A photo of Rick Fairless in front of the Viper Diamondback showcased on its branded display at Fairless's motorcycle dealership 'Strokers Dallas"
Update: Viper Motorcycle Company Reveals 2010 Diamondback
Viper Motorcycle Company Launches Branding Campaign With Motorcycle Displays and Prepares for Formal Launch
November 11, 2009:
Viper Motorcycle Company (OTCBB: VPWI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc., is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 Viper Diamondback 152. 2010 models are a continued result of ongoing development and a joint venture effort with Ilmor Engineering. Product availability will be limited as we move into 2010 and prepare for a formal industry wide launch.
Terry Nesbitt, President of Viper, stated, "The first 2010 models are ready for release and will be shipped immediately to key dealers such as Rick Fairless's Strokers Dallas, Eddie Trotta's Thunder Cycle, Low Country Customs, Ronnie's Harley Davidson, Creagers Cycle Center, Extreme Customs, Victory of Grand Rapids and more."
Nesbitt added, "In an ongoing effort to increase our exposure and add overall value to the Viper brand, we are announcing an innovative merchandising campaign designed to give Viper motorcycles their own space, enabling our brand identity to grow. We are providing to our dealers a branded motorcycle showroom display stand. The high performance 2010 Diamondback Super Cruiser has no equal and will be appropriately displayed. As we move forward preparing for a formal launch, including additional models and large scale production, we will continue to make available to our dealers the best and most effective merchandising tools available in order to increase value in the Viper brand."
Viper Powersports designs, manufactures and markets a line of premium American V-Twin Super Cruiser motorcycles, V-Twin aftermarket engines and other related aftermarket products through an independent dealer network. Joint venture partner Ilmor Engineering (ILMOR - Engineering, Racing, Marine, UAV, Company Profile) provides technical developmental support for the proprietary 152 cubic inch Viper V-Twin engine, utilizing their 25 years of engine design expertise, ensuring Viper's long term success as America's newest domestic OEM of motorcycles. Viper Powersports and Viper Motorcycle Company's websites are ›› Home and Viper Motorcycles.
The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements. We caution that such statements may be subject to uncertainties and that actual results could differ materially from the foregoing statements. Readers accordingly should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which do not reflect anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances occurring after the date of these forward-looking statements.
Husqvarna Motorcycles Unveils 2010 TE 630 Street-Legal Enduro and 2010 Supermoto Models: SM 450, SM 510, SM 630
(11/10/2009)
November 10, 2009 - Woodcliff Lake, NJ
2010 TE 630 Street-Legal Enduro
Topping Husqvarna's street-legal enduro range is the 2010 TE 630, an exciting new motorcycle designed to fill a gap in a particularly interesting sector of the motorcycle market. The new machine is powered by a 600cc four-stroke, DOHC single-cylinder engine and it is based on another new release, the 2010 SM 630 Supermoto. The TE 630 shares many components and design features with Husqvarna's other four-stroke racing enduro models.
With the release of the new TE 630, Husqvarna is widening its model range to benefit riders who use their bikes for daily transportation. Combining comfort and practicality with the thrill of owning and riding a race bike, the TE 630 truly is a machine with muscle and class and represents an outstanding example of how a racing bike can be transformed successfully into a very road worthy motorcycle.
The new TE 630 combines dynamic looks and character with a frame constructed to excel in rigorous off-road use wrapped around a superlative engine that is highly tractable throughout the RPM range even at low to medium revs. And that is the big news for the TE 630 - a 600cc double-overhead cam engine that's been bored from 98 to 100 mm. Like Husqvarna's four-stroke racers the TE 630 is fitted with a red rocker-box cylinder head which houses a valve-train similar to Husqvarna's 450 and 510 cc machines and delivers 20% more power than the previous TE 610 version.
The new TE 630 features an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system developed in collaboration with Mikuni with a 45 mm throttle body, handlebar mounted starter command, and a 300 Kpa Mitsubishi "twin jet" fuel injector fitted to the throttle. A pressure regulator (3 Bar) regulates any return of excess fuel to the tank and the MAQS (Modularized Air Quantity Sensor) consists of air temperature, mapping and TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) sensors.
Additional features include a Kokusan 360W three-phase ignition flywheel, a water temperature sensor positioned on the head, an injection ECU that processes signals and governs the operation of a solenoid-operated valve on the right hand side of the radiator. The TE 630's cooling system features a new impeller and pump body. It also benefits from a hydraulic clutch and redesigned left cover plate. A rugged 3.17 gallon (12 litre) polyethylene gas tank with 10.6g/h (40 l/h) fuel-pump and a non-return fuel circuit with quick-fit connections are standard equipment. The TE 630 comes with passenger footpegs and a main stand is available as an option.
The TE 630 exhaust system has a "closed loop" lambda probe and its twin aluminum silencers feature redesigned catalyzers that meet stringent Euro 3 requirements. Silencers play an important part in the system's aggressive look with stainless steel protection wrapped around the catalyzer area.
Up front the TE 630 features Marzocchi forks that now share the same black sleeves as on the 450 and 510 models. Tommaselli tapered handlebars with new steering head clamps complete the package.
Husqvarna Debuts 2010 Supermoto Models: SM 450, SM 510, SM 630
Today Husqvarna Motorcycles unveiled a 2010 Supermoto range at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) consisting of 3 unique models destined for distribution to North America ranging from 450 to 630cc.
Beyond any shadow a doubt, Husqvarna is the defacto leader of the Supermotard sector. Beginning in the early '90s, Husqvarna was the first factory to run an official team in the various European championships. The company soon introducing a model lineup specially designed to meet the requirements of this specific discipline. Season after season Husqvarna riders have enjoyed great success in Supermoto competition worldwide.
Evidence of Husqvarna's winning legacy is presented today in the form of reigning Supermoto World Champion Adrien Chareyre as well as in Husqvarna's new 2010 SM lineup. Each and every production model was inspired and bred by competition yet designed to suit a wide variety of riders ranging from first time supermoto rookies, to daily commuters, to those wanting to own and race the same Husqvarna machines that champions like Adrien Chareyre ride to victory.
The 2010 SM 450 and 510 are the hottest items in Milan this week. Each has been completely redesigned with three key elements in mind: performance, safety and reliability. Both machines share a completely new frame design and fuel injection. One look makes it very clear that development was inspired by experience gained on the Supermoto World Championship circuit. New twin exhaust systems that add to the already winning look and sound of these machines is just the first indication of good things to come.
Complimenting the competition dominant profile of the 450/510 models is the all new SM 630 which translates Husqvarna's racing spirit into a potent "street legal" motorcycle. As the embodiment of all the know -how Husqvarna engineers have acquired over a decade of pursuing supermoto titles perhaps the SM 630's greatest gifts are light weight and handfuls of usable power offered up by its magnificently designed 600cc DOHC engine. One ride and it becomes clear that the SM 630 is as perfect negotiating the daily "Urban Cross" (read: commuter traffic) as it is ruling on the open highway. Attractive as it is performance based, the SM 630 exemplifies cutting edge Italian design and style.
THE NEW HUSQVARNA SM 630
Development of the SM 630 began with a total redesign of both frame and engine. Next came completely new bodywork for an elegant and streamlined yet aggressive look. The gas tank, side panels, and front and rear fenders are all new as is the seat which now has double-depth foam that provides rider and passenger with increased comfort for medium and long rides. And speaking of passengers: two specially designed handles on the saddle frame increase confidence and comfort.
A new headlight unit houses a brighter light source. This unit is built into the fairing that blends perfectly with the "racing" front fender. New rear fender features LED lighting and a built-in license plate mount. The black powder-coated frame and rear swingarm contrasts nicely with the two new color combinations: White and Aluminum or Black and White. The White and Aluminum version is more elegant and features "in mold" plastic decorations while the Black and White combo is sportier and more aggressive with fully painted bodywork.
Big news for the SM 630 is its 600cc double - overhead cam engine who's bore has been opened up from 98 to 100 mm. Like Husqvarna's four-stroke racers the SM 630 is fitted with a red rocker-box cylinder head which houses a valve-train similar to Husqvarna's 450 and 510 cc machines and delivers 20% more power than the previous TE 610 model.
The SM 630 also features an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system developed in collaboration with Mikuni with a 45 mm throttle body, handlebar mounted starter command, and a 300 Kpa Mitsubishi "twin jet" fuel injector fitted to the throttle. A pressure regulator (3 Bar) regulates any return of excess fuel to the tank and the MAQS (Modularized Air Quantity Sensor) consists of air temperature, mapping and TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) sensors.
Additional features include a Kokusan 360W three-phase ignition flywheel, a water temperature sensor positioned on the head, an injection ECU that processes signals and governs the operation of a solenoid-operated valve on the right hand side of the radiator. The SM 630's cooling system features a new impeller and pump body. It also benefits from a hydraulic clutch and redesigned left cover plate. A rugged 3.17 gallon (12 litre) polyethylene gas tank with 10.6g/h (40 l/h) fuel-pump and a non-return fuel circuit with quick-fit connections are standard equipment. The SM 630 comes with passenger footpegs and a main stand is available as an option.
The SM 630 exhaust system has a "closed loop" lambda probe and its twin aluminum silencers feature redesigned catalyzers that meet stringent Euro 3 requirements. Silencers play an important part in the system's aggressive look with stainless steel protection wrapped around the catalyzer and passenger footpeg areas.
Stopping duties up front come courtesy of a race-derived Brembo's race derived radial caliper and floating 320 mm disc while rear brake duties are handled by a 220 mm Brembo disc and single-piston caliper.
Up front the SM 630 features Marzocchi forks that now share the same black sleeves as the 450 and 510 models. Tommaselli tapered handlebars with new steering head clamps complete the package.
Dry weight is 348.3 lbs/158 Kg.
HUSQVARNA 2010 SM 450 and SM 510
Reflecting upon experience gained from wins in world supermoto competition the 2010 Husqvarna SM 450 and SM 510 models have undergone some radical changes. With a goal of making both models lighter and easier to handle, Husqvarna engineers concentrated first on frame development. A completely new frame design increased new levels of rigidity and settings for managing power output and handling optimization. Riders now enjoy much better feel overall and frames are an entire kilo lighter - 2.2 lbs lighter! - than before.
New SM body panels feature IPD (in-mold plastic decoration) graphics and they are constructed of stronger, more flexible plastic than before. Both front and rear lighting systems are more powerful. The rear light cluster houses LED lights and an integrated dual-purpose license plate holder that can carry either a license plate or a racing number without the owner having to buy additional parts.
The front fender is also new and the look of the SM is both eye-catching and unique. Taking visual and aesthetic dynamics even further are black anodized Excel rims and new black plastic engine protectors. Striking to say the very least.
An all new aluminum sidestand further helps to keep weight to absolute minimum levels.
A variety of improvements have taken place across the entire spectrum of 2010 Husqvarna DOHC engines including more powerful water pumps and new radiator hoses for better cooling and increased performance. Oil lubrication and cooling are further improved thanks to a new oil circuit over-pressure valve, a new needle cage lubrication bearing and a newly designed oil filter. Steel exhaust valves ensure longer life and better reliability and the gearbox has been renewed to improve gear change speed and accuracy. Added gearbox enhancements include improvements to gear change linkage, shift lever and selector mechanisms.
All 450 and 510 engines benefit from new timing gear chain tensioners that improve chain tension and reduce contact pressure. Exhaust systems feature twin aluminum silencers that create a very special sound, reduce overall noise levels and improve performance.
Husqvarna Motorcycles. Tradition on two wheels since 1903.
Husqvarna Motorcycles, a part of the BMW Group since October 2007, are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of competition and numerous motocross and enduro world championships. Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Varese, Italy since 1987.
Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC
Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC is part of BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC returned to off-road racing competition in 2008 and during 2009 Husqvarna will expand its professional race team to compete in AMA GNCC, Endurocross, National Hare & Hound, the AMA Hare Scrambles Series, and WORCS competition. Husqvarna team riders will compete in the premier classes of each series aboard 2009 Husqvarna TXC 450, TXC 510, and WR 300 off-road models.
###
Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC
300 Chestnut Ridge Road
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 USA
New Jersey Motorsports Park Will Host Penske Motorcycle Suspension Seminar December 5th
Nov 12, 2009 From a press release issued by New Jersey Motorsports Park
Penske Racing Shocks Motorcycle Suspension Seminar Added To New Jersey Motorsports Park Winter Line-Up
Millville, N.J. (November 12, 2009) - New Jersey Motorsports Park has added an additional course to this winter's NJMP University sessions, a series of seminars geared to participants in multiple genres of road racing. The recently announced course, focusing on understanding motorcycle suspension and set-up, joins existing classes explaining the nuances of karting.
Penske Racing Shocks joins New Jersey Motorsports Park in offering "Suspension Dynamics and Tuning For Motorcycles," including both a classroom session and a hands-on experience on Saturday, December 5. The $75 tuition fee includes a 9 a.m. to noon classroom session, followed by lunch and an afternoon session that includes hands-on work on the suspensions of the student's track day and racing bikes.
The latest addition joins two November seminars focusing on the F1 New Jersey karting facility, "How to Utilize Data Acquisition for Karting" and "Chassis Dynamics for Karting."
The morning classroom session at "Suspension Dynamics and Tuning for Motorcycles" will cover topics including basic shock design, terminology, and philosophy discussion. Also covered is the use and interpretation of a shock dyno graph, shock tuning for the racetrack, and new product introduction and explanation.
A team from Penske Racing Shocks will assist students, who should bring their motorcycles to the seminar, in directly using the morning knowledge to set-up the suspension on their track day or racing machines.
Penske Racing Shocks technicians Mike Himmelsbach and Aaron Lambert will conduct the seminar. Himmelsbach, the Motorcycle Department Manager at Penske Racing Shocks, and Lambert, Penske Racing Shocks Production Manager, have worked in various roles at Penske and the motorsports industry. A road racer himself, Himmelsbach was part of the team that captured the win in the first motorcycle race held at New Jersey Motorsports Park, winning the then-SunTrust Moto-ST race in 2008.
"Teaming with Penske Racing Shocks for our first NJMP University course provides motorcycle track day enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region access to the best information available," said Kevin Wittman, General Manager at New Jersey Motorsports Park. "In addition to our karting seminars, this is another example of the top-notch instruction available at New Jersey Motorsports Park."
Suspension Dynamics and Tuning for Motorcycles
Saturday, December 5; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This course covers the design, terminology and theory of motorcycle suspension and forks, and the practical application of those items to motorcycles on a race track. The class will utilize a variety of available tools and resources from Penske Racing Shocks to explain various adjustments, including a shock dyno graph. Following a morning classroom session, students will tune their personal track day or racing motorcycles in New Jersey Motorsports Park's garages, with hands-on assistance. The $75 course will be taught by Mike Himmelsbach, Motorcycle Department Manager, and Aaron Lambert, Production Manager, of Penske Racing Shocks.
For more information on New Jersey Motorsports Park, F1 New Jersey, Breighton Room, or to purchase tickets, visit Welcome to New Jersey Motorsports Park or call 856-327-7217.
BMW revealed a six-cylinder motor at the EICMA show this week that will be placed in touring and other motorcycles.
The "Concept 6" is barely wider than a conventional four-cylinder layout, the company says, and will be powerful: 96 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm and horsepower similar to BMW's 1300 cc four cylinder motors. Long-stroke cylinder designs help keep the motor narrow and limit max rpm levels to less than 9,000.
The first BMW-6 will be seen in a "luxurious BMW touring machine," they say, but it will be an "ideal power unit for a wide range of different motorcycles" because of its power and (for a six) small size.
BMW suggests that the six will use a ride-by-wire throttle technology to improve fuel economy and performance. And perhaps thankfully for future owners, long maintenance intervals will be allowed by the use of cup tappets to control valve movement.
Carlo Cudicini (born 6 September 1973 in Milan) is an Italian goalkeeper who currently plays for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He is the son of former AC Milan goalkeeper Fabio Cudicini and grandson of Ponziana Trieste defender Guglielmo Cudicini. He found fame at Chelsea.
November 13, 2009 Carlo Cudicini suffers serious injuries in motorcycle accident
Senior officials at Tottenham Hotspur were unaware that Carlo Cudicini owned a high-performance motorcycle until the goalkeeper came off it yesterday morning, receiving “possible life-changing” injuries.
Cudicini, 36, fractured both wrists and received pelvic damage when his BMW superbike collided with a Ford Fiesta in Walthamstow, east London. Once Tottenham have established the full extent of the injuries, they will have to decide whether he was in breach of his contract when he received them.
It seems some of the response to the Enertia motorcycle has been a jaw dropping to the floor. The old price was nearly $12,000 and perhaps in response to the dropping jaws Brammo announced on November 10 a major price reduction to $7,995. Because this motorcycle qualifies for a 10% federal income tax credit, the after-credit price is $7,195.
A British Brand for the Zero Emissions Market, 'Hesketh Motor Company'
London, 10th November 2009.
PRESS RELEASE
Hesketh Motorcycles Ltd "HMC" (A division of Hesketh Motor Company Ltd) is pleased to announce that it has secured an exclusive deal with New Vectrix, which is continuing production of its world-renown zero emission electric bikes.
The bikes will be sold in the UK under the brand name "Hesketh" and will be called the Hesketh HZE-Vectrix. It will be marketed as a premium product for the commuter market with two new models expected during the course of 2010.
Charles Hesketh, Director of HMC, said. "This is a brand new chapter in the life of what we know as the World's first high performance, zero emission, production motorbike. We spent a considerable amount both financially and energetically searching for a zero emission two-wheeled vehicle worthy of the Hesketh brand, and the Vectrix VX-1 meets all our requirements."
Confirmation of the continuation of the Vectrix brand sees the way clear for HMC to offer a new contract to the current network of dealers which will include continued support* for all Vectrix bikes sold in the last two years.
Since its launch in May 2006, the Vectrix has been widely acclaimed by individual owners, fleet managers and dealers alike, a practical and quality product, enthusiastically received by the industry and positioned to meet the needs of today's environmentally informed public. With public charging units becoming common place in our towns and cities, the urban community is embracing electric transportation as a reality in which the Hesketh HZE-Vectrix will provide outstanding performance and reliability, and of course style.
As quoted in "What Diesel Magazine" New Years Honours - "The Vectrix is without doubt, the finest contribution to reducing commuting emissions bar none. And it's a showcase of what can already be done with battery technology if you stop strapping them to petrol and diesel engines in order to reduce consumption slightly. There isn't a better, quicker or cleaner commuting vehicle out there, nor is there any powered vehicle that comes near it in terms of economy or smiles per mile either."
Hesketh Motocycles Ltd was acquired earlier this year with the clear objectives of establishing a British brand in the evolving zero emissions market as well as fundamentally changing the way people commute on a daily basis. HMC is committed to 'changing the world two wheels at a time' by providing environmentally friendly, cost effective transportation for the urban commuter.
SHOWDOWN: Honda vs. Kawasaki (and maybe KTM) in motorcycle battle at 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
Honda revving for 12th straight Overall motorcycle win, but Kawasaki’ “Super Star” team stands in the way
LOS ANGELES–What a difference a year has made in the world of SCORE Baja motorcycle racing. Just when it looked like the invincible Johnny Campbell Racing factory-supported Honda team would give Honda its 20th overall win in the granddaddy of all desert races, along came Kawasaki with a factory-supported team of its own filled with superstar former Honda riders. The 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race will be held next week in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
American IronHorse, Fort Worth’s high-end motorcycle maker, sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in April. The tangible assets — mostly equipment and motorcycle parts — fetched $3 million, a fraction of the amount Textron Financial Services, its major secured creditor, has lost over the years. A former IronHorse chief executive, Buck Hendrickson, estimated the losses at more than $12 million.
Textron forced the manufacturer into liquidation in August and is selling off what’s left, the intangible assets — brand name, designs and engineering innovations.
Scott Meyers, who along with his wife was IronHorse’s last owner, has offered $1 for the company’s brand. But a Massachusetts firm hired by Textron to dispose of the intangible assets believe it’s worth considerably more.
Meanwhile, Textron is in a legal battle against Meyers, who says Textron drove IronHorse out of business by abruptly canceling dealers’ floor-plan inventory lending, then hurt the company’s image by "dumping" hundreds of bikes at bargain-basement prices on an as-is basis with no warranties.
This, Meyers alleges in court documents filed in August, amounts to unlawful interference and fraud.
Textron countersued in federal bankruptcy court here, accusing Meyers of breach of contract and illegal interference in its business. The case is scheduled to be tried in July.
Neither Meyers nor Textron spokeswoman Karen Papa responded to repeated requests for comment.
This summer, Textron tried to sell bikes directly to the public at a Fort Worth event, until a local dealer alerted authorities, who stopped the sale, said the dealer, Charles Strand of Grand Prairie’s Renegade Motorcycles. Under Texas law, only franchised dealers can retail new bikes and vehicles.
Textron’s bikes were shipped back to a Kentucky warehouse, then back again to North Texas after Strand negotiated to acquire 60 bikes the lender had taken from defaulting dealers, he said. In all, Strand says, he has gotten more than 100 of the 2008 model motorcycles and is selling the $35,000 list-priced choppers for as low as $20,000.
Meyers is also suing Strand in bankruptcy court for buying bikes from Textron in alleged violation of his franchise agreement, which Meyers maintains restricts purchases only through IronHorse.
Strand shrugs off the allegation and says that 600 to 700 more bikes will be coming on the market and that he’s interested in picking up a good number.
"We’re still buying them," said Strand, who also is chief executive of Sun Water Systems-Aquasana, a water purification company in Haltom City. "I am buying more this week. There are a few IronHorse dealers left. I doubt if they can make it through the winter, and Textron will be repossessing." He said he is also talking to a South Carolina bank and GE Money.
In May 2008, Textron had lent IronHorse under Meyers $1.5 million and extended a $4.7 million line of credit to help the former accountant and aerospace executive acquire the company out of bankruptcy. Meyers beat out New York investor Lynn Tilton of Patriarch Partners, who stormed out of the federal courthouse visibly furious. Textron also had been lending to IronHorse’s dealer network since at least 2004, and in 2005 it was announced that Textron would provide $40 million in floor-plan financing.
IronHorse has had a roller coaster history. Bedford entrepreneur Bill Rucker and Tim Edmundson of Birmingham, Ala., launched the venture in 1998.
It has had five chief executives, at one time including hedge fund manager Dwayne Moyers, since investors removed Rucker in 2003.
Through most of the turmoil, the city of Fort Worth has been supportive. It made the company an enterprise-zone project eligible for limited sales tax reimbursements totaling $2,000 for every resident hired from 1999 through 2004. A city entity, Fort Worth Local Development Corp., covered the luxury bike maker’s property taxes when it fell behind in 2006 and 2007, the corporation said last year.
After Textron Financial cut off dealer loans and two banks stopped offering 10-year loans to prospective motorcycle buyers, any hope for a turnaround appeared bleak. Textron had embarked on a new commercial strategy in December 2008 to abandon lending to resort developers and companies like IronHorse, and concentrate instead on loans in support of products its parent company makes, aircraft and golf carts.
According to a bankruptcy hearing transcript, Meyers’ lawyer, Cynthia Cole, said her client was negotiating a settlement with Textron until talks broke down Aug. 6. Although Textron had sold off tangible assets, Meyers still had employees developing new chopper models at the time, she asserted.
Textron got permission from the court to sell IronHorse’s intangible assets, including name and intellectual property, then hired Streambank, a Massachusetts firm that had successfully marketed the names of two bankrupt national retailers: KB Toys, for $2.1 million, and Circuit City, for $14 million.
Now it’s up to the marketplace to decide the value of IronHorse’s brand and intellectual property.
Meyers disclosed in a court filing that he offered $1 for the whole lot. Strand, the dealer at Renegade, said in an Aug. 18 e-mail quoted in a court document that he was willing to pay $15,000 to $20,000 for IronHorse’s Internet domain name to use for a motorcycle parts site.
Margaret Birlem, a Streambank partner, said far more might be raised.
"Already we have gotten calls, actually quite a few calls, since we announced the sale Tuesday," Birlem said. "The value is what the highest bidder — if we choose to run an auction — is willing to pay. . . . Millions if we find the right buyer."
And the motorcycle manufacturer itself doesn’t have to be relaunched, although that would help, Birlem said.
There could be licensing agreements for using the name and logo on apparel and motorcycle parts, she said. "We’ve talked to some dealers who might have some interest and to some aftermarket parts suppliers. This is just the tip of the iceberg."
Streambank is convinced there’s treasure in all of the engineering work, noting IronHorse’s distinctive split gas-tank design and a digital information center that rested on the handlebars.
Not everyone is so sure.
Hendrickson, who was CEO from 2004 to 2008, said the digital display was his biggest warranty headache, prone to breakdown from road vibrations or water. "We had to swap out almost every one," he said Friday.
Rucker, who was interested at one point in 2008 in buying his old company back, said Streambank contacted him to see if he was still keen on re-acquiring the brand and other intellectual property (he’s not) or consulting for the firm without payment (again, no).
"You are not going to put [the logo] on motorcycles," he told the Star-Telegram. "All you can do is sell it to a Chinese manufacturer to put on scooters, and that market is cut in half.
Increased Motorcycle Deaths Blamed on Bad Economy
Since gas prices increased, experts say more inexperienced riders on the road
November 14, 2009
DALLAS
What used to be a symbol of freedom and adventure is now also a symbol of thriftiness.
"It's so much cheaper, a motorcycle," McKenna Dutcher said. "Our gas bill was almost cut in half."
With the fuel efficiency of motorcycles, more drivers are switching from four wheels to two.
Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda, said sales of his motorcycles peaked last year before dipping and rising again this year.
"Last year, our sales were the best we ever had for 33 years."
But Dr. Fernando Wilson, a professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said for every dollar increase in gas prices, 1,500 more motorcycle riders die each year nationwide.
And according to the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of motorcycle crashes has gone up each of the past five years.
Some say drivers of cars and trucks need to pay more attention.
"They're too busy on their cell phones," motorcyclist Mike Heerwagen said. "They're not paying attention to what's in front of them."
But many bikers attribute higher crash rates to the influx of new, inexperienced riders on the road.
"If you mess up on a motorcycle, it's probably a lot more tragic than a vehicle," Stephen Dutcher said.
He said he thinks all new riders should get training beyond the state testing requirements.
"I would recommend everyone to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course," Dutcher said. "I learned a lot about my bike and how to be safe and how to look for other drivers."
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
A photo of Rick Fairless in front of the Viper Diamondback showcased on its branded display at Fairless's motorcycle dealership 'Strokers Dallas" 
Linear Mode
