INFORMATION ON NPA AUCTIONS  npauctions.com  NATIONAL POWERSPORTS AUCTIONS

National Powersport Auctions is the number one provider of auction and remarketing services in the powersports industry.  Created over 20 years ago by founders from the industry, NPA serves lenders and dealers throughout the nation with a complete range of auction-related services.  We realize we play an important role in the growth and profitability of all our customers, and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and first-class service they need to be successful.

LENDER SERVICES
NPA's proven auction process includes all of the services necessary for a Lender to recover the maximum amount possible from their portfolio defaults.  From transportation and title services to repo management and custom reporting, NPA has the best staff and systems in place to handle all the needs of today's sophisticated lenders.

DEALER SERVICES
Today's dealer knows there is a lot of money to be made with used vehicles - unlike new vehicles, every used unit is different and can command higher margins in most cases.  There is no better source of cost-effective, high-quality inventory than NPA, and we make it easy for dealers to obtain what they need.  Dealers can preview the units offered in each sale online and can bid in-person or over the Internet on the things they need the most.

DEALER CONSIGNMENTS
Today's dealers also realize that financial liquidity is essential for a growing, healthy business.  NPA's ideal marketplace allows a dealer to quickly turn the cash they have tied up in aged inventory or unwanted trade-ins into the fresh capital required for building their business and acquiring the units their customer base really wants.  Our online tools, such as our Value Guide and online inventory manager, as well as our ability to coordinate shipping and other important logistics, are second to none.

AUCTION SERVICES
NPA's marketplace leverages both the physical and online worlds, including monthly auctions held at our 4 nationwide locations, NPA Simulcast and NPA eSale held over the Internet.  NPA's auction process is smooth and efficient, offering the most convenient and timely way to acquire or liquidate powersports units.

ONLINE TOOLS
NPA provides secure online information and management websites for all of our key business partners, including our Lender Portal, Dealer Portal and even our Transportation and Repo Agent Portals.  This puts the information our customers and business partners need at their fingertips 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

OTHER SERVICES AND SUPPORT
NPA's proven marketplace and liquidation services are ideal for many other types of powersports-related businesses, including insurance companies, OEM's and any other organization with a need to liquidate powersports inventory quickly and efficiently with the best possible return.  Please contact us if you need to discuss other ways in which NPA can assist you.

 IMPRESSIVE 1ST DAY FOR FIXI CRESCENT SUZUKI 


Team Suzuki Press Office - October 4. 

FIXI Crescent Suzuki had a very positive opening day to this weekend's eni FIM Superbike World Championship at Magny-Cours as Jules Cluzel took the fourth quickest time in qualifying and stand-in rider Vincent Philippe impressed on his debut. 

Cluzel was consistently with the front-runners in both of today's sessions, even heading the timesheets during this morning's free practice in difficult conditions. He continued with this form into the first qualifying this afternoon and was regularly in the top-five, before eventually ending the session in fourth, just 0.671 from the top-spot. Cluzel is convinced he will be able to improve as the weekend continues and is eager to get a good result in front of his home crowd. 

Philippe turned heads during his first-ever session on a Superbike as he immediately topped the time sheets in the damp conditions of this morning's free practice. He quickly settled into a smooth riding rhythm on the Yoshimura-powered GSX-R that was reminiscent of his World Endurance Championship style. This afternoon he was able to learn more about the bike in dry conditions and continued to impress as he recorded the seventh fastest time around the 4,411m French circuit. Philippe will be looking to improve further tomorrow and learn more about the bike as he heads towards his first races in World Superbike. The Frenchman was at Magny-Cours today as a substitute for the injured Leon Camier who is still recovering from the damage he sustained in Turkey. He had some of the pins removed from his foot this week and is continuing with a thorough fitness schedule to be fit for the final race of the season at Jerez. 
Today's sessions were held in very changeable conditions with a constant threat of heavy rain always in the air. 

Sylvain Guintoli set the fastest time in the first qualifying session, but with rain forecast for tomorrow morning, this afternoon's times look like being the ones that will decide the Superpole positions for tomorrow afternoon. 

Jules Cluzel: 

"I am happy with today, because we were around the fourth of fifth position, maybe tomorrow second or third and then hopefully we can arrive at the first position on Sunday! I feel like it is easy to be fast, but I'm struggling to enjoy the bike because it is moving and spinning a lot. I think this is mostly due to the track condition, it's not the best and hopefully we won't have any more rain for tomorrow. Today a lot of rain was expected, but it never happened, but it is forecast for tonight so maybe we'll have these conditions tomorrow. I am only 0.6 from the leader, but I think it was possible to be faster, because at the end if we had put in the new tyre I could have been quicker. This is not the race today though and we have already made Superpole if it is raining tomorrow, so we have to be happy where we are. It looks like we have a good pace and this is important if the weather is bad tomorrow and we cannot do any more dry testing." 

Vincent Philippe: 

"It was a really good day for me and I am very happy. With the bad conditions on track this morning, I know these well and it was quite easy for me to adapt to the bike. The bike and the experience of the team really helped me, but I didn't expect to go so well, so I think in these conditions I will be ok. In the dry I didn't know how the bike behaved or how the tyres worked and I thought it would be difficult, but now when I see the lap-times I am really happy - to be where I am is really good. I had a good feeling from the front and rear tyres and the FIXI Crescent Suzuki is easy to ride and the electronics work very well. I had a little problem with the old tyre at the end of the session, so I need to try again tomorrow and see how my lines are and learn about the power of the bike, because in Endurance we use standard engines and they are very different to the Superbike. I am looking forward to tomorrow and the rest of the weekend; it is good to be here and I need to try some more things, especially the old tyre." 

Paul Denning - Team Manager: 

"As always seems to be the case Magny Cours brought quite mixed weather and difficult conditions for all the riders, but the track was good enough to at least use slicks and despite the low grip levels we were able to get some decent set-up work started. Jules is growing in confidence week-by-week and I think that his Superbike riding technique has improved on this type of slow-speed circuit compared to the start of the year. This means he is able to handle the slow-corner exits and slow-speed chicanes much better and understand how to get the bike around the track quickly and it is showing in the lap-times. 

"Vincent has done a stunning job for his first day on a brand-new bike and on the Pirelli tyres that he has never used before. Ok he knows the track very well, but even so I don't think any of us expected him to settle in so quickly with the machine. It is a GSX-R, but it is very different to the World Endurance Championship bike that he usually campaigns. It has been a pleasure working with him on the first day; he's a gentleman and obviously a very fast rider, so let's see what the rest of the weekend can bring." 

Magny-Cours - eni FIM Superbike World Championship - Qualifying: 1. Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia) 1'38.709: 2. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) +0.386: 3. Chaz Davies (BMW) +0.669: 4. Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) +0.671: 5. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia) +0.742. 7. Vincent Philippe (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) +0.870. 

A long lasting winter and continued enthusiasm and interest in snowmobiling powered snowmobile sales to increase worldwide to 144,601 new sleds sold this past year. This is an increase of over 15,000 units, which is a 12 percent gain from last year. Sales in the United States were flat at 48,536 new snowmobiles sold, while sales in Canada rose over 8 percent to 44, 022 new sleds sold.

The snowmobile community is optimistic following the above average snowfall throughout most of North America this past season. The 2014 manufacturers spring snowmobile shows reported dramatic increases in attendance. In many of the spring shows, visitation was up over 30 percent. Spring orders are up and that points to a good 2014 sales year!

The snowmobile industry reports an increase in registered snowmobiles in North America to approximately 2 million registered sleds. Increased registration in Northern Europe and Russia continues, and there are over 700,000 registered units in the European community and Russia.

Snowmobile related tourism also increased in North America and beyond. This can be seen in economic impact studies conducted throughout North America by major business colleges and universities. Miles ridden by snowmobilers (which is always predictive of economic impact) showed a 20 percent increase in the 2012-2013 season. This is a result of good riding conditions and improved and expanded trail systems.

The average age of a snowmobiler this past season was determined to be 43 years of age. The average age increased slightly due to the fact that many younger adults are struggling to pay off school loans and are struggling due to the slower growth of the economy.

Surveys conducted by ISMA have shown that slightly over 70% of first-time buyers in the snowmobile market purchased a used snowmobile. Many of them are young adults and they move on to purchase a new snowmobile later in life.

The majority of snowmobilers in North America are Club members and/or Association-Federation members (over 50%). These active, involved, outdoor enthusiasts build the trails and support snowmobiling access. Snowmobilers are also active charity fundraisers who raised over $3.4 million dollars for National Charities last year.

The Go Snowmobiling website serves as another strong indicator for the interest in snowmobiling. This year, the Go Snowmobiling site got more than 4.4 million hits. This is a 15 percent increase above last year. Statistics show that approximately 20 percent of those visitors are individuals who do not own a snowmobile but are expressing a great deal of interest in owning a snowmobile and going snowmobiling. It was also noted that approximately 20 percent of the visitors to the site visited the rental outlet pages of the site. Indications are that many of the individuals visiting the rental site do not own a snowmobile but want to rent one during their winter vacation. This activity and interest in renting bodes well for future sales and the growth in the snowmobile rental market.

Additional surveys have found that snowmobilers are active in many outdoor activities. Many snowmobilers are also boaters, motorcycle riders, camping enthusiasts, hunting enthusiasts and general outdoor recreational activity participants.

Many individuals have discovered that snowmobiling is a great recreational family activity in the winter. Many of those individuals are snowmobiling for reasons such as viewing the scenery, be with family and friends, and to get away from the usual demands of life and be close to nature.

The continued broad-based growth of the snowmobile community includes the increased number of visitors and exhibitors in snowmobile shows. States and provincial organizations continue to grow and expand club membership. Many organizations report that new trails are being developed to support the positive economic impact of snowmobiling and job growth for the rural community. Economic impact studies generated by universities in North America show that snowmobiling is growing in importance as part of the overall economic engine and job growth for winter tourism. Estimates show that snowmobiling now generates more than $30 Billion Dollars of economic activity in North America. The economic activity generated by snowmobiling provides many jobs and investment opportunities and generates considerable tax revenue for local governments which eagerly support snowmobiling. 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEbfteUIkYU&WT.mc_id=

New Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom Motorcycle for 2011.

ARTICLE COMPLIMENTS OF http://www.canadianmotorcyclerider.ca

CONCORD, Ontario (February 2, 2011) – A wide front end and chunky 16-inch tire give the new Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom motorcycle a proud stance that is strong and contemporary. Introduced as a mid-year addition to the 2011 Harley-Davidson model line-up, the 1200 Custom motorcycle also features new wheels, a pull-back handlebar, and a reshaped LED tail lamp.

These elements combine to give the 1200 Custom motorcycle an exciting new look, which are only a starting point for this Sportster model. The 1200 Custom motorcycle will also debut H-D1 Factory Customization – a new opportunity that allows the Customer to choose from seven option categories to optimize fit, function, and style. By selecting from available Factory-installed wheels, handlebars, seats, paint, foot control position, security system, and engine finish, the Customer can create a 1200 Custom that is a truly personalized motorcycle. Factory customization is the latest element of Harley-Davidson customization, which also includes Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories catalogues, Fit Shop and Bike Builder on www.harleycanada.com/hd1bikebuilder, Genuine Motor Accessories Custom Seat and Custom Paint programs, Chrome Consultant and Fit Shop advisors at Harley-Davidson Retail locations, and much more.

A Sportster Model with Phattitude

The 1200 Custom motorcycle offers a new look, but is a Sportster motorcycle to the core, offering a compelling combination of bold styling, nimble handling and the irresistible beat of American V-Twin performance.

Key features of the 2011 1200 Custom motorcycle include:

- Air-cooled Evolution 1,200 cc V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 79 ft. lbs. peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
- Powertrain is finished in black powdercoat with chrome covers.
- NEW chrome, five-Spoke cast aluminium wheels front and rear. Front and rear wheels are 16 x 3.0 inches.
- NEW Michelin Scorcher 31 tires; 130/90B 16 front and 150/80B16 M/C 77H rear.
- NEW wider fork spacing and polished triple clamps.
- Pull-back handlebar mounted on a curved riser that incorporates an LED warning light display.
- NEW reshaped classic Sportster “eyebrow” over the headlamp.
- NEW tail light is smaller and has a new shape with a bright, maintenance free LED module.
- NEW front suspension rates are re-tuned to match the new tire/wheel combination. 39 mm front fork with 30 degrees of rake.
- Polished forward foot controls.
- Coil-over pre-load adjustable rear shocks.
- Two-up seat is standard. Laden seat height is 26.6 inches.
- The 4.5-gallon fuel tank offers long riding range. 

Introducing H-D1 Factory Customization 

H-D1 Factory Customization is the newest element of Harley-Davidson customization that allows Customers to build the 1200 Custom motorcycle from a selection of options, which are then installed as the motorcycle is assembled by Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Kansas City. H-D1 Factory Customization enables personalized fit, function, and style. By selecting different wheels, seats, handlebars, paint, and engine finishes, the Customer can dramatically alter the look of the motorcycle. Different combinations of foot control location, seat and handlebars can be selected to adjust the fit of the motorcycle to a rider’s stature. With H-D1 Factory Customization the Customer will have the opportunity to order a 1200 Custom motorcycle in more than 2,600 combinations.

The H-D1 Factory Customization tool will be available online at:

www.harleycanada.com/hd1bikebuilder. The Customer can view the bike they are creating as different options are selected. The Customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson Retailer to review the motorcycle with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the Retailer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as six to eight weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson Retailer. Delivery timing may vary depending on demand, and will be communicated to Customers at the time of the order. H-D1 Factory Customization will be available only through Harley-Davidson Retailers in the United States and Canada.

The 1200 Custom motorcycle has a suggested Retail price in Canada of $11,389, and comes equipped with chrome five-spoke cast aluminium wheels, pull-back handlebars, forward polished foot controls, a two-up seat, a black engine with chrome covers, and Vivid Black paint. Factory-installed options can be swapped out in any combination to this base configuration of the 1200 Custom motorcycle, using these seven different categories:

Wheels: Black five-spoke cast aluminium with machined highlights, chrome laced or black laced.
Handlebars: Drag bars or mini-ape bars
Foot Controls: Mid-mount polished
Seat: Solo
Paint/Graphics: Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Cool Blue Pearl, Chrome Yellow, Merlot Sunglo, Sedona Orange, Black Denim (solid colours); Scarlet Red/Vivid Black, Merlot Sunglo/Vivid Black, Sedona Orange/Vivid Black, Birch White/Sedona Orange, Chrome Yellow/Vivid Black (two-tone colours); Cool Blue Pearl with Scalloped graphics, White Hot Pearl with Hot Pink Flame graphics (custom graphics).
Engine: Black powder coat with black covers.
Security: Add Harley-Davidson Smart Security System.

Ducati recall - Multistrada 1200

And a little more news about Ducati that will cause some inconvenience for a few Canadian Ducati riders at least.  Ducati has issued a recall affecting the engine of

Model affected is the 2010 Multistrada 1200's. The Transport Canada Recall number is 2011005 while the manufacturer recall number is RCL-10-004. The Transport Canada issue date of the recall is January 5th, 2011

Recall details:

On certain motorcycles, the engine could stall while downshifting or maneuvering with the clutch disengaged and the engine at idle. Lost propulsion (engine stalling), in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and rider's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. 

article compliments of http://www.canadianmotorcylerider.ca

January 16 - 23, 2011 - National Safety Week - CCSO and MADD Partner for an Alcohol Awareness Day in Support of Zero Tolerance January 16th to help launch Safety Week "It's Zero I Say Til I Am Done For The Day" - (Please contact your local club or provincial organization for details)

February - National Environment Month

February 12 - 20, 2011 - Take A Friend Snowmobiling Week

June 1 - 4, 2011 - International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) - Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Host hotel and meetings will be at: HYATT Regency, Calgary
700 Centre Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2G 5P6. Tel: 1-403-717-1234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-403-717-1234    

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DUCATI UNVEILS ITS 2011 SUPERBIKE RANGE AT COLOGNE’S INTERMOT SHOW

Ducati enters the 2011 model year with an aggressive new Superbike lineup.
 
Cologne, Germany (5 October 2010) – Ducati Motor Holding unveiled the first of its 2011 models today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Fair; highlighted by the new 1198 SP Superbike.  
 
“We decided to consolidate our presence here in Cologne because we believe in the importance of this event, which opens the European motor show season;" stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding.
 
Ducati is a premium brand which conceives and develops sport motorcycles with exclusive Italian design and superior performance proven on racetracks around the world. Ducati chose the 2011 INTERMOT show to reveal the significant improvements to its Superbike model family- all of which are testaments to the mission statement above. The 2011 Superbikes feature new trickle-down technology from Ducati’s World Championship racing team, and an attractive pricing structure. All three Superbike offerings for 2011 are brand new or significantly upgraded from their 2010 variants:
 
The 1198 SP is the new crown jewel of Ducati’s formidable Superbike family. It features a massive 170hp and 97 lb/ft of torque combined with a flyweight of 370lbs. Making the package work for the rider is a combination of electronic rider aids and performance oriented hard parts found on no other sport bike available. The electronics include a MotoGP derived digital dash, Ducati Traction Control, the new Ducati Quick Shifter and a Ducati Data Analyzer to review all measures of performance data. The top of the line suspension includes Ohlins front forks and an Ohlins TTx rear shock. These match up with a Ducati Performance Slipper Clutch, aluminum fuel tank and Brembo Monobloc calipers to ensure world class performance for only $26,995CDN.   
 
Setting the standard for Superbike lust is the Ducati 1198. For 2011 the 1198 features a host of upgrades at no extra cost as a reminder to new market competition that Ducati is still the class of the field. The 1198 will now come with the Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) fitted as standard; improving rider safety and lap times in spades. Supporting the DTC system is the new Ducati Quick Shifter, (DQS) which will further assist riders in their never ending conquest for speed. The Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) enables riders to download traction control and six other performance parameters in order to better understand and improve their riding habits. The 2011 1198 will arrive in showrooms this December at $19,995CDN; just in time to prep the bike for racing season.
 
The 848EVO was announced as an early 2011 model this past July. Packing 140hp and weighing a featherweight 369lbs, it is the best performing middleweight sport bike on the market. Already available in Stealth Black and Ducati Red, Intermot saw the addition of a limited production scheme: Arctic White with a red frame and red wheels. Pricing for the 848EVO Dark is an aggressive $15,495CDN.
 
For more information on the 2011 Ducati model range, please visit www.ducatiusa.com <file:///C:UsersjcantonDocumentsimportant%20docswww.ducatiusa.com> .




For more information visit www.ducatiusa.com or contact:

John Paolo Canton

Public Relations Manager       

Ducati North America

Ph. 001.408.343.4414

jcanton@ducatiusa.com

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, SportClassic and Hypermotard. The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, North American and Japan markets. Ducati competes in the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In World Superbike, Ducati won the 2008 Manufacturer’s title, bringing the total to 16 of the last 19 Manufacturers’ titles and 13 Riders’ titles. Competing in MotoGP since 2003, Ducati won both the Constructors’ and Riders’ world titles in 2007. For more information, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com <http://www.ducati.com/>


 

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