S & S Cycle promotes Andolsek to sales and technical support manager
Wisconsin-based aftermarket manufacturer S&S Cycle has promoted Rob Andolsek to sales and technical support manager, the company announced April 30. Andolsek steps into his new role with 23 years of experience working at S&S.
Andolsek started his powersports career developing exhausts and two-stroke engines for snowmobiles, including drag race, hill climb, and oval racing sleds. At S&S Cycle, Andolsek has held several roles in preparing for his new position, which includes product development project lead, product line manager, and sales engineer. Most notably, he led both the stealth air cleaner and
T-143 projects.
“With all his years of experience in product development and product line management, Rob is a perfect fit for this new role,” says Charlie Hadayia, executive vice president at S&S. “I look forward to seeing the innovation he creates in both departments.”
Andolsek says he’s excited about the opportunity to jump into his new role, where he’ll be in a better position to support the powersports market.
“With oversight of both sales and technical support, it places me in a great place to really understand what is happening in our market — and that will translate to helping our internal engineering and product development teams as well.”
With a new dealer catalog on the market, the company says Andolsek steps into his role at a time when dealers and distributors have more S&S Cycle product information than they have had in a while. His inherent knowledge of the company will be a huge benefit to customers, dealers, and distributors, from both a sales and technical perspective.
S&S Cycle has been in business for more than 65 years, manufacturing motorcycle components, engines, and exhaust systems.
Rob Andolsek, who’s just been promoted to sales and technical support manager, has been with S&S Cycle for 23 years. (Photo: S&S Cycle)
Torque Group celebrates two decades in powersports services
This year, Torque Group is celebrating a major milestone — 20 years of innovation, dedication, and growth in the powersports industry.
Torque Group is a premier F&I products and solutions provider that operates solely within powersports dealerships and offers a host of products and services, including extended service contracts, platinum care maintenance, lifetime battery program, gap protection, on- and off-road tire and wheel protection with roadside assistance, online-menu presentation tools, and an F&I training facility.
From its humble beginnings, Torque Group has evolved over the past two decades, expanding its team significantly, and allowing them to broaden their reach and enhance their offerings. The company says its team has embraced technological advancements, adapted to market trends, and forged strong partnerships nationwide.
“Torque Group has been our exclusive warranty provider for the last five years and has been a key part of how we do business,” says Brendan Holzhauer, general manager of Holzhauer Pro Motorsports in Nashville, Illinois. “The products, service and training they provide are crucial to how we remain competitive in our industry and bring the best to our customers.”
Torque Group has evolved over the past two decades, expanding its team significantly, and allowing them to broaden their reach and enhance their offerings.
Fire destroys 50 motorcycles at RideNow Powersports in Las Vegas
Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed 50 motorcycles at RideNow Powersports in Las Vegas, near Boulder Highway on April 17. The resulting damages are estimated to be around $250,000, according to local news station KLAS.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, according to news outlets, and fire investigators have found no evidence linking the incident to the local homeless population, a manager at the dealership told reporters at 3News in Las Vegas.
Drone footage captured the aftermath of the fire, which has raised concerns among neighbors and businesses about the growing number of homeless individuals in the area.
From RideNow Powersports Boulder’s Facebook page:
To Our Boulder Community,
Yesterday, we experienced a fire outside our RideNow Boulder location. We’re incredibly grateful to share that no one was hurt, and our store remains fully operational. The fire was contained outside, with no damage to the building — only some units were affected.
We want to thank the first responders and everyone who reached out to check on us. Your support means the world to our team.
We’re currently evaluating the impact and will be reaching out to any customers whose units may have been affected.
Boulder is strong. We’re proud to be a part of this community and are here to continue serving you.
Boulder is strong. We’re proud to be a part of this community and are here to continue serving you. their reach and enhance their offerings . The company says its team has embraced technological advancements, adapted to market trends, and forged strong partnerships nationwide.
Harley-Davidson nominates replacement for empty board seat
Harley-Davidson announced its preferred candidate to replace the open board seat left empty by Jared Dourdeville, following his April 5 resignation.
Dourdeville, a partner at New York-based H Partners Management, has been an independent board director at Harley-Davidson since 2022, until he abruptly resigned, listing concerns about the future of the company.
As reported by Biz Times in Milwaukee, Dourdeville’s firm, H Partners, owes a 9.1% stake in Harley, and is urging company shareholders to not re-elect board members Sara Levinson and Tom Linebarger, as well as CEO Jochen Zeitz, who announced he is retiring later this year.
Harley’s board, on the other hand, wrote in an SEC filing that it has nominated Lorri Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline, to fill Dourdeville’s seat.
“The board nominated Ms. Lori Flees, who has not previously served on the board, for election as a director as part of the board’s commitment to refreshment that ensures a balance between leveraging institutional knowledge and bringing fresh perspectives to board discussions,” according to an April 21 SEC filing from Harley. “Ms. Flees was recommended by a third-party executive search, corporate culture, and leadership consultant retained by the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to identify new director candidates.”
In the proxy statement, Harley wrote in big bold letters, that it strongly urged shareholders to vote for all the company’s directors at the company’s May 14 Annual Shareholders Meeting.
“We believe our director nominees’ collective backgrounds and skillsets provide the appropriate expertise to oversee the completion of the final stage of our Hardwire strategic plan and to continue the ongoing search process for a new chief executive officer of the company,” the company says.
Lori Flees is currently the president and CEO of Valvoline. (Photo: LinkedIn)
Durango Harley wins Platinum Bar & Shield award
Durango Harley-Davidson has been awarded the coveted Platinum Bar & Shield award by Harley-Davidson Motor Company for its performance in 2024. This prestigious honor recognizes Durango Harley-Davidson as one of the top five dealerships in the entire United States, a testament to its outstanding customer service, community engagement, and commitment to the brand.
The Platinum Bar & Shield Award is the highest distinction a dealership can receive, acknowledging superior performance in customer satisfaction, sales, and overall excellence in representing the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. Durango Harley-Davidson has continually demonstrated a passion for serving riders and the local Four Corners community, making it a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts in Colorado and beyond.
“This award is a reflection of our incredible team, our loyal customers, and the thriving motorcycle culture in Durango,” says Trevor Bird, owner at Durango Harley-Davidson. “We are honored to be recognized among the best dealerships in the nation and will continue to provide top-tier service, events, and experiences for our riders.”
To celebrate this achievement, the dealership invited the community to join a special appreciation event that was held on Saturday, May 24, which featured exclusive promotions, live entertainment, and a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.
NPDA’s new education platform looks to give its dealer members an EDGE
The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) recently launched its EDGE educational platform, a dealer-facing webinar that can give dealership owners and staff an upper hand.
EDGE, which stands for education, development, growth and excellence, is the official education and career development platform of the NPDA. Designed specifically for dealership staff, EDGE provides the knowledge and skills necessary to build lasting careers in powersports while helping dealerships thrive.
“The NPDA was formed to give our dealer members an edge in profitability, so it’s exciting to get EDGE underway,” says Bob Kee, chairman of the NPDA board of directors and co-owner of Destination Cycle in Kerrville, Texas. “Our goal is to provide dealership owners and staff with tools for sustainable profitability, and the EDGE curriculum is an important component.”
The EDGE platform launched in April, with the first in a year-long offering of live, interactive webinars. Owners and staff at NPDA-member dealerships, as well as NPDA partners, can join the webinars at no cost. The fee for non-members to attend a webinar is $79.99.
The NPDA will be promoting the dealerships that have the most attendees at each live webinar. The NPDA EDGE Leaderboard will feature a list of dealerships that had the most webinar attendees, as the sessions and topics will target a wide range of management and staff. The EDGE Leaderboard will be found in a variety of public-facing locations, including on social media posts and NPDA.org.
Participants in the NPDA EDGE program will receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their engagement and commitment to professional development. While these certificates are not part of a formally accredited or certified program currently, the NPDA says they serve as a strong indicator of continued learning and industry involvement.
“EDGE is more than an education program, it’s a competitive advantage for member dealerships and their employees,” says NPDA Executive Director Dave McMahon. “Our development tracks are delivered by our partners and approved by our board of directors, all of them dealership owners. We will be rolling out additional elements to EDGE all aimed at providing our dealer members with an exceptional NPDA membership experience.”
Dealers can join the NPDA at npda.org/dealer.
EDGE, which stands for education, development, growth and excellence, is the official education and career development platform of the NPDA. (Image: NPDA)
H Partners accuses Harley’s board of secret deals ahead of shareholders vote
One of Harley-Davidson’s largest shareholders, H Partners Management, publicly accused the company’s board of directors of making secret, undisclosed commitments to select investors in an apparent effort to secure votes for three incumbent directors ahead of its annual meeting
on May 14.
H Partners, which owns approximately 9.3% of Harley-Davidson shares, claims the board has told certain shareholders that CEO and Chairman Jochen Zeitz, along with directors Thomas Linebarger and Sara Levinson, plan to leave the board within a year, that an external CEO will
be appointed, and that the board has dropped plans for Zeitz to transition to executive chair.
“These backroom deals represent a serious breach of governance and transparency,” H Partners said in a statement. “Shareholders deserve equal access to material information — not selective disclosures designed to sway votes.”
The investment firm, in which former Harley board member Jared Dourdeville is a partner, urged shareholders to oppose Zeitz, Linebarger, and Levinson’s reelection. It cited years of mismanagement and over $9 billion in lost shareholder value under its oversight. Two independent proxy advisory firms, Glass Lewis and Egan-Jones, along with the NPDA and many Harley dealers, sided with H Partners. They recommended that shareholders vote to withhold support for the three directors, including calling for the removal of the current CEO Zeitz.
For many Harley-Davidson dealers, the ongoing boardroom battle raises serious concerns about leadership stability and the brand’s future. H Partners argued that a refreshed board is essential to restoring growth, improving relationships with dealers, and successfully appointing a capable CEO from outside the company.
Benda Motorcycles enters U.S. market with new opportunities for dealers
Benda Motorcycles, a growing name in the international cruiser segment, has officially launched in the United States. Backed by Keeway America, the brand enters the market with a focused three‑model lineup aimed at attracting both new and experienced riders.
U.S. dealerships began receiving the first shipment of Benda motorcycles last month. The brand brings competitive pricing, modern styling, and broad rider appeal, positioning it as a strong addition to dealer floorplans.
2025 Benda U.S. Lineup:
Chinchilla 300
Lightweight and approachable, the Chinchilla 300 targets entry‑level riders with its compact frame, low seat height, and affordable price point. MSRP: $4,999
Chinchilla 500
A natural step up from the 300, the Chinchilla 500 offers more power and road presence while maintaining user‑friendly ergonomics and cruiser styling. MSRP: $5,999
Napoleonbob 500
With a distinctive design and midsize performance, the Napoleonbob 500 is geared toward riders looking for an alternative to traditional V‑twin offerings in the midrange segment. MSRP: $6,399
Distribution
As the exclusive distributor, Keeway America is building a support network designed with dealer success in mind. With Benda, Keeway adds to its growing portfolio of globally recognized two‑wheel brands, offering dealers a diverse product mix for a range of customer segments.
Benda’s Napoleonbob 500 is geared toward riders seeking an alternative to traditional V‑twin offerings in the midrange segment.
“Benda fills a clear gap in the cruiser market,” said a Keeway America representative. “It brings modern design and competitive pricing at a time when riders—especially younger and newer ones—are looking for something different.”
Complementary Brands
Dealers also gain access to the Benelli lineup, which includes the high‑demand TRK series. The TRK 502/X was Italy’s best‑selling motorcycle from 2020 to 2023. In 2024, the new TRK 702 and 702X models continued that trend, leading Italian sales with more than 7,000 units registered.
Benelli’s TRK 702X was one of the best‑selling ADV brands in Italy in 2024.
The current U.S. Benelli lineup includes:
TRK 502 and TRK 502X – Proven adventure touring platforms
TRK 702 and TRK 702X – Longer‑range variants with enhanced specs
2025 Imperiale 400 – A new classic‑style entry aimed at retro enthusiasts
Additionally, Keeway scooters provide dealers with well‑priced offerings in the growing urban mobility segment. With strong consumer appeal and low overhead, they’re a practical addition to any showroom focused on commuters and first‑time
buyers.
Benda’s U.S. lineup includes the Chinchilla 500 cruiser and Napoleonbob 500 for entry-level and experience riders. (Photos: Keeway America)
AMA Hall of Famer and former Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink dies at 88
The American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee Richard Teerlink, who served as Harley-Davidson’s chief executive in the 1980s and ’90s, has died at 88 years old.
In a statement released April 30, the AMA writes about how Teerlink’s lifelong love for motorcycles kickstarted when he was 14 years old, despite his father’s hesitancy to allow him to own his own bike. He became enamored with the Harley-Davidson 125s and Cushman motor scooters that his friends would ride.
Later in his life, Teerlink turned to the motorcycle industry and relied on those childhood memories to help the rebuild of Harley-Davidson throughout the 1980s and ’90s.
Teerlink joined the famed motorcycle marque in 1981 as the chief financial officer, where he quickly went to work on finding new financing for Harley-Davidson. His persistence was rewarded quickly, and the brand found new financing, serving as the first step toward its remarkable rebuild during his time at the company.
Soon after, Teerlink took over as Harley-Davidson’s president and CEO, utilizing his personal vision and values to rebuild the famed brand in his image. As CEO, Teerlink was known for ingraining himself at all levels of the organization, working with employees at all levels. He also forged relationships with motorcycle dealers, suppliers and riders to boost the brand nationwide.
Teerlink’s impact was seen in Harley-Davidson’s economic rebound during his tenure. In his first year as CFO, Harley posted an operating loss of $15.5 million on revenue of $210 million, which expanded to operating profits of $416 million on revenue of $2.45 billion when he retired in 1999.
For his efforts within the industry, Teerlink was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015.
Former Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink, far right, at his 2015 American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction. (Photo: AMA Archives)
Harley-Davidson shareholders approve new direction amidst tension with activist investor
Harley-Davidson charted a new course at its annual shareholders’ meeting on Tuesday, May 14, approving a series of transformative initiatives to revitalize the iconic motorcycle brand. Despite overwhelming shareholder support for the board’s proposed strategy, the meeting was not without drama, as activist investor H Partners continued its campaign against the company’s current leadership.
A new vision
At the core of the shareholder vote was a sweeping restructuring plan designed to push Harley-Davidson into the future. The company is betting on electric motorcycles, a broader product lineup for younger and more diverse riders, and expanded global market penetration, particularly in Asia. Key elements of the plan include:
Significant investment in electric motorcycles: Harley-Davidson is doubling its investment in the LiveWire brand, even though the division only sold 33 units in Q1. The company aims to lead the charge in the electric motorcycle market with new high-performance models and enhanced manufacturing capacity.
Product revamp to attract younger riders: The company plans to introduce more affordable, customizable models that cater to urban commuters and explore alternative fuel options. It will also rejoin the entry-level market in the near future.
Expansion in global markets: Harley-Davidson is focusing on increasing its presence in emerging economies, particularly in Asia, where motorcycle ownership is on the rise.
Enhanced shareholder returns: Along with the strategic pivot, Harley-Davidson plans to increase its dividend payouts and implement stock buybacks to appease investors during this period of transformation.
H Partners’ opposition
Despite the board’s vision for a bold future, not all shareholders were on board. H Partners, a prominent activist hedge fund with a significant stake in Harley-Davidson, campaigned vigorously against the board’s proposal and urged shareholders to vote against re-electing current board members.
H Partners opposed the incumbent leadership, as one of its partners resigned from Harley’s board due to issues it deemed detrimental to the iconic brand.
In an open letter to investors, H Partners criticized the company’s current leadership for a “lack of accountability” and a failure to deliver results in recent years. The firm, which has been an outspoken critic of Harley-Davidson’s strategic direction, argued that the company’s current management was too focused on expanding into new markets and electric motorcycles, rather than strengthening its core business and returning to its roots as a premium brand for motorcycle enthusiasts.
“Harnessing the power of electric vehicles is important, but the future of Harley-Davidson lies in its heritage,” said H Partners’ managing director, Jason Smith, during a press conference ahead of the vote. “The board’s focus on diversifying the brand and chasing after younger riders risks alienating the very loyal customers who have built this company into a global icon. We believe Harley-Davidson needs to double down on its traditional strengths — craftsmanship, quality, and the unique American spirit that has defined the brand for over a century.”
H Partners also accused the board of failing to address key performance issues, including declining sales in North America, an aging customer base, and poor financial performance relative to peers in the motorcycle industry. The hedge fund suggested that a fresh board with more experience in operational efficiency and brand management was necessary for Harley-Davidson’s recovery.
The board’s defense
In response, Harley-Davidson’s leadership doubled down on its commitment to change. CEO Jochen Zeitz, who took the helm in 2020 and has since been credited with steering the company toward a more sustainable, innovative future, defended the restructuring strategy and its focus on adapting to a changing market.
“While we deeply respect the opinions of all our shareholders, it’s clear that the road ahead requires a fundamental shift,” Zeitz said in his remarks following the vote. “The world is changing — consumers are changing, and our brand needs to evolve. We’re committed to preserving the essence of Harley-Davidson while embracing new opportunities for growth and sustainability.”
Zeitz emphasized that the company would continue to engage with its core customers while also expanding its appeal to new generations of riders, noting that the company had already made strides in improving quality and customer satisfaction.
Clear mandate
Despite H Partners’ vocal opposition, the board’s proposed changes were approved by a substantial majority of shareholders, with 82% voting in favor of the new strategic direction. However, the result wasn’t unanimous, and H Partners has made it clear that they will continue to challenge the board’s decisions moving forward.
While H Partners did not succeed in their bid to oust any board members at this meeting, the hedge fund has hinted at further efforts to push for change, suggesting that they may rally additional shareholders for future votes.
Looking forward
While Harley-Davidson’s board and management team are celebrating their victory, the company’s future remains uncertain. The motorcycle industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and Harley-Davidson’s transition into electric motorcycles and its efforts to capture younger, more diverse riders will likely face significant challenges.
The rise of electric vehicles presents both an opportunity and a risk. While it could unlock new growth markets, it also threatens to dilute Harley-Davidson’s iconic identity as a maker of rumbling V-Twin cruisers and heavyweight touring bikes. The question remains whether the brand can successfully balance its storied history with the demands of a changing world.
As the company moves ahead with its ambitious plans, all eyes will be on Harley-Davidson’s performance over the next few quarters.
In what was a very public and contentious fight against Harley’s board and leadership, shareholders overwhelmingly supported the incumbents, but with the promise to make core changes that were highlighted by the opposition. (Staff photo)
Patrick Industries announces new president of its marine division
Patrick Industries, a component solutions provider for marine and powersports markets, has announced that Jake Petkovich will rejoin Patrick as president of its marine division, the company announced in a statement on May 19.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Patrick family,” says Andy Nemeth, CEO of Patrick Industries. “Jake is an experienced, driven outdoor enthusiast and leader who knows our marine businesses well and brings passion, energy, and proven strategic and financial acumen to this role.
Petkovich originally joined Patrick in 2018, following the company’s acquisition of Marine Accessories Corp. Since then, Nemeth says he has helped lead the successful integration and growth of several marine businesses, establishing a solid foundation of innovation, performance, and service within Patrick’s marine platform.
Petkovich recently served as chief financial officer at Indicor, LLP, a global industrial solutions company. He previously served as executive vice president of finance, CFO and treasurer of Patrick from 2020 to 2023.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in driving the company’s financial strategy, guiding capital allocation, including developing a significant number of the company’s marine acquisitions, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Petkovich’s return is expected to further accelerate the growth trajectory of Patrick’s marine segment, leveraging his deep industry expertise and strong relationships across the sector. His leadership will focus on expanding market share, strengthening customer partnerships, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The company emphasized its confidence in Petkovich’s ability to align strategic initiatives with long-term value creation. As the marine industry continues to evolve, Patrick Industries aims to stay at the forefront through innovation and leadership.
Patrick Industries is a publicly traded company specializing in component solutions serving the RV, marine, and powersports markets. (Photo: Patrick Industries)