This week in Powersports - the week of December 10, 2023
Scott Lukaitis
Powersports, Motorsports & Racer Marketing, Management, and Media - Director of Sales and Marketing with Engine Ice at KOST USA, Inc.
GET TO THE FRONT OF THE PACK: Chase the 2024 KTM 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F Factory Editions
The RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM will soon be decimating start gates and chronometers for the upcoming AMA Supercross season thanks to the new 2024 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION and the return of the 2024 KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Any rider can now get their hands on the latest iteration of the bike that blurs action on the track and the lines between factory and production equipment.
The KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION concept remains the same: a highly evolved and modified spec of the current production model orientated towards pure performance. The upgrades have been tried, tested and selected through use in competition.
KTM knows that READY TO RACE is more than just hot numbers from the dyno or lap timer. The KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION models have distinction and style, and that’s why aesthetics is important. As an example, a KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION can always be easily identified thanks to the powder-coated orange frame, usually a feature only reserved for our ‘works’ machinery.
What do the new KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION and KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION have in store?
First of all, don’t neglect the very special chassis. This philosophy remains strong as RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING continues to win races and set records at the highest levels. With this in mind, the 2024 FACTORY EDITION chassis offers optimized flex characteristics for improved cornering and comfort. Other handling alterations for both bikes include the CNC-milled orange anodized and rubber damped triple clamps. Made from high-grade aluminum, these boast carefully tuned steering stem stiffness, perfect alignment of the fork tubes, and precise geometry of the fork clamps to ensure highly responsive and smooth fork action – not to mention unwavering stability when charging across ruts.
The Connectivity Unit Offroad is an important new addition. This two-part system is mounted between the right fork leg (protected by the new shape of the number plate) and the GPS component on the redesigned front fender. The ‘CUO’ enables a wealth of easily adjustable options for engine behavior and suspension settings via the KTMconnect App. But that’s not all. An official affiliation with LitPro will empower riders to examine their lines, speed, gearing and a lot of other information to make their lap times hit the mark.
Feeling and function are improved even more by other 2024 KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION specifications. Fully adjustable and tool-free WP Suspension lets you count on 310 mm of travel with the 48 mm air-type WP XACT front fork with redesigned protection rings. The WP FACTORY START DEVICE will help with those crucial holeshots. The shock has new low-friction linkage seals and the 2024 KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION linkage settings have been reworked for optimal weight saving and stiffness. The linkage bolt is smaller and lighter, transferred directly from successful use by the RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM.
The engine output of the 2024 KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITION models is boosted further by a titanium Akrapovic slip-on exhaust that shaves weight and finesses power, while the unit breathes better with an updated air intake sleeve and snorkel and a white vented airbox cover (black for the 250) for the Twin Air filter.
Depth is in the details for both machines. New radiator shrouds lead to improved cooling, and a new fuel tank holder delivers better frame contact. Orange FACTORY frame protectors heighten grip while the 4-screw FACTORY skid plate and the HINSON clutch cover withstand the toughest of hits. Soft, gray ODI grips look as good as they work, while other upgrades include DID wheelsets (harder for the bigger, fast jumps), a gold chain and Dunlop GEOMAX MX34 tires.
Slide the 2024 KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITIONS to a stop with a stiffer and tougher rear brake pedal material that will pull the full power of the Brembo systems into play. Braking force is amplified by the semi-floating 260 mm front brake disc and the carbon reinforced FACTORY brake guard.
Other riders won’t mistake these motorcycles thanks to the ribbed FACTORY seat, orange rear sprocket and the unforgettable RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM color and graphics sets. The 2024 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION has #4 and #7 options for riders Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger next season. As reigning champion for 2024, Sexton will strap the #1 on his bike for AMA Supercross.
Ready to make a difference? Ready to make the grade?
2024 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION and KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION specs:
The 2024 KTM SX-F FACTORY EDITIONs will soon be shredding Southern Californian dirt at Anaheim 1 for the launch of 2024 AMA Supercross in the first week of January. Get to a KTM Authorized dealer now to reserve a 2024 KTM FACTORY EDITION, available from mid-February onward. For more information, visit ktm.com.
Triumph Rolling Deep into AIMExpo 2024 with New Models, OSET Brand
True to its motto, Triumph will be ready “For the Ride” at AIMExpo 2024, with plans to showcase all its brand new models, including an all-new motorcycle to be unveiled in early January. Triumph will also be bringing newly updated OSET electric trials bikes to the show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 6-8.
“AIMExpo is the perfect place to feature our growing lineup of Triumph motorcycles and to introduce the OSET brand, which offers a series of best-in-class electric trials bikes used at the highest levels of competition,” said Rod Lopusnak, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles America. “And our dealer development team will be on site, so there will be opportunities for interested dealers to inquire about becoming a Triumph or OSET retailer.”
Among motorcycles rolling onto the show floor will be the brand new Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, as well as Triumph’s much-anticipated Motocross bike, the TF 250-X. Triumph also plans to bring the Scrambler 1200 X and XE; the Tiger 900 GT Pro; the Tiger 900 Rally Pro; the Thruxton Final Edition; and two special, hand-painted Stealth Editions, the T120 and Scrambler 900.
“Triumph has had such a banner year with so many new models introduced, and we are incredibly excited to have them showcase such talked-about bikes here at AIMExpo 2024,” said Andre Albert, MIC director of marketing and events. “For many of our show attendees, this will be their first opportunity to see these new motorcycles in person.”
AIMExpo 2024 will be commanding over 225,000-square-feet of show space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, February 6-8, with more than 17 OEMs, four major distributors, and over 300 exhibitors in attendance. The show floor is now completely sold out. Additional show features include AIMExpo’s Disruptive Thinking stage, which will feature an impactful education program delivered by Motorcycle & Powersports News and AIMExpo; New Product Central; two e-Bike demo tracks; the Dealer Tech Zone; the MIC Business Center; the AIMExpo Industry Party powered by Turn 14 Distribution; and more.
Sherco USA hires powersports industry veteran as western sales manager
Sherco USA recently announced the appointment of Bill Anderson as western sales manager. With a wealth of experience in the powersports industry, Anderson brings a strategic and customer-focused approach to help further strengthen Sherco’s position in the market.
Anderson will play a pivotal role in expanding Sherco’s presence across the western region of the United States. Anderson’s extensive background in the powersports industry includes previously owning a Sherco/Beta dealership in Spokane, Washington as well as his role as a dealer development manager with a major OEM, making him a valuable addition to the Sherco USA team.
“We are excited to welcome Bill Anderson to the Sherco family as our western sales manager,” says Sherco USA President Ron Sallman. “With his proven track record and deep understanding of the powersports industry, we are confident that Bill will take our efforts out west to new heights. His passion for off-road motorcycles aligns perfectly with Sherco’s commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer experiences.”
Bill Anderson has built customer relationships that provided double-digit growth with his previous OEM in his region. His expertise will be instrumental in driving Sherco’s growth and market share in the western region. As the western sales manager, Anderson will oversee sales strategies, dealer relationships, and market development to ensure Sherco’s continued success in the highly dynamic powersports landscape.
“I am very excited to be joining Sherco USA,” says Anderson. “I was already very familiar with the brand having been a Sherco dealer when I owned Sprocket Sports Moto Tech in Spokane, Washington. After selling the dealership, I became a dealer development manager with another OEM that was also part of my dealership. I want to thank Ron and Rhonda (Sallman) for the opportunity to be able to help with the current growth of the Sherco brand in the United States.”
Las Vegas Show Floor is Sold-Out but More Space May Become Available
Booth space for AIMExpo 2024 is completely sold out. More than 330 exhibitors – including 17 OEMs – from across the powersports industry will showcase their latest products and services on more than 250,000 square feet inside the Las Vegas Convention Center.
We are working with the convention center to add space and we already have a waiting list for more booths. If you would like to be placed on the wait list to participate in the 2024 show, contact you Account Manager today. Booth space requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis with more information available next week.
AIMExpo puts the spotlight on great products and services, and is the best opportunity to showcase your brand to the powersports industry.
2024 FC 250 and FC 450 Rockstar Edition models take Customization and Performance to an Exciting New Level
Husqvarna Motorcycles is excited to unveil the latest high-performance, factory race team-inspired motocross models for 2024 – the FC 250 Rockstar Edition and the FC 450 Rockstar Edition. Both machines are equipped with advanced technology, giving all riders complete control over power and handling characteristics, which ensures a definitive on-track advantage.
For 2024, the FC 250 Rockstar Edition rejoins the long-established FC 450 Rockstar Edition in the Husqvarna Motorcycles line-up. In addition to new frames and revised suspension settings, both machines continue to be expertly assembled with a comprehensive list of race-tested Technical Accessories. Factory Racing wheels and triple clamps, together with an FMF Racing Factory 4.1 silencer are found on each model with the latest Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics completing the builds.
Unique to the Rockstar Edition models are the headlining components found on each machine – the new Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO), which is fitted to the fork leg behind the front number plate along with the front-fender-mounted GPS sensor. Once the CUO is paired with the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles App on a rider’s smartphone, and with the ENGINE feature on the app open, a choice of pre-set engine maps based on pre-defined track conditions can be easily activated, customized, and saved. Riders can also refine the engine braking, the Launch and Traction Control settings, as well as the sensitivity of the Quickshifter for a truly personalized riding experience.
As well as offering the ability to create multiple engine map settings, the app includes suspension set-up recommendations to ensure riders compete with the best set-up on every type of circuit. Additionally, the GPS sensor records every on-track session and allows riders to analyze their performance within the RIDER feature, which is powered by LITPro, inside the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles App. This is particularly beneficial for riders looking to find the fastest lines on a racetrack in order to reduce their lap times.
2024 Technical Highlights
Accompanying the release of the 2024 Rockstar Edition models will be a competition-focused selection of functional clothing, available from February onward. Providing comfort, style, and protection, the range ensures riders of all abilities are fully prepared and protected for every ride. A concise, high-quality selection of race-team inspired casual clothing will also be available in various styles to suit the needs of all riders. With the Replica Team collection, riders can express their passion for Husqvarna Motorcycles or choose to replicate the same pit presence as Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
The 2024 FC 250 and FC 450 Rockstar Editions will be in authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealerships from February onward.
Comoto Family of Brands Announces Leadership Change
The Comoto Family of Brands, a leading force in the motorcycle aftermarket parts and apparel industry, announced today that Zach Parham has been elevated to President and Chief Executive Officer of Comoto in a succession plan that had been previously approved by the Board of Directors.
Zach has been an invaluable asset since the acquisition of J&P Cycles in February 2020, showcasing his expertise in overseeing various aspects of Comoto’s operations, including finance, accounting, merchandising, customer service, demand planning, risk management, procurement, and overall operations.
Zach is the successor for Ken Murphy, who initially joined Comoto five years ago as a Board Member and then shortly after assumed the role of President and CEO. Murphy is leaving Comoto to pursue a new opportunity. Jeff Teschke, Partner at Prospect Hill Growth Partners and Board Member of Comoto commented, “we thank Ken Murphy for his valued service to Comoto over the last several years and are confident he will remain a strong supporter of the Company. We wish him well in future endeavors.”
Mr. Teschke further said, “we are very excited to promote Zach to Chief Executive Officer. Zach’s lifelong passion for motorsports, starting from his early days at his parents’ business, J&P Cycles, uniquely qualifies him as a natural leader for Comoto and the broader industry. His extensive experience, ranging from Retail Store Manager to President at J&P Cycles, has prepared him well for this new role. Since joining Comoto in 2020, Zach has excelled in positions such as Chief Merchandising Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, successfully guiding the company through rapid growth, complex integrations, and challenging business environments.”
“I have been an avid motorcycle enthusiast my entire life and I am thrilled to lead the Comoto Family of Brands and our dedicated team,” said Parham. “I look forward to working with our long-standing supplier community to bring even more great products and services to our consumer base. I also want to thank Ken Murphy for his leadership and mentorship over the past several years.”
Freelance Motorsports Writer and Storyteller, Conversationalist, and Wheelsports Enthusiast
10moAIMExpo is really starting to shape up into a key kickoff event to the 2024 year for the industry.