This Week in Powersports Business – The week of January 12, 2025

News and stories from the world of Powersports business

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Yamaha Motor to Change Corporate Logo Design and Unveils Commemorative 70th Anniversary Logo

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today that it will be changing the design of its corporate logo for the first time in 27 years this year, which also marks the 70th anniversary of Yamaha Motor’s founding in 1955. The new corporate logo was designed with digital applications in mind and uses a flat (2D) Tuning Fork Mark for greater conspicuity. Starting this month, the Company will gradually begin transitioning over to the new design.

Yamaha Motor has also created a special logo to commemorate its 70th anniversary. Designed under the concept of “Everything Begins with a Challenge,” the logo was based on the racing number plates used in the Company’s first motorcycle race shortly after it was founded. The 70th anniversary logo will be used in various events, marketing tools, and corporate items throughout the year to publicize this milestone internally and externally.

Amidst the major changes occurring around the world, Yamaha Motor’s business is also shifting from a focus on selling products to offering value through both products and services. As we adapt to these changes, Yamaha Motor will carry on the traditions and record of achievements we have written over the last 70 years and continue taking on new challenges under our new corporate banner.

Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals Kicks Off New Race Season with Brand Refresh and Continued Commitment to Performance

Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals proudly introduces a bold new brand identity that underscores its commitment to professional-grade quality and unmatched performance. Trusted by professionals and designed for everyone who rides, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals delivers products that empower every rider to get the most out of their Honda.

Anchored by the new tagline, Empower Your Passion, the refreshed Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals branding celebrates the company’s mission to enhance every ride. The redesigned logo—a striking dual “P” graphic—represents both the professional quality of the products and the people who rely on them. Its modern, italicized typeface evokes forward motion and innovation, reflecting Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals’ dedication to keeping engines running clean and riders moving forward.

Race-Tested. Rider-Approved

The AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross series serve as ideal platforms to highlight Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals’ race-proven performance. Trusted by Honda HRC Progressive riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda, these oils and chemicals are engineered to handle the grueling demands of the world’s toughest races. The same products the champions use on track are available to every rider, ensuring reliability and peace of mind no matter the adventure.

New Look, Same Legendary Formula

Though the branding has evolved to better stand out on shelves, the products inside remain the same championship-winning formulas. Blended specifically for Honda machines, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals are pro-grade products meticulously crafted to enhance engine performance, extend longevity and keep every ride worry-free. This focus on precision and reliability continues to set the standard for powersports enthusiasts around the globe.

Empower Your Passion Pro Honda Custom Motocompacto Giveaway

To celebrate the rebranding, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals is giving away four custom Honda Motocompactos this AMA Supercross season. Starting at the season-opener in Anaheim and ending at the final round in Salt Lake City, fans can scan QR codes throughout the various venues to enter for a chance to win this innovative, foldable electric personal mobility machine. Like Pro Honda Oils, the Motocompacto embodies Honda’s commitment to precision, innovation, and forward-thinking. Fans won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity to experience the energy of Pro Honda Oils’ refreshed look and professional-grade performance.

About Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals

Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals is the trusted choice for professional-grade performance and reliability. Designed specifically for Honda machines and race-proven in the most demanding environments, our products empower riders to pursue their passion with confidence. For more information, visit the Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals page.

Ducati and Troy Lee Designs join forces in the AMA Supercross paddock to prepare for the Desmo450 MX’s arrival in North America

In a historic moment for both Ducati and American off-road racing, Ducati and Troy Lee Designs have announced a groundbreaking partnership, marking the Borgo Panigale company’s intention to enter Supercross off-road racing in the USA with the Ducati Desmo450 MX, a first for the company. This also marks the Desmo450 MX’s first public appearance in the United States, setting the stage for an iconic chapter in Ducati’s off-road racing history.

The first step in this partnership is the presence of the Troy Lee Designs team in Ducati Red at eight rounds of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship, starting from Anaheim on January 11.  The team will also have a special display at COTA MotoGP on Ducati Island, an exclusive fan experience that serves as a hub for Ducatista during the US-based MotoGP race. The American team will exhibit a protoype of Desmo450 MX  in the Supercross paddock, with special graphics created by the well-known Californian designer.

“We are super stoked to be partnering with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in motorcycling,” stated Troy Lee, founder of Troy Lee Designs. “Racing is core to our brand and enables us to develop our products for safety at the highest performance levels. I look forward to making history together with this partnership.”

For this pivotal moment in supercross history, nine-time MX World Champion, Ducati rider, and brand ambassador Tony Cairoli will join Ducati Corse Off-Road General Manager Paolo Ciabatti and other members of the Ducati team for this groundbreaking announcement over the weekend.

Representatives of Ducati North America will also be present at each stop of this “tour,” where they will be able to provide the public with information on the first “made in Borgo Panigale” motocross bike, which will be available on the North American market starting in July 2025.

A Unique Bike in the Motocross Segment

The Desmo450 MX is the only motocross bike in the world equipped with a Desmodromic valve timing system. This system, also used by Ducati in MotoGP and WorldSBK, allows for higher RPM than a traditional spring system. This enables riders to reduce the number of gear changes between corners and, more importantly, at the start—a critical phase of the race where advantages can be made. Another unique feature of the Desmo450 MX is its extremely advanced electronics, derived from that used by Ducati in MotoGP, which represents a unique innovation in off-road competition.

Troy Lee Designs Ducati – Tour schedule

• Anaheim 1, CA – January 11th, 2025
• San Diego, CA – January 18th, 2025
• Anaheim 2, CA – January 25th, 2025
• Tampa, FL – February 8th, 2025
• Arlington, TX – February 22nd, 2025
• MotoGP Austin, TX – March 30th, 2025
• East Rutherford, NJ – April 19th, 2025
• Pittsburgh, PA – April 26th, 2025
• Salt Lake City, UT – May 10th, 2025

For more information, please visit Ducati.com.

RumbleOn, Inc. Announces Leadership Changes

RumbleOn, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBL) (the “Company” or “RumbleOn”), the largest powersports retailer in North America, today announced the following leadership changes, each effective as of January 13, 2025:

• Michael Quartieri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer;
• Cameron Tkach, Vice President of Dealership Operations, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company;
• Becca Polak, Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, has been named Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director; and
• Michael Kennedy is no longer Chief Executive Officer or a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

Mr. Quartieri is a tenured C-suite executive with significant leadership and strategic planning experience, in addition to having strong financial acumen and corporate governance expertise. Ms. Polak is a seasoned executive and board advisor who brings a demonstrable record of driving business strategy and execution, as well as technology transformation. Ms. Polak stated, “On behalf of the Board, I am extremely excited to have Mike Quartieri serve as RumbleOn’s next CEO. As a key member of the Board, Mike has had a tremendous impact on our financial planning, recent recapitalization efforts and the continuation of the development of our business strategy. Together with Cameron, an industry veteran with operational expertise, we believe that they have the experience, capabilities and strategic vision to accelerate RumbleOn’s success into the future.”

Cameron Tkach has more than 15 years of experience in the powersports industry and is a life-long enthusiast having grown up in the dealership environment. He rose through the ranks at RideNow Powersports, holding key operational positions such as Sales Manager, Finance Manager, General Manager and Operations Director, where he ensured high standards in customer service, sales and operational efficiency. After RumbleOn’s acquisition of RideNow in 2021, Mr. Tkach continued to hold a variety of leadership positions, including Vice President of Retail Operations where he focused on optimizing retail performance through business strategy and customer focus. Mr. Tkach said, “I am excited to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and leverage my unique operational and strategic expertise. I look forward to working with Mike Quartieri and the leadership team as we continue striving towards operational excellence and market leadership in the powersports industry.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mike Kennedy for his contributions and dedication to RumbleOn. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in all of his future endeavors,” said Mr. Quartieri. “With the payoff of our convertible notes earlier this month, we have made significant progress in strengthening our balance sheet. As we move forward, my focus will be on driving growth, improving profitability and producing strong cash flow.”

About RumbleOn

RumbleOn, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBL), operates through two operating segments: our Powersports dealership group and Wholesale Express, LLC, an asset-light transportation services provider focused on the automotive industry. Our Powersports group is the largest powersports retail group in the United States (as measured by reported revenue, major unit sales and dealership locations), offering over 500 powersports franchises representing 50 different brands of products. Our Powersports group sells a wide selection of new and pre-owned products, including parts, apparel, accessories, finance & insurance products and services, and aftermarket products. We are the largest purchaser of pre-owned powersports vehicles in the United States and utilize RideNow’s Cash Offer to acquire vehicles directly from consumers.

For more information on RumbleOn, please visit rumbleon.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

The Company’s press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s leadership transition. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “hopes,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “targets,” “would” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from current expectations and beliefs, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: the Company’s ability to implement a smooth leadership transition; the impact of general economic, industry or political conditions in the United States or internationally, as well as the other risk factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the registration statement, as amended, and in RumbleOn’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and in any other subsequent filings made with the SEC by RumbleOn. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and RumbleOn specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Piaggio Group Americas Returns to AIMExpo with Expanded Lineup from Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa Brands

AIMExpo is excited to have Piaggio Group Americas, the Italian-headquartered company, return to the Las Vegas Convention Center with its diverse lineup of motorcycles and scooters from their iconic brands Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa. In addition to showcasing its expansive, innovative product lineup, Piaggio will also discuss upcoming models and its growing dealer network while at the show, February 5-7.

“Over the last five years, we have changed everything about the way we do business in North America,” said Michael Angeli, Vice President of Sales, North America, Piaggio Group Americas. “AIMExpo gives us an opportunity to spend more time face-to-face with our industry partners to discuss the robust and exciting vehicles we offer from our brands, the resources we have optimized to support our dealers, and the endless opportunities to create more future business.”

2025 is a big year across Piaggio Group brands, with many updated models recently announced and arriving within the first two quarters. Piaggio representatives at AIMExpo will discuss the newest models and model ranges with an industry that has helped bolster growth with Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, while continuing to cement the importance of high- quality scooter options for North Americans in the Vespa and Piaggio brands.

Representatives will be on site for the duration of the three-day show, available to talk about its expanding dealer network and latest developments with upcoming models, reinforcing the message of the brands that make up some of the most diverse and exciting offerings in the industry today.

“There is no better way to connect with people than face-to-face,” said Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President of Market Expansion at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “For our industry to thrive, it’s imperative that premier companies like Piaggio have a platform where they can connect with their dealers and industry partners, have meaningful conversations, and showcase their newest motorcycles and scooters — in person. The Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa brands bring tremendous value to AIMExpo, and we are proud to continue this relationship and support Piaggio Group’s strategic goals in engaging with the greater powersports industry.”

For more information about Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, or Vespa please visit the brand websites.
Aprilia.com
MotoGuzzi.com
Piaggio.com
Vespa.com

AIMExpo 2025 will have the best of powersports showcased in over 300,000 square feet of space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Registration is open and free for dealers. The show has also partnered with Connections Housing to provide discounted rates at the Renaissance Las Vegas, Sahara Las Vegas, The Westgate, and The Las Vegas Marriott. Go to www.AIMExpoUSA.com to register and for more information.

Moto Morini, the Iconic Italian Motorcycle Brand, Names Chris Peterman as VP of Sales and Dealer Development.

Moto Morini, the legendary Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937 with a history of innovation, master craftsmanship, exceptional Italian design, and premium quality, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Peterman as VP of Sales and Dealer Development.

Chris comes to Moto Morini with a wealth of knowledge and nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the motorcycle industry. His extensive background includes management experience with Yamaha and CF Moto as well as being a dealership General Manager. Chris’s dealer development insight and industry knowledge make him the ideal leader to accelerate the growth of Moto Morini nationwide.

“I believe Moto Morini is well positioned for major expansion in the US market.” Says Chris Peterman. “Moto Morini is an iconic Italian brand that offers a tremendous line of high-quality motorcycles and accessories. The tradition of the brand combined with the great Italian design, performance, and high quality makes Moto Morini a stand-out brand. I look forward to growing the family of Moto Morini dealers.”

“We are excited to have Chris Peterman on the Moto Morini team.” Say, Chris McGee, COO of Moto Morini. “Chris has a great deal of experience connecting with dealers to help strengthen their businesses. Chris will continue the Moto Morini mission of industry-leading dealer support and cultivating long-lasting partnerships.”

Become a Moto Morini dealer today by contacting Chris Peterman at [email protected] Learn more and see the full line of high-quality, high-performance Moto Morini motorcycles at

MotoMoriniUSA.com

Polaris Releases New Purpose-Built Additions to the 2025 ATV Lineup

Building off the MY25 ATV lineup announced in July 2024, Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today announced six new 2025 purpose-built ATV models, highlighted by the 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition, Scrambler 850, Scrambler XP 1000 S, and Sportsman Touring 850 and Touring XP 1000. The new models feature upgrades that give riders the confidence to explore the outdoors and enable all-day comfort, while elevating the off-road mudding and sport experience. Whether riders are powering through mud pits, or tackling challenging trails, the new offerings take riders further for smooth, strong and versatile performance.

“Polaris is at the forefront of rider-driven innovation and continues to enhance riding experiences so owners can tackle the outdoors with confidence,” said Brandon Kraemer, Vice President of Product Portfolio of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris. “From mudding to trail riding, these models deliver purpose-built features that give riders the opportunity to experience next-level power, control, and performance.”

Sportsman 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition

Mud and trail-tested, riders can tackle the mud with reliable features and key updates with the 850 and XP 1000 Mud Edition.

Key Features:

• NEW! Sealed LED headlights delivers brighter lighting and prevents water and mud intrusion
• NEW! Pro Armor MUD XT 2.0 tires offer superior traction and durability to get through thick mud
• Sealed clutch intake protects clutch components from water and mud intrusion in deep mud
• Industry leading 13.5″ ground clearance to rise above rough terrain and deep mud
• High and Low mud-specific transmission maximizes torque, delivering more power to your tires for effortless navigation through thick mud

The 850 comes in Titanium Metallic and the XP 1000 comes in a new Onyx Black with Performance Red Accents colorway, with models starting at $12,499 MSRP. To learn more about the 2025 Mud Editions, visit here.

Scrambler 850

The Scrambler 850 is engineered for exhilaration, delivering next-level power, comfort and control.

Key Features:

• NEW! LED lighting for added style and superior visibility in low-light riding conditions
• 78 HP ProStar engine delivers instant acceleration and power to tame tough terrain
• Sport-tuned Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) delivers a smooth ride and confident cornering
• 11.5″ of ground clearance to rise above obstacles and tough terrain

The Scrambler 850 starts at $12,999 MSRP.

Scrambler XP 1000 S

Built for thrill seekers, the new Scrambler XP 1000 S is the ultimate performance machine to conquer tough trails with confidence and control.

Key Features:

• NEW! LED lighting for added style and superior visibility in low-light riding conditions
• 89 HP ProStar engine delivers heart-pounding power and acceleration for quick takeoffs
• Industry-Exclusive 55″ width for added control and stability in rough terrain and technical trails
• Walker Evans 3-Way adjustable shocks deliver an advanced shock package for more confident ride and handling

The Scrambler XP 1000 starts at $17,999 MSRP.

Sportsman Touring 850 and XP 1000

The new Touring 850 and XP 1000, designed to go the distance with premium performance and passenger seating, allows riders to tackle the trails together.

Key Features:

• NEW! Steerable pod and LED headlights for added style and superior low-light visibility
• Integrated passenger seat with handle grips and ergonomic backrest for comfort and versatility
• Class-leading 6 gallons of integrated storage to bring gear and supplies for the adventure

To learn more about the complete 2-Up lineup, visit here. The Sportsman Touring 850 and XP 1000 starts at $13,799 MSRP.

The 2025 ATV models start shipping to dealers in January 2025. To learn more, please visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road/sportsman/#launch or join the conversation and follow on Facebook^sm, Instagram^sm, YouTube^sm, and X^sm.

LiveWire Announces All-new S2 Alpinista Electric Sport Standard

LiveWire, a leader in electric motorcycles, is excited to announce the launch of the all-new S2 Alpinista, now available for purchase with inventory available at North American and European dealers. The Alpinista is LiveWire’s first sport standard, equipped with 17” wheels and tires, blending the best of street, sport, and hyper-tourer characteristics.

Priced at an MSRP of $15,999 USD** S2 Alpinista is available for purchase immediately.

Experience & Equipment

As LiveWire’s sport standard, the Alpinista is designed for personalization, practicality, and performance. Alpinista reimagines the S2 by combining the urban agility of a supermoto with the do-it-all nature of a touring bike, creating a practical and thrilling sport standard.

A standout feature of this model is its 17″ wheels, which improve riding capability while also reducing the seat height by 1.1 inches compared to the S2 Del Mar. In combination with the equipped Dunlop® Roadsmart IV tires, this package optimizes the motorcycle for street riding with impressive lean angles of 52.1° left and 44.2° right delivering greater comfort and handling for both daily commutes and spirited rides through winding roads.

Alpinista is equipped with a 6-axis IMU from Bosch providing cornering enhanced antilock braking and cornering enhanced traction control systems, in addition to four preset ride modes and two custom modes, allowing the performance and response of the bike to be rider-defined, creating accessible and thrilling riding experiences for everyone from newcomers to expert riders.

Performance & Charging

The Alpinista is built on LiveWire’s S2 platform, showcasing the same high-performance characteristics as the S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland. Weighing 434 pounds, the Alpinista accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, powered by 84 horsepower and 194 lb-ft of torque.

Equipped with a 10.5 kWh battery pack, it delivers a range of up to 120 miles in the city and 71 miles on the highway*. Like the Del Mar and Mulholland, the Alpinista features standard Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities, ensuring convenience and flexibility for riders.

Charging Times
L1, 20-80% 5.9hrs
L2, 20-80% 78 min

Accessories

A variety of Alpinista accessories are set to launch throughout Q1 and Q2, including a sport seat, windscreen, soft and hard bags, luggage racks, and cosmetic enhancements. These additions are designed to elevate the riding experience and enhance the distinctive style of the Alpinista.

World Premier & Availability

The new sport standard, S2 Alpinista, is now available in North America and Europe. Customers can purchase the Alpinista at LiveWire retail partner locations or configure their preferred colors and accessories online and be connected directly to the nearest retail partner.

For a complete presentation of S2 Alpinista features and specifications, please visit https://www.livewire.com/.

To locate you nearest LiveWire dealer, please visit https://www.livewire.com/locations.

NPDA elects Bob Kee Chairman of the Board of Directors

The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) Board of Directors has elected Bob Kee as Chairman during its officer elections to start the year.

Formerly Vice Chairman, Kee is a Co-Founder of the NPDA and begins the role as fellow Co-Founder and Chairman Bob Althoff takes his seat as Immediate Past Chairman. Althoff guided the NPDA to momentous steps during his tenure as the inaugural Chairman since its 2021 founding.

“It has been an honor to serve my Brother and Sister Dealers and I look to continue that work in my new position, ” Althoff said. “Bob Kee will do a phenomenal job leading the
NPDA. Please join me in congratulating BK. And please join the NPDA!”

Kee and his partner, Jason Herod, own Destination Cycle in Kerrville, Texas. Kee also sits on the Board of Directors of the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association. His role as
Vice Chairman since the NPDA’s founding has prepared him well for his new duties at the helm of the NPDA.

“Bob has been a tremendous mentor to me over the last several years, ” Kee said. “With his continued counsel and our incredibly strong Board of Directors, I look forward to
being able to move NPDA forward in 2025.”

Jayson Davis, Owner of Powersports of Greenville in South Carolina, was elected Vice Chairman, while NPDA Co-Founder Kim Harrison, Owner of Coleman Powersports in
Virginia, was re-elected to her position of Secretary/Treasurer.

All four positions comprise the NPDA Executive Committee and include a one-year term.

Since its founding in 2021, the NPDA continues to grow thanks to the association’s efforts to Promote, Unite, Represent and Educate dealership owners.

For more information about the NPDA, please visit www.npda.org

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