CBBTRADER.COM NEWS

A highly timid little man, ventured into a biker bar in the Bronx and clearing his throat asked, "Um, err, which of you gentlemen owns the Doberman tied outside to the parking meter?" A giant of a man, wearing biker leathers, his body hair growing out through the seams, turned slowly on his stool, looked down at the quivering little man and said, "It's my dog. Why?"

"Well," squeaked the little man, obviously very nervous, "I believe my dog just killed it, sir." "What?" roared the big man in disbelief. "What kind of dog do you have?" "Sir," answered the little man, "it's a little four week old female puppy." "Bull!" roared the biker, "how could your puppy kill my Doberman?" "It appears that your dog choked on her, sir."

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 27, 2008) - The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) today announced the formation of the MCC Competition Working Group to coordinate and expand motorcycle racing in Canada. The MCC, World Enduro Canada (WEC), the Canadian Motosport Racing Club (CMRC) and Parts Canada Superbike Championship (produced by Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), as founding members agree that the formation of this working group will put Canada's competition racing on the map as a force to be reckoned with in the international racing scene.

"This is one of the most significant developments on the Canadian motorcycling scene in 25-years" says MCC President Peter Jacobs. "For years the Canadian Competition scene has been fragmented, now through this MCC working group, riders, promotional partners and industry will come together to offer events that meet the highest standards of operation and sanctioning and present fair and expanding opportunities for our riders to compete with the best."

"The recognition these various disciplines, series and riders will now receive at the national and international levels is long overdue and will allow Canadian motorcycling to be deservedly showcased worldwide," added Mark Stallybrass, President of CMRC, Canada's leading operator of competitive motocross, dirt track, SuperMoto, Cross Country, ATV and Ice racing.

"When it comes to talent, Canada's motorcycle racers are second to none," said Colin Fraser of PMP, organizer of the national road racing series for Parts Canada Superbike Championships. "By joining forces, we are creating a win-win opportunity for the individuals who choose competitive racing in Canada and at an international level."

Lawrence Hacking, one of the principals of World Enduro Canada comments that, "Canadian off road racers deserve recognition. Our FIM sanctioned WEC events have demonstrated the concept to everyone involved in the sport: our riders now know that they can indeed compete at the highest level on an international stage. The formation of the competition council will help carry this momentum to both a National Enduro and Cross Country Series."

The MCC, is the not-for-profit national advocacy organization that champions motorcycling interests throughout Canada, established in 2004, it is comprised of national, provincial and territorial organizations, regional clubs, individual riders and industry representatives.

More riders means a stronger voice...so join the over 70,000 existing MCC members across Canada and help us shape the future of motorcycling in Canada!

http://www.motorcycling.ca

It is designed to help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions, as four crash sensors mounted on the front fork measure the change in acceleration caused by the impact and convey this data to the airbag Electronic Control Unit (ECU). If the calculations performed by the ECU indicate that an airbag deployment is necessary, a signal is sent to the airbag inflator to respond and inflate the airbag. Motorcycle airbags help keep riders safe and are another example of Honda's commitment to Safety for Everyone.

For the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, Honda is dealing out three world-release concept bikes. The most radical is the Honda EVO6, which looks like a stylized Goldwing engine with some snazzy body work. I don't know what those Honda guys are getting paid, but if they roll out a bike like this, bonuses should be in order all around. Take a look at that single sided swingarm with a naked tire in the back, individual exhaust headers, and reversed tube forks up front. We can't wait to bring you shots from the reveal, later in the week. For now you'll just have to settle for one more pic below the fold.

Trail Infrastructure Construction

COHV Applauds the Federal Government Investment in Trails Infrastructure
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) as a member
of the National Trails Coalition (NTC) is pleased to learn that, in its 2009 budget, the
Government of Canada is injecting $25 million into the construction of trail infrastructure across
the nation. New trail infrastructure provides a safe venue for a variety of trail users and creates a
local economic development opportunity, particularly in rural and northern Canada.
“The National Trails Coalition was founded in 2007 in the belief that trail users and volunteer
trail builders/managers can achieve much more by working collaboratively and supporting each
other’s goals,” stated Bob Ramsay, President of the COHV. “That is the spirit in which we
developed and submitted United for a Stronger Trails System to the Government of Canada and
the announced $25 million in federal funding will significantly increase the level of trail building
in the coming year and it will create a heightened level of cooperation among trail user groups as
they rally behind a common purpose.”
The responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is of great interest to the COHV, its
member manufacturers such as Arctic Cat, BRP (Can-Am), Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris,
Suzuki, Yamaha, their distributors and the not-for-profit ATV and Off-road motorcycle rider
federations that have developed across the country.
COHV works closely with the national All-Terrain Quad Council of Canada (AQCC), the
national Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) and provincial ATV and off-road
motorcycle rider federations to develop and expand core values through initiatives that offer
solutions to concerns related to respecting private landowner properties, responsible
environmental practices and rider safety and training.
“Our vision and that of our rider clubs and federations is one of a comprehensive linked, multiuse
trail network developed through partnerships with all stakeholders,” commented Ramsay.
“With health and physical fitness being top of mind for most families and for the health care
system in Canada, we believe this is a great opportunity for all stakeholders to prove that being
out on the trails, whether through non-motorized or motorized recreational use, is not only fun
but contributes to individual and family well-being. …/2
COHV Applauds the Federal Government Investment…/2
The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV) is the bilingual, national notfor-
profit trade association that represents the responsible interests of manufacturers and
distributors of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles in Canada. Together, over three
million Canadians ride an ATV or off-road motorcycle on a regular basis each year. Find out
more at: www.cohv.ca.
 

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will buy $300 million worth of debt from Harley-Davidson Inc. in exchange for 15 percent interest. Davis Selected Advisers LP, the Motor Company’s largest shareholder, also committed to buy $300 million of debt from the Milwaukee-based company.
The combined $600 million was offered as senior unsecured notes to fund Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

“This offering represents an important next step in executing our stated strategy for funding the lending activities of HDFS,” says Tom Bergmann, chief financial officer of Harley-Davidson Inc. and interim president of HDFS.

Taking advantage of rising interest rates as global credit crunch drives off his competitors, Buffett is arranging private deals with a number of U.S. brands such as, Mars Inc., General Electric Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Obviously Buffett sees long term potential despite the current economic downturn.

Harley gained $1.87, or 16 percent, to $13.73 at 4:02 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading after earlier reaching $14.55, the biggest gain since November 2008. The motorcycle maker has lost about two-thirds of its market value in the past year. Berkshire advanced $1,100, or 1.2 percent, to $90,500.

Harley-Davidson recently reported a fourth-quarter profit decrease of 58 percent due to weaker demand for its motorcycles. The net income of $77.8 million, or 34 cents a share, was the lowest quarterly profit in nine years.
Harley-Davidson is working to cut 1,100 jobs and close three plants to save at least $60 million a year. About 70 percent of the firings will take place this year and the rest in 2010, the company said.
 

Victory Motorcycles is offering a five-year limited warranty on all new Victory bikes.

The limited time offer is valid only in the United States and Canada and does not apply to prior purchases. The transferable warranty program is valid for any new and unregistered Victory Motorcycle and is a full-coverage program inclusive of the whole motorcycle.

Motorcycles sold since Jan. 1 will be retroactively included in the program.

The five-year coverage consists of 48-month Polaristar ESC coverage in addition to the Victory 12-month factory limited warranty for a total of five years. The Polaristar ESC carries a standard $50 deductible with no mileage limitation. The Polaristar ESC will be mailed in six to eight weeks from receipt of purchase.

For 2009, Victory offers 17 models in seven model families: Custom Cruisers, Muscle Cruisers, Low Cruisers, 8-Ball Cruisers, Classic Cruisers, Touring and the Ness Signature Series. Prices range from 13,799 for the Vegas 8-Ball to $28,999 for the limited edition 10th Anniversary Vision Tour.
 

Despite the current economic turmoil, GE’s Commercial Distribution Finance Canada business (CDF) remains a committed partner to the Motorsports industry in Canada. The team at CDF demonstrates an understanding that our success is contingent upon the success of our customers. CDF has been managing through these tough business conditions with cost cutting actions within our business and we are planning systematic changes to manage fluctuating index rates and rising costs of capital rather than temporary solutions. Our view of our role in the Motorsports industry is a long-term commitment, providing customers with the level of service and the products they have come to expect.

Stephen Jones

Marketing Manager
 

Ford Motors 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON F150

Ford Motors unveiled the 2010 Harley-Davidson edition F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show this week, combining distinctive Harley-Davidson styling with the best-selling F-150.

This niche market co-branding exercise marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck dating back to 2000. The collaboration between these two companies has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The new 2010 truck is officially the first Harley-Davidson edition truck to be constructed from Ford’s award-winning 2009 F-150 chassis.

“Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

Unique features to the HD Edition truck are the front fascia and grille, model-specific badges, sport suspension, a custom premium interior with a limited-edition serialization plate and standard 22-inch polished, forged aluminum wheels, the largest in the F-Series lineup. The paint selection is Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.


Ford unveiled its 14th Harley-Davidson edition F-Series truck.

The truck's interior was designed with a prominent Harley-Davidson theme.

“There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” says Patrick Schiavone, Ford design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

The custom luxury truck also ties in the Harley related elements in the smallest of details.

“The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley biker jacket,” says Schiavone. Thematic touches include seat backs with ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers identical to those on Harley jackets.

The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is equipped with a 5.4L engine rated at 320 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sport-tuned exhaust and a top speed of 115 mph. The truck is available with 4x2 or an optional all-wheel drive, which features settings of 4x2, AWD and 4x4 high, unique to the Harley-Davidson edition on the F-150 platform. All 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 models will be SuperCrews.
 

Deliveries of the 1198 S and Limited-Edition 1098 R Troy Bayliss Edition Superbikes have commenced.

Ducati North America announced today that its dealers across the country have begun delivering the highly-anticipated 2009 Superbikes - 1198 S and the limited-edition 1098 R Troy Bayliss Edition.
Ducati’s new 1198 S Superbike with the revolutionary Ducati Traction Control system boasts 170 horsepower and a class-leading 97 lb-ft. of torque. Ducati has upped its game with the Superbike family’s “S” model to a never before seen level of performance, enabling riders to experience Ducati Corse technology both on and off the track.
The limited-edition 1098 R Troy Bayliss Edition Superbike arrives in Ducati showrooms this week. Built in honor of longtime Ducati rider Troy Bayliss’ career and recent retirement; the 1098 R Troy Bayliss Edition commands attention with its impressive 188 horsepower, a 364-pound curb weight, Ohlins TTx suspension and a special Bayliss tribute paint scheme. Paying homage to a racing legend, Bayliss fans can now own one of only 150 limited-edition motorcycles being imported into North America.
For more information about the Ducati 1198 S and 1098 R Bayliss Edition Superbikes, please visit www.ducatiusa.com

Midwest has just announced the arrival of the new Midwest Roughneck WRX300i 4x4 MSRP $4995.00, the first in a new line-up of full-auto, independent suspension Midwest 4x4's. The 08 Midwest Roughneck "i" Series will include the WRX300i, WRX500i, WRX600i, and WRX700i and will feature Full CVT automatic transmissions, electric selectable 4 wheel drive, fully independent rear suspension, LCD instrument panels, racks, and liquid cooling on all models.

Check www.midwestcanada.com for updates.

Three firefighters went out on a hunting trip. There was a rookie, a captain, and a chief. The weather was
misrable and they hadn't seen any deer all day. They came across an old shack where they went inside to play
a game of poker. After loosing a couple of hands, the rookie threw down his cards and said "that does it! I am
going out to get me a deer." Fifteen minutes later, the rookie came back with a nice four point buck. The
captain and chief asked, "how did you get that?" The rookie replied, "I walked out fifty feet, followed some
tracks and shot this buck". The captain then said, "I've had enough of this I am going to get my deer." He
came back a half hour later with a 6-point buck. The chief asked, "how did you get that?" The captain replied,
"I walked out a hundred feet, followed some tracks and shot this buck." The chief not wanting to be out done
said "I am out of here, I am going to bag the biggest buck of the day." He came back an hour later, all mangled
up and bloody. The rookie and captain asked, "what happened to you?" The chief replied, "I walked out there
five hundred feet, followed some tracks, and got hit by a train."

Both MMIC and COHV receive many calls from Canadians wishing to import motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and mopeds into Canada from foreign countries. Many of these potential importers are surprised to learn that there are regulations that must be met as a condition of admitting these vehicles into Canada. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act and regulations administered by Transport Canada, is the legislation that establishes the safety standards for vehicles manufactured and imported into Canada. Under this legislation, the importer is responsible to ensure that the vehicles imported comply with the applicable standards, prior to their importation into Canada. A commercial importer is also responsible for issuing a notice of defect (recall) for any defect in the design or manufacture of the vehicle after it is sold in Canada. For more information go to the cohv.ca website.
 

I had eighteen bottles of whiskey in the cellar and my wife insisted I empty the contents of each bottle down the sink, or else...

After careful consideration, I reluctantly agreed and finally proceeded with the unpleasant task.
I withdrew the cork from the first bottle and poured the contents down the sink with the exception of one glass, which I drank. Then, I withdrew the cork from the second bottle and did likewise with it, with the exception of one glass, which I drank.

I then withdrew the cork from the third bottle and poured the whiskey down the sink which I drank. I pulled the cork from the fourth bottle down the sink and poured the bottle down the glass, which I drank. I pulled the bottle from the cork of the next and drank one sink out of it, and threw the rest down the glass.
I pulled the sink out of the next glass and poured the cork down the bottle. Then, I corked the sink with the glass, bottled the drink and drank the pour. When I had everything emptied, I steadied the house with one hand, counted the glasses, corks, bottles, and sinks with the other, which were twenty-nine, and as the houses came by I counted them again, and finally I had all the houses in one bottle, which I drank.
I'm not under the affluence of incohol as some tinkle peep I am. I'm not half as thunk as you might drink. I fool so feelish I don't know who is me, and the drunker I stand here, the longer I get. I'm not drunk you shilly sit! ?