This Week in Powersports - The week of October 20, 2024
Scott Lukaitis
Powersports, Motorsports & Racer Marketing, Management, and Media - Director of Sales and Marketing with Engine Ice at KOST USA, Inc.
Royal Enfield to Celebrate 10th Anniversary, Host Dealer Meeting at AIMExpo
Royal Enfield will be mixing big business with a big party at AIMExpo 2025, where it will host its annual dealer meeting and celebrate its 10th anniversary of establishing a subsidiary business in North America. Royal Enfield’s dealer network will be invited to join the celebration marking the brand’s evolution, growing product portfolio, and presence on this continent, all during the premier powersports trade show, February 5-7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“AIMExpo is an excellent opportunity for Royal Enfield and our dealers to connect, see new products, meet with other exhibitors, and genuinely support industry growth,” said Ron Luttrell, Vice President of North America Sales at Royal Enfield. “It was an easy decision to hold our dealer meeting there. AIMExpo is an attraction unto itself, and our dealers ravishingly consume motorcycling culture. Plus, to be in Las Vegas, where bikes are vital all year long, makes it an excellent call to kick off the selling season nationally.”
Royal Enfield will also have a prominent exhibit at AIMExpo, right in front of the show’s new Backyard experience, and is working with AIMExpo staff to participate in additional panels and workshops.
“We are thrilled that Royal Enfield can take advantage of our show to do exactly what we are here to facilitate — networking, building relationships, sharing tips and advice, getting set up for the sales year, and having a great time,” said Andre Albert, Director, Marketing and Events at the Motorcycle Industry Council. “We’re very much looking forward to having their dealers gather here, and we’ll be doing everything we can to give them the best experience possible.”
Royal Enfield has introduced a number of new products in the past year, and the manufacturer plans to bring those new models to the show floor.
“We’re excited to see the reactions to those models and how the industry might respond,” Luttrell said. “At Royal Enfield, we’re really proud of our blend of heritage and modern engineering. Our Classic 350, Interceptor 650, and Continental GT reflect our philosophy of timeless design. Our adventure-ready Himalayan 450, the American cruiser-focused Super Meteor 650, and our new rider-focused Hunter 350 and Shotgun 650 showcase the brand’s focus on customization and versatility. There’s something for every type of rider.”
NBC Sports’ 2024 SuperMotocross Coverage Delivers Viewership Gains and Milestones
NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship series delivered viewership gains and milestones across NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and NBC Sports Digital.
The 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship series – comprised of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship (indoor season) from Jan. 6 – May 11, the Pro Motocross Championship (outdoor season) from May 25 – Aug. 24, and the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals (postseason) from Sept. 7 – Sept. 21 – averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 502,000 viewers for?coverage on NBC, USA Network, and streaming simulcasts across Peacock and NBC Sports Digital, up 26% vs. 2023. Viewership based on metrics from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
The most-watched race of the season was the Washougal Pro Motocross race on Saturday, July 20, delivering 1.1 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and NBC Sports Digital and becoming the most-watched SuperMotocross race since 2021.
Peacock delivered the most-streamed season on record for the sport. Through 31 rounds across the full series, viewers streamed more than 1.9 billion total minutes of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship for Peacock exclusive races, up 24% from last year and marking a significant growth in the popularity of the sport.
The 2024 season also included the top five most-streamed SuperMotocross races in Peacock history, and 12 of the top 15.
2024 marked the second year of the SuperMotocross World Championship series, which unified both disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross. The SuperMotocross World Championship Finals, a three-week postseason playoff format concluded in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 21 and saw Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan win their second consecutive world championship titles in the 450 and 250 classes, respectively.
NBC Sports and the SuperMotocross League are entering the third season of a multi-year media rights extension announced in October 2022.
The 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship series begins on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Ca. with round 1 of 17 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship, followed by 11 Pro Motocross races beginning on May 24. Both seasons will culminate in September with postseason racing and the battle for another SuperMotocross World Championship title.
Honda Updates Rebel 1100 Lineup for 2025 Model Year
American Honda announced today that for the 2025 model year, its popular Rebel 1100 cruiser lineup receives important updates focused on comfort and convenience. The family also grows by one, with the addition of the Rebel 1100 DCT SE—a premium-level version that shines with a list of eye-grabbing features included as standard equipment, such as fork boots, handlebar-end rear-view mirrors, a color-matched headlight cowl, a short front fender, and a special seat.
“Since its 2021 debut, Honda’s Rebel 1100 platform has proven to be a big hit with American cruiser customers, so we’re excited to both improve and deepen the roster for 2025,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “The entire platform now boasts more comfortable ergonomics, and the new Rebel 1100 DCT SE comes straight from the dealership with premium styling features. It’s clear that Honda values cruiser customers and takes their needs seriously.”
In addition to unveiling the Rebel 1100 platform, Honda confirmed the return of several other two-wheel models from five different categories: the head-turning Fury and timeless Shadow Phantom cruisers, the legendary Africa Twin and compact NX500 adventure bikes, the iconic XR650L dual-sport machine, the versatile CBR500R sport bike, and the stylish and affordable CB500F naked motorcycle.
2025 Rebel 1100
With traditional cruiser styling and a torquey parallel-twin engine, Honda’s Rebel 1100 appeals to every variety of cruiser enthusiast, with five different trim levels offered for the 2025 model year—all of which benefit from updates to comfort, convenience and performance. Changes include an improved riding position and seat, more-visible meter, and a charging outlet for electronic accessories. In addition, the Rebel 1100 is the first U.S. Honda motorcycle to come with RoadSync; standard on all trim levels, this feature enables on-the-go hands-free navigation, listening to music, checking the local weather forecast and more. New to the platform is the Rebel 1100 DCT SE, which comes standard with Honda’s high-tech dual-clutch transmission and delivers the ultimate cruiser experience, but with more premium styling-focused components preinstalled.
2025 Fury
The Fury continues its reign as Honda’s most radically designed production cruiser, thanks to its perfect mix of custom-level styling and Honda’s renowned engineering. From its clean, classic lines and low-slung riding position to its stretched wheelbase, the Fury embodies the look and feel of a one-off chopper—yet this machine’s superior performance and impressive handling capabilities are pure Honda. Combine all that with a high-performance 1,312cc V-twin engine, and it’s clear the Fury won’t be relinquishing its crown anytime soon.
2025 Shadow Phantom
The epitome of a high-quality, reliable V-twin cruiser, Honda’s Shadow Phantom pairs impressive power and handling characteristics with minimalist, bobber-inspired styling. Having received a host of aesthetic updates last model year, the Shadow Phantom boasts a comfortable saddle that’s perfect for long solo journeys but can be augmented with a passenger seat and foot pegs if the need arises. Thanks to Honda’s unmatched engineering, this model offers the reliability and performance that cruiser owners demand.
2025 Africa Twin
Honda’s Africa Twin platform continues to lead the charge in all aspects of adventure riding, with a legendary reputation that is backed up on the road or in the dirt. Available in standard and touring-focused Adventure Sports ES configurations, each of which is offered with either a manual gearbox or Honda’s advanced automatic dual-clutch transmission, the Africa Twin delivers Honda’s “True Adventure” ethos to riders seeking a mix of rugged performance and cutting-edge technology.
2025 NX500
More compact than the average ADV bike, Honda’s NX500 is a great choice for both daily commuting and weekend touring, introducing an element of adventure to either. Supported by a sturdy, lightweight chassis that provides a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride on pavement, gravel and dirt, this model is powered by an energetic twin-cylinder engine that delivers more power and performance than its diminutive size might imply. Add it all up, and the NX500 is an appealing choice for entry-level adventure riders and veteran enthusiasts alike.
2025 XR650L
The venerable Honda XR650L made its debut years ago, and the dual-sport icon has been making friends and influencing riders ever since. The rugged and reliable XR boasts an impeccable racing pedigree, having earned countless wins and podiums in the desert in general, and Baja in particular. And yet the legendary model remains an affordable, user-friendly option for riders who want to inject a little off-road action into what might otherwise be an uninspired daily commute. Versatile, dependable and with plenty of performance on tap, each XR650L has the potential to continue delivering the dual-sport goods for years to come.
2025 CBR500R
Honda’s CBR500R has evolved substantially over the years, morphing from a somewhat sporty midsize bike into a much more exciting machine, though it has maintained its user-friendly personality. With bodywork based on that of the 2024 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the smaller CBR500R features a full fairing with winglets to optimize aerodynamics, and a capable, compact parallel-twin engine that delivers exciting-yet-manageable power. The model offers high-end sportbike styling, technology and performance at an accessible price.
2025 CB500F
The value-conscious and sporty Honda CB500F is a perfect example of why the universal Japanese motorcycle (UJM, a concept that Honda helped to establish back in the ’70s) has been so popular for so long. With subtle-yet-aerodynamic styling, the CB500F naked bike is a capable, reliable machine that delivers an enjoyable riding experience for all comers. Chalk that up to its compact, lightweight chassis and proven 471cc twin-cylinder engine, which together make for a nimble-handling, smooth-accelerating ride, all packed in a stylish naked-bike design.
United States Women’s World Trophy Team Defends Crown At 2024 FIM ISDE
After an outstanding week at the 2024 FIM International Six-Days Enduro, which ran Oct. 14-19 in Galicia, Spain, the American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the United States Women’s World Trophy Team, which secured its fifth ISDE title during the difficult racing event.
In addition to the title-winning performance from the Women’s World Trophy Team, the U.S. added a pair of podium finishes from its World Trophy and Junior World Trophy Teams.
“Competing in the International Six-Days Enduro is among the most difficult feats for any racer, and we are so proud of our riders’ efforts in Spain this past week,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “Our riders represented our country and the AMA to the highest degree, and we are so grateful for their efforts during this grueling event!”
The trio of Brandy Richards, Rachel Gutish and Ava Silvestri — who filled in for the injured Korie Steede just a few weeks prior to the start of this year’s ISDE — outpaced the field to capture its second-consecutive Women’s World Trophy ISDE title.
In addition to the team’s victory, Richards also brought home the individual crown during the event.
“That was one of the toughest Six-days I’ve ever done,” Richards said in an FIM press release. “Overall, it feels incredible.?To keep the United States on top was our goal starting out the week, and I’m so happy we’ve been able to do just that!”
The World Trophy Team landed on the second rung of the podium, as Johnny Girroir, Dante Oliveira, Josh Toth and Cody Barnes — who replaced the injured Craig DeLong — fell just short of first-place France.
Led by Mateo Oliveira, Grant Davis and Jason Tino, the Junior World Trophy Team battled to a third-place finish, while Sweden captured first-place honors and France clinched second.
On the Club front, Team Eric Cleveland Memorial — helmed by the trio of Jocelyn Barnes, Rachel Stout and Olivia Pugh — became the first winner of the inaugural Women’s Club Team competition. Barnes, Pugh and Stout finished as the top three women’s club riders individually during the event, helping the team win by nearly two hours over second-place Builth Wells MCC Ladies.
In the race for the Club Team Award, Team GTBN and XC Gear collected second and fourth place, respectively.
For more information regarding the 2024 ISDE, visit?fim-isde.com/.
领英推荐
FMF KTM FACTORY RACING'S TRYSTAN HART EXTENDS EX PRO ADVANTAGE IN PRESCOTT VALLEY
Reigning AMA EnduroCross Champion Trystan Hart extended his EX Pro Class points advantage after making it back-to-back wins to commence the 2024 season. The FMF KTM Factory Racing rider pieced together three consistent motos for the overall at Prescott Valley in Arizona.
Hart was the class of the field onboard his KTM 350 XC-F at Round 2 of the series within the Findlay Toyota Center, and after recording the fourth quickest lap in Hot Lap qualifying, he led wire-to-wire in Moto 1 of the main program. Last year's title winner maintained that form in the inverted second moto from row two, picking his way forward to second position despite late contact with Colton Haaker, and that set him up for the overall. Another P2 finish from Hart in the final encounter saw him maintain his win streak two rounds in.
Trystan Hart: "It was a crazy night! I wasn't really feeling super good all day –?there was a big line in the rocks that a couple of guys were doing and I just didn't feel comfortable doing it. In the first moto, I got the holeshot and had a little bit of pressure, but got the win, and then in Moto 2, I had a crazy accident with Colton [Haaker], but somehow got second in that one. In the last one, I ripped the holeshot and kind of just rode tight, so was second again, and that was more than enough for the overall win."
As a result of his early success with two overall victories, Hart has 60 points to his credit, which places him 14 clear ahead of the chasing pack leading into next weekend's double-header in Idaho Falls.
EX Pro Class Results 1. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing 2. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna 3. Jonny Walker, Triumph 7. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna 8. Will Riordan, GASGAS
Colton Haaker climbs onto Prescott Valley AMA EnduroCross podium
A winning ride from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Colton Haaker in the final race of the evening helped take him to second position on the podium in Round 2 of the 2024 AMA EnduroCross Series at Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Five-time champion Haaker qualified quickest inside the Findlay Toyota Center after setting the pace in the Hot Laps session onboard his Husqvarna FX 350. He carried that form into Moto 1 when he finished in second position.
Haaker overcame a late incident to salvage fourth in the second moto, but saved his best for last by going on to take victory in Moto 3 – taking charge on the final lap to greet the checkered flag first. Those 2-4-1 scores were enough for a comfortable P2 overall and he has climbed to third in the standings.
"Second place tonight, really close to getting the win!" Haaker recalled. "On the last lap in the second moto, I got my leg stuck in Trystan [Hart's] back wheel, but I got fourth still somehow, and that was ultimately it for me this weekend. I feel like I should be closer to the front and we were tonight, so it was a good result and we will regroup for next week."
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Ryder LeBlond was fourth in the opening race of the night in Prescott Valley, before claiming sixth in Moto 2. His final score of 11th bumped him back to seventh overall, currently positioned P8 in the title race.
"It was a crazy night, a lot of chaos," commented LeBlond. "My first two motos were decent with fourth and sixth place results, but the final one cost us for a better overall. We'll keep working and trying hard, so look forward to next weekend and the coming two rounds."
EX Pro Class Results 1. Trystan Hart, KTM 2. Colton Haaker, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 3. Jonny Walker, Triumph 7. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 8. Will Riordan, GASGAS
SCRAMBLING THE COMPETITION: THE 2025 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION IS HERE TO RACE
Setting the pace early on, Johnny Girroir took his 2025 KTM 350 XC-F to the sharp end of the 2024 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) timing sheets, cementing it as the one to beat with a dominating performance allowing him to clinch the XC1 championship title with two rounds to spare.
The 2025 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION takes its most important updates directly from FMF KTM Factory Racing GNCC efforts, making it an even more formidable race-bred machine.?
?
Charging into the holeshot of the cross-country racing circuit, the 2025 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION builds on the newly refreshed 2025 KTM 350 XC-F by adding a layer of Factory Racing upgrades. Starting with the chassis, the KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION brings the latest version of KTM’s offroad frame concept to the mix, sharing enhancements found on the 2025 KTM motocross range.?
?
New engine mounts, improved chassis flex characteristics, less weight, and rock-solid stability merge with the championship-winning WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks and WP XACT linkage shock. Noticeably improved cornering behavior is found, which is?ideal for faster special stages.
Getting that power to the ground comes courtesy of all-new DUNLOP GEOMAX AT82 tires, which bring Progressive Cornering Block Technology (PCBT), and bi-directional tread to the fore. This means the tires do an active part in increased damping and bump absorption due to the new profile and construction while reducing knob deformation for better handling, performance, and durability.?
The 2025 XC-F range also saw the introduction of the?Connectivity Unit Offroad?– which is fitted as standard on the KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.?
?
The CUO offers a wide range of functionalities and adjustability options via the KTMconnect app. This exists as two parts, namely, the CUO itself, mounted on the right upper fork between the lower and upper triple clamp, and the GPS sensor on the front fender.?
?
An updated swingarm with a machined chain slider for better mud dissipation?and an updated rear brake pedal for improved durability and bending resistance are also highlights for the new model year.?
?
As expected on an FMF KTM Factory Racing machine, a state-of-the-art FMF muffler not only delivers class-leading performance at the lowest possible weight, but provides a throaty, Factory soundtrack, too.?
MODEL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Set to roll off the Mattighofen production line, the new 2025 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION will be available at authorized KTM dealers from October onwards. For more information, visit?KTM.com.
Progressive AFT Achieves Record-Breaking 2024 Season with Over 3.6 Million Viewers and Growth Across Platforms
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is thrilled to confirm another season of record-breaking viewership across platforms. The season tallied up total viewership of greater than 3.6 million across broadcast, livestream, and social media – an increase of over 41% on a per race basis – while earning its highest single-race ratings for the series to date on FS1.
The 2024 season saw continued impressive performance in the series’ multi-year partnership with FOX Sports, with Progressive AFT featured on a combined 100?linear television hours for race broadcasts on FOX, FS1, and FS2, while attracting over 430,000 viewers for a single race broadcast.
Meanwhile, the all-new partnership with FloSports proved a resounding success. The first year of the agreement saw the series’ Digital/OTT presence elevated to the next level, and the fans responded by logging on and tuning in. Livestreaming viewership was up over 37% following the switch while helping to attract a new generation of fans, with 54% of all digital viewers between 18 and 49 years old.
“We're thrilled by the incredible fan growth and record-breaking viewership this season,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of Progressive American Flat Track. “With a breakout year in our FloSports partnership and another record-breaking year with FOX Sports, the energy from fans, riders, and partners has been outstanding, and we can’t wait to continue this momentum into 2025.
The overall ratings success puts Progressive AFT in a position of strength as it prepares for what promises to be a fascinating 2025 season in which the world’s greatest motorcycle dirt trackers will clash for Mees’ vacated throne. Stay tuned for an announcement of the ‘25 series slate in the near future.
Viewership Totals for the 2024 Progressive AFT season:
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
GASGAS Revamps Its Awesome MC-E 5 Electric Dirt Bike!
GASGAS has always been pumped about its awesome MC-E 5. And for 2025 the popular electric dirt bike is now water cooled, better than ever, and built around a brand new frame! Already by far the best performing and coolest looking bike in its category, the MC-E 5 now also features all-new bodywork, a new shock position, and special graphics to indicate its battery-powered motor. Trust us, kids are gonna love it!
Introducing water cooling on the MC-E 5 is a real, real game changer. It keeps the 5kW electric motor at a perfect temperature for consistent power. One thing that does stay the same though is the fast recharging of the battery. It takes around 45 mins for an 80% recharge, or better yet, it’s easy to swap out the battery for a fully charged one, which means the fun doesn’t stop for long!
Besides the exciting motor news, the frame is all-new for 2025. Designed specifically for the MC-E 5, the chassis is engineered with refined flex characteristics. The end result? A much more stable and enjoyable riding experience for kids of all ages. The new frame also repositions the WP shock so that it performs even better, especially on the roughest of race tracks.
2025 GASGAS MC-E 5
If you didn’t already know, the MC-E 5 is fully fledged motocross bike. And it’s for this very reason that we’ve fitted the same bodywork that you’ll find on our full size models, just scaled down accordingly to create perfect, kid friendly ergonomics. Now, the MC-E 5 is a lot easier to have fun on as the riding experience is a considerable improvement over the outgoing model. And of course, new graphics, with a splash of blue to indicate its electric drive, create a cool look for the little red ripper.
There’s a lot to love about the MC-E 5. It makes no noise, meaning it can be ridden almost anywhere. It offers six ride modes, so progression is controlled. And the overall height can be adjusted so that kids can keep riding the same bike as they build up their skills and confidence. The MC-E 5 is also built with plenty of safety features, high quality parts, and thanks to its black bars and rims, it looks the business too.
Technical Highlights
Check out the full spec and all the technical details of the MC-E 5 right here.
You’ll find the 2025 GASGAS MC-E 5 in GASGAS dealerships worldwide from October! Find your nearest dealer, right here.
Senior Manager
3 周太棒了