Harley- Davidson backs Chingford’s Fastest Biker

If you thought Harley-Davidson motorcycles were only for cruising, then think again. Dave Jones, service technician at Chingford's Stadium Harley-Davidson and amateur drag racer, covers ¼ mile in just 10 seconds at speeds of up 125 mph on his modified, street-legal, Harley-Davidson Sportster. It's performances like this, and four championship wins in the last five years in the twin cylinder class of the Streetbike drag racing series (1999 was a bad year for Dave, he finished runner-up!), that has attracted sponsorship from the world's oldest and most famous motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson UK joins long-term sponsor Stadium Harley-Davidson, the Chingford-based dealership covering north east London and Essex, as Dave continues to dominate the Streetbike series (he is currently leading after round one) and as he takes on the relatively new challenge of the National Association of Supertwins series where he is currently in third place in the Street Class.

"It's a big help that Harley-Davidson has decided to support me," says 43-year old Dave. "The season is going extremely well but I need as much support as I can get. Not only do I race the bike, I built it, service it, modify it and clean it! It's a big job."

Motorcycle drag racing is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and Dave himself has inspired four customers of Stadium and a colleague, fellow technician Ivan Walters, to take up the sport.

"It is the ultimate test of motorcycle tuning and performance and that is what makes it addictive," continues Dave. "Customers saw me racing, heard the stories and wanted to get involved themselves. Now, I'm not only preparing my own competition bike, but four others as well."

Dave's bike is a heavily modified Harley-Davidson Sportster with over 100 bhp and 96.5 lb/ft of torque, all at the rear wheel. Although far from standard, regulations for Street Class competitors ensure that the bike complies with the Road Traffic Act and that no turbochargers, superchargers or alternative fuels are used.

Harley-Davidson's regional manager David Hackshall is keen to encourage a big following this season: "I'd like to see as many people as possible supporting Dave at this year's meetings. Harley-Davidson and Buell owners and motor sport enthusiasts from all over the country are welcome. Drag racing provides an extremely friendly atmosphere and access to the pits, and the best views of the action are unlimited. If he performs to his potential it will be a very exciting season."

Dates for this year's Supertwins and Streetbike series are:

• June 15th / 16th - Avon Park (Warwickshire), Supertwins
• June 16th - North Weald (Essex), Streetbike
• June 29th / 30 - Santa Pod (Northamptonshire), Supertwins
• July 7th - North Weald, Streetbike
• August 24th / 26th - Avon Park, Supertwins
• September 1st - North Weald, Streetbike
• September 28th / 29th - Santa Pod, Supertwins

  (unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Surrey HOG European Champions again

• Surrey Chapter wins European Challenge in Venice
• Chapter director voted UK's number one
• Membership secretary voted UK's best Chapter officer

The Surrey HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter has once again beaten off stiff competition from across the continent to win the European HOG Chapter Challenge for the second successive year. And when the Chapter returned victorious to the UK there was more good news. Neil Hart has been voted 'Chapter Director of the Year', and membership secretary Jeff Fallon has been voted 'Chapter Officer of the Year' in the UK HOG awards.

After winning the title in Saint-Tropez in 2001, Surrey romped home again, this time in Venice ahead of Warsaw and Rhein Valley. Held every year at the European HOG rally, the Chapter Challenge is judged in three sections: distance travelled and number of members who attend; success in the Chapter field games; and the scope of events put on by the Chapter at the rally.

Over 100 members rode 1200 miles (Dorking to Venice) across Europe to attend the rally, including a stop off at Lake Garda. The Chapter then went on to finish third in the slow riding game; won the tyre tossing competition; and scored extremely well in the poker run. An array of activities organised by the Chapter, including a Saturday night 'jail break' theme fancy dress party, sealed the win.

"We put a lot of effort into retaining the Chapter Challenge this year," said UK Chapter Director of the Year Neil Hart. "The effort, organisation and dedication shown by our members is exceptional and that is why we are such a happy and thriving organisation. The Saturday night party was particularly great and attracted a big crowd, including Harley-Davidson European boss, John Russell."

The Surrey HOG Chapter, which was re-launched under the leadership of Neil Hart back in March last year, has gone from strength to strength in the past 14 months. Not only has it won the European Chapter Challenge twice in that period, it has also boosted its membership by 25 per cent, taking total membership to over 700.

The Surrey HOG Chapter is sponsored by Surrey Harley-Davidson, the Dorking-based dealership for Surrey, Sussex and south west London. The group meets once a week at the dealership and organises a busy programme of activities throughout the year including ride-outs, parties, rallies, and fund-raising events.

The Harley Owners Group was first formed in 1983 and has since grown to become the world's largest factory-sponsored motorcycle owners' group with over 650,000 members world-wide enjoying a wide range of benefits and services as well as major national and international events. The one millionth member is expected to be signed up in Harley-Davidson's centenary year in 2003. The UK has over 10,000 members.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Centurion Forum on Isle of Man Harleys

Harley-Davidson in the home of the TT
Charity ride out for Manx Children in Need

Do you live on the Isle of Man and own a Harley-Davidson? Are you a biker looking for new wheels, perhaps from the world's most famous manufacturer? Or are you thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle and want to do it in style? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then it's time to have your say.

In a unique move for a motorcycle dealership, Centurion Harley-Davidson, the Chester-based dealership that also provides Harley-Davidson and Buell sales and service for the Isle of Man, has announced a forum to discuss how it can offer even better service on the island. The dealership wants to gauge opinion on whether bikers want a satellite dealership (i.e. a permanent presence on the Isle of Man) or if other means of servicing their needs would be a better approach. Everyone with an interest and an opinion is welcome at the forum at The Queen's pub in Laxey on Saturday 25th May at 2pm.

The forum will be hosted by Centurion Harley-Davidson's directors, Ean Lewin and Peter Barker. "Currently anyone who wants to buy a Harley-Davidson or get their machine serviced has to travel to the mainland," said Ean. "We know this is not ideal, so we have made the decision to strengthen our commitment to the Isle of Man. But we want to make sure that we get it right. We couldn't think of any better way of doing this than asking the people who matter - existing and potential customers."

"The forum isn't just for Harley-Davidson riders," said Peter. "The island has a great bike racing heritage, but a Harley-Davidson or Buell may be a completely new experience for you and worth considering. We also want to hear from non-riders who are attracted to the brand. There is huge demand for our accessories and MotorClothes ranges, and we also have close links with Rider's Edge, Harley-Davidson's rider training school that can you get you through the test on a Harley."

During the forum Ean and Peter will also be raffling some Harley-Davidson MotorClothes in aid of Manx Children in Need. A special marquee will be set up at The Queen's and as a thank you to all that come along and voice an opinion and for those that couldn't make it in the day, the dealership is holding a party in the evening. Local rock band Incy Wincy will provide the entertainment and everyone will each get one free drink. The party starts at 7:30pm with the band taking the stage from 8:30pm.

Centurion's Isle of Man weekend will be rounded off on Sunday when the dealership will join the Moddy Dhoo motorcycle club on a ride out across the island. Once again charitable collections will be made and everyone is welcome. The more riders and supporters, the more money for the kids.

Full programme of events - weekend of 25th and 26th May

• Saturday 2pm - Open forum on the future of Harley-Davidson on the island
• Saturday from 7:30 pm - rock band and Centurion party
• Sunday - Centurion charity ride-out with Moddey Dhoo motorcycle club

For more information contact Ean Lewin or Peter Barker on 01244 304700 or e-mail ean@centurion-hdx.co.uk.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Overalls and spanners for Harley Pioneer

Surrey Harley-Davidson's Sue Spriggs is the UK's first female Harley-Davidson technician

Some say motorcycling is a male pursuit. But that's not so - and here's the latest evidence. Not only are more and more women buying Harley-Davidson motorcycles and living the lifestyle, but they are now servicing, repairing and customising them for others. Step forward Sue Spriggs who has joined Dorking's Surrey Harley-Davidson to become the first female technician in Harley-Davidson's UK network.

"I didn't know I was going to be the first woman technician when I took the job, but I'm delighted and hope I can encourage others to join me," said former GEC Avionics technician Sue. "I have always worked in male dominated environments so it's not a problem - in fact I relish it. I enjoy the banter and I give as good as I get."

30-year old Sue from Gillingham will be working in one of the busiest Harley-Davidson workshops in the country, and whether it's a first service on a V-Rod or a replacement clutch lever on a Fat Boy, Sue will have it covered. She is one of over 100 Harley-Davidson technicians in the UK and will soon be making the journey to the United States and the Harley-Davidson University for specialist training. "I can't wait to go to the US," continues Sue. "This is a dream job for me as I've ridden Harleys for years and always had a natural ability for solving technical problems and fixing things, especially cars and bikes."

"It's great to have a first at the dealership and I hope that it brings more female customers in," said Surrey Harley-Davidson's general manager Paul Stephenson. "But, to be honest, Sue was the best technician I interviewed for the job and that's why she is with us today."

Sue rides a 1200cc Harley-Davidson Sportster and also owns several collectors' cars. As well as being a great personal move for Sue, she also sees working in a Harley-Davidson dealership as an important step forward for women in motorcycling: "We need more women to work in motorcycling because the more women who join the business, the more confident women are going to be when considering becoming a biker. That's something that can only be good for the industry."

To contact Surrey Harley-Davidson call 01306 883825 or e-mail paul.stephenson@pendragon.uk.com.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

100 years in the making, and it’s going to be huge

More details of Harley-Davidson Open Road Tour
Music to include Bob Dylan and Billy Idol
Elvis and Bon Jovi Harleys part of classic display

Harley-Davidson has released more details of its Open Road Tour to celebrate its 2003 centenary. The tour, which begins in Atlanta on July 20th and moves on around the world, is huge (more than 25 acres) and diverse. It's an entertainment extravaganza with something for everyone.

"It's hard to put into words," said Joanne Bischmann, vice president of marketing for Harley-Davidson. "We knew that kicking-off Harley-Davidson's next 100 years was going to call for something huge, that couldn't easily be described in words, but something that would be an unforgettable Harley-Davidson experience for anyone who participated. We think the Open Road Tour fits the bill entirely."

Music - 12 bands on two stages
There will be different bands in every city, each day on two different stages. Acts for the Atlanta leg of the tour will include Steel Pulse; Ted Nugent; Journey; and Tim McGraw. Other top-name artists that have been confirmed include the Neville Brothers; Alison Krauss; Billy Idol; Lynard Skynyrd; Hootie and the Blowfish; Indigenous and the legendary Bob Dylan. Venues for each artist are yet to be confirmed.

Motorcycle art, culture and history
Open Road Tour visitors are invited to take in 100 years of Harley-Davidson history through multi-media and historic displays including: original artefacts; historic engines; and an extraordinary collection of materials from company marketing campaigns. Starting with a re-creation of the historic shed where the company was born, visitors can trace every aspect of the history of Harley-Davidson including an archive collection of motorcycle toys. Included in the displays are three theme areas: The Journey; The Machine; and The Culture.

Inside The Journey, visitors will be encouraged to step into a story booth and share their favourite Harley-Davidson experiences. The Machine will feature an exciting exhibition of motorcycles from the Harley-Davidson archives including Elvis' and Jon Bon Jovi's bikes. The Culture features Harley-Davidson's distinctive style that has inspired people and popular culture around the world. It includes a 2000-seat cinema showcasing Harley-Davidson in the movies as well as a special exhibit from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Motorcycle entertainment
Qualifying visitors will be able to ride the 2003 Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle of their choice, including the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod. For non-riders and riders alike, Harley-Davidson has also put together an extensive line-up of motorcycle action. From the skill and artistry of motorcycle drill teams, to the raw nerve of extreme riders, Open Road Tour motorcycle action is sure to boost the adrenaline of any onlooker.

Something for the children
Everyone can be part of the Harley-Davidson family and experience. Working in conjunction with Toys "R" Us, Harley-Davidson has developed a special children's pavilion to satisfy all the younger members of the family. Youngsters will even have the chance to demo-ride some of the Fisher Price Harley-Davidson ride-on toys.

Charity
The Harley-Davidson Open Road Tour and other 100th anniversary events will raise funds to help find a cure for muscular dystrophy, and aid research and services for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases. Since 1980, the Harley-Davidson family of customers, dealers and employees has raised nearly $40 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

"During the Open Road Tour and other 100th anniversary events, we hope to raise $5 million for the MDA," adds Joanne Bischmann.

Tickets for US and Canadian Open Road Tour stops are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit www.harley-davidson.com, www.ticketmaster.com or contact your local Ticket Master office. Additional information on the Open Road Tour or the 100th anniversary will be regularly updated on www.harley-davidson.com.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

WWW.HDRENTALS.COM expands into the North West

Centurion becomes the authorised outlet for north west

Fancy riding a Harley-Davidson this weekend? Perhaps on some of the great countryside riding routes of the north-west or just for cruising through cities like Liverpool and Manchester? Well now you can.

www.hdrentals.com, the official rental programme of the world's most famous motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, is opening a new outlet in Chester. The new operation will be based at Centurion Harley-Davidson, the Harley-Davidson dealership in Foregate Street, and will cover rentals for the north west.

So whether you're holidaying in the area, wondering whether a Harley is really for you or if you fancy a change from your usual set of wheels for the weekend, www.hdrentals.com and Centurion Harley-Davidson has the answer.

Simon Garrett, general manager of Centurion Harley-Davidson, said: "There are many reasons to rent a bike including birthday presents, but it's also an opportunity for potential customers to try a Harley-Davidson for a day, a week, a weekend, or however long, to see if it's the bike for them.

"We also expect to offer a service to tourists in the area, Americans especially, who want to explore the north-west on two wheels rather than four. Liverpool and Chester in particular are popular with tourists and we are within easy riding distance of north Wales and even the Lake and Peak districts."

A Harley-Davidson rental in the north west can be organised entirely online at www.hdrentals.com or direct through Centurion Harley-Davidson on 01244 304700 or www.centurion-hdx.co.uk. Prices start at GBP95 per day and rentals offer the following:

• Current Harley-Davidson motorcycles, serviced and maintained according to Harley-Davidson Motor Company standards
• Use of a Harley-Davidson DOT-approved helmet
• Use of a Harley-Davidson rainsuit
• Secure, ample short-term luggage storage
• 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.

All riders must be:

• 21 years of age or older
• In possession of a valid motorcycle licence
• Experienced in riding heavyweight motorcycles
• A major credit card holder.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Harley-Davidson to launch new centre in Bristol

Covering Bristol, Bath, South Wales and Gloucestershire
Purpose-built facilities to follow in 2003
18 new jobs created

Harley-Davidson, the world's oldest and most famous motorcycle company, is coming to Bristol. Riders of Bristol is set to retail the full range of Harley-Davidson and Buell (Harley's sister performance brand) motorcycles, fashionable Harley-Davidson MotorClothes and hundreds of genuine accessories and parts. The new centre will be owned and operated by Riders, a company with 25 years' experience in motorcycle retailing in the south-west, including Harley-Davidson's nearby centre, Riders of Bridgwater.

The good news is that there will be a store up and running before the end of the month, just in time for the summer riding season. This will be followed next year by the launch of a £1 million state-of-the-art dealership. Both locations will be based just off the A4 in Brislington, Bristol, opposite the city's park-and-ride scheme.

The man behind it all is south-west businessman Phil Jessopp. Just as Harley-Davidson Motor Company began its business in a garden shed in Milwaukee, USA in 1903, Phil began the Riders business from a garden shed in Yeovil in 1976. 26 years later the company is turning over £6 million and selling 900 motorcycles a year. Riders of Bristol will be Jessopp's biggest project yet.

"We've come a long way since the early days in Yeovil," said Phil. "Opening a store in Bristol is the natural move for us to develop the business. The city and the surrounding sales territory are well served by transport links and in Bristol alone we have a catchment area of nearly a million people. It is a prime location for a prestige motorcycle centre."

"We know from our work in Bridgwater that the timing is just right. Harley-Davidson celebrates its centenary next year, which will create a lot of publicity for the bikes and the Harley lifestyle. We expect our new Bristol site to be part of Harley-Davidson's continued success. Riders has just been awarded Harley-Davidson UK dealer of the year for 2001 (for the third time) and we will bring our core values of customer care and attention to detail that won us the award to Bristol."

General manager Martin Rich sees it all as much more than a motorcycle dealership: "We pride ourselves on our 'close-to-customer' approach to business and it will be no different here in Bristol. Everyone who buys a new Harley-Davidson becomes a member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG), the world's largest factory-sponsored owners' organisation. We'll be launching our own local HOG chapter so that everyone who buys a motorcycle will have the chance to meet like-minded people, take part in ride-outs, social evenings, charity fundraising and all sorts of local events. These make owning a Harley a lifestyle experience, not just a motorcycle."

Harley-Davidson motorcycles range from the Sportster 883 (£4,995) to the Ultra Classic Electra Glide (£15,495). The range also features the recently launched Harley-Davidson V-Rod, which has had rave reviews from the media since its launch in July 2001, and won numerous awards, including Bike of the Year. Another new addition to the Buell range is the Firebolt XB9R which was launched to the press in March and has been described by The Daily Telegraph as "dynamically outstanding."

To find out more contact Riders of Bristol on 0117 958 8777 or visit www.ridersofbristol.co.uk. To find out more about Harley-Davidson visit www.harley-davidson.co.uk or call the Harley-Davidson response centre on 0870 842 7539.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Centurion Launches Special Edition “Chariot of Fire”

If you're the kind of biker that likes the best of both worlds - performance and touring ability - then make your way to Centurion Harley-Davidson. The Chester-based dealership for Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales has had its technicians hard at work over the last few months creating a unique Harley-Davidson - a 1700 cc Road King with 110 lb/ft of torque (an increase of 57% over standard) and over 100 bhp.

Nicknamed the "Chariot of Fire" by the Centurion team, the bike, part of Harley-Davidson's touring range of motorcycles, has been given the Screamin' Eagle (Harley-Davidson's performance tuning brand) treatment, with a whole host of performance accessories added. The result is a bike with power and torque figures that match some of the fastest Japanese sports bikes on the market, and more than enough carrying capacity for a weekend away with your pillion companion.

"The modifications allow a fully-loaded motorcycle with two people on it to overtake with ease," says lead technician Kirk Herbert. "We're aiming this Centurion special edition at customers who do a lot of touring but want that extra power and grunt to be available all the time, not just when the bike is unladen.

"Although this style of conversion has been done before, this is a unique motorcycle because no one has ever used a Road King as a base bike," continues Kirk. "Yet it is the most obvious choice as the enormous torque this conversion generates requires a strong chassis that will allow the power to be transmitted directly to the road without unsettling the rider. The touring chassis is the strongest in the range and so fits the job perfectly."

The "Chariot of Fire" 1700 cc Road King is available from Centurion Harley-Davidson priced at £17,295 on-the-road. To find out more or to book a test ride contact the dealership on 01244 304700 or at www.centurion-hdx.co.uk.

Full specification list:

• Screamin' Eagle crankshaft assembly
• 1550 cylinder kit
• 1550 flat top forged piston kit
• Screamin' Eagle 258 cam kit
• Screamin' Eagle performance heads
• Screamin' Eagle adjustable pushrods
• 45mm Mikuni flatside carb
• Screamin' Eagle 7000 rpm module and coil kit
• All parts are genuine Harley-Davidson parts and are covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty.

  (unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Screamin' Eagle Pro Stock Bike race team
A breathtaking, ear-splitting, 340 horsepower, seven-second blur launched the opening season of Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle Pro Stock Bike (PSB) challenge. The world's oldest motorcycle manufacturer has begun the chase for major honours in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) championship, and America's leading motorcycle drag racing teams can expect the competition to get much hotter on the quarter-mile drag strips in the coming months.

The Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle PSB challenge is spearheaded by one of the most exciting young professional racers to be found on two, or four, wheels in top-level world motor sport. Gary Tonglet Jr, just 18 years old, is already a regular record breaker in his chosen sport.

Last season Gary became the youngest NHRA race winner and recorded the fastest trap speed time in the competition's history with a 194 mph pass.

With just one season's experience behind him, he also holds the third fastest time recorded in any official NHRA race. Gary, who was born in New Orleans, was a crew chief by the age of 14, and admits to having been able to ride a motorcycle well before learning to handle a bicycle.

The new entrant has further strengthened its credentials with the selection of Vance & Hines Motorsports, one of the most dominant teams on the circuit during the last 30 years, as race team partners.

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

Harley-Davidson opens European distribution centre

Harley-Davidson has emphasised its commitment to providing European customers and dealers with industry-leading levels of service with the opening of Europe's most advanced motorcycle industry distribution centre in Houthalen, Belgium.

The centre will help to expand a world-wide parts, accessories and MotorClothes business that generated record sales of $672 million during 2001 (first quarter 2002 sales were $173.4 million) offering customers over 145,000 motor parts and accessories.

The new distribution centre, 90 km east of Brussels, employs over 60 people and covers 19,830 square metres. The facility is divided into three areas, each measuring 6,610 square metres - two are dedicated to parts and accessories and the other to Harley-Davidson MotorClothes.

Harley-Davidson is supported by Caterpillar Logistics Services, an acknowledged world-wide leader in the logistics business sector, which provides expert IT, quality assurance, transportation and warehouse management solutions.

The centre supports 23 European subsidiary offices and distributor partners, as well as Harley-Davidson's growing African and Middle East networks. Paul Barker, Harley-Davidson Europe's director of parts, accessories and MotorClothes, said: "The Houthalen operation is part of our growing commitment to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It handles the storage and distribution of Harley-Davidson products ranging from cleaning products to fashion clothing, specialist performance parts and limited edition motorcycles imported through our Custom Vehicle Operations."

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)

All American Weekend at Warrs
20th / 21st April

Yeah, we screwed up - I only got this last week and it's all rather too late for people wanting to go, but worth mentioning its passing if only because the Harley fleet was supplemented by the 2002 Ford F150 SuperCrew.

Ford have had a Harley-badged SuperCrew for a couple of years now, and it is styled to appeal to the discerning Harley enthusiast, with lots of chrome styling flourishes, acres of antique leather and a tuned slashcut exhaust - no staggered shorty duals tho'. At the heart of the pickup is a 340 bhp 5.4 litre supercharged V8 which is actually a lot closer to the power stats of a Harley than it first seems, especially with a blower, four times the cylinders, just under four times the capacity, and a realistic figure for four times the output of a tweaked motor. On that basis, the £37,000 + VAT asking price is about right, being four times that of the bike.

That weirdest thing about the whole plot is that while the SuperCrew's cab allows two rows of seats in the dry, it does so by sacrificing the space in the pickup bed: we've only ever seen a Dyna Superglide in the back of one to date, and that was at an angle across the back, and the tailgate was still down.

Is this an attempt to destroy rumours that Harley riders haul their bikes down to the strip, before unloading them for a quick pose and back home for a Bourbon?

I suspect it is more of a recognition that bikers sometime need four wheels rather than two

Andy

Harley-Davidson Inc. has announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ending March 31, 2002. Revenue for the quarter was $927.8 million compared with $776.9 million in the same period last year, a 19.4 per cent increase.

"We are proud to announce another outstanding quarter and to report that demand for Harley-Davidson products remains strong as we begin our 99th year of operations," said Jeffrey Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Inc. "Our world-wide network of independent dealers experienced a growth rate of 20 per cent in retail registrations during the first quarter. Based on this demand and capacity improvements, we are raising our 2002 production target for Harley-Davidson motorcycles to 261,000 units, up from the previous target of 258,000"

First quarter revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $747.7 million, an increase of 21.9 per cent over the first quarter last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totalled 64,669 units, up 10,515 (19.4 per cent) and approximately 2,100 units over the announced target.

"We worked additional assembly line overtime during the quarter to help meet strong customer demand for our 2002 model year motorcycles," said Bleustein.

Harley-Davidson Inc. is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Buell Motorcycle Company; and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programmes to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

First quarter revenue from Parts and Accessories, consisting of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totalled $131.1 million, a 20.4 per cent increase. General Merchandise, consisting of MotorClothes, apparel and collectibles, had first quarter revenue of $42.3 million, up 7.9 per cent over the same period last year.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services reported first quarter income of $41.7 million, up from $32.9 million. The increase was due, in part, to continued strong acceptance of its consumer financing programmes as well as growth across all product lines.

Retail sales for Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 21.2 per cent for the period January-March 2002, compared with last year. Harley-Davidson retail sales in Europe were up by 16.6 per cent and in Japan by 3.7 per cent.

Big Rock announces 2002 Buell Race programme
Patrick Yates re-signed for second season
Race boss looking for a podium finish for Nottingham rider

Big Rock Harley-Davidson, Nottingham's Harley-Davidson and Buell dealership for the East Midlands, has announced that it will be competing in this year's EMRA (East Midlands Racing Association) Road Stock Championship with a Buell M2 Cyclone. The dealership has re-signed Patrick "Paddy" Yates, who raced successfully for Big Rock last year, to lead the challenge on the track. The next championship round is at Mallory Park on 12th May.

34-year old Paddy, from Nottingham, will be backed by the Big Rock team of technicians including race director Martin Webster: "We've not modified the bike very much, as the ACU rules only allow minimal alterations to keep the racing as close as possible to road-going machines. We're hoping to finish on the podium this year and improve on the two fourth positions we achieved last season."

The Road Stock Championship attracts full grids throughout the summer. This year Big Rock's Buell M2 will be competing against Suzuki's GSXR 1000, 996 Ducatis, Yamaha R1s, Honda's CBR900 RR and Kawasaki ZX9Rs.

"The Buell will be viewed as an underdog," said Paddy, "because it's less-powerful than its more common competitors. We firmly believe that Buell has an enormous performance potential and with its superior torque and handling, the M2 excels in the bends and in traction onto the straights. Where we lose out on top speed we gain in the twisty bends."

Big Rock's general manager, Burt Perry, is keen to encourage support for this season's campaign: "I'd like to see as many people as possible cheering on Patrick and the team. Harley-Davidson and Buell owners and motor sport enthusiasts from all over the country are welcome. The series provides an extremely friendly atmosphere and access to the pits, with unlimited views of the action. If we perform as expected it will be a very exciting season and an ideal opportunity to show how competitive Buell motorcycles are."

Dates for this year's series are as follows:

• 12th May Mallory Park (ooops)
• 23rd June Mallory Park
• 21st July Darley Moor (Derbyshire)
• 28th July Mallory Park
• 24th August Pembury (South Wales)
• 25th August Pembury (South Wales)
• 1st September Mallory Park
• 22nd September Mallory Park

The season's programme has been made possible by the kind sponsorship of Buell Motorcycles, Riossi racing, Bikes, Dunlop, ART, Adrenalin Moto, BSB Outside Bars, D and K Manchester Ltd and Sue Kershaw of YK Racing.

For further details please contact Big Rock Harley-Davidson on 0115 949 9800 or visit www.bigrock.co.uk

(unedited Harley-Davidson press release)