DEALERNEWS
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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.
ROYAL DISTRIBUTING ROLLS OUT RABACONDA IN CANADA, EH? “Canada has always been an important market for Rabaconda, and we’re excited to partner with Royal Distributing to reach riders north of the border,” says Jackson Halsmer, Global Marketing Manager of the motorcycle tire changing tools leader. “Royal has built and incredible reputation within the Canadian powersports industry and we’re proud to work alongside a team that shares our passion for helping riders spend less time fighting tire changes and more time riding.” With the roll out in Canada, Rabaconda products are now used in more than 60 countries and trusted by dealers and riders around the world. “As a lifelong dirtbiker myself, I already know the excitement Rabaconda brings to the riding community,” adds Celine Laflamme, Social Media coordinator for Royal Distributing. “We’re thrilled to carry Rabaconda at Royal Distributing, offering a product line that turns one of the most dreaded parts of the sport into something fast, simple and even satisfying.” See more at: www.royaldistributing.com
#ShiftingGears Shooting Starr! “I am very happy and excited to announce that I have officially joined Yamaha Motor USA Finance Corporation (YMFC), as Director of Global Communications,” announces industry icon Bob Starr. “I am truly fortunate that I continue to have the drive, the energy and the passion and can bring additional knowledge and experience to this exceptional team of people with facilities around the globe!” Starr moves to YFMC from YMUS where he spent the past 35 years as Corporate Communications Manager (circa February 1992 - July 2026). Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/shifting-gears-tor-yamaha-industry-icon/
EARLY BIRD GETS THE DIScount! The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) has opened Early Bird registration for #DealerConnect 2026 presented by AppOne. The association’s annual confab comes back to Columbus, Ohio, September 20-21, 2026 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown… and they want dealers to bring a friend. Subscribe To #Dealernews To See The Full Story: https://dealernews.com/Home/post/early-bird-gets-the-discount/
In Case You Missed It
Need a blast from the past on this Flash Back Friday? H-D’s Super Glide launch video is live on h-d.com and YouTube.
The members of the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) Harley-Davidson Council represent Harley-Davidson dealers across the United States who are committed to serving riders, supporting our local communities, and strengthening the future of the Harley-Davidson brand.
Attention Dealers: Turn 14 Distribution has added Elektric Offroad Designs to its line card.
Billing it as “The Panhandle’s Premier Powersports Destination”, RideNow rolled out its new flagship facility for Florida: RideNow Tallahassee.
Sales pro Reid Douglas says “after 12+ years at VerticalScope, a very meaningful chapter of my career has come to a close.
