More Layoffs at Big Dog
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Big Dog Motorcycles laid off more than 20 employees last Wednesday, the Wichita Eagle reported. According to the Eagle, the company issued a statement blaming a “challenging economy and lack of retail financing and consumer discretionary spending” as the reason behind the cuts.
The cuts are the latest at one of the only remaining custom V-Twin companies to come out of the custom cruiser boom since the Wichita, Kansas-based manufacturer laid off 49 employees in September 2008. The layoffs in September left the company with slightly more than 100 employees, down from a peak of about 340 people in 2004. It had similar, but smaller, layoffs in 2007 and in May of this year. In June, Coleman trimmed the company’s top executives from six to four.
Sales are expected to be about $40 million this year, Coleman said, down 60 percent from a peak of just more than $100 million in 2004. The reason for the sales dropoff, Coleman told the Eagle, is that buyers have seen their wealth evaporate in the past year as home prices have fallen and credit dried up. Big Dog sells high-priced, custom heavy cruisers, with base prices between $24,000 and $36,000.
The new Haulen Ass Victory Vegas Backrest / Sissy Bar is here. Based off their proven line of Harley Davidson backrests, this one shares the same low profile concept but with a new twist. Where the Harley sissy bars are one piece the Victory Vegas brackets utilize two pieces to make it truly detachable. Now if you want to ditch the sissy bar but don’t feel like pulling the eight bolts to remove the passenger seat, you can zip out the four screws in the backrest and remove the upright section leaving a mounting plate under and slightly behind the seat. Upright is hit with a show chrome finish and the mounting plate comes in high-gloss black powdercoat. Fits 2003 – ‘09 Victory Vegas / King Pin / Eight Ball
Coastal Moto’s Genesis Wheel
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Introducing the Genesis by Coastal Moto. Been trying to decide what wheel will look the best on your bike? Well, the search is over. The Genesis looks great on every bike we have tried it on. 9 smooth, directional spokes that become 18 at the rim and also includes a smooth web around the hub that reflects light unlike any other wheel we’ve seen. The Genesis is one of 4 new wheels debuted by the Florida powerhouse that once again delivers a true work of art. They continue to give us awesome style at unbeatable price. Coastal Moto’s wheels start at just $949 and they have the most popular sizes in stock. If what you need isn’t in stock , they’ll get it to you in just a few weeks. See your local dealer today or give Coastal Moto a call toll free. Pricing is an introductory special for a limited time so call today.
Coastal Moto, 888/899-MOTO www.CoastalMoto.com
KYMCO Signs Exclusive Agreement with SHAD USA
By · CommentsSpartanburg, SC — KYMCO USA has announced an agreement with SHAD USA that will expand the accessories options available for KYMCO scooters. This exclusive partnership gives KYMCO USA dealers the ability to sell SHAD’s industry-leading line of top cases. It also calls for the two companies to develop a line of items branded exclusive by KYMCO.
Under the agreement, SHAD will develop a full line of cases with built-in backrests that will cover every KYMCO model, from the People 50 to the Xciting 500Ri and everything in between. Read More→
Parts Unlimited Dealer Showcases
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Honda Powersports Reorganization
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Shakeup a response to challenging business climate; no layoffs - yet
American Honda Motor Co. has announced it has recently completed a reorganization of its North American powersports division. The reorganization process began with the offer of a voluntary separation program, which was accepted by 60 Honda associates. There were no layoffs, according to Honda. Read More→
‘Cash For Clunkers’ Bill Should Boost Motorcycle Sales
By · CommentsCongress passes revolutionary incentive program
Congress overwhelmingly passed a new “cash for clunkers” program last week, which provides government incentives of $3,500-$4,500 to people who trade in used vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient ones – including motorcycles. Similar laws in Europe have increased new vehicle sales and proved beneficial to the environment - as well as consumers’ gasoline costs.
The House approved the program last week, and Senate Democrats attached it to a war-funding bill aimed to ensure military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan won’t run out of money in the coming months. The overall bill now goes to the White House, and President Obama has indicated he will sign it.
Scenes like this packed showroom floor should become less frequent thanks to the new "Cash for Clunkers" bill.
“Cash for clunkers” came about in the restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler Group. The program will receive $1 billion from July-November, which should allow about 250,000 people to participate.
Once signed into law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is allowed 30 days to create the rules to implement the program, as well as establish an informational website for dealers and consumers.
Schwinn Scooters Sold
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The makers of Schwinn scooters have sold the rights to its powersports brand to a privately held manufacturer and distributor.
The Tomberlin Group, a supplier of on-road and off-road vehicles, recently purchased the scooter brand, said Mike Tomberlin, owner of the Augusta, Ga., company.
Original owner Pacific Cycle sold the rights to Schwinn Motor Sports after deciding to concentrate on its core business, bicycles, said George Simone, former vice president of Schwinn Motor Sports.
“We’re excited about this relationship with Schwinn,” Tomberlin said. “As great as a brand that this is, we’re just as excited about the quality of the people that came with it.”
Simone and four other former Schwinn employees will join Tomberlin as part of the acquisition.
