International Dealer News IDN 113 July 2013 | Page 10

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HE long weekend of June 13th to 16th saw the European leg of Harley-Davidson’s year long celebration of its 110th anniversary paint the always chaotic streets of Rome orange and black as an estimated 100,000 Harley riders

invaded the eternal city. Highlights included concerts, rideouts, a custom bike show and a Harley village at the event HQ at the port of Ostia. However, all were eclipsed by the papal blessing attended by

thousands of Harley owners on Sunday June 16th as Pope Francis was treated to the celebratory roar of v-twin engines and a less than familiar sight as the Vatican visitor demographic dramatically changed in character for the day! Harley-Davidson marked the occasion

with the presentation to his Holiness of the ‘freedom jacket’ (a one of one piece of Harley apparel that had traversed the globe as the celebrations took in all six continents) and two special edition (white!) Harleys for the Vatican City police.

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MERICAN manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has taken the next logical step in establishing its brand presence in the retail environment with the introduction of a line-up of accessories and apparel. Launched in the United States in June, and due to appear in Europe in July, it is thought that Zero, which claims to be the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, is the first E-bike manufacturer to take this initiative.

The programme ranges from lockable hard case luggage to heated grips and seats, with an apparel line that includes riding gear and casual wear. Vice President of Marketing Scot Harden said that “the new accessories are designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers and to enhance their riding experience. We now offer exceptional riding gear and fun clothing with an authentic Californian style”. www.zeromotorcycles.com

HE American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has announced that Fort Worth, Texas based distributor Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice has signed up as an exhibitor at the first annual AIMExpo. Being held at Orlando, Florida, from October 16th - 20th, AIMExpo describes itself as “the powersports industry’s first combined trade, consumer and media event in North America”. National retailer Cycle Gear, which is also exhibiting at AIMExpo, will be stocking “ample inventory of Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice leading brands, ensuring consumers

have the opportunity to purchase from the line-up wile at the show”. Those brands include Speed and Strength, Firstgear, Answer, ProTaper and others – Biker’s Choice is TR’s Harley-Davidson aftermarket and custom v-twin industry distribution brand, and features the Twin Power own brand product line. Being headed up for Marketplace Events by Motorcycle Industry Council President and former Cycle World publisher Larry Little, AIMExpo says that “educating retailers and consumers on product attributes is an essenti al component of

AIMExpo”. The organisers say that they have had a “tremendous response to our PowerSports Business Institute @ AIMExpo call for presentations” and that they are currently finalising the curriculum and speaker roster for an education programme that they see as being “a significant part of AIMExpo”. The Tucker Rocky announcement follows a breakthrough earlier this year in which Yamaha announced that it was to be the first of the major US original equipment manufacturers to back the show, but with some 230 confirmed exhibitors so far the show is claiming that it now

has commitments from additional OEMs which will be announced shortly. www.aimexpousa.com

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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - JULY 2013