Rotational Motion Protection in Helmets

UTVs Are a Trend That’s Here to Stay

North America Cycles to Distribute KTM Bicycles Exclusively

Rotational Motion Protection in Helmets

UTVs Are a Trend That’s Here to Stay

North America Cycles to Distribute KTM Bicycles Exclusively

8 Ways Motorcycle and Powersports Dealerships Can Manage Demand with Speed & Efficiency

Demand for motorcycle and powersports dealerships is at an all-time high, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make a sale. Inventory shortages and delays have created challenges that only add to a growing list of problems many consumers see with today’s motorcycle and powersports buying experience. Find out how you can uplevel your dealership experience in this free webinar. We’ll cover 8 ways motorcycle and powersports dealerships can manage demand with speed and efficiency, meeting customer demands and helping you make the sale.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Speakers Greg Jones, Content Director, Power & Performance Group

Reach out to Greg Jones at (330)670-1234 ext: 272 for general listing questions. You may also visit our contact us page and submit your inquiry with your questions and contact info.

Reach out to Greg Jones at (330)670-1234 ext: 272 for general listing questions. You may also visit our contact us page and submit your inquiry with your questions and contact info.

Motorcycle & Powersports News offers three unique newsletters designed to deliver business intelligence to powersports dealers and other industry professionals who sell and service motorcycles, scooters, UTVs, ATVs, electric motorcycles, karts and more in the United States.   Subscribe now to receive the MPN Newsletter, the MPN Off-Road Newsletter and the MPN V-Twin newsletter directly in your inbox every week. If a powersports dealer carries it, MPN covers it. Dealers have come to count on Motorcycle & Powersports News as their No. 1 resource for researching products and services in the industry.

Motorcycle & Powersports News offers three unique newsletters designed to deliver business intelligence to powersports dealers and other industry professionals who sell and service motorcycles, scooters, UTVs, ATVs, electric motorcycles, karts and more in the United States.   Subscribe now to receive the MPN Newsletter, the MPN Off-Road Newsletter and the MPN V-Twin newsletter directly in your inbox every week. If a powersports dealer carries it, MPN covers it. Dealers have come to count on Motorcycle & Powersports News as their No. 1 resource for researching products and services in the industry.

ByMPN Staff Writers on Jun 9, 2022

ByMPN Staff Writers on Aug 9, 2022

ByMPN Staff Writers on Jul 26, 2022

ByMPN Staff Writers on Jul 7, 2022

Walking the show floor at the 2022 AIMExpo, we came across this stunning Harley sitting in front of the Tucker booth. We got to chat with James Simonelli about the bike, which belongs to his friend, and found out it’s a custom-built Knucklehead and it’s our Ride of the Week.Click Here to Read MoreAdvertisement

This Harley-Davidson Knucklehead has both the cool factor and the convenience factor; a classic bike with modern innovations that make it a more-than-manageable ride. It even features a few surprises within the paint work. Check it out!

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That's a wrap! No, seriously — we wrapped Big Blue.

Take the long slide to superiority.

In a discipline where tenths of a second and tens of centimeters make the difference in a lap-time or an overtaking move, the precision and the sheer razor-edged intent behind the 2023 KTM 450 SMR is exactly what any Supermoto fan or racer needs.

The innovations start with the refined hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame. Front-end focus and sensitivity and rear-end stability defines everything that is fast and strong on the Supermoto circuit. KTM has altered longitudinal and torsional flex (also through frame wall thickness) to make sure that feedback is acute and on-point as any rider — from novice to world championship-level racer — will demand. A revised shock mount enhances energy absorption and straight-line stability for 2023. The “anti-squat” concept translates to better acceleration and corner exit and is also achieved courtesy of the reposition of rotational masses and the new shock itself. The “inward” located footrests augment the feeling that the 2023 KTM 450 SMR can be gripped, carried and pushed however far the rider wants to go. The polyamide-reinforced aluminum two-piece subframe is another ingredient for the overall greater handling effect with the bonus of superb strength. The flow of contact with the track surface comes spilling through the high-grade aluminum CNC-machined triple clamps which are newly applied with increased grip surface for less handlebar “twist.”

Sliding into turns has never felt easier, but the added reassurance comes from expert degree of flex pouring forth from the diecast aluminum swingarm, new 22-millimeter rear axle and the latest generation of WP XACT Suspension. AER 48-millimeter forks have a split-damping function and simple tool-less adjusters, among other advantages. The same practicality graces from the new shorter, lighter (but still with the same amount of travel) WP XACT rear shock, which is fully optimized with several significant upgrades to enable advanced damping characteristics. The WP XACT shock is the most progressive and capable system seen on a KTM Supermoto machine yet.

Calculated millimeters on corner entry are made possible with high-powered, four-piston Brembo brakes with a 310-millimeter front disc. A 220-millimeter disc and single piston caliper will bring the rear end around nicely while it’s feted by the SUTER anti-hopping clutch and Brembo hydraulics that will let riders drift all the way till they shift.

Once the Metzeler Racetec SM K1 tires (with a large usage window and rapid warm-up times) have been abused into the apex, the unmistakable firepower of the 2023 KTM 450 SMR gets everything winding forward. The new single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine is designed with mass centralization as the goal and blasts out 63 horsepower with the motor weighing just under 27 kilograms, almost half a kilo less than the previous edition. The engine itself has been tilted back and the sprocket dropped by 3 millimeters with new cylinder internals and crankshaft optimization as other markers of the 2023 set-up. PANKL Racing Systems have supplied a redesigned five-speed gearbox with a new transmission ratio. Another feature is the fresh Quickshift sensor on the shift drum for clutch-less upshifts (which can also be disabled through the handlebar switch). The Keihin Engine Management System will administer the traction control, launch control and quickshift actions and the ability to flick between two customizable engine maps.

Throwing the whole package into place on-track is now simpler with new ergonomics and the sculpted rider “triangle” that permits even better contact points between motorcycle and user. A recessed grip “pocket” under the seat is another example of the fine-tuned practicality. There won’t be a better or harder-looking bike on the track than the 2023 KTM 450 SMR. The 1990s-derived splash of purple adds to the READY TO RACE graphic vibe together with the flat orange seat and white tail.

The 2023 KTM 450 SMR will vanish through KTM authorized dealers from June 2022.

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