COVID-19

Just when I thought hope was on the horizon, the pandemic reared its ugly head once again. Last week, I learned that one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, the Isle of Man TT, has been cancelled for 2021. The upcoming races were scheduled to start at the end of May. So, despite the promising news involving international vaccine programs to combat the spread of Covid-19, it would appear that 2021 will be a far cry from normal as well (at least to start the year).

A Pandemic Purchase

by Christian Pierce | Jul 24, 2020 | Ride Life | 0 |

I didn’t set out to buy a used motorcycle during a pandemic, but that’s exactly what happened.
Like most people right now, I just needed an escape, something that would enable me to clear my head for a bit without talk of epicenters, vaccine trials, personal protection equipment, etc. So, while my kids watched cartoons after dinner, I got in the habit of surfing Craigslist to see what two-wheeled deals were available.

Harley-Davidson Prepares to “Rewire”

by Rob Brooks | May 1, 2020 | Industry & Racing | 2 |

Harley-Davidson released a press brief this week, discussing their first quieter 2020 sales results and outlining some “near-term” strategic actions for restarting production and beginning to move into recovery. It’s no secret that H-D has suffered losses in recent years, and the COVID-19 world crisis has imposed devastating effects on them, as well as so many other motorcycle brands around the world.

Ducati, Others Prep To Reopen Motorcycle Production

by Rob Brooks | Apr 27, 2020 | Industry & Racing | 0 |

Ducati Motorcycles in Italy has announced a graduated reopening of production this week, as workers begin returning to the factory. The company plans to slowly return to pre-COVID levels of manufacturing in the coming weeks, according to a report in Italian media site OmniMoto. After suspension of all operations back on March 13, Ducati has announced the reopening of operations at the Borgo Panigale plant, specifically on the facility’s workshop and engine assembly lines while following strict health protocols.

Motorcycle Market Malady

by Rob Brooks | Apr 22, 2020 | Industry & Racing | 2 |

Deep in the global COVID pandemic, and amidst a nearly ten-year decline in sales, the motorcycle industry has continued to take a beating here in 2020. If automotive sales have declined, motorcycle sales have ridden off a cliff. Global sales have plummeted worldwide, in every category, in every country, for every manufacturer.