Profits soar for Harley-Davidson, but at what cost?

Harley-Davidson has become a far more profitable company in 2011 even though it only sold 233,117 motorcycles. (In 2006 they had sold 349, 196 motorcycles)

Cost cutting measures implemented by Keith Wandell saw the company save $217 million dollars by slashing their work force at the York plant by some 950 + jobs. They also negotiated a contract that sees their employees wages held until 2017.  Their plants in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have also experienced job losses.

As a business owner, I understand outsourcing and cost watching/cutting - it is the life blood of business, but when you are a publicly traded company the dollar is the only "God" investors know and humanity gets stripped from the equation.

What do I mean by that? Well, in the name of profitability, the employee at Harley-Davidson saw their lifestyle and ability to earn a living reduced - many lost their jobs, almost all saw their incomes held or reduced but not in the boardroom.

Begin Quote: 
The top five executives at Harley-Davidson Inc. earned almost $5.7 million in bonuses in 2011.

Keith Wandell, president/chief executive officer: $2,803,233 bonus, $7,232,147 total pay.

John Olin senior vice president/chief financial officer: $611,123 bonus $1,785,030 total pay.

Matthew Levatich, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.: $1,117,093 bonus,$3,065,869 total pay.

Lawrence Hund, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services: $737,917 bonus,$2,398,907 total pay.

Paul Jones, vice president/general counsel: $389,390 bonus, $1,007,524 total pay. End Quote

I understand that you need to pay good people well - you pay them for doing the tough jobs but I do find it hard to understand why top executives who already earn a great wage need to be paid bonuses for cutting other people out of the pay equation completely.  I guess that is why I will never run a publicly traded company.

I don't think I could take a bonus on the backs of those who loose their jobs...my conscience wouldn't let me.

What are your thoughts on H-D and the bonuses paid to their executives?

In other news:
In the US - Motorcycle Super Store has been bought out by MAG - Motorsports Aftermarket Group

The Marines are taking motorcycle safety seriously

In Europe, Knievel Cycles has had two fat tire motorcycles approved for that market: the Patriot Pro-Street and the Patriot Chopper.

In New Zealand, the Rebels are causing a stink by having purchased some land for their clubhouse.

There's an interesting article on biker hangouts in Singapore

From sports to gadgets for your garage, and everything in between, there is lots in the news feeds today at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news, so you don't have to!

I am getting packed and ready to head out to the Toronto National Motorcycle & Tattoo Show - and am looking forward to seeing a ton of riders and being able to report on the riding community and their machines, travels and dreams!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...hope they bring a smile to your face.

Have a fabulous Hump day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Living the life - a Quadriplegic teaches a life lesson

When you love the wind, nothing will stop you from enjoying it, not even life in a wheelchair....

Ron Asay may not realize it, but he is an inspiration.

The example of determination and passion that is his life is something that needs to be shared with everyone.

You see, Ron was a motorcycle mechanic and an avid rider before he ended up in a wheelchair....

Begin Quote: In 1981, Asay was in a head-on crash with another vehicle that was towing a car on a trailer. The trailer began to fishtail and the driver lost control.

"I flipped end-over-end twice," Asay said about the crash that landed him in the hospital for three months and permanently damaged his spine.

"I have no movement in my fingers. I can move my arms and my wrists a little bit, but I don't have full strength in them, and I have no movement or feeling from the chest down."

Asay was forced to give up fixing bikes for a living. He enrolled in a computer training program and eventually got a job working for American Express, where he retired after 17 years on the job.

But the desire to feel the wind blowing in his face never subsided. End Quote

It took Ron 13 and a half years to build the trike he rides today. But HE built it and HE rides it.

He has built two other machines since.

I love hearing how others conquer and master themselves, how they overcome challenges.

Ron could have easily succumbed to self pity and anger but he obviously has great core values and a true love of life!

Is this man an inspiration or what!

There is an interesting Motorcycle Safety ad campaign taking place in the UK - called THINK BIKER....

Here is a sample of what the ads look like...

Now - you tell me, is that not an EFFECTIVE AD?

I would love to hear your ideas on Motorcycle Safety Campaigns from around the world and how they could be adopted or adapted for the North American motorcycle community to utilize...

In other news...

O'Keefe Ranch just outside of Vernon will be the home of the Military Campground for the 2012 Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally

The Harley & Tattoo Show in Lavalle QC is coming up at the Centre SportExpo de Laval April 20-22.

IN PEI at this year's Atlanticade - John Mellancamp is going to rock the house!!!!

In Arizona, attendees of the GoDaddy owned Harley-Davison of Scottsdale took in a great Bike Week Kick Off event featuring Bret Michaels

Thousands of riders in the UK took part in the Star Riders Egg Run this past weekend...

There are a number of very interesting articles in the news feeds from the weekend and this morning...check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news to bring you all things motorcycle.

I leave you with a few giggles shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails, it's Monday and we all need a reason to laugh today!

Have a GREAT Monday

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

The ultimate act of selfishness

We got news yesterday that a rider from Kelowna BC was killed when a driver of an SUV was on his cell phone and rear ended the bike he was riding.  The rider's wife is in the hospital.

Selfish - self involved people think that what they are doing, what they need, what they want, is more important than anything else or anyone else in the world.

Selfish - self involved people never consider the consequences of their actions.

Selfish people - self involved never pay the true price of their actions, those are generally paid by someone else. They may pay a price, but it is never the right price.

All across Canada there are laws banning the use of a cell phone in your vehicle while driving. And yet, people are not getting the message, but then how can they?

Take this example...

In Ontario an Ottawa police officer was charged with stunting on his motorcycle when he was caught riding at over 200 KMP...

In BC, we are awaiting the verdict in the trial of RCMP Corporal Monty Robinson - you know the man who drank at a party, drove home with his kids in the car and hit a motorcyclist, left the scene without offering aide to the rider he hit, the rider died. Obstruction charges are all he faces....what is more selfish and self involved than that?
Which is worse, his actions or that of the justice system?

And how many other cases are there of police officers who break the laws they are meant to uphold...

And take this example - the Ornge Air Ambulance scandal in Ontario, where in government bureaucrats have bilked the system for millions and appear to have lost one of their pricy Orange County Chopper bikes in the process.

Example after example of selfish, self involved people in high places, places of authority and trust doing exactly what they please for their own gain and their own purposes.

I am heartsick this morning...how about you?

There is a TON of other news in the feeds this morning, Check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our server move is almost complete and things are starting to get closer to normal again!

Today is Newspaper delivery day for our subscribers and members on www.beltdrivebetty.com and the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is filled with event information and articles from riders like you and me, hope you enjoy it!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by the bent and crazy people in my world on Facebook and via email...I love you guys for making me giggle! And a giggle was definitely needed this morning!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

IF I EVER...

If I ever have to move web site servers again I need to make sure I get a supply of valium, a REALLY LARGE ONE, that will allow me to get through it without wanting to strangle something or someone.

I can not believe the challenges of moving to a dedicated server - one tiny itty bitty piece of code is bombing our entire server and OMG am I frustrated.

I know that it will get resolved but in the meantime I am feeling a level of frustration that I have never before in my life felt.

So, other than meditating which I do daily, what suggestions do you have for me regarding dealing with this stress?

I'd love to tell you about the news today, but until our web site is functioning, there is nothing I can point you to.

I will tell you the the Winnipeg Police have gone to World of Wheels and removed a bike belonging to the president of the Winnipeg Chapter of the Hells Angels and that he is in custody and I can tell you that there are two Ontario Riders who have gone down in crashes..

Until our site is fixed, that's the best I can do...I will update you all later today when our web mistress, who is working huge hours and is doing her best to fix the scripting error that is causing us this nightmare has it resolved.


Stay tuned, the web site move saga continues!

BDB

What do you think?

Out of New Zealand today is an article about the lack of motorcyclists in that country. According to the article, there was a study done in the EU regarding travel times where in it was discovered that if 10% of the driving population rode motorcycles, the wait times in traffic would be reduced by 40%.

Traffic congestion is a problem in many large cities and regions and New Zealand is concerned that only 3% of drivers between 15 and 24 hold a motorcycle license. This age group accounts for 15% of all drivers in New Zealand.

Begin Quote: Ian Stronach, MTA Marketing and Communications General Manager says "Though there are some differences in the transport situations between Europe and New Zealand, it is entirely possible that an increase in the use of motorcycles of the level mentioned in this study could see significant reductions in traffic congestion locally. It's only logical that more people using physically smaller and more nimble forms of transport would lead to less congestion, fewer emissions and faster travel times." End Quote

Mr Stronach goes on to say:

Begin Quote: Stronach says: "The bulk of those licensed to ride motorcycles on our roads is a carry-over from the heyday of motorcycling, 20 and 30 years ago. If the trend continues, it will not be feasible for New Zealand to even contemplate motorcycles as an aid to reducing congestion; as older riders 'retire' from riding, there simply aren't enough new license holders coming through to replace them.

"With active encouragement, effective training regimes and friendlier road design, motorcycling could take its place as an effective part of our overall transport system." End Quote

I truly find it amazing that a study needed to be done to figure out that smaller vehicles reduce congestion, and I also find it hard to believe that young people are not riding motorcycles in New Zealand...what are your thoughts?  There have been many reports done about the fact that younger people are not embracing motorcycles like we old timers.

What could we as a community do to encourage more young people to ride?  What do you think is the biggest barrier to young people riding?

I would love your opinions and take on this subject.

In other news:

1% era are are making news on two fronts today, one report out of Sweden says that a local leader for the Outlaws was found murdered just hours after his trial was to get under way.
The other is out of Germany, where a World War II bunker was being used by the Hells Angels for a marijuana grow op.

Out of Daytona comes a story about women, cabbage and a competition.

Speed signs that can catch you speeding? They a reality in Scotland!

And those poor beggars in Nigeria are protesting their motorcycles being confiscated...

There are many other articles in the news today that may have bearing on your life as a rider, check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Today is Busted Knuckle Chronicles day...51 pages of event information and articles from across Canada!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends either through emails or on Facebook...giggling is a great way to start your day!

Have a fabulous day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Imagine...

Imagine living in a country like Nigeria where they have banned motorcycles.That's right, motorcycles are banned in the Nigerian county of Yobe right now because of the acts of a few. The violence that has taken place in that county, largely by people who ride motorcycles has caused the government there to ban their use.  In a county where the farmers and poor rely on motorcycles as their only transportation, the Nigerian government has had to get creative in getting farmers out their fields in order to ensure a good agricultural season.

Can you imagine living in a place where motorcycles are BANNED?

Then in the UK...imagine you are riding along, hot dogging' it a bit because you have spring fever and a Hyabusa pulls up along side you....the police officer pulls you over and then shows you a video, with your average speed and either decides to teach you or charge you...
That's what is happening in Britain right now...Yes the police in Humberside have an unmarked Suzuki Hyabusa equipped with video and speed equipment and they can and will catch you and teach or charge you - all at the officer's discretion.

Now... imagine... living in a place like Lake Weir where if you don't love motorcycles and other outdoor recreations involving quads, boats and other  "BIG" toys, perhaps this isn't the place for you to buy!

Begin Quote: Lake Weir Living® is for a generation raised on rock and roll. The parents of boomers enjoy a slower lifestyle, engulfed in an HOA restricted golf community. The Generation Dylan boomers (GDs) are opposite. GDs like the fast lane for their hot rods and Harley-Davidsons (AARP). They made motorcycles mainstream. GD 'toys' range from motorcycles, jet-skis, boats and hot-rods to RVs. They typically have two or more toys, they don't care for 'anti-toy' restrictions found in many communities, and the rules that prohibit custom home designs are a big turn-off. They certainly don't like paying "HOA fees to the man," says Jack McCann (Lake Weir Living resident since 2010). End Quote

Lake Weir sounds like my kind of retirement place....what do you think?

In other news:

The old Rossmeyer dealership in Daytona is all set to become a museum

With the capture of L'animal in Panama, there is now a renewed push on to find another wanted Canadian Fugative - Hell's Angels Member - David MacDonald Carroll

What do you get when you bring Arlen Ness, Rick Fairless and Dave Perewitz together at Daytona Bike Week for All State Insurance? Three custom bike unveilings....and one giveaway bike...

There are other articles that may prove of interest to you over at www.beltdrivebetty.com, where we do our best to bring to you the news of the motorcycle community.

We've had a rough few days moving our web site -  we are almost done and I can not wait to flip the switch!  Ali and I are both eager to get the rest of the content streamlining done and continue the work of implementing all of the tools and resources we have for you to use and enjoy!

I leave you today with a few funnies, shared with me by my wonderfully crazy friends on Facebook and through emails...

Have a fabulous day everyone and remember to IMAGINE!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Bikers & Politics

There is an article out of the UK today about their motorcycle lobby day called Riders are Voters.  50 riders comprising members of riding clubs and business went to their parliament with some messages...

As many of you know - there are some rather harsh laws being proposed in the UK and other EU countries that have the potential to adversely affect the riding community - not only in Europe but eventually, here in Canada and the US as well.

Among some of the issues are rider training and the revamp of the system, the new anti tampering laws etc..

Begin Quote: "Riders and industry are concerned about European proposals for a new ‘Type Approval' framework which covers the design and construction of motorcycles. The proposals are complex and could result in significant costs and bureaucracy to business and riders. This could threaten jobs and economic development, particularly in the area of so-called ‘anti tampering' proposals." End Quote

According to the article on the Ultimate Motorcycling web site, motorcycling is a worth a half billion dollars to the economy in the UK.

Here in Canada, we have one lobby group - BCCOM that has an MLA day where riders take politicians for a ride and discuss the politics and laws that affect riders.

One group - that's all we have in a country this size...

The political will of the motorcycle community here in Canada is so fragmented as to be all but non existent.

Little bands of Biker's Rights groups spring up and shut down over and over again. There does not appear to be any kind of sustainable anger or will in the Canadian Rider...neither does there appear to be any kind of cohesive movement or strategy of dealing with the issues that face riders here. Right now all we have is a few people who get pissed off for a short period of time, start Facebook Groups to vent and then .... well, nothing.

Someday perhaps, riders in Canada will understand that at some point we need a political lobby group and a meaningful joint effort to tackle the challenges like the motorcycle ONLY noise bylaws, the left hand turn crashes, the disgusting penalties that car drivers are given when a rider is killed.

What say you?

There is a ton of other news in the feeds from the weekend and yesterday.

Visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see if anything affects your day, your life as a rider.

Our web site is being moved to a dedicated server but we have hit a few road bumps that Ali is attempting to sort out.  It appears that everything has been moved OK but our template keeps disappearing - so hang tight everyone, Ali will get it sorted and then we will be on the march towards bigger and better things for you our members, users of our site and readers of our weekly newspaper.

I leave you with a few giggles, shared with me by friends on Facebook and thorough emails.

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider