Love Ride XXI
Nov. 14, 2004, Los Angeles, CAHard to believe it's the 21st incarnation of this charity-minded event, but the West Coast-style love-in still manages to draw big celebrities and fat wallets. It remains one of the largest single-day biker get-togethers around. For more information and registration forms, visit www.loveride.org.
International Motorcycle Show
Nov. 19-21, 2004, Dallas, TX
In between snowflakes and eggnog, the International Motorcycle Show is a perfect opportunity to break the holiday blues with new models from the top motorcycle manufacturers. You'll find everything from sportbikes to cruisers, all displayed side by side. There are also scads of spiffy gear, stunt shows and special giveaways. See all the details at www.motorcycleshows.com
The Pulse
Harley-Davidson recently signed a memo of understanding with China's Zongshen Motorcycle Group, which could ease Harley's entry into that country's huge motorcycle market and enhance Zongshen's capabilities at home. Both companies stressed the fact that many details are yet to be discussed before a formal agreement is hammered out. Harley is also pressing government officials to urge the easing of official and unofficial trade barriers that limit the Motor Company's ability to sell its bikes in China.
Bucking a five-year trend of increased fatalities on the nation's roads, the number of people killed in car crashes dipped in 2003, and the number of injuries was the lowest since record-keeping began, the federal government reported this July. In California, though, deaths continued to rise, increasing last year by 3.1 percent. Motorcyclist fatalities nationwide, however, rose to 3661, an increase of 12 percent. It's speculated that this is due to certain trends, such as the rising number of older motorcycle riders.
Stellican Limited has purchased the remains of the Indian Motorcycle Company. The private equity firm headquartered in the U.K. specializes in reviving ailing recreational product companies with strong brand names. Because its principals supply their own capital, it is less likely to encounter the problems other would-be motorcycle makers have with financing. The company's specific plans for the brand have not been set, though it says it will produce Indian motorcycles in the U.S. and wants to resume production "as soon as possible." It also says it is "obsessed with product design and quality."
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