News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Just in time for AIMExpo, Gates Corporation (Booth #9083) announces the addition of Gina D’Ambrosio to their Global Mobility team as the Senior Marketing Manager, Mobility. Born and raised in Colorado, Gina will be based at Gates’ Denver HQ office where she will coordinate global marketing strategy. D’Ambrosio joins the team with extensive background in marketing, having previously worked at Volcon ePowersports, Triumph Motorcycles North America and Alpinestars in Italy.
Her experience in powersports marketing, PR, communications and brand strategy, combined with her industry connections, will provide Gates Mobility with a competitive edge in developing and executing brand awareness and product-specific marketing campaigns. “Together with the rest of the mobility team, we are excited to elevate Gates as a leading global brand for the motorcycle, powersports, scooter and bike sectors.”
“Since taking on my role with Gates Mobility, I’ve been bursting with ideas to take the brand to the next level and educate both consumers and future customers about the incredible benefits of Gates belts,” says D’Ambrosio. “I see endless opportunities to create amazing marketing campaigns that contribute to our marketing initiatives and further establish Gates Mobility products as the leader in belt technology.”
Race Winning Brands Expands Powersports Network Support with Brands That Shine
Race Winning Brands (RWB), a leading manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, is excited to be partnered with Brands That Shine for 2024 to expand support and communication with distributors, dealers, builders, and partners for its powersports products and brands.
Consisting of a duo of seasoned powersports industry experts, Jessica Shine and Gunnar Heinemeyer, Brands That Shine will work closely with RWB to help drive growth in awareness, knowledge, and sell-through for RWB’s powersports products. RWB’s powersports portfolio consists of JE Pistons, ProX Racing Parts, Rekluse Motor Sports, and Wiseco Performance Products, each leading the industry in pistons, clutch systems, and other performance components.
Jessica and Gunnar each have extensive backgrounds consisting of professional experience in both the production and sales side of powersports. The pair’s background in the V-twin sector is driven by passion and hands-on experience, which extends into their comprehensive understanding of powersports performance across multiple other segments.
“Most shops around the country are familiar with each of the RWB brands, but one fun part of our role has been going into more detail about the features of each of the brands and seeing the positive response from dealers receiving the information,” commented Jessica. “Having that instant gratification of teaching something new every day is very rewarding to us.”
By continuing to invest in and align with top industry talent, the addition of Brands That Shine to RWB’s team of representation will help build and maintain key connections with the entire powersports distributor, dealer, and builder network. RWB is committed to growing relationships and support with every level of its powersports industry partners, customers, racers, and enthusiasts.
“We are very excited to have the experience of this duo representing RWB Powersports brands of Rekluse, Wiseco, JE Pistons and ProX,” mentioned Cary Redman, VP of Sales and Category Management for RWB. “Their industry knowledge, coupled with RWB’s, will bring new excitement to the powersports performance network!”
For more information on Brands That Shine and RWB, please visit brands-that-shine.com and racewinningbrands.com.
Erik Pritchard Stepping Down as President and CEO of U.S Powersports Industry Associations
Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the powersports industry’s leading trade and education associations – Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association – announced that he is pursuing new opportunities and will step down from his position at the associations on March 22, 2024.
“It has been a privilege to work with the boards, the member companies, the broader industry, and the talented staff at the associations,” Pritchard said. “We were able to help the powersports industry not only survive but grow during a global pandemic, and we launched numerous strategic programs to support future success. I’m confident that powersports will continue to be an important part of transportation and recreation in America, and that the associations will be there to help.”
Under Pritchard’s guidance, the Motorcycle Industry Council has grown as the voice for powersports. He led the way in establishing and enhancing key stakeholder relationships for the entire powersports industry, including with local and federal government officials, parallel industry associations, and additional powersports associations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritchard helped navigate the industry through global shutdowns, led the team in working with the U.S. government to ensure powersports businesses could stay open, launched campaigns to position powersports as the perfect way to social distance, and provided tools to give businesses real-time information on guidelines and available support.
“Under Erik’s leadership over the past 10 years, the MIC has been strengthened as an association that’s keenly focused on ensuring the livelihood of our industry,” said MIC Chair Derek Brooks, motorcycle product line manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. “The work Erik led, with the MIC government relations team, was directly responsible for keeping motorsports dealers’ doors open during COVID. He’s also led the charge to expand awareness of motorcycling and increase ridership. The powersports industry is in a stronger position because of Erik’s significant contributions.”
During Pritchard’s tenure, more than 1 million students enrolled in skills development courses with MSF, SVIA, and ROHVA. He also identified the need and ensured the development of expansion initiatives at both MIC and MSF that continue to inspire, engage, and integrate new and returning riders. This work led to the transformation of the MSF curriculum into 360 Rider, a comprehensive approach to rider education to meet the needs of students at every point in their rider journey.
“The entire training community and the millions of MSF students around the world have benefitted greatly from Erik’s visionary leadership,” said Croft Long, chair of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “He brought a high level of synergy across the associations, and he has navigated us through very challenging times, delivering the associations in a much stronger position to meet future demands.”
“Erik’s contributions to all the associations and the overall industry cannot be overstated,” said Ryan Stiver, chair of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “He continued to stand up for the powersports industry time and time again, helping us with government regulations, expanding trails access for OHV use, and truly protecting and promoting our industry. Through it all, Erik always sees and puts the people first. He will truly be missed in this position.”
“Under Erik’s leadership, we have evolved training to meet the challenges of the ever-changing landscape, as well as reinforce the training with safety messages across a variety of channels,” said Colin Miller, chair of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “We achieved this in large part because Erik has a unique ability to see the broader powersports landscape and deliver added value to riders, the broader training community, and powersports companies.”
Pritchard’s legal background provided an integral foundation that enabled him to oversee and coordinate the industry’s standard-setting process and the industry’s responses to government agencies. But he also understood the need for better outreach to communities at large. At his direction, mainstream media communications were ramped up to reach hundreds of millions of people with messages relaying the serious fun that powersports vehicles can bring. He ensured that the MSF was properly recognized for 50 years of rider education and training, culminating with a U.S. Senate resolution honoring the MSF. And he helped revive the American International Motorcycle Expo, the U.S. powersports industry’s trade show, after the pandemic nearly shut it down for good. AIMExpo, in its 10th year, will be delivering the largest show in its history with a completely sold-out floor.
Pritchard began his work with the industry as outside legal counsel. He was hired as the organizations’ general counsel in 2014. In 2017, he became president of SVIA and ROHVA, and in 2019, he was appointed president and CEO of all four associations.
Details about the process to identify new leadership will be communicated at a later date.
Honda Announces Talon 1000 Lineup for 2024 Model Year
American Honda celebrated a new calendar year today by revealing its full line of sport side-by-sides, with seven versions offered across two- and four-seat configurations. Since its introduction in 2019, the Honda Talon has offered off-road enthusiasts a highly capable platform for navigating all types of challenging terrain, with X versions tailored for wooded two-track and R iterations ready for rugged desert trails. The Talons have been continuously updated and improved over the years, and the 2024 lineup is the most capable ever offered, with both standard and FOX Live Valve versions available—the former featuring new, premium Showa suspension that delivers a comfortable ride while still absorbing big hits.
“As the Talon platform enters its sixth year in production, Honda is pleased to offer such an accomplished collection of sport side-by-sides for 2024,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “In a relatively short period, the Talon has won over a growing contingent of customers who appreciate the platform’s ability to deliver not only performance, but also reliability and dependability to the off-road experience.”
Talon 1000 Two-Seat Versions
The two-seater Talon is offered in two basic configurations—the nimble-handling 1000X, which shines in tight technical terrain, and the 1000R, favoring high speeds and open terrain. Both the Talon 1000R and Talon 1000X are available with intelligent FOX Live Valve technology, featuring adaptive suspension capabilities. New for 2024, the non-Live Valve Talons are equipped with premium Showa suspension, the result of a close collaboration between Honda and Showa engineers, who focused on enhancing ride comfort and rebound control while maintaining the shocks’ bottoming resistance for bigger impacts. All are ideal for delivering off-road adventure for a driver and passenger.
- Colors
- Talon 1000R: Matte Abyss Black
- Talon 1000X: Matte Abyss Black
- Talon 1000R FOX Live Valve: Pearl Red; Matte Navy Blue
- Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve: Pearl Red; Matte Navy Blue
- MSRP
- Talon 1000R: $21,399
- Talon 1000X: $20,399
- Talon 1000R FOX Live Valve: $23,599
- Talon 1000X FOX Live Valve: $22,599
- Available: February
- Info
Talon 1000 Four-Seat Versions
First offered in 2020, the four-seat Talon 1000 platform has allowed owners to bring more family and friends on their off-road adventures, with a rear seating area that offers unrivaled passenger comfort and visibility. Like the two-seaters, the four-seat Talon 1000 is offered in X and R configurations—the former shining in tight, technical conditions, and the latter favoring higher speeds and open terrain. Both the X and R four-seaters are available with high-tech self-adjusting FOX Live Valve suspension, while the X is also offered in a standard version that features new, premium Showa shock absorbers for 2024. The result of a close collaboration between Showa and Honda engineers, the new shocks enhance ride comfort and rebound control while maintaining the shocks’ bottoming resistance for bigger impacts.
- Colors
- Talon 1000X-4: Matte Abyss Black
- Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve: Pearl Red
- Talon 1000R-4 FOX Live Valve: Pearl Red
- MSRP
- Talon 1000X-4: $22,899
- Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve: $24,899
- Talon 1000R-4 FOX Live Valve: $25,899
- Available: February
- Info
American Honda Reveals Returning Two-Wheel Models for 2024 Model Year
In the first product release of the 2024 calendar year, American Honda announced the return of 11 motorcycle models, representing six unique categories. From sport bikes to dual sports and scooters, the release highlights the breadth of Honda’s two-wheel offerings.
For riders who prioritize performance on the pavement, the iconic CBR1000RR, CBR600RR and CB1000R return for the 2024 model year. Introduced last year, the retro-inspired SCL500 “scrambler”-style model is back and available in a new color. In addition, the approachable PCX scooter continues to offer affordable, efficient, convenient transportation for urban dwellers.
For 2024, Honda’s lineup of versatile dual-sport models is as strong as ever. The top-selling CRF300L, CRF300LS, CRF300L Rally, XR650L and XR150L all return for the new model year, with the reliable, well-rounded performance that has fueled their popularity for years. Also boasting on- and off-road capability, the Trail125 continues to deliver a fun, approachable and nostalgic riding experience. Rounding out the announcement are the highly specialized Montesa Cota 4RT models, offering premium performance for trials riders of all skill levels.
CBR1000RR
Perfectly hitting the apex of the trickiest corner on the track or carving up your favorite twisty canyon road, the CBR1000RR has a way of inducing adrenaline that few motorcycles can match. Thanks to its precise cornering, instantaneous acceleration and impressive braking capabilities, this superbike embodies Honda’s “Total Control” design philosophy, offering a remarkably connected feel to the pavement. Available with ABS or conventional brakes, the CBR1000RR boasts a potent combination of value and performance that any sport rider can appreciate.
- Color: Grand Prix Red
- MSRP
- CBR1000RR ABS: $16,999
- CBR1000RR: $16,699
- Available: March
- Info
CBR600RR
For riders seeking a responsive, exciting ride character that excels on the track or the street, Honda’s CBR600RR delivers perfectly. A high-revving inline four-cylinder engine is paired with high-performance Showa suspension and a light-handling chassis for ultimate precision and connection to the pavement. Backed by eight World Supersport titles (nine if you count its CBR600F predecessor), and offered in ABS and non-ABS versions, the CBR600RR is a proven platform that continues to perform.
- Color: Grand Prix Red
- MSRP
- CBR600RR ABS: $13,199
- CBR600RR: $12,199
- Available: February
- Info
CB1000R
Modern design with a classic, minimalist touch: The understated, blacked-out styling of Honda’s CB1000R is complemented by a powerful 998cc engine, nimble handling and a comfortable, upright riding position. Well-suited for everything from spirited canyon rides and daily commuting to coffee shop runs, this streetfighter is impressively versatile and is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
- Color: Black
- MSRP: $12,999
- Available: February
- Info
SCL500
“Scrambler”-style motorcycles have always been about freedom, versatility and expression. The SCL500 embodies these traits, along with a modern engine, chassis and braking performance, making it an ideal option for commuting, casual weekend outings or café cruises. Utilizing the same 500cc parallel-twin engine found in the popular Rebel 500, this machine offers stylish, approachable performance in an affordable package. True to form, the upright riding position, flat seat, iconic rubber tank pads and high-mounted exhaust are a nod to ancestors of the SCL500, including the CL72 and CL77. Owners can personalize the machine with Honda’s wide range of accessories that tailor the SCL500 to specialized looks and riding experiences.
- Colors
- Candy Orange
- Matte Laurel Green Metallic
- Matte Black Metallic
- MSRP: $6,799
- Available: April
- Info
PCX
Whether we’re talking runs to the market, commutes to work, rides to the gym, or relaxing cruises, Honda’s PCX handles all with unmatched comfort, efficiency and convenience—setting the standard by which all modern scooters are measured. As the ultimate tool for navigating urban environments, the PCX is approachable and fun, boasting Honda’s legendary reliability and ease of ownership.
- Color: Matte Brown Metallic
- MSRP: $4,249
- Available: April
- Info
CRF300L
Equally suitable for around-town jaunts and getting off the grid on remote trails, the Honda CRF300L is a jack-of-all-trades that captures the essence of a dual-sport machine. Praised for its ease of ownership, approachable performance and unmatched reliability, the CRF300L serves as a perfect entry point for those who are new to off-road riding, thanks to its smooth, linear power and plush suspension. Plus, it’s available in both standard and ABS versions, as well as a “low-seat” ABS version, there are plenty of options to appeal to a wide range of riders.
- Colors
- CRF300L ABS: Red
- CRF300L: Red
- CRF300LS: Swift Gray
- MSRP
- CRF300L ABS: $5,749
- CRF300L: $5,449
- CRF300LS: $5,749
- Available: April
- Info
CRF300L Rally
Authentic rally styling meets an approachable dual-sport icon: The CRF300L Rally builds upon the CRF300L platform with comfort-focused enhancements like a frame-mounted windscreen, hand guards and a high-capacity fuel tank. For those who seek an affordable entry to the ADV world or just an approachable, comfortable commuter, the CRF300L Rally is the perfect tool for the job. Plus, with industry-leading reliability, this entry-level adventure machine is always ready for the next ride.
- Color: Red
- MSRP
- CRF300L Rally ABS: $6,499
- CRF300L Rally: $6,199
- Available: April
- Info
XR650L
A motorcycle of legendary status, the XR650L continues to stand the test of time, thanks in part to its simple, no-frills design and relentless dependability. Backed by an incredible record of success in Baja, this dual-sport icon has amassed a loyal following of enthusiasts around the globe since its introduction in 1993. Not only is it impressively capable in the dirt, it can also serve as an affordable means of transportation around town. The XR650L’s powerful combination of rugged versatility, rock-solid reliability and remarkable value have established it as a mainstay of Honda’s dual-sport lineup.
- Color: White
- MSRP: $6,999
- Available: March
- Info
XR150L
Value-focused, yet impressively versatile, the XR150L makes the dual-sport motorcycling experience more accessible than ever. With a budget-friendly price tag, efficient fuel economy and approachable ride characteristics, this do-all machine is a capable around-town commuter or campground companion. The XR150L is outfitted with convenient features like a rear cargo rack and electric starter, but it maintains the rugged simplicity for which the XR family of motorcycles is known. Plus, with a wide range of Honda Accessories available, it can be easily adapted for various riding experiences.
- Colors
- Black
- White
- MSRP: $3,099
- Available: February
- Info
Trail125
As a nod to the Trail 90 and Trail 110 of the 1960s, Honda’s Trail125 embraces a timeless, classic aesthetic while maintaining the approachable, versatile nature of its predecessors. Its authentic vintage styling is contrasted by state-of-the-art fuel injection, an electric starter, disc brakes and front-wheel ABS—all of which promote a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. This nostalgic miniMOTO is also multitalented, with the ability to thrive in urban environments and venture past the pavement’s end for casual off-road adventures.
- Colors: Turmeric Yellow
- MSRP: $4,099
- Available: March
- Info
Montesa
Since 2007, only one motorcycle platform has captured the FIM World Trials Championship crown—meet the Montesa Cota 4RT. Built with the singular focus of conquering the most challenging terrain in the world, the Montesa Cota 4RT models represent the pinnacle of trials technology. Developed and proven at the highest level of competition by 34-time Trials World Champion Toni Bou, the Cota models benefit from top-shelf Showa suspension, programmed fuel injection and a dual-map ECU to adapt to changing riding conditions. Between the competition-ready 4RT300RR and the standard 4RT260R, riders of any skill level can benefit from the performance of the Cota models.
- Colors
- Montesa Cota 4RT300RR: White; Red
- Montesa Cota 4RT260R: Red
- MSRP
- Montesa Cota 4RT300RR: $11,899
- Montesa Cota 4RT260R: $9,299
- Available: February
- Info
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