Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
1/31/07 

 
Greetings Riders,
 
I don't know about you, but I will be glad to see the calendar turn to February. Cold and rain is not what encouraged me to make the move to Arizona. Some like the change in weather, mostly those who don't ride motorcycles, I am not one of them. It got so bad for me last night I had to open up the map program on my computer and do some virtual ride planning including getting a birds eye look from Google Earth to see what the terrain looked like in those areas. This behavior would probably qualify for a diagnoses of "cabin fever". For me, the global warming talk is falling on deaf ears right now. I'm not seeing it. Neither are these people. If you missed last week's letter, Click Here.
 
The weather has been cool, but what IS heating up are motorcycle sales. Almost all of the motorcycle brands, with the exception of Custom Bikes are growing at a healthy rate. Harley Davidson recently released what seems to be their 80th quarter in a row with increased sales posting over $1.5 billion in revenue for the quarter and $5.8 billion for the year. Wholesale shipments were 349,196 units for the year, a 6% increase over 2005. 4th quarter revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.22 billion, an increase of $135.6 million or 12.5 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 92,848 units, an increase of 5,260 units or 6.0 percent over last year's fourth quarter. For the year, P&A revenue totaled $862.3 million, a 5.7 percent increase over last year's $815.7 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $277.5 million, a 12.0 percent increase compared to $247.9 million during 2005. That is a lot of T-Shirts and Chrome.
 
But even with HD posting 20 years of consecutive sales increases, the buzz in the motorcycle industry this year is another American motorcycle company unveiling their high tech progressive design touring bikes that are turning some heads in a big way. Victory motorcycles have recently shown to the public the new innovative design and manufacturing of the Victory Vision line of motorcycles. Right now, the line consists of 2 models, the street and touring versions. Take a look for yourself.
 
As you can see, there is not a nostalgic bolt on these bikes, but clearly Victory is taking their styling in a totally different direction than their American counterpart Harley-Davidson. It is apparent that they are not trying to emulate the Motor Company. Knowing that they could never overtake the HD brand as others have tried before, (see Indian Motorcycles) they appear to be carving out their niche in the American made industry by taking the bike to the next level with high tech components and futuristic styling that will be around for years to come.
 
Since the 1960s, Harley-Davidson has faced new competition in Japanese makers like Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki, who could make more powerful bikes for a cheaper cost, but has held the distinction of being the only major American manufacturer of motorcycles. This has been a selling point that has helped the company establish the strong brand recognition and lifestyle that extends beyond motorcycles into many other areas of merchandising.
 
Tom Tiller, CEO of Polaris Industries understands the dominant position as well as anyone. Hours before the unveiling of Victory's new Vision line, Tiller was quoted as saying: "It's hard to argue with Harley's success in the motorcycle business, a lot of the companies that have failed in the motorcycle business tried to 'out-Harley' Harley. I think that's basically impossible to do. It's a phenomenally strong brand." So instead of trying to knock off the behemoth, Victory has positioned themselves as "The New American Motorcycle" by emphasizing modern styling and technology. The Vegas, styled in part by world famous bike builder Arlen Ness is Victory's best selling model and has helped lead the company to rapid sales growth over the last few years. Tiller estimates that the company has grown at 10 times the rate of the motorcycle industry and they feel that the Vision line will take them to even higher levels. 
 
Personally I love looking at and respect all brands of motorcycles and their riders. Being a fan of the sport I enjoy seeing what the manufacturers are doing to set themselves apart from the pack. Star is also doing a great job of styling and brand association. But as for me, I don't see myself ever leaving the Harley-Davidson brand. And for that matter, I don't see myself even switching from the Road Glide model either. My Road Glide has over 20,000 miles on it and has been a great trouble free bike that has performed well in every way. And after going to the 95" kit with the 211 cams and Screamin' Eagle heads, it has all the power that I need. But, as I'm sure some of you will remind me, I also said I would never have a windshield or a bagger either, and now I have both. Miracles can happen, I just don't think a miracle will show up with a Victory Vision nameplate on it.
 
In my opinion, I don't think the new Victory Vision will affect HD sales much if at all. The brands that should be paying attention to the new line is Honda with the Gold Wing and BMW with their touring bikes. If this Vision bike is anything near what they say it is, I believe that being American made, and already having created a following and riding culture of their own, it will put a huge dent into the sales of those other brands. But I can't wait to take the cruiser for a test ride to see if the machine stands up to the hype. Take a look at some of the following links. They have done some great videos that really bring you up to speed on the bike. And take note, the sound of this new engine is really good.
 
The Victory Vision Site.
The 360 degree spin of the Street version.
The Video Gallery. 4 Videos to choose from. 

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This Week 

Next Week 

Saturday and Sunday
February 9th and 10th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Diamond Plated Sweethearts. Ride by Arrowhead HD from 10am - 6pm and pick a heart to receive 10 - 20% off of your purchases. There will also be a raffle for  Six Dozen Roses throughout the day. If it is jewelry that you are looking for this Valentines Day, there will be 20% off of Stamper Gold. The Money Machine will also be running on both Saturday and Sunday. Arrowhead Harley is located at 16130 N. Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria. 623-247-5542.

Chandler Harley-Davidson Love of Leather. Ride by Chandler HD any time from Feb. 7-14 for savings of up to 14% off of leathers. There will be Six Dozen Roses raffled off, a Chocolate Machine, Harley Gifts and 2 Harley-Davidsons given away. You can also find Great Savings on Jewelry and Watches for your Valentines Day Gifts. Chandler Harley is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler. 480-496-6800.

 

Saturday, February 10th

East Valley A.B.A.T.E. Valentines Day Party. Party starts at 7pm at Famous Sams located at 2860 E. Main St. in Mesa, AZ. for music and dancing. $5 per person. Raffle for a Romantic Weekend for Two, Doorprizes and 50/50. Everyone Welcome. Presented by East Valley ABATE of Arizona. Come out and support ABATE and ensure your right to ride free. Special Parking for bikes. For More Information: 480-830-4434 or 480-839-9369.

 

Saturday, February 10th

6th Annual 3 Ball Run. Come out and show your skill for an afternoon of 3 ball. Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Sign in 10-11 at My Ole Man's, SW Corner of 35th Ave. and Union Hills. End party at Stardust Lounge, NW corner of 43rd Ave. and Olive. Free buffet provided at final stop. $5 per person. 5 stops with 3 ball played at each stop. Lowest 3 scores win. Raffles and 50/50. More information: Cindi, 623-695-5659. Everyone Welcome!

 

Sunday, February 11th

1st Annual Rocky Point Dog Run. For those of you that are animal lovers and have been to Rocky Point, you know the problem with the abundance of dogs down there. We go there a lot and are glad to see that Nancy Phelan has stepped up to do something about it by using the proceeds of this event to convert a motor home to a mobile spa/neuter clinic. Here is a brief story about the Rocky Point Animal Adoption Center:

The Rocky Point Animal Adoption Center was founded by Nancy Phelan. Nancy came to Rocky Point from Phoenix, Arizona and soon became an advocate for the many street dogs and cats in the city. She formed a non-profit Mexican Corporation and began taking in strays. She also has a US non-profit Corporation for tax purposes. She has had as many as 90 animals at any given time. Over 2000 animals have been adopted into loving homes. The center has two large lots - enough for 14 separate yards for the dogs. A cat house was built with an entrance to an outside screened room. The nursing moms and kittens are cared for in the main building. There are 2 yards for recovering and/or new animals. Many of these animals come to her sick and injured. There is no testing equipment to see what these animals are suffering from. Sarcoptic Mange, Parasites, Worms, Parvo, Distemper, Leukemia are just a few of the problems. For more information call Nancy at 602-412-3932. http://www.rpaac.org/

Ride Information: Poker Run begins at Hard Tailz located on the SW corner of 35th Ave. and Bell Rd. Registration is 9:30am - 11am. Departure 11am. Final card at Hard Tailz at 3pm. $20 Rider, $5 passenger. Raffle, Silent Auction starting at 4pm. More information at 602-319-6269. 

Extras 

Some of you might have heard about the new movie coming out on March 2nd named Wild Hogs that was filmed in New Mexico. It stars John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy and is about 4 businessmen that decide to take some time from their jobs to take a motorcycle trip. The trailer is funny. Hopefully the whole movie is as good. Click Here for trailer. I might even plan a ride night to a theatre if anyone would be interested.
 
This one is funny and unexpected at the same time. The result is not going to be what you think it is. Click Here for 38 second video.
 
This is some great video of real life bumper cars taken from a guy on an upper level of a building of cars on an icy street below. Turn up the sound so that you get the full effect of the metal crunching. Click Here.