News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
AIMExpo Returns Bigger Than Ever: Registration Open for 2026
| The American International Motorcycle Expo is making its Southern California debut January 7-9, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, and registration for North America’s premier powersports trade show is now officially open. Coinciding with the exhilarating opening round of the 2026 Supercross season, AIMExpo at Anaheim promises to be an unforgettable experience.”California is a major hub for the powersports industry, and the timing with Supercross gives dealers and exhibitors another exciting reason to attend,” said Cinnamon Kernes, Motorcycle Industry Council Vice President of Market Expansion. “This move strengthens our ability to bring the industry together and create meaningful, lasting connections.” AIMExpo is expanding its footprint to more than 293,000 square feet to meet growing demand. More than 175 exhibitors are already confirmed, including major OEMs such as American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Aprilia; GASGAS; Husqvarna; Kawasaki; Kayo USA; KTM; Moto Guzzi; Moto Morini; Piaggio; Suzuki; Triumph; Vespa; and Yamaha. Leading distributors – including Automatic Distributors, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties, and Turn 14 Powersports – are also set to return.The 2026 event brings back the features that attendees look forward to each year. Dealer Excellence will return in partnership with MPN and include expert-led sessions packed with strategies dealers can apply immediately. In the Digital & Tech Sector, Tech Talks will feature candid, small-group conversations with innovators exploring real-world challenges and emerging technologies. New Product Central will also return, giving dealers and media a front-row seat to the latest vehicles, gear, tech, and tools set to shape the future of powersports. Free coffee will again be available at the AIMExpo Starting Line, courtesy of Drag Specialties. The Dealer Recharge Zone, powered by Transax Digital Retail, returns as a place for attendees to relax and revamp during the show.New for 2026, the Dealer Evolution stage will showcase presenters leading high-level conversations designed to challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. Additional interactive features are in development for the 2026 show and will be announced in the months ahead.”The industry left AIMExpo 2025 energized. The momentum built over our years in Vegas is carrying us forward and setting the stage for a show unlike anything we’ve seen before – and this is just the beginning,” said Andre Albert, MIC Director of Marketing and Events. “In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out even more features and new ways for the industry to connect, both on and off the show floor.” |
Club EAGLERIDER launches enhanced membership tiers and Buddy Passes for ultimate motorcycle access
EAGLERIDER, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tours company, has upgraded its Club EAGLERIDER membership model to deliver better flexibility, value, and access to premium motorcycles worldwide.
Introducing Buddy Pass: Share the Road
The standout feature of the new Gold Tier is the Buddy Pass—a benefit that extends club privileges to friends and family. Gold members receive two Buddy Passes per membership year, each valid for a full rental day at member credit rates.
“Buddy Passes make it easy to have a friend or family member join the ride,” says Sebastian Schoepe, CEO of EAGLERIDER. “Whether members are introducing someone new to riding or meeting up to explore new cities and states, it’s all about removing barriers and making the open road more accessible and social, wherever the journey takes them.”
Buddy Passes can be used separately or together and are easily redeemable through the upgraded member dashboard during the booking process.
Club EAGLERIDER operates on a simple credit-based system. Each membership tier provides monthly rental credits that serve as currency for bike rentals. Most motorcycles in EAGLERIDER’s fleet (such as a Harley-Davidson® Street Bob®, Yamaha® Tenere 700, Triumph® Bonneville T100, or ZERO® SR/F) can be rented for just one credit per day.
Three Membership Tiers to Match Riding Styles
- Bronze: $29/month — 1 rental credit per month
- Silver: $49/month — 2 rental credits per month
- Gold: $79/month — 3 rental credits per month + exclusive Buddy Passes
Credits can be used monthly or banked for up to 18 months for extended trips. The program operates across 100+ EAGLERIDER locations in North America and international markets, giving members access to thousands of motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, BMW, Yamaha, and beyond. Club EAGLERIDER is available to residents of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Member Benefits Club EAGLERIDER membership delivers significant savings and exclusive perks:
- Save up to 70% off base daily rental rates when using credits
- Always save 20% off on rentals when paying without credits
- Always save 10% off on motorcycle tours
- Always save 20% off on EAGLERIDER merchandise
- Exclusive access to member-only rides, events, and rally experiences
The new CLUB EAGLERIDER experience also includes a redesigned online booking platform that streamlines the reservation process. The new system allows members to browse motorcycles, apply credits, and manage Buddy Passes directly from their account dashboard. EAGLERIDER plans to introduce mobile-optimized pickup and drop-off capabilities with QR code scanning soon.
We Are Better Together
The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) and Powersports Rep Association (PRA) have announced a strategic collaboration between the two companies to elevate the powersports Industry. Believing that a rising tide floats all boats, the associations are charting a course for mutual success, centered around the nation’s powersports retailers.
“By advocating for a healthy and personal partnership between the dealer, rep and vendor, we will only strengthen our business relationship resulting in a more professional profitable powersports industry as a whole,” states NPDA Chairman Bob Kee. “We are better together.”
“PRA couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to provide a collaborative approach with the NPDA for the greater good of the powersports industry,” adds industry veteran Tim Calhoun. “An open communication pathway directly from rep/brand to the dealer network is something this industry has been missing for some time. We vow to make the effort in this collaboration to provide premier certified sales professionals in the powersports industry that will align with the Dealerships’ values.”
The common values and goals of this collaboration will unite and strengthen relationships while focusing on accurate and strategic product placement. “This collaboration will also provide direct feedback from the NPDA to the PRA on how we can better our reps’ services.”
Calhoun concludes, It’s time we come together in difficult times to ensure support, resources and productive communication. All of this will hopefully provide some stability and optimism moving forward between Dealer, Vendor/product and representatives.”
ABOUT POWERSPORTS REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION
The PRA aims to empower powersports representatives with the resources and support needed to thrive in their roles within the powersports industry. Collaborations with industry professionals, seasoned road reps and a growing list of industry leading operations including Dirtbag Brands, Motorcycle Industry Jobs, Ownex and Rollick — in conjunction with a strategic partnership with the National Powersports Dealer Association — ensures a more professional and profitable powersports industry. Is PRA right for you? Check the boxes:
Are you a 1099 rep looking for new products to add to your portfolio?
Are you a company looking to get your brand/product into the marketplace?
Are you a dealer looking for professional brand reps to support the products in your store?
Contact PRA at:
Phone +1 540-835-3851
Online powersportsrepassociation.org
Social: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574821107770
About the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA)
The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) was founded in 2021 to support franchised and independent powersports dealers by providing specialized services, products, programs, and education. The NPDA advocates for dealer interests and works to foster a professional, profitable, and sustainable powersports industry.
Mission Statement
The NPDA empowers franchised and independent powersports dealers through services, products, programs, education, and advocacy—amplifying dealer voices to build a stronger, more successful, and more professional industry.
About DealerConnect 2025
DealerConnect, September 21-23, 2025 is the National Powersports Dealer Association’s premier annual event, bringing together franchised and independent dealers from across the country for two and a half days of education, networking, and industry insight. Hosted at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Ohio, DealerConnect features an all-star lineup of speakers, targeted workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers, partners, and thought leaders. Designed to fuel dealership growth and profitability, DealerConnect is where the powersports retail community comes together—bigger, better, and stronger than ever.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will Rev and Rock Milwaukee July 10 – 13
In just a month the annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival will shake the Milwaukee area with the rumble of revving engines and a foot stompin’ celebration of music and moto-culture July 10-13, 2025. The festival kicks off with a free opening concert headlined by Buckcherry at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Thursday, July 10. Festival concert headliners Chris Stapleton (July 12) and Hank Williams Jr. (July 11) will take over the Harley-Davidson Stage at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront. Other Harley-Davidson Homecoming events and activities will be held at both free and ticketed venues across the Milwaukee area, including Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Headquarters on Juneau Ave., Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls, and at local authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Veterans Park
At the heart of the festival are two full days of live music across two stages headlined by Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. at Veterans Park, Friday and Saturday, July 11-12 (Ticket required.) Friday support acts include Treaty Oak Revival, Charles Wesley Godwin, Ole 60, Giovannie and the Hired Guns, and more. On Saturday, Turnpike Troubadours, Seirra Ferrell, 49 Winchester, The Droptines and ÖOF TATATÁ, among others, will play throughout the day. Visit HDHomcoming.com for a schedule of musical acts.
Veterans Park also features two days of mototainment and festival experiences, including:
- Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Shows featuring pro riders Axell Hodges and Takayuki Higashino.
- Flash tattooing by famed artist Luke Wessman in the Monster Energy Tattoo Parlor, alongside the Monster Barber Shop.
- Good times and great brews from Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee neighbor Molson Coors at the Beer Hall.
- Chances to win Reward Play and other great prizes from VIP Area presenting partner Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee.
- Summer vibes and fun carnival games at the Smirnoff ICE Flavor Fair.
- Enter for a chance to win a new H-D Street Glide® motorcycle at the Pure Kick High Octane Hydration station.
- Stop for delicious new flavors and exclusive swag at the BeatBox BeatBus.
- Experience a chainsaw woodcarving exhibition by Perry Carlson presented by STIHL.
- A custom Bike Build Off Reveal by Unknown Industries, with live pinstriping from Taylor Schultz.
- Get up close with the Fastenal x Harley-Davidson NASCAR #17 RFK Racing show car.
- Mission Foods will showcase their Harley-Davidson King of the Baggers racing partnership along with sampling motorcycle-shaped tortilla chips.
- Free motorcycle parking provided by Harley-Davidson Insurance.
- Friday only, a chance to meet some of the most dynamic personalities shaping the culture within Harley-Davidson’s community at the largest H-D Creators Meet & Greet of 2025.
Tickets for the Veterans Park venue are on sale now at HDHomecoming.com. Ticket holders can experience Veterans Park with 2-Day and 1-Day General Admission (GA), GA+, or an ultimate VIP experience presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee to enjoy all day music, entertainment, local food, beverages, and more. Admission is free for children 10 and under (General Admission only. One child per GA-ticketed adult.)
Other Ticket Options (while supplies last)
- Flexible “pay at your own pace” payment options
- Bundle and save up to $60 a ticket with GA 2-pack or 4-pack bundles
- GOVX & Student Discounts available on 2-Day General Admission Tickets
Harley-Davidson Museum/Milwaukee
The Harley-Davidson Museum hosts the Official Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival Kickoff Party and Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, July 10. Activities and entertainment include an opening address and a string of live music performances headlined by rock band Buckcherry on the Harley-Davidson Museum Rockford Fosgate® stage. Through the run of the festival the Museum will host custom bike shows, stunt shows, and a range of additional experiences and entertainment provided by Harley-Davidson festival partners, including:
- The incredible Ives Brothers Wall of Death Stunt Show
- Stunning custom motorcycles in the V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase
- The Rockford Fosgate® Motorcycle Audio Experience – Official H-D Museum Stage Sponsor
- Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires display
- Real Deal Revolution Workshoppes (Friday-Saturday only)
- The Division BMX Stunt Show (Saturday-Sunday only)
- All the latest motorcycles in the 2025 H-D® New Product Showroom
- The Skin Museum Custom Tattoos
- Official H-D® Membership Check-In
- Twisted Tea® – Giveaway of a Custom H-D Motorcycle built by Cycle Source
- Official Harley-Davidson Trucks Experience
- Harley-Davidson® Insurance Experience
- Wisconsin Lottery® Experience
- Shanky’s Whip™ Sampling & Photo Op
- EAGLERIDER Motorcycle Rentals & Tours
- Taste the Mission Foods® Sampling Experience
- SP™ Connect Experience
- Check out the LiveWire® Showcase and STACYC™ Demos
Close out the festival on Sunday, July 13 with a Roll Out Brunch & Ride-In Custom Bike Show. The Harley-Davidson Museum will also be open for regular visitation hours.
Homecoming festival entertainment at the Museum is free of charge and open to the public. Tickets are required for admission to H-D Museum exhibits and tours during operating hours. Discounts available for students, seniors and U.S. Military. Admission is free for Harley Owners Group® members, H-D Museum Annual Passholders, and children under 5. Go to Harley-Davidson Museum for a complete schedule of events.
Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations/Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Harley-Davidson’s onsite factory will feature self-guided engine assembly and machining tours, as well as 2025 model motorcycle test rides.
- Factory Tours: Tickets are $15 and include a 30-45 minute self-guided tour of the Powertrain Operations factory floor plus exclusive keepsake. Children must be 12 years of age or older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 2025 Harley-Davidson Model Demo Rides: A wide selection of 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be made available to licensed riders for free test rides during open hours.
Harley-Davidson Headquarters/Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee
Festival goers can enjoy entertainment and more at the epicenter of motorcycle history. Harley-Davidson Headquarters general campus and vendor access, along with music, an antique motorcycle show, lawn games are free. Guided facility tours are available for purchase.
Participating Harley-Davidson Affiliates and Program Partners
The festival wouldn’t be “all things Harley-Davidson” without including Motor Company riding programs and local dealers. Participation includes onsite experiences at Veterans Park and the Harley-Davidson Museum, as well as independent activities hosted by several Harley-Davidson dealers throughout the Milwaukee area.
Complete details on ticketing options, venues, entertainment, scheduled events and Harley-Davidson facility tours are available at HDHomecoming.com, where visitors can also sign up for H-D Homecoming updates. Follow the @hdhomecoming festival social media handle and @harleydavidson for updates.
AMA Hosts Leaders from Congress and Industry for 2025 Ride to Work Day in Washington, D.C.
On Monday, June 9, 2025, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) organized and hosted Ride to Work Day on Capitol Hill. The AMA government relations staff brought together lawmakers, congressional staff, industry stakeholders, manufacturers and motorcycle rights advocates to highlight the importance of the motorcycling lifestyle and culture.
The event received strong support from the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus with attendance by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI-07), Troy Balderson (R-OH-12) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03). Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) also attended.
“As Chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, it was an honor to host the second annual Ride to Work Day at the U.S. Capitol. Whether it’s on a Harley, Buell, BMW, Indian, etc., millions of Americans from all walks of life rely on motorcycles as a means of transportation or recreation, and we’re proud to celebrate this tight-knit community,” Rep. Walberg said. “The Ride to Work Day is a great opportunity to highlight motorcycle interests at the national level, and we’re grateful to the U.S. Park Police and all the members and riders who participated in the event. As we ride past the historic sites in Washington, D.C., we’re proud to advocate for motorcyclists’ freedom to responsibly enjoy the open road or off-road trails.”
A welcome addition this year was the attendance of BMW, Buell Motorcycle and Indian Motorcycle. These manufacturers joined Harley-Davidson, and all four provided demo bikes for attendees.
Attendees were given the opportunity to ride demo motorcycles from these manufacturers early in the evening. Following legislative work on Capitol Hill, members of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus and event attendees gathered at the American Legion for an escorted ride through Washington D.C., into Virginia, arriving at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The ride was escorted by officers from the United States Park Service.
Also in attendance were individuals from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). Alongside the AMA, these organizations advocate for rider rights and support policies that expand the motorcycling community.
A special thank you to American Legion Post 8 in Washington, D.C., for hosting multiple events for the AMA, their positive impact on the local community and support for our veterans.
“Ride to Work Day in Washington, D.C. provides an opportunity to bring together decision-makers at the highest level and discuss issues impacting motorcyclists,” AMA Washington Representative Zach Farmer said. “We are fortunate to have elected officials in Congress who are motorcycle enthusiasts and continue to support the AMA. The addition of BMW, Buell and Indian providing demo bikes this year — alongside Harley-Davidson — is a product of the AMA taking initiative and creating these opportunities.”
Also, the AMA’s Government Relations Department met with members of the United States Department of Transportation on Tuesday, June 10, regarding issues that impact motorcyclists around the country. The AMA met with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Senior Advisor Team and covered several topics, including the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, rules surrounding autonomous vehicles, the Recreational Trails Program, the Motorcycle Advisory Council and much more.
For more information regarding the AMA’s legislative mission, visitAmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/ .
