by Carrigan Miller and Mark Reilly from https://www.bizjournals.com Polaris Inc. stock is up sharply Tuesday morning after the maker of ATVs, snowmobiles and motorcycles reported better-than-expected profits for the fourth quarter, driven in part by the rollout of a new Indian motorcycle. The Medina, Minnesota-based manufacturer posted income of $98.9 million for the quarter, or $1.58 per share, up from $91.4 million, or $1.47 per share the year before. Adjusted earnings were $1.83 per share, ahead of Wall Street average estimates of $1.79. Sales were $1.73 billion, up 7% from the year-ago period but at the low end of Wall Street estimates. Sales growth was led by the company’s Indian Motorcycle division, which saw revenue increase by 37% to $116 million as Indian debuted the Challenger, a heavyweight touring bike. Indian is the vintage motorcycle brand that Polaris is marketing as an alternative to those sold by Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. The Challenger is indicative of how Polaris is positioning Indian. Upon the rollout of the Challenger in October, motorsports industry writers were comparing it to Harley-Davidson’s Road Glide, a big touring bike that represented a sizable portion of Harley’s sales mix back in 2013, when the iconic motorcycle manufacturer put Road Glide on a hiatus that lasted all of one year. Indian unveils new Challenger lineup for 2020 As for Polaris, investors liked what they saw. Shares of Polaris closed up almost 6% Tuesday. The company may look particularly good in comparison to rival Harley-Davidson, which reported its lowest quarterly sales in years and missed Wall Street estimates by 6%, Barron’s reports. Shares of Harley (NYSE: HOG) closed down about 3% at $33.79. Sales in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, still the company’s biggest business, grew by 7% as the fortunes for ATVs and snowmobiles diverged. Sales of off-roading vehicles like the RZR and Ranger rose 13%, snowmobile sales were down 10 percent. Boats, the company’s newest business unit that includes the recreational and sport boat brands of Marquis-Larson Boat Group of Pulaski, also saw a sales decline during the quarter, while clothing and aftermarket parts rose. For the full year, Polaris posted earnings of $323 million, or $5.20 per diluted share, on sales of $6.8 billion. “In 2019, we delivered strong operational performance across Polaris (NYSE: PII), especially productivity and delivery, and we expect further gains to create value for customers and shareholders in the year ahead,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine said in a statement. Polaris said it projected growth between 2% and 4% in 2020, with earnings in the range of $6.80 to $7.05 per diluted share. “While the negative impact of tariffs remains a significant headwind on an annualized basis, the year-over-year impact is expected to be minimal,” the company said.

by Paul R. La Monica from https://edition.cnn.com/

New York (CNN Business)Harley-Davidson has a big problem. Americans aren’t riding its trademark hogs nearly as much as they used to do.

Shares of Harley-Davidson (HOG) fell 3% in early trading Tuesday after the company reported sales and earnings that missed Wall Street’s forecasts. The stock is now down more than 10% this year.

Most alarming: Demand for Harley’s bikes continued to fall in the United States — even as they rebounded overseas.

Harley’s retail sales in America were down 3% in the fourth quarter. That’s the 12th consecutive decline. US sales fell more than 5% for the full year.

Sales were up slightly internationally, led by a more-than 6% jump in Asia. But that wasn’t enough to lift Harley’s worldwide motorcycle sales, which fell 1.4%.

The weakness in Harley’s home market is particularly disappointing given that the United States and China have now reached a “phase one” trade truce. Harley has been complaining about tariffs put into place by the Trump administration for the past few years.

President Donald Trump has also been critical of the fact that Harley — based in Milwaukee — had shifted some of its production outside of America to avoid tariffs in Europe that were put into place on the company in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum. Trump even supported a boycott of Harley by US consumers in 2018.

But Harley clearly has bigger problems than global trade policy. The company is trying to revitalize its sales with the launch of its LiveWire electric motorcycle.

Harley CEO and president Matt Levatich struck a hopeful tone in the company’s earnings release.

“We see 2020 as the pivotal year in the transformation of Harley-Davidson. This year we will broaden the reach of our brand and build more committed riders as we enter new and growing segments in motorcycling and eBicycles,” Levatich said. “More and easier access to two-wheeled freedom on a Harley is well underway.”

Secret Desert Test Run

On Tuesday, January 22, we nervously took the Salt Torpedo into the desert for some passes on a desolate paved road. I can’t tell you where we went. It’s a top-speed secret, that only coyotes and bleak desert bikers know about. What a trip.

We did exactly as we were told. We pulled off the pavement, cracked open Don’s trailer, unstrapped the Torpedo and pulled it into the sun. Micah quickly donned his helmet and jumped in, fired it to life and we pushed him backwards toward the pavement. The sandy surface leading to the asphalt rolled like the wake behind a sailboat and a couple of times the belly scrapped over the sandy humps.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ADVENTURE ON BIKERNET

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (January 26, 2020) – Round 4 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship returned to the desert in Glendale, Arizona for its first of three Monster Energy Supercross Triple Crown events of the 2020 season. Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner raced for redemption as he returned to the top step of the 250SX class podium with a 1-1-3 score, while Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac rode consistently all night for a 2-2-3 score, earning second overall in the 450SX class and placing his KX™450 on the podium once again.

Adam Cianciarulo kept his streak alive by qualifying with the fastest lap time (1:02.5) for the fourth time in a row this season with his teammate Tomac once more followed closely in second.

The Triple Crown race format proved to be a test of endurance as the 450SX class was challenged with three 12-minute plus one lap main events while the 250SX class competed in three 10-minute plus one lap main events.

The dynamic duo of Tomac and Cianciarulo lined up for the first of three gate drops of the night knowing the importance of a good start in the shorter races, and without hesitation, the Kawasaki teammates shot out front as 450SX Main Event 1 began with Tomac in second and Cianciarulo in fourth. Cianciarulo quickly made his way into third, trailing Tomac in second for the entirety of the first race.

As the gate dropped on 450SX Main Event 2, it was the No. 3 Kawasaki machine of Tomac who quickly took the lead just before another rider went down on the first turn, forcing a red flag and the race to restart. Once again, the now 21-rider field would line up for the second main event but this time presenting Tomac with more work to get to the front as he started from fifth, while Cianciarulo was able to position himself in third. Just as Cianciarulo made his way into second, he made a minor error causing him to tip over and remount in eighth. Before the checkers flew, both Kawasaki riders were able to advance a few positions with Tomac crossing the finish line with another second-place finish and Cianciarulo in sixth.

Eerily identical, 450SX Main Event 3 saw another red flag at the start of the race forcing the riders to once again line up, making this their fifth gate drop of the night. As the gate dropped for the final race of the night, the Kawasaki teammates found themselves buried mid-pack in 11th and 12th positions. Acknowledging they had their work cut out for them, they began charging the field as Cianciarulo made his way into fifth by Lap 3 and Tomac trailing right behind him. With only a few laps remaining, Cianciarulo reached third before suffering a hard crash in the whoops and only managed to finish 17th, ultimately giving him eighth overall with 3-6-17 scores. However, Tomac was able to continue his consistency and takeover third place, where he would finish for second overall with 2-2-3 scores. Tomac has now advanced to second in the 450SX Point Standings, merely eight points behind the leader.

“These Triple Crown races are already crazy and then to add the two red flags, there was just a lot going on. We technically had five starts tonight and I didn’t exactly help myself on those, but I was able to make my way to the front and remain consistent with my finishes. Consistency really was the key tonight and the team worked their tails off to help me finish up on the podium. We still have some work to do but overall, we had a successful night and I’m glad we’re close in the point standings.”
– Eli Tomac

“That was definitely not how we wanted to finish the night and although this is part of racing, it’s always a tough pill to swallow. We kicked off the day qualifying fastest again and honestly, I was feeling good all day. I made some mistakes out there and that last one cost me. I’m sore and a bit frustrated but I have a great team behind me, who continue to remind me there are a lot more races left to go in this premier class. We’ll take the week to recuperate and look to come out strong in Oakland.”
– Adam Cianciarulo

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Forkner kicked off the day qualifying third and headed straight into the three main events with the momentum.

Forkner wasted no time proving he is still a force to be reckoned with as he dominated the first two races in the 250SX class after blasting out front and taking off to lead 17 of the 22 laps combined.

As the gate dropped on 250SX Main Event 3, Forkner cautiously shot out in fourth keeping the overall goal in mind. As he approached Lap 4, Forkner maneuvered his way into third with the goal to finish out the night consistently and with the overall win, which is just what he did with the 1-1-3 scores.

After putting his KX™250 on the top step of the podium for the overall win on the night, Forkner was able to reduce his point deficit to 10 in the 250SX West Point Standings and now sits fourth. The 250SX West class has two rounds remaining before a six-week break begins and the 250SX East class comes in to vie for their chance at the championship.

“I’ve been working on the whoops with the team all week because I’ve really been struggling there, so I was ready to race tonight. I’ve had to dig myself out of a hole after last weekend and now 10 points down isn’t too bad. I’ll just keep grinding, chipping away at those points and continue to dig out of this hole. Overall, it was a great night for the entire Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and we’re looking to keep it rolling.”
– Austin Forkner

Leathers, Vests, Denims, tee-shirts, buckles, bedroll, books

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Special Ops Jacket

MORNING JACKET ~ AFTERNOON VEST – Our (13) pocket Special Ops tactical-style motorcycle Jacket converts into a vest.

Designed for the road with heavy duty gun metal grey zipper front, bound leather neck trim and strong double needle seam construction. The 2 conceal and carry pockets will stow your valuables.

EXTERIOR FEATURES:

• Zip-off removable Sleeves converts into Special Ops Vest
• 2 chest Pockets(zip closure)
• 2 Zip waist pockets,
• 2 waist flap pockets(snap closure)
• Side Snap adjustments.

INTERIOR FEATURES:

• 2 Gun pockets with quick snap
• Storm Flap
• 2 Zip pockets
• 2 easy-access coin pockets
• 100% cotton black/white plaid lining.
• 1 Media Pocket

BUILT FOR ROAD WARRIORS

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Leathers, Vests, Denims, tee-shirts, buckles, bedroll, books at http://shop.bikernet.com/

Special Ops Jacket Details – 5-Ball Leathers’ (12 Pocket) Special Ops Club Jacket is designed for the biker on the go, with room for wallet, keys, smart phone, garage door opener and everything else a busy, modern American biker carries nowadays.

Made from milled buffalo leather, a top-grain quality leather (the most common type used in high-end leather products). It’s constructed at 0.9mm, a middle weight leather.

The light-weight milled buffalo leather keeps riders warm in the morning, and the zip-off removable sleeves will keep them cool in the afternoon. Additional features include heavy-duty gun-metal-grey zipper front, bound leather neck trim and double-needle seam construction.

Designed for riders to include with layers—the goal with layering is to create a maximum amount of warmth with as little bulk as possible.

Exterior Features: Zip-off removable Sleeves, 2 chest Pockets(zip closure), 2 Zip waist pockets, 2 waist flap pockets(snap closure), Side Snap adjustments.

Interior Features: 2 Gun pockets with quick snap, Storm Flap, 2 Zip pockets, 2 coin pockets and 100% cotton black/white plaid lining

This makes the Special Ops a perfect jacket for carrying gear of all kinds. Each pocket is thought out for utility use including the two conceal pockets that are stitched in such a way to as be wider and deeper than the typical pocket.

 

 

 

Wendy McGean fulfilled her dream — of driving cross-country on a motorcycle — at 55 years old

Suddenly, in her late forties, Wendy McGean started having an unexpected reaction every time she’d spot a motorcycle on the road.

“My head would just pivot and I’d think: ‘I really want to do that!” she told CBC Montreal’s Daybreak.

At the time, she thought it was an odd feeling for a married mother of two teenage daughters with a white collar job.

“It was a very traditional kind of life,” she said.

Before she knew it, McGean was leaving all that behind — her home, her job, even her marriage.

“Some people thought I’d absolutely lost my mind,” McGean said. “I just completely turned my life upside down.”

Just one kick at the can

McGean started to chase her dream of riding a motorcycle at 51 years old, signing herself up for circuit training. She realized that she didn’t feel comfortable on only two wheels and bumped up to a three-wheeled bike.

She said it was “love at first sight,” and suddenly McGean was buying a bike of her own.

“I think it’s the first thing in my life I found that I thought, ‘this is mine,'” she said. “It represents complete and utter freedom.”

Not long after McGean got a taste of that freedom, she suffered a major loss. Her father died.

“[It] made me realize that if there’s something that I want to do in my life, then I better get at it,” she said. “So I made the decision to leave my marriage.”

After 23 years of married life, McGean said she started to feel like a square peg and her life was a round hole. Something just didn’t fit anymore.

“I was lucky enough to have somebody that understood that I needed to explore that,” she said.

After living on her own for a while, McGean saw that her workplace was offering an early retirement package that she qualified for. She took it, moved out of her apartment and put everything she owned in storage, except for a one-person tent.

“I got on my bike and headed north without any reservations or anything,” she said.

Forging connections, old and new

With no plans and no commitments, McGean spent the next five weeks riding west to Tofino, B.C. and back, stopping in different towns and meeting new people.

One man she met at a gas station was intrigued by her motorcycle and struck up a conversation about his own cross-country ride on a bike. Before pulling out of the station, he gave her a hug.

“Stopping and having conversations with people I met along the way was probably the best part of the whole trip,” she said.

McGean also took the opportunity to reconnect with people she hadn’t seen in years — she spent a night with a friend in Ontario she hadn’t seen since high school, and also stopped to visit some cousins in Manitoba.

McGean’s cross-country treks are over, for now, but she said she’s grateful for the experience.

“At some point along the way, I finally realized that I had to live my life for me,” she said. “I had to do things that made me happy.”

She’s not sure what lies ahead for her, but McGean is now looking for a job doing something she loves in the Montreal area because she wants to be near her daughters, who are now in their 20s.

Looking back, she said her adventures really helped her come into her own.

“I’m comfortable in my own skin now. Probably for the first time in my life.”

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show rolled through Denver last weekend, and if memory serves, it was the first appearance in a half-decade or so.

Colorado once had a major part in non-Harley-centric motorcycle drama. The Copper Mountain Cycle Jam was a giant event that featured the AMA Supermoto circuit amongst the high Rockies and brought thousands from out-of-state. Pikes Peak International Raceway was home to an AMA SuperBike round that featured some great racing on the unconventional race course. There was even of a round national vintage racing with AHRMA at Pueblo.

Those days, and that motorcycle industry is gone, casualties of the Great Recession and a millennial generation hooked on phones, not speed and adventure.

So when the IMS came to town, it was a solid look at how the industry is trying to recast itself.

The first clear observation was the number of women. Women have always been the great, untapped market. And between gear, smaller bikes and dropping some of the macho facade, the industry seems to be getting it. The attendees certainly did.

The second was the focus on new riders. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation demo area and multi-brand new rider section took up a third of the floor. You can’t get people hooked on riding if you don’t get them on a bike first. And the industry is finally putting the full-court press on making that happen with young, old, men and women all hopping on the wide range of demo alternatives. And actually riding, on an indoor course set-up just to train new riders.

The motorcycle industry is not alone in the current active sports paradox. The technology in current bikes makes them safer, more accessible and more exciting than ever. Bikes are ever more sophisticated, with electronics and computing power surpassing desktop computers of a generation ago. With the sophistication has come costs that put many potential riders in a gig economy out of the market when bound by student loan debt, sky high rents and $150/month phone bills.

But if the Denver show is any indication, the industry is listening and trying.

by Wm. Steven Humphrey from https://www.portlandmercury.com/

If you love motorcycles, then the annual One Motorcycle Show is the cultural event of the season! Experience hundreds of the hottest rare, custom-built motorcycles designed by master crafters from across America (and of course, here in the PNW). Oh, but that’s not all! Along with delicious brews, coffee, food, live bands (including Hot Snakes, Thunderpussy, Red Fang, and more), and loads of motorcycle inspired art, this beloved show has also moved to Veterans Memorial Coliseum—which means what? That the famous dirt track races which were previously held in Salem will now join the rest of the show under one huge roof! Oh dear god… can you stand that much motorcycle fun?

This awesome show goes down Fri Feb 7-Sun Feb 9, with indoor dirt track racing on Sat Feb 8, all at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. For times and tickets, hit up the website. OR if you’re feeling lucky enter to WIN TWO FREE WEEKEND PASSES to the show with the widget thingy below—but HURRY. Deadline for entry is February 3 at noon!

Enter to win TWO weekend passes to The One Moto Show!

https://www.the1moto.com/

10,000 beers • 5,000 high-fives • 200+ bikes • 5 bands • 70 vendors • 20 partners

15 race classes • All under ONE roof!

The One Motorcycle Show is an inclusive showcase crafted to celebrate weird, rare, custom, classic and unconventional bikes in a way that everyone can enjoy, whether they ride or not. Started with the impulsive idea to bring together a small community of enthusiasts in underground venues of Portland, the One Show has expanded to an improbably massive event that is emulated around the country and admired around the globe.

The One Motorcycle Show

February 7th 8th 9th 2020

The phrase ‘where the rubber meets the road’ is fitting when used to describe the F.A.I.T.H. Riders motorcycle ministry. Employing motorcycles as a tool and transportation, the F.A.I.T.H. Riders ministry is passionate about going into the world and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Established in 2002 by the late Buddy Newsome, F.A.I.T.H. Riders began as a ministry of Lakeland’s Church at the Mall. Since then, the ministry has spread across the nation encompassing 365 chapters. The Plant City chapter is one of 54 chapters located in Florida and based out of the First Baptist Church of Plant City.

Sam DeMicco and her husband, Roy, are members of the Plant City chapter and work on its assessment team. The assessment team travels around Florida, visiting inactive chapters and educating churches about the ministry.

“Our goal is to show that we are more than a riding club,” explained DeMicco. “We don’t require anybody to ride a motorcycle. We want people who desire to spread the gospel.”

While each F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapter may operate slightly different, it must be a ministry of a local Southern Baptist church and include worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship and ministry. Additionally, chapters are encouraged to support other ministries within the church and its surrounding community.

“The motorcycle is a tool, and it helps us go into places where there’s a lot of unchurched people,” explained DeMicco. “Your average biker is not your average churchgoer.”

Every year, representatives from F.A.I.T.H. Riders set up a tent at Daytona’s Bike Week, where they look for opportunities to reach others for Christ. To draw people to their tent, they raffle off a brand-new motorcycle, and the only way to enter is by listening to a three-minute testimony from one of the F.A.I.T.H. Riders.

She continued, “There are a lot of people who are interested in motorcycles. Getting gas is where I have most of my conversations. People say, ‘nice motorcycle,’ and it opens that door for a conversation, and then I can talk to people about Jesus.”

The F.A.I.T.H. acronym stands for Forgiveness, Available, Impossible, Turn and Heaven. For further description, please visit www.faithriders.com, where you can also donate online to the mission.

The Plant City chapter is based out of First Baptist Church of Plant City, located at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. For more information on where it gathers and upcoming events, please visit https://plantcityfaithriders.com or contact its director, Roger Blethen, at 924-9035.