6 • June 2025 • Powersports Business

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’ s U. S. lineup includes the Chinchilla 500 cruiser and Napoleonbob 500 for entry-level and experience riders.( Photos: Keeway America)

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 threemodel 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 userfriendly 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 bestselling 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.

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

Former Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink, far right, at his 2015 American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction.( Photo: AMA Archives)

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.