May 24, 2010 – Motorcycle Digest

BMW, Triumph Report Improved Sales Over a Year Ago

Two European motorcycle manufacturers, BMW and Triumph, are reporting sales gains.
BMW, for its first three months of 2010, is reporting improved worldwide sales over a year ago. Sales were nearly 21 percent higher than the previous-year period. The manufacturer sold 20,840 vehicles compared to 17,232 last year during the first quarter, BMW reported.
In March alone, the company had an increase of about 27 percent over March 2009. About 11,500 motorcycles were sold in March of this year compared to 9,100 last year.
Triumph posted an increase of more than 9 percent in April over the same period the prior year. The sales growth is the latest in a string of gains that indicate a rebounding economy and a preference by motorcyclists for the British manufacturer’s products. “It’s feels good to see consistent growth, and we’re optimistic about the future,” said Mark Kennedy, CEO of Triumph Motorcycles North America. “Triumph’s all new Thunderbird has gained great support, our new Special Edition models have customers very excited, and the U.S. economy is showing signs that indicate we should have a good year.”

Peirspeed Hires New Operations Manager

Peirspeed, a distributor of scooters and small-displacement motorcycles, hired Jessica Phillips as its operations manager. She will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company, according to a company press release. Phillips has more than 10 years of management experience in multiple industries, including the powersports industry as national distribution manager for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda.

H-D Dealer Expands Inventory Selection

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson is expanding its relationship with motorcycle manufacturer SuckerPunch Sallys, according to a press release.
SuckerPunch Sallys, which builds bobbers and choppers, has taken over part of the dealership’s second-floor showroom, providing the store with the largest stock of SuckerPunch Sallys bikes in the nation.
“SuckerPunch Sallys is a prominent brand that produces exceptional bikes and we’re thrilled for them to be a part of the Destination Daytona family,” Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson said in the press release.

Florida Harley Dealer Adds EagleRider

EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company, announced the grand opening of its new rental location in St. Augustine, Fla. 
EagleRider St. Augustine was slated to host a grand opening celebration at its new location on May 8. There will be food and live music at the event as well as EagleRider associates on hand to discuss renting and touring in St. Augustine. As a part of the grand opening celebration, EagleRider St. Augustine will be offering a 25 percent discount on all Harley-Davidson motorcycle rentals from May 8-14.  

Honda to Release Electric Bike in Japan

Honda Motor Co. plans to release a small, scooter-type electric motorbike called the EV-neo, which it will begin leasing in Japan in December, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The company says it has no plans to sell the bike at the moment.
Honda first leased electric motorcycles 16 years ago in small numbers, rolling out only 200 bikes over three years, according to the report. PSB