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Welcome to Marne, Iowa. Population 110! In motorcycling’s version of Field of Dreams, Royal Enfield announced our friends from Baxter Cycle were the first flagship dealer for the brand in North America.
Speaking of Royal Enfield flashbacks, it seems like just yesterday our friend Bree Poland was explaining here crazy concept for Royal Enfield’s Build.Train.Race. Then COVID came and she doubled up on the BTR Flat Track program, for women, added Slide School to the mix and added BTR roadracing to the mix.
The latest bikes from four OEMs will be juxtaposed with some of the oldest motorcycles in the USA during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days next week.
As the presenting partner supporting FMF Racing, Wiseco and ProTaper at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 24–26, 2026, Turn 14 will also be “personally” invested at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Meet Carson Young! Carson is the new General Manager of Rahal Ducati Indianapolis.
Shifting Gears
Shooting Starr! “I am very happy and excited to announce that I have officially joined Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation (YMFC), as Director of Global Communications,” announces industry icon Bob Starr.
Just in time for SEMA’s Powersport Pavilion roll out, Turn 14 Distribution is expanding its powersports outreach with the addition of Garrett Comer, Outside Territory Manager for the key Arizona and California territories.
Arctic Cat adds long-time BRP regional sales director Avi Laub to head sales.
Following a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years with the company, Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc., is stepping down effective July 31.
Let the good times roll! Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. welcomes Eiko Kirino as President effective immediately.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has an action-packed agenda for the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “The team here at the Museum continues to seek more opportunities to connect the Museum with riders around the country,” says Executive Director Heidi Haro. “Pearl's Jam, the Meet & Greet with inductees and the Hall of Fame livestream are celebrations of the special things that the museum offers to the riding community.” Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/speaking-of-sturgis-2/
OEM UPDATE: DEADWOOD DEBUT Just in time for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson rolls out its stripped down, sub-$18,000 softail, dubbed Deadwood. “The Deadwood motorcycle embodies that spirit of rebellion and individualism that was so prevalent following World War II, when many returning GI rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to experience excitement and freedom,” explains Head of Design Bjorn Shuster. Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/oem-update-deadwood-debut/
#ShiftingGears Meet Carson Young! Carson is the new General Manager of Rahal Ducati Indianapolis. “After serving as our Service Manager, he’s stepped into his new leadership role, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him leading the team,” says Dealer Principal Graham Rahal. “With more than five years of riding experience and a family background in racing, motorcycles have always been a big part of Carson’s life." Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/quick-shifting-gears-at-rahal-ducati/
DEMOS FROM 4 OEMs AT VMD The latest bikes from four OEMs will be juxtaposed with some of the oldest motorcycles in the USA during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days next week. Harley-Davidson, @Honda Motorcycles & ATVs, Royal Enfield and Suzuki will host demo rides at the 2026 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Turn 14 Distribution, July 24-26 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. “Each year at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, we work to provide our attendees with an unforgettable experience,” says American Motorcyclist Association Business Development Manager Michael Kula. Subscribe To Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/demos-from-4-oems-at-vmd/
In Case You Missed It
And the winner is… In one of the toughest votes in history, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announced the six motorcyclists that will be inducted during the 2026 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 10 in Pickerington, Ohio.
A tribute to the golden era of Superbikes and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of AMA Superbike racing, the 2026 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Turn 14 Distribution will feature plenty of iconic experiences and bikes that span the history of the famed series.
Looking to stand behind their dealers, KYMCO USA has relaunched its KYMCO Extended Protection Program (KEPs rhymes with “keeps”).
As part of its 80th anniversary, Shinko has something special in store for stocking Shinko stores!
“After six years at Zero Motorcycles Inc., it’s time to close this chapter. Started on social. Ended up owning global marketing automation. In between, a bit of everything.” says hard charging EV exec Patrick Flynn.
