26.10.09

GROOMBRIDGE STEPS UP


Words & Pic: Suzuki

OCTOBER 26, 2009: With his team boss sidelined through injury, it was expected that Taupo’s Brad Groombridge would step up and fill the void.
And that’s exactly what the 19-year-old did on his home track in Taupo on Sunday.
Groombridge took his Suzuki RM-Z450 to three wins from three starts at the sand and pumice-based Digger McEwen Motorcycle Park facility in Taupo’s industrial area, winning both the MX1 class outright and also taking the main prize for the day at the annual Labour Weekend Extravaganza when he won the all-comers champion-of-champions Nicky Smith Memorial feature race as well.
He finished ahead of Hamilton’s two-time former world No.2 Darryll King in both the MX1 class battle and the feature race.
“It was a perfect day really,” said an ecstatic Groombridge afterwards.
“Darryll King really gave me a run for my money and I really felt the pressure from him, but I held on to win the feature race.
“I knew he was coming hard at me over those last few laps, so I had to find some extra pace too.
“To get my name on the Nicky Smith Memorial trophy is pretty special. There are not too many Taupo names on that.
“I was riding (injured team-mate) Daryl Hurley’s 2010 model bike and that made a huge difference. His 2010 model has so much more power than my regular 2009 bike. With Daryl sidelined, this is the bike I will have now for the rest of the season.
“I can’t wait now for the next round of the nationals (near Morrinsville in a fortnight, on November 8).”
Groombridge is currently fourth overall in the national series after two of four rounds.
Brad Groombridge and Team Suzuki are supported by Action Suzuki of Hawera, Elf lubricants, Fox apparel, Scott goggles, Bridgestone tyres, Renthal handlebars, Demon Energy, Asplundt, FMF, DID Acerbis and Eziup.
In the meantime, while Groombridge was winning the weekend's main prize, fellow Suzuki riders Dion Picard and Tom Managh was also enjoying success.
National junior champion Picard, from Atiamuri, lived up to his star billing by winning two of the day's three races and finishing runner-up in the third race, to claim top honours in the 12-14 years' 125cc class.
Wanganui's Managh had a particularly busy weekend, riding his Suzuki RM125 to runner-up spot in the 15-16 years' 125cc class, just behind Mangakino's Kayne Lamont and ahead of fellow Suzuki rider Joshua Jack (Auckland).
Ironman Managh also rode out on a Suzuki RM-Z250 to tackle the four-stroke class, finishing a close runner-up to Manawatu's Tom Hughes.
Managh also rode the following day, lining up against the seniors, and finished fourth in the senior 125cc class, an outstanding all-around effort from the talented teenager.


TRIUMPH'S SECOND PODIUM


WSS'09 Round 14 | Portimao, race day
ParkinGO Triumph BE1 Racing ended the World Supersport Championship on the podium.
Garry McCoy confirmed, after Valentino Rossi, that "Old hens make the best soup".
The Australian took third place, as he did at Donington, after a brilliant race during which he fought and defeated the new World Champion Cal Crutchlow after a great battle.
The second podium in Triumph's history in World Supersport has a special meaning and is the perfect ending of a fantastic season for Giuliano Rovelli's BE1 team.
Chaz Davies rode a positive race as well, as he finished seventh after fixing the issues that slowed him down in practice and scored another great result, after the fourth place at Imola.
Thanks to this excellent season finale, ParkinGO Triumph BE1 Racing climbed up two spots in the manufacturers' standings where they finished fifth, while Garry McCoy finished eighth in the riders' standings.

GARRY McCOY | Triumph Daytona 675 | 3rd:
"I'm really happy to have ended the season in style, with a second podium result in the team's young history.
We did a great job this weekend, the bike was just perfect so I could give 100%. I got a good start and I was fifth at the end of the first lap, and I kept that position into the fourth, when Lascorz, who was in front of me, crashed. I then overtook Crutchlow after three more laps. He was really close behind me for a while then I opened a gap between the two of us of about two seconds and kept it until the chequered flag.
I want to thank the entire team for a great job done this season. We got better everytime and we did all this together despite the fact that not some many people thought that was possible".

CHAZ DAVIES | Triumph Daytona 675 | 7th:
"I'm really grateful to Giuliano who gave me the opportunity to race in World Supersport. I rode only three races but I believe I did well although I know I can definitely improve, especially in qualifying practice.
I got a good start today, I engaged in a nice duel with Foret and overtook Veneman by the end and finished seventh".

GIULIANO ROVELLI - TEAM MANAGER:
"It was a fantastic way of ending the season: with a podium. We worked hard, we improved the bike so much that we got twice on the podium and scored many great results as well.
I have to thank Garry McCoy who proved that the entire squad lead by Lucio Nicastro did a marvellous job.
I'm also happy with Chaz Davies' performance who scored two great results without even knowing the tracks but did very well on his Triumph Daytona 675.
These results repay us for the efforts we have made and motivates Triumph to continue and hopefully you'll se us again in 2010, when we should set even higher goals".

Race Standings:
1 50 Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 35'17.044 (156,173 kph)
2 54 Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 3.443
3 24 McCoy G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 13.874
4 35 Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 15.144
5 8 Aitchison M. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 16.608
6 51 Pirro M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 20.008
7 23 Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 22.007
8 99 Foret F. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R6 22.034
9 77 Veneman B. (NED) Honda CBR600RR 23.031
10 117 Praia M. (POR) Honda CBR600RR 24.002
11 1 Pitt A. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 31.794
12 36 Cardenas M. (COL) Honda CBR600RR 31.811
13 21 Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 32.218
14 25 Laverty M. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 33.196
15 101 Coghlan K. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R6 1'02.386

Riders Standings:
1 C. Crutchlow GBR 243
2 E. Laverty IRL 236
3 K. Sofuoglu TUR 189
4 J. Lascorz ESP 163
5 F. Foret FRA 123
6 A. Pitt AUS 119
7 A. West AUS 117
8 G. McCoy AUS 98
9 M. Aitchison AUS 93
10 K. Fujiwara JPN 73
11 M. Roccoli ITA 70
12 M. Pirro ITA 70
13 B. Veneman NED 58
14 M. Lagrive FRA 45
15 M. Praia POR 40
...
20 C. Davies GBR 22

Bruno Sandrini
Press | Addetto stampa


20.10.09

KTM TO UNVEIL NEW MOTOCROSS GENERATION IN MILAN!



The worlds largest Motorcycle Fair EICMA in Milan (10-15 November 2009) is the perfect stage to unveil to the public, what the future of Motocross looks like at KTM!

The worlds 1st unveiling of a completely new MX motorcycle form at the KTM booth on November 10 (Hall 18, stand M68), represents a significant step toward “defining new lines”. This presentation is the next logical step for the Austrian Motorcycle manufacturer. As it’s traditions and results based operation dictates a certain path to continue its development in motor sports.

The results gathered in international competition in the year 2009 give great pride to and encourage the crew in Mattighofen. The MX2 World champion Marvin Musquin, the runner up MX1 World Champion Max Nagel, and of course, the Female MX World Champion Steffi Laier, have all contributed to, and benefitted from the clear and consequent development at KTM.

It is exactly here, where the vision of the KTM developers begins. This racing pedigree and ongoing development, is the key to “defining new lines”. There is one man whom this new motocross generation centres on: The MX-legend, multiple World champion and KTM MX Factory Team Boss Stefan Everts!
This is to make sure that KTM has, and always be “Ready to Race”!


Source: KTM New Zealand


15.10.09

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES STRATEGY


HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES 3RD QUARTER RESULTS, UNVEILS LONG-TERM BUSINESS STRATEGY

Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales Decline Moderates from 2nd Quarter

Operating Loss at Finance Unit Impacts Profit


Strategy Focuses on Extending Harley-Davidson Brand, Emphasizes Productivity and Strengthening Core Business


Company to Discontinue Buell Product Line, Divest MV Agusta


H-D Press Release MILWAUKEE, October, 15, 2009

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) announced decreased revenue, net income and earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period, while reporting a moderation in the decline of retail new Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales compared to the second quarter.
Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles declined 21.3 percent in the third quarter compared to last year's third quarter, an improvement from the 30.1 percent decline in this year's second quarter. An 84.1 percent decline in net income and an 84.5 percent decline in diluted earnings per share from the year-ago quarter reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effects of the economy on retail and wholesale loan performance at Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.
"While the environment remains challenging for us, we are mildly encouraged by the moderation in the decline of dealer retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales," said Keith Wandell, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "And moving forward, our strategy is designed to strengthen Harley-Davidson for long-term growth and deliver results through increased focus.
"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

Third Quarter and Nine-Month Results
Net income for the third quarter was $26.5 million, compared to $166.5 million in the third quarter of 2008, on revenue of $1.12 billion, compared to $1.42 billion in the year-ago period. Diluted earnings per share were $0.11 for the third quarter of 2009 and $0.71 in the year-ago period.
Through nine months, Harley-Davidson, Inc. reported net income of $163.6 million, down 71.6 percent and diluted earnings per share of $0.70, down 71.4 percent from the year-ago period. Revenue through nine months was $3.57 billion, down 17.1 percent from the same period last year.

"Delivering Results Through Focus" Strategy
A key element of the Company's go-forward strategy is to focus on extending the Harley-Davidson brand by leveraging unique Harley-Davidson strengths. The strategy focuses company resources on Harley-Davidson products and experiences, global expansion, demographic outreach and commitment to core customers. In addition, the Company will continue to expand its initiatives to enhance profitability through continuous improvement in manufacturing, product development and business operations.
"We are refocusing our business with the expectation that we can provide growth that is both profitable and sustainable over the long term," said Wandell. "We believe we can create a bright long-term future for our stakeholders through a single-minded focus on the Harley-Davidson brand."
The Company said it would share additional details about the strategy during its investor conference call today.

Details of Buell and MV Agusta Actions
The Company will discontinue production of Buell motorcycles. Remaining inventories of Buell motorcycles, accessories and apparel, while they last, will continue to be sold through authorized dealerships. Warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles and the Company will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships.
The decision will result in a reduction over time of about 80 hourly production positions and about 100 salaried positions at Buell. Employment will end for a majority of Buell employees Dec. 18, 2009.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. expects to incur approximately $125 million in one-time costs related to the discontinuation of the Buell product line. The Company expects to incur approximately $115 million of that amount this year.
Relative to MV Agusta, the Company will immediately commence efforts to sell the business, which is based in Varese, Italy.
In the third quarter, Harley-Davidson, Inc. recorded a one-time fixed-asset impairment charge of $14.2 million related to Buell and a goodwill impairment charge of $18.9 million related to MV Agusta.
"Buell and MV Agusta are great companies, with proud brands, high-quality exciting products and passionate enthusiasm for the motorcycle business. Buell has introduced many innovative advancements in motorcycle design and technology over the years and MV Agusta is known in Europe for its premium, high-performance sport motorcycles. However, our strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand reflects the fact that we believe our investments in that brand are a better utilization of overall company resources," said Wandell.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment
Third Quarter. Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter of 2009 was $803.3 million, down 22.1 percent compared to the year-ago period. The Company shipped 54,236 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers and distributors worldwide, down 27.4 percent from the third quarter of 2008 but in line with previous guidance of 52,000 to 57,000 units. Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $221.8 million during the quarter, down 14.4 percent and revenue from General Merchandise was $70.7 million during the quarter, down 15.9 percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 33.1 percent of revenue for the quarter compared to 34.0 percent in the year-ago quarter. Operating margin was 9.5 percent compared to 16.4 percent in the third quarter of 2008. Operating margin was affected largely by lower gross margin, restructuring charges and impairment charges.
Nine Months. Through nine months, revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $2.62 billion compared to $3.23 billion in 2008 on shipments of 187,085 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, compared to 226,898 motorcycles in 2008. Revenue from Parts and Accessories totaled $623.1 million during the first nine months, down 11.8 percent and revenue from General Merchandise was $215.5 million during the nine-month period, down 12.0 percent compared to the year-ago period. Gross margin was 34.6 percent and operating margin was 14.1 percent, compared to 35.4 percent and 18.9 percent respectively in the year-ago period.
Retail Motorcycle Sales. During the third quarter, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 21.3 percent worldwide, 24.3 percent in the U.S. and 13.1 percent in international markets, compared to the prior-year quarter. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight (651cc+) motorcycle sales declined 35.9 percent during the quarter, compared to the year-ago period.
For 2009 compared to 2008 through nine months, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 22.9 percent worldwide, 25.5 percent in the U.S. and 16.5 percent in international markets. Industry-wide U.S. retail heavyweight motorcycle sales declined 38.7 percent year to date in 2009, compared to 2008.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services
Harley-Davidson Financial Services recorded an operating loss of $31.5 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to an operating profit of $35.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. This decrease of $67.2 million was due to a higher provision for credit losses in both the retail and wholesale portfolios as well as increased interest expense. Year to date through the third quarter, HDFS reported an operating loss of $110.8 million, compared to operating income of $107.7 million for the prior year period. The nine-month operating loss includes two non-cash charges recorded in the second quarter of 2009: a $72.7 million credit loss provision for a one-time reclassification of motorcycle loan receivables; and a one-time $28.4 million charge to write off goodwill associated with HDFS.
HDFS continues to successfully access the credit markets to fund its lending activities. On October 9, HDFS completed a $700 million term securitization transaction with a weighted average interest rate of 1.2 percent.

Update on Restructuring Activities
On a combined basis, the Company expects previously announced restructuring activities, together with the discontinuation of Buell operations, to result in one-time charges of $215 million to $245 million over 2009 and 2010, or an increase of $55 million from the estimate provided July 16, 2009. The Company estimates annual ongoing savings from restructuring of approximately $140 million to $150 million.
The Company continues to pursue its previously announced "two path" study to determine whether additional major restructuring at York, Pa. facility can make those operations competitive and sustainable long term, or alternatively, whether the Company will relocate those operations to another U.S. location. As part of the restructuring analysis, the Company has begun contract talks with the union representing employees at York and expects to make a final decision on the status of the York operations by the end of this year.

Income Tax Rate
The Company's third-quarter effective income tax rate was 61.8 percent compared to 38.2 percent in the same quarter last year. This increase was due primarily to the tax implications of MV Agusta, including the non-deductible write down of goodwill, and the impact of reduced Company earnings. The Company expects its full-year 2009 effective tax rate on continuing operations, excluding MV Agusta, to be approximately 59 percent due to the previously reported one-time charges for the Wisconsin tax law change and the non-deductible goodwill write-off for Harley-Davidson Financial Services, as well as the impact of reduced earnings for the remainder of the year.

Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.52 billion as of Sept. 27, 2009, compared to $504.4 million at the end of the year-ago period. Cash provided by operations was $511.1 million and capital expenditures were $89.4 million during the first nine months of 2009. For the full year, capital expenditures are now expected to be $125 million to $145 million, including $15 million to $25 million related to restructuring activities.

Guidance
The Company is narrowing its guidance for full-year 2009 shipments, and now expects to ship 222,000 to 227,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers, including 35,000 to 40,000 during the fourth quarter. The Company continues to expect full-year gross margins to be between 30.5 percent and 31.5 percent.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta® brand and lightweight sport motorcycles sold under the Cagiva® brand. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," or "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The Company's ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) execute its strategy and successfully exit certain product lines and divest certain company assets (ii) effectively execute the Company's restructuring plans within expected costs and timing, (iii) successfully achieve with our labor union partners flexible and cost-effective agreements to accomplish restructuring goals and long-term competitiveness, (iv) manage the risks that our independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital, and adjusting to the recession and slowdown in consumer demand, (v) manage supply chain issues, (vi) anticipate the level of consumer confidence in the economy, (vii) continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, (viii) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (ix) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead, (x) manage production capacity and production changes, (xi) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (xii) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (xiii) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers, (xiv) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributor and dealer network, (xv) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (xvi) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (xvii) adjust to healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xviii) retain and attract talented employees, (xix) detect any issues with our motorcycles or manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation, and (xx) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems.
In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets and our ability to adjust to the recession.
The Company's ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company's independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company's independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.


HARLEY SCUPPERS BUELL


Source: Superbike Planet.

BUELL OFFICIALS THANK CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR UNFORGETTABLE RIDE

EAST TROY, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2009) - Buell Motorcycle Company officials thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following today's announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell® product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson® brand.

"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.

Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that warranty coverage will continue as normal for Buell motorcycles.

"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced product technology to riders.

"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years."

A wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since 1998, Buell Motorcycle Company was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell and produced more than 135,000 motorcycles. Over the past 26 years, Buell motorcycles won numerous design accolades and awards, and countless races and championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship in 2009.

Comment by BD.

I think NZ and Aus have only felt the edge of the GFC.

From the people I talk to online, things are really bad in Wisconsin. The everyday folks are hurting and the anti-Obama-ism is rampant.

I think they (Buell) may have shot themselves in the foot with the re-branding they have just gone through. The Book of Buell and the cubing of the Blast were poorly received by many of their existing customer base.

But what a shame for the workers. I like the Buell people and their products and have become friendly with a number of them. We wish them all the best.

BD Pic - The Ed on the 1125R


12.10.09

HURLEY HEADS STANDINGS


Hawera’s Daryl Hurley (Suzuki), straight to the top of the MX1 standings. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com Words: Suzuki.

OCTOBER 12, 2009: Hawera’s Daryl Hurley has picked up where he left off last season, heading the national motocross championship standings.

The Taranaki man took an RM-Z250 to win the MX2 title last year and, with a switch back to the mighty fuel-injected RM-Z450, tasted immediate success on his return to the MX1 class as this year’s series kicked off near Timaru on Sunday.

Hurley is no stranger to racing and winning in the big bike class, having previously owned the New Zealand MX1 crown and already he’s shown his determination to reclaim it in 2009.

With three rounds to go to complete the series, it's too early to make predictions but Hurley has certainly revealed himself as the man to beat this season.

Hurley finished 2-1-1 in Sunday’s three races, while his nearest challenger, Christchurch rider Justin McDonald, came home 1-2-2. Just three points separate these two riders at the top of the standings, although Hurley feels confident he can fend off McDonald’s advances.

“I had to settle for second in the first race because my goggle roll-offs broke and visibility was a problem for me,” said Hurley. “I won the next two races pretty comfortably though.

“I’m stoked with my results,” said Hurley. “Three 30-minute races in this heat were pretty tough but the conditions were perfect. They had a great track watering system.”

Third overall on Sunday was Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper, the Kiwi international making a welcome return to the Suzuki stable, while Taupo’s Brad Groombridge ended the day fourth overall, making it three Suzuki riders in the top four.

He is likely to pick up speed throughout the series as he reacquaints himself with the RM-Z450. Cooper is supported by Mount Maunganui Suzuki dealer MotoGB.

Cooper finished a remarkable fifth overall in the American nationals in 2008, the last occasion he had raced a Suzuki, and feels very comfortable on the bike.

It was similar in the MX2 class where two riders dominated the day -- Rotorua’s Michael Phillips (Honda) and Queenstown’s Scott Columb (Suzuki).

Phillips finished 1-2-1 in his three MX2 races while Columb came home 2-1-3, the pair each time finishing a long way ahead of the chasing bunch.

Just five points separate these two riders.

Both Phillips and Columb represented New Zealand at the Motocross of Nations in Italy just a week ago and Sunday’s performance by Columb was particularly impressive with the South Islander only able to catch a flight back to New Zealand the day before the nationals kicked off.

“The course was very rough, which suited me, but it was very one-lined and lappers were a real problem,” said Columb.

“I should have won the day but I crashed in the last race. It wasn’t a bad result considering it was only my third time out on the small bike this year.”

For Columb to switch from the RMZ-450 he’d campaigned in the United Kingdom to race an RMZ-250, as well as shaking off the adverse affects of jet-lag, and then still perform at this level on Sunday is testament to his versatility, fitness and strength.

In the 125cc class (which also incorporates the Under-21 title), Wanganui’s Tom Managh showed his potential for the future, finishing the day a solid second, fourth and fourth in his three races, the young Suzuki rider settling at third overall in the class, behind Waitakere’s Ethan Martens and Mangakino’s Kayne Lamont.


WHITE RIBBON RIDE KICK-STARTED


Men throughout New Zealand are being asked to join the White Ribbon Ride led by the Super Maori Fullas and Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club as part of White Ribbon Day.
The ride, organised by the Families Commission as part of the White Ribbon campaign, begins in Wellington on 25 November and takes four separate routes through eastern, western and the central North Island. The riders will join together at ASB Bank Stadium in Auckland on 27 November. From there it is expected around 1,000 riders will travel together to Bream Bay, Whangarei.
Super Maori Fulla Mervyn Rawiri says, “This is an opportunity for men to stand up and say they do not condone violence against women and children”.
“By participating in the ride, men can help to raise awareness and at the same time pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women,” says Mervyn.
The brothers grew up the Super Māori Fulla way – surrounded by love and respect. Now they are using the visibility and mobility of their bikes to encourage all New Zealanders to show that they are against violence towards women and children.
“We hope that by drawing attention to the issue with our bikes, our ride we will reach people in a new way,” says Mervyn.
The Super Maori Fullas will be supported by the Patriot Motorcycle Club whose members are drawn from the men and woman in the New Zealand Defence Forces. The Patriots are all former or serving members of the New Zealand Defence Forces. Shane Henry, Patriot and former combat soldier says, “New Zealand is seen as a peacekeeping nation and our members have a background of serving their country. We now want to play a part in reducing violence in our own neck of the woods and we’re proud to support the White Ribbon Ride.”
“Our role on this ride will be to act as the ‘road captains and tail end charlies’ and assist the Super Maori Fullas with logistical support for the ride” says Shane.
The four rides will visit over 35 towns and cities across the North Island picking up riders on their way north. At many of the ‘meet and greet’ locations, events have been planned and the public will have the opportunity to meet the riders.
To participate in the ride, register at https://webmail.nzfamilies.org.nz/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.whiteribbon.org.nz/. Riders are also asked to bring items of canned food which will be donated to Women’s Refuge. For further information please visit the website.
“Like the yellow markings on a road, there are some lines you don’t cross”, says Roger. “White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for men to say violence against women and children is a line men won’t cross. Join us on the White Ribbon Ride”.


9.10.09

HONDA ANNOUNCES VFR1200F/VFR1200F DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION


Honda Motor Europe Ltd. announced plans to begin sales in 2010 of the sports tourer VFR1200F/VFR1200F Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring an all-new V4 engine.

The VFR1200F has been developed in keeping with previous VFRs; that have delivered a combination of sports and touring capabilities using the latest technologies. This motorcycle is however brand new: A clean-sheet interpretation of the ultimate road-sport machine – a concept driven by extensive understanding of customer needs and the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.

In pursuit of heightened levels of control and feedback, the VFR1200F adopts the latest race-track bred technologies but adapted and evolved to create a machine that can be many things to many riders.

The harmonic growl of the flexible and responsive V4 motor may rekindle the emotions inspired by previous iconic VFRs, but it’s unique ‘heartbeat’ engine feel and an unrivalled level of manageability sets the new VFR apart, not only from its forbears - but also from every bike currently available.

Click here to access Honda V4 website

Click here to access the dedicated VFR1200 website

Bikedeadline.


8.10.09

WIMA PINK RIBBON DAY THIS SUNDAY


From the WIMA Web site:
Welcome to WIMA New Zealand a club for women motorcyclists run by women motorcyclists.

Greetings fellow riders,

We are proud to announce the 2009 Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride on 11th October in Auckland and Wellington.

Decorate your bikes pink, dress yourself in pink - heck why not turn everything pink and come and join us for a fantastic fun motorcycle ride and help us raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

This is our sixth year and we are looking forward to seeing you all again - we hope you can join us.

More Info: http://wima.org.nz/pages/Pink_Ribbon_09.php


INAUGURAL MV AGUSTA OWNER'S MEETING


F4-1000

A group of MV Agusta Enthusiasts have organised what will be the first NZ-wide MV Owners meeting. The meeting which is open to all MV owners and MV enthusiasts will be held on the weekend of the 13-15th of November 2009 at Taupo.

We have owners and their bikes coming from all over New Zealand and the weekend will include social events, group rides and track time at the Taupo track courtesy of the great team at MotoTT.

For further information, updates and contact details, please visit:
http://www.nzlocal.com/nzmv


5.10.09

COPPINS VS THE RUMOURS




It was as early as the Lommel round of the Motocross MX1 World Championship back in August that the then rumors started flying through the pits about Josh Coppins future as a professional racer.

At first their were signs JC could well be on his way home down-under to compete in the New Zealand and Australian race seasons. Then the media went nuts over a possible sighting of JC arriving at a private Aprilia test track fully clothed in MX gear, jumping into a van then back out onto the track for a few laps, before hoping straight back into the same car he turned up in still in his MX gear and leaving. One final rumor clouded JC returning back to his old Honda stomping ground riding for CAS Honda in 2010 - with CAS Honda still looking to fill one position on the team, it could well be a possibility.

At this stage in his career he will no doubt be looking for the best contract that will benefit the Josh Coppin's brand. We have all heard how tight the economy is over in Europe and America, let alone in the South Pacific, which has left many international riders pondering 'do I take a pay cut or do I stand by my laurels and demand what possibly the industry seems incapable of producing at this point in time'.

Josh Coppins is pondering no more. His future in the world of professional Motocross for 2010 is cemented. Look out for Josh Coppins all-revealing column in the November issue of Kiwi Rider due in your letterbox on the 15th of October!


 

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