The Pulse
They say it's always better to quit when you're on top, right? Nobody clued Mick Jagger in on this tip, but Jeff Bleustein, CEO of Harley-Davidson, has taken this sage advice and will retire from his top-dog position in April 2005. That same board named the new CEO, James Ziemer, currently vice president and chief financial officer of Harley-Davidson Inc.
Bleustein's three decades at Harley-Davidson have been overwhelmingly successful, to say the least. In 1981, he was part of the group that purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF, and by '87 Harley-Davidson recaptured its position as the leading heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S. In '98, Bleustein assumed his current role as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.
Under Bleustein's leadership, Harley-Davidson's annual revenues grew from $1.5 billion in '96 to $4.6 billion in '03. And although The Motor Company is expected to continue wowing the world with its uptrend of earnings, it's safe to say Bleustein will be sorely missed.
In news from Japan, Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Co., promised all of Honda's future streetbikes over 250cc will be equipped with an advanced antilock braking system. The new technology will initially be included on touring and sportbikes by the end of 2007, and on all streetbikes over 250cc by the end of this decade.
Hang onto your beanie-the custom cruiser market's not saturated yet. At least not according to new-kid-on-the-block Saxon Motorcycle Company of Arizona. Saxon has just introduced the first four models of its 2005 line, each sporting a 96-cubic-inch S&S engine, six-speed transmission, a porky 250 rear tire and a powdercoated softail frame, with prices starting at $21,995.
So what differentiates these sleds from the others? Mike O'Brien, co-founder and chief marketing officer, explains, "We're...offering quality components, appealing designs and great graphics...(aimed at) American motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an affordable bike that will turn heads."
The bold new bikes include the Warlord, Saxon's flagship chopper, the Firestorm, a long and low pro-street ride, the Broad Sword, a groovy beach cruiser, and the Sceptre, a classic sport cruiser. Customers can choose from three levels of graphics packages, including a full custom option and upgrades such as an S&S 111-cubic-inch engine, billet wheels and a chrome package.
Saxon will operate out of a modern 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, and its bikes will be sold through a group of dealers nationwide starting in early '05. See more at www.saxonmotorcycles.com.
The Motorcycle Industry Council expects total 2004 motorcycle sales in the U.S. to top one million units for the first time in 20 years. 996,000 units were sold in '03-that's more motorcycles sold in the last four years than in the entire preceding decade.
A bill to close the current health insurance discriminatory loophole has been passed by the United States Senate. This legislation, S. 423 Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation, was authored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.). The bill will prohibit health plans from refusing coverage based on the source of the injury.
That truck driver who ran his 15-ton truck over a motorcyclist last June has been charged with reckless driving. Jack Fatta, 64, of Pennsylvania, was at a red light behind motorcyclist Mark McGreevy. The light turned green and Fatta's truck rolled forward, trapping McGreevy under the truck.
Cobra Calendar
Daytona BikeWeek
March 4-13, 2005
Daytona Beach, FL
Stroll along Main Street or hole up at the Speedway and watch the passing parade. See all the hoopla scheduled at http://daytona.bikeweek.com/.
Blast on the Bayou Motorcycle Rally
April 14-17, 2005
Lafayette, LA
Roll into this new event at the Big Easy. Check out the whole shebang at http:// www.blastrally.com/indexx.html or call (337) 857-2711.
Gotham Motorcycle Classic
April 16-17, 2005
New York City, NY
The Big Apple hosts its own moto-party on the decks of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (and former aircraft carrier). Tons of vendors and bike builders will be set up to show you their wares. Visit www.GothamMC.com for details on the whole scene.
Laughlin River Run
April 20-24, 2005
Laughlin, NV
Laughlin offers plenty of nearby riding destinations to explore, such as Hoover Dam, Route 66, the Grand Canyon, casinos, demo rides, a custom bike show and more. See the details at www.laughlinriverrun.com or call (800) 357-8223.
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
April 24, 2005
Half Moon Bay, CA
Join nearly 2000 flying, driving and working machines in Half Moon Bay for a massive gathering of motorized marvels from the 20th and 21st centuries. Indians, Ducatis and Guzzis will be there, as well as warbirds and tricked-out trucks, to benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. For more info see www.miramarevents.com or call (650) 726-2328.
Department of Corrections
We may have flubbed on page 23 of the February 2005 issue when we mentioned Moto Guzzi's Nevada 750 is a 2004 model. It is in fact a '05 model.
On page 74 of the February 2005 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser, we incorrectly stated that S100 Cycle Care products are available at car-care stores. They are in fact available at Harley-Davidson dealerships and most motorcycle shops across the U.S.A. and Canada.