PowerSports Business July 2023 | Page 26

26 • July 2023 • Powersports Business

MOTORCYCLE www . PowersportsBusiness . com

North Carolina Harley dealership acquired by automotive dealer

Down Home Harley-Davidson of Burlington , North Carolina has been acquired by Phil Mitchell and Dan Roland . The dealership will remain at its current location at 2215 Hanford Road in Burlington , North Carolina .
Mitchell owns and operates three automotive dealerships in the state of Washington and will add Down Home Harley-Davidson as his first motorcycle dealership . He will operate Down Home alongside Roland , his partner and general manager . Roland is a long-time Harley-Davidson rider , fan and expert . He previously served as general manager at Pacific Junction Harley-Davidson , followed by Loess Hills Harley-Davidson , both located in Iowa .
Former owner Fred Bosshardt acquired the dealership in 2012 and is a lifelong Harley-Davidson enthusiast . He also owns and operates Caliente Harley-Davidson of San Antonio , Texas . Bosshardt has repeatedly received Harley-Davidson Motor Company ’ s Platinum Bar & Shield Circle of Distinction Award , an exclusive honor that only six dealerships in the metro , town , or rural category receive each year .
“ After a long process , [ George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services ] and his partner Courtney Bernhard successfully identified the perfect buyers ,” Bosshardt says . “ Dan Roland understood the business coming from the Harley-Davidson world , along with his partner , Phil Mitchell , a car dealer from Washington . They were the perfect fit for my existing management , employees , and culture that I built over the years . I would like to thank George and Courtney for their
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professionalism , tenacity , perseverance , and attention to detail to help facilitate this transaction so I can focus my efforts on Caliente Harley-Davidson in Texas .”
Phil Mitchell and Dan Roland were represented by Logan Parker and Greg May of Bass Sox Mercer in Tallahassee , Florida . Fred Bosshardt was represented by Barbara C . Ruby of Fox Rothschild LLP in Greensboro , North Carolina .
“ I have had the pleasure of working with Fred over the last several years and appreciate his patience working with the buyers to get this transaction completed ,” Bernhard says . “ In this industry , sometimes luck and timing play a big part , and I have no doubt that Phil and his team will take the dealership to new heights . I wish them much success .”
Down Home Harley-Davidson is acquired by automotive industry Phil Mitchell and partner Dan Roland . Photo courtesy of
Performance Brokerage Services
CANADIAN MMIC APPOINTS LANDON FRENCH AS PRESIDENT AND CEO
The Canadian Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council ( MMIC ), Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council ( COHV ) and Power Sport Services ( PSS ) have confirmed the appointment of Landon French as president and CEO . French was named interim CEO in December 2022 .
“ Our time with Landon over the past few months has been very positive ,” says MMIC Chair Norm Sukkau . “ All three boards have benefitted from his leadership and creativity in his short time with us , and we are very pleased to confirm his position as our president and CEO for the future . Landon ’ s track record of success in both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors , as well as his experience in marketing , government and the powersports industry , has been a great benefit to our companies , and he is the leader we need moving forward .”
Landon ’ s work history has seen him grow brand value for large enterprises , small businesses and governments in Canada , the U . S . and Asia . Landon has held senior executive roles at TELUS and Canadian Tire and was CEO of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs . He has a great deal of experience in sports marketing , events and Canadian politics , managing successful local and national campaigns . He was also the founding CEO of the Sandbox Project and Together We Stand Foundation .
“ I firmly believe there is a bright future for MMIC , COHV and PSS in Canada ,” he says . “ There are some challenges and opportunities ahead , and I look forward to working with staff , members , and stakeholders to build a new plan and prepare our industry for the future .”
In a recent conversation with Powersports Business , French says that Canadian dealers have similar challenges as U . S . dealers with supply chain issues and inflation , but he notes that some of the issues are starting to be resolved . He adds that there is pent-up demand for consumers wanting to see the latest powersports vehicles as motorcycle shows return to in-person events .
AMA RESTRUCTURES GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT , NAMES DIRECTOR
The American Motorcyclist Association
The AMA has named Nick Haris as government relations director as the department is restructured better serve members and support its mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling . Photo courtesy of the AMA
( AMA ) has announced the hire of Nick Haris as government relations director . The association is also restructuring and evolving its Government Relations Department to better serve members and support its mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling .
“ The AMA Government Relations Department stands on the front lines in the defense of motorcyclists ’ rights , and we are committed to continuing our investment in a team that ensures the effectiveness of these efforts ,” says Rob Dingman , president and CEO of the AMA . “ Nick has a long record of success working in our Government Relations Department and will bring skilled leadership to his new role as the government relations director .”
Nick Haris , previously the Western States Representative in the Government Relations Department , has held an advocacy role with the AMA since 2001 . Haris also serves on the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Commission for Mobility , is a member of the California Motorcycle Safety Program advisory committee and sits on the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation board of directors .
As Haris steps into his new role , the Government Relations Department will also have a new structure that refocuses the team ’ s efforts to better represent motorcyclists at federal , regional , state and local levels of government .
The team will bring on board an experienced Washington Representative to monitor
and influence policies and programs at the federal level . To increase representation at the regional and state level , the AMA is adding Central States and Eastern States Representatives to the team , while Haris will concurrently work as the Western States Representative along with his director duties . At the local level , the AMA will hire a Grassroots Specialist to coordinate and support government relations activities of local members , clubs and affiliates across the country .
DUCATI UNVEILS NEW “ STRIPE LIVERY ” SUPERSPORT 950 S
For 2024 , Ducati has introduced an updated color range for the SuperSport 950 S , featuring the new Stripe Livery , which complements the classic Ducati Red color scheme .
The SuperSport 950 S has been upgraded with new design elements , including two dark grey and Ducati Red colored lines located on the front mudguard and side air vents . These lines create a playful yet dynamic effect against the “ Iceberg White ” fairing , which is further accentuated by the revamped graphics in line with the new color scheme .
The motorcycle ’ s design pays tribute to the Panigale V4 with a full-LED headlight equipped with DRL and side air vents . The Centro Stile Ducati has succeeded in blending style and sportiness .
The heart of the SuperSport is the Ducati Testastretta 11 ° twin-cylinder engine that produces 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 68.6 ft-lb of torque at 6,5000 rpm . The sporty character of the SuperSport 950 S is also found in the equipment , with a low-weight single-sided aluminum
This model will be available in Ducati dealerships in Q3 at a starting price of $ 18,095 in the U . S . and $ 20,395 CAD in Canada . Photo courtesy of Ducati
swingarm and a trellis frame with high torsional rigidity .
The motorcycle boasts exclusive standard features , such as the fully adjustable Öhlins fork and shock absorber , a passenger seat cover , and glossy black wheel rims . The wheel rims have been enhanced with a unique “ tag ” in Ducati Red color . The Ducati family also includes the standard version of the SuperSport 950 S , which is available in the classic Ducati Red livery .
The Ducati electronic package includes ABS Cornering , Ducati Traction Control , Ducati Wheelie Control , Ducati Quick Shift up / down and three Riding Modes ( Sport , Touring , and Urban ). The full-TFT 4.3−inch display adds to the bike ’ s functionality and convenience .
ROYAL ENFIELD NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF 2023 PERMCO AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS
Royal Enfield has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days , which takes place July 21−23 , 2023 , at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington , Ohio .
Following a successful partnership in 2022 , Royal Enfield returns as the presenting sponsor of this year ’ s event , showcasing its commitment to the vintage motorcycle community .
“ Royal Enfield is thrilled to once again be a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days ,” says Nathan Kolbe , marketing lead for the Americas Region at Royal Enfield . “ Last year ’ s event was a fantastic experience , and we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from attendees . As a brand that cherishes heritage and authenticity , we are delighted to be returning to the event and showcasing our latest offerings to our devoted fans and motorcycle enthusiasts .”
The Hunter 350 will be a key-model highlight of Royal Enfield ’ s presence at the event . Additionally , Royal Enfield will offer exclusive product displays , interactive activities , and special promotions , providing attendees with an unforgettable experience .
“ We ’ re excited to have Royal Enfield return as the Presenting Sponsor for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days ,” says Mitch Boehm , editorial director , AMA . “ The brand ’ s dedication to preserving the heritage and legacy of classic motorcycles is evident in everything they do , and we are looking forward to see what they have in store for this year ’ s event .”