industry legend Arlen Ness – an early adopter of Avons for his custom builds, and still an Avon enthusiast. Avon Venoms quickly became established as the preferred option for custom bike builders worldwide. Always noted as an innovator, with technologies such as Variable Belt Density, the inverted V-pattern and Force Following Grooves becoming widely adopted, fifteen years ago the company did much to facilitate what became known as the “Fat Rear End” boom and popularity of single sided swingarms and right-side drives as it made a series of wider tires available, including their 300 in 2003 and still popular 330 in 2004. Avon was acquired by Cooper Tire of the USA in 1997 and investment capital did much to position the business for the 21st century. In 2007 Avon capitalized on the popularity of its Venom series tires with the Continues on page 24 >>> Avon added two new Cobra Touring front and rear fitments last year Avon traces its origins back to 1885. The company has been making tires in Melksham, England since 1905 and entered the motorcycle tire market in 1911 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - AUGUST 2018 www.AMDchampionship.com