4 • November 2025 • Powersports Business
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Yamaha World Technician Grand Prix returns Nov. 19
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World Technician Grand Prix 2025, the global competition where 22 Yamaha motorcycle technicians will compete to see who is No. 1 in the world, makes its return on Nov. 19 after a seven-year hiatus and, for the first time ever, will be available to watch via livestream.
Running under the slogan“ Master Your Craft, Make Your Mark”, the 2025 WTGP will feature 22 technicians from 19 countries and regions, who all secured their places through regional qualifiers. Contestants will compete in one of two classes, Sports Model or Commuter Model, tackling hands-on maintenance challenges and customer service scenarios that mirror real-world dealership situations.
Yamaha Motor‘ s motorcycle sales network spans 180 countries and territories,
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and within its network are approximately 35,000 Yamaha Technical Academy-certified technicians worldwide. The WTGP is the global stage for the best technicians to showcase their maintenance skills.
The WTGP, which started in 2002, is in its ninth year of competition and will be livestreamed worldwide with commentary.
“ It’ s the first event in seven years due to the pandemic,” says Yogi Matsumura, who represents Yamaha’ s customer experience business unit.“ We hope that people watching the livestream will enjoy seeing what professionals at the pinnacle of motorcycle maintenance can do and feel the tension in the venue— much like experiencing a new Olympic event for the first time.”
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The WTGP features Yamaha’ s top technicians who have won regional qualifying tournaments, such as this scene from Turkey’ s national tournament.( Photo: Yamaha) |
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Consumer confidence slips in August and September, per report
The Motorcycle Industry Council( MIC) is highlighting two major consumer sentiment reports released in August that indicate ongoing caution among U. S. households, a trend that dealers should monitor as the fall selling season approaches.
The University of Michigan’ s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 58.2 %, down from 61.7 % in July. While confidence remains stronger than it was earlier this year, it is still well below 2024 levels. Buying conditions for durable goods— which include motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersports vehicles— dropped to their weakest point in a year, largely due to persistent concerns about prices.
Inflation expectations also increased, with consumers now anticipating short-term inflation at 4.8 %, up from 4.5 % in July. Long-term inflation expectations edged up to 3.5 %.
The Conference Board’ s Consumer Confidence Index also softened, slipping from 98.7 % in July to 97.4 % in August. Still, more consumers reported optimism about future business conditions, and vehicle-buying plans improved slightly. Discretionary spending on categories such as entertainment and travel trended lower.
The University of Michigan’ s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 58.2 %, down from 61.7 % in July( and dropped 5.3 % more in September). While confidence remains stronger than it was earlier this year, it is still well below 2024 levels.( Chart: University of Michigan)
Dealer Takeaway: While broad sentiment remains subdued, interest in vehicles hasn’ t disappeared. Consumers may be holding back on extras but are still weighing larger purchases, which could support powersports sales if dealers address affordability concerns and highlight longterm value.
McGrath Harley-Davidson in Iowa acquired, renamed Key City Harley-Davidson
McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson has been sold by Mike and Pat McGrath to John Jennerjohn and Brody Meier, according to Performance Brokerage Services.
The dealership operates out of a 53,948−square-foot facility and has been recently remodeled with design elements inspired by Dubuque’ s Historic Millwork District. Located along the Mississippi River at the meeting point of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, the store has long served riders in the tri-state area.
Jennerjohn and Meier are lifelong riders and northeast Iowa natives. The pair also own Iron Hill Harley-Davidson in Waukon, Iowa, and said the Dubuque acquisition expands their regional footprint while keeping the business rooted in their home communities.
As part of the transition, the store will be renamed Key City Harley-Davidson and will remain at its current location at 145 N. Crescent Ridge in Dubuque, Iowa.
Performance Brokerage Services, which has handled nearly 900 dealership transactions in the past five years, represented the McGraths in the sale.
The dealership operates out of a 53,948-square-foot facility and has been recently remodeled with design elements inspired by Dubuque’ s Historic Millwork District.( Photo: McGrath H-D / Google)
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