Harley-Davidson Inc. trotted out its financial statements, which revealed record revenue and earnings for its fourth quarter in 2003. Revenue increased by 12.8 percent over last year's figures, and net income showed an increase of 20.9 percent over the same period last year. It's the 18th consecutive year Harley has racked up records for both revenue and net income.
And in other Harley news (you can't escape it this month), avid Harley motorcyclist Hiroyuki Okouchi commemorated Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary's conquest of Mount Everest in an unusual manner. The mountain-climbing enthusiast survived a five-day trek up the huge Himalayan hill and planted a Harley-Davidson flag at the summit. That's what we call living high on the hog....
The American Motorcyclist Association announced a new nationwide initiative focusing on the sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill motorcyclists. "Justice for All" will advocate legislation to establish tougher penalties when traffic offenses or criminal actions by other motorists result in a motorcyclist's death or serious injury, a move that the AMA claims would benefit other vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians.
IronHorse Up
Harley-Davidson isn't the only American manufacturer making news these days. Although it's still a long way from giving the Motor Company financial fits, American IronHorse recently earned a spot on Inc. Magazine's prestigious list of America's fastest-growing private companies. In the Inc. 500 Special Issue, the Texas-based motorcycle manufacturer was praised for its five-year sales growth of 1445 percent and $42.7 million last year.
American IronHorse claims to corner the market on factory-built, performance cruiser and touring bikes that are custom-ordered and designed, and the company rolled out its 2004 lineup in the hopes of expanding on its success. The main changes in 2004 include hopped-up horsepower on existing models and a brand-new chopper that takes the in-vogue fat-tire look to a new extreme.
The newly released chopper, the LSC, sports a stretched, low rigid frame backed by porky 280-series rear rubber balanced with a right-side drive design. The company says the rear tire is the industry's widest in production. Other notable changes in '04 include larger 111-cubic-inch engines with compression releases and a new adjustable air-ride suspension for its high-end Slammer model. The company has also introduced a new, proprietary American IronHorse crank-triggered ignition system, along with a new clutch and smooth-radius brake calipers. With 23 new head-turning paint schemes and five fresh wheel designs to choose from, the possibilities seem endless. Next stop, Milwaukee.
Cobra Calendar
MAY Indian Rally on Indian PointMay 21-23, 2004Branson, MO
Ironindian.com unrolls its inaugural event at Hunter's Friend Resort in centrally located Branson, Missouri. The shindig promises bike shows, a parade and a bike blessing, and welcomes all brands of bikes and types of bikers. For more information visit www.huntersfriendresort.com/irip.htm.
B.A.D. Ride
May 30, 2004
Toronto, Canada
This annual 3.5-hour ride along hidden roads attracts 2000 riders from Ontario, Canada, Michigan and upper New York state. The B.A.D. Ride raises funds for the Distress Centres of Toronto; registration is $50 for riders, $25 for passengers, and there's even a party with a grand-prize drawing for a 2004 Harley-Davidson V-Rod. Go to www.thebadride.com for more info.
JUNE
Berkshire Rally
June 3-6, 2004
Lenox, MA