Zero Motorcycles National Demo Day, May 19

Zero Motorcycles is launching what it calls a new “awareness program,” albeit a naturally self-serving program, titled, Ride a Zero Motorcycle – Join the Silent Revolution Demo Day.

On Saturday, May 19, Zero dealers across the U.S. will offer free demonstration rides for qualified, licensed motorcycle riders, along with providing product overviews of Zero Motorcycles' entire lineup.

“With spring riding season in full swing and our dealers now fully stocked with 2012 Zero Motorcycles there's never been a better time than now to get out and test ride one of our amazing new models," comments Mike Cunningham, Zero Motorcycles U.S. Sales and Dealer Development Director. "Our dealers are looking forward to meeting consumers and getting their response to perhaps their first ride ever on an electric motorcycle. In addition to dealer staff many dealerships will also have Zero factory representatives on hand to answer questions and to garner feedback.”

If you’ve always wondered about e-bikes, or think they’re just a passing fad, here’s your chance to see what electric motorcycles are like – firsthand.

Go to Zero’s site to locate a dealer near you: http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/locator/

All Electric Motorcycles on Motorcycle.com

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Pay it Forward for Paul Lima, Please

Motorcycle aficionado and owner of GP Motorcycles, a San Diego dealership specializing in European manufacturers, Paul Lima, suffered a paralyzing crash while riding an MX bike on April 4th. Following a 9-hour surgery to realign and stabilize his back, Paul is recovering well and undergoing rehabilitation. Paul has health coverage, but the costs not covered by insurance are mounting and the Lima family can use any help benevolent motorcyclists can afford.

A PayPal account has been setup to accept donations and you can follow his and the family’s progress on the their Facebook page.

We recently attended a track day sponsored by GP Motorcycles and Moto Forza, and interviewed Paul and his business partner and friend, Balz Renggli. A quote in the interview from Paul sums up his dedication to his customers and the sport of motorcycling, “We are enthusiast shops starting from desire rather than profit,” says Lima.

Please pledge something if you’re in a position to, if not, please forward to someone who possibly can.

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Harley-Davidson Reports Q1 2012 Results

Harley-Davidson reported a 20.3% increase in motorcycle sales over the first quarter of 2012, including a 25.5% increase in the United States.

According to Harley-Davidson‘s first quarter report, The Motor Company sold 59,677 motorcycles, worldwide, up from the 49,595 motorcycles reported in the same quarter of 2011. U.S. sales accounted for 39,762 units, up from 31,691 sold in the first three months of 2011.

Based on the industry-wide sales figures released by the Motorcycle Industry Council, Harley-Davidson accounted for approximately 36.3% of all first quarter motorcycle sales in the U.S. including about 51.6% of all streetbike sales. According to Harley-Davidson, more than a third of its sales were to customers who were new to the brand.

“We continue to be encouraged by the strong trend at retail and in earnings over the past several quarters,” says Keith Wandell, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson. “Our first quarter performance reflects the outstanding appeal of our products, the ongoing results of our transformation strategy, the efforts of our dealers and employees, and improving macro-economic conditions in the U.S.”

Worldwide motorcycle sales generated 5.9 million in revenue in the first quarter, up 19.5% from 3.5 million reported last year. Total revenue including parts, accessories and other merchandise totaled .27 billion. Harley-Davidson Financial Services accounted for an additional .4 million in revenue, down slightly from .9 million reported last year.

Overall, Harley-Davidson made a profit of 2.0 million over the quarter, compared to 9.3 million in the first quarter of 2011.

Looking ahead, Harley-Davidson expects to ship 245,000-250,000 units by the end of 2012. Harley-Davidson also forecasts

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MIC Adopts New Standard for Measuring Electric Motorcycle Top Speed

The Motorcycle Industry Council announced a new procedure for measuring the top speed of electric motorcycles so consumers can fairly compare the performance of different models.

Until now, electric motorcycle manufacturers used a variety of testing methods to calculate maximum speeds, some more accurate than others.

“Manufacturers have used a variety of means for calculating top speed, presenting a challenge for shoppers interested in what an electric bike can really do,” says Tim Buche, president and CEO of the MIC. “Some methods used right now may not give an accurate measurement, even under similar test conditions. The more that electric motorcycle makers adopt this protocol, the more it can help buyers who are taking a good look at this emerging segment.”

The MIC’s new “Top Speed Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles” is based on the European Union’s procedure and was penned by the group’s Electric Vehicle Subcommittee which consists of 15 representatives of on-highway electric motorcycle manufacturers and other industry members. The new procedure tries to standardize different variables that could affect an electric motorcycle’s top speed such as road conditions, weather, and rider weight.

“As more and more electric motorcycles appear on the market, having standards we can all agree on is vital to manufacturers and to our customers,” says Abe Askenazi, chair of the Electric Vehicle Subcommittee and chief technology officer at Zero Motorcycles. “The new top speed test procedure is just one of the many standards the subcommittee has already published or is working on.”

Under the new standard, motorcycles will be tested as they are equipped when delivered to the consumer. Removable luggage may be taken off before testing, but that has to be specified when publishing the results. Tires must meet OEM specifications and be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and must have more than 50% of its original tread depth. Any speed-limiting devices installed must remain activated.

The exterior of the motorcycle may not be modified to reduce drag, such as by removing mirrors or covering seams. Adjustable windshields may be set to their lowest positions however.

Manufacturers use different batteries, so the new testing method tries to even the playing field by establishing a preconditioning procedure for the battery.

Test riders must weigh at least 80 kg (176.4 pounds) fully clothed and stand at least 1.7 m tall (about 5’7″). Riders must adopt a standard upright riding position with hands on handlebars and feet on pegs, though the rider may assume a tucked position at speeds over 120 kph (74.6 mph).

The road surface must be clean, smooth asphalt or concrete and with little slope. The top speed will be measured over a segment that is at least 50 m long, with additional room allowed for acceleration and run-off.

[Source: MIC]

Related Reading
New Standard for Electric Motorcycle Range

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Tickets Still Available for American Hero Dinner at the Kenny Roberts Ranch

Kenny Roberts is hosting a fundraising dinner at his ranch to benefit the Welcome Home Heroes Foundation.

The May 11 American Hero Dinner is being held on behalf of the Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Memorial Foundation to raise money for Welcome Home Heroes which assists veterans in their transition back to civilian life.

Yamaha is sponsoring the dinner which will feature guests including Roberts, Mert Lawwill, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Kenny Roberts Jr., as well as Bruce Brown, the producer and director of the Oscar-nominated film “On Any Sunday”. Also present will be representatives of the American Armed Forces including Sergeant Major Jon Cavaiani, a Vietnam vet awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Tickets for the dinner are 0 per person which includes transportation from nearby Modesto, Calif., a tour of Roberts’ private museum, and a screening of “On Any Sunday” at the Modesto Clarion Inn.

For tickets, call Kurt Vander Weide at 209-404-3928 or email general-info@trueamericanhero.org. For more information about the Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Memorial Foundation, visit TrueAmericanHero.org. Visit WelcomeHomeHeroes.org for information on the Welcome Home Heroes Foundation.

[Source: Yamaha]

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Store Rideout - 28th April

Just a reminder that we are having a rideout next Saturday 28th April down to the Bristol Italia Auto-fest and that we'd love it if you came along!! Its a bit of an early start - meeting at 6.45am for a 7.00am departure from the car park at the little chef, just off the roundabout of J16 of the M6 - but its a great day out! See you there!

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Craig Bramscher Talks Brammo Video

“We wake up every morning and build bikes. It’s a great life.” – Craig Bramscher

Brammo continues charge up its public relations motor as we approach the launch of its long-anticipated Empulse R with a new video featuring company founder and Chief Executive Officer Craig Bramscher about the state of the company and its upcoming electric motorcycle.

Bramscher touches upon many points in the 21-minute video, but two things stand out: Bramscher’s passion for his company and the importance Brammo places on consumer feedback.

Customer feedback was a major reason to drop the previously-announced 6.0 and 8.0 versions of the Empulse and only produce the longer-range Empulse R 10.0 (or 9.7, as Bramscher calls it at one point in the video).

Input from experienced motorcycle riders also led to the addition of a manual transmission which in turn allowed for the inclusion of regenerative breaking.

Brammo will introduce its Empulse and Empulse R on May 8 but for now, check out the Bramscher interview.

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[Source: Brammo]

Related Reading
Brammo Empulse Finally Headed for Production – Video
2012 Brammo Empulse Specs Released

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