Watch the video to learn more about Brent’s views on:

• 1:00: The state of the powersports industry
• 3:38: Consumer buying trends
• 8:07: Electric adoption in powersports
• 11:40: Automotive vs. powersports dealers
• 14:37: Attracting female riders
• 15:48: Work on MIC’s dealer advisory council
• 18:29: Recruiting staff and offering unique incentives

It’s Electric

“Exciting.”

That’s how succinctly Gyuricza describes the state of the powersports industry right now.

“We’re seeing a tremendous amount of new engineering, new componentry, all the way from motorcycles to side-by-sides,” he says. This technology encompasses everything from lean angle sensors, integrated anti-lock brake (ABS) systems and lane tracking on bikes to new shock geometries on side-by-sides. What excites him most about this technology is that it makes motorcycle riding safer.

Speaking of new technology, Gyuricza is also on board and actively promoting electric vehicle (EV) powersport models, even though he admits not everyone is as eager to adopt them as he is.

“What we’re seeing on the EV front is really a big game changer. And I personally can’t wait to see a broader approach, a broader acceptance of it, because I think that’s just going to accelerate where we’re going,” he explains. Electric vehicles create an entirely new riding experience — one with a ton of fun torque and a quieter ride. To that end, he believes the side-by-side customers will adopt EVs more quickly than motorcycle riders, since people are getting back into the wilderness and electric vehicles allow them to enjoy the peace of their surroundings without all the noise and smell that accompanies an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Of course, Gyuricza knows that EVs can be a hard sell in this market — to dealers and riders alike. Ultimately, he says, getting them to adopt electric vehicles will take a twofold approach: through manufacturer-driven agendas and, as always, by getting butts in seats. Gyuricza argues that it’s not difficult to convert even the most diehard ICE fans once you get them to try the products.

For instance, Gyuricza recalls when he had a Zero electric motorcycle the store was showing off and a Harley-Davidson rider came in: “He’s like, ‘I’ll never ride an electric motorcycle as long as I live. It’s an abomination.’ I mean, it was like, ‘This is the devil.’” However, Gyuricza made the rider a deal: He would give the man $100 if he took the Zero for a ride and did not have an amazing time. “He comes back in, takes off his helmet, and he’s got the biggest grin on his face. And he is like, ‘That was amazing,’” Gyuricza recalls with a matching grin.   

Rebel Yell

While Gyuricza thinks the manufacturing arm of the industry is going well, he believes the dealer side is still trying to figure out how to operate successfully (especially post-pandemic), noting that there’s still a lot of pressure in the industry to follow automotive lines.

Gyuricza spoke with a large automotive and powersports brand owner, who told him that, because his brand started as an automotive group, the company wanted the powersports dealerships to follow the automotive policies, and the company even sent trainers to the powersports dealerships to teach them to be more “automotive.”

“And he said, ‘It’s just not possible. It is a different breed. It is a different type of sales. It is a different customer, and it’s a different type of employee.’ And so, I do think there’s a lot of manufacturers still trying to say we’ve got to follow the automotive standard. And I think that a lot of that shows up in the showrooms. The expense and the energy is misplaced, in my opinion,” Gyuricza argues.

On the bright side, Gyuricza says the powersports industry is really putting effort into trying to find new riders. He specifically points out the Motorcycle Industry Council’s initiatives in that field, applauding the organization for hiring a new female CEO.

After all, one of the lowest-hanging fruits in the new-rider initiative is attracting more female riders. Gyuricza says, “I can tell you my opinion on how we can attract more of this under-represented rider segment: Put women in charge of determining the best ways to attract more women riders. I think right now, even though we’re making some valiant efforts, we need more female representation leading the marketing charge to attract these riders.  Right now, it’s mostly men driving the message; are we the right ones to be doing that? I don’t know that I’m qualified to determine what a female rider is looking for when deciding to start their rider journey. If we want to cultivate more women on motorcycles, we need to have them champion that effort. That needs to start with the manufacturers and flow all the way down to the dealership level.”

The Fun Remains the Same

All businesses today seem to struggle with recruitment, but in the powersports industry, it’s especially difficult to retain quality staff due to competition with automotive and RV sales, which offer higher pay for the same type of job. Maverick Motorsports seeks to overcome this gap by fostering a passionate, hobby-oriented work culture and recruiting employees from their customer base, as these individuals already align with the dealership’s lifestyle and values.

For instance, one of Gyuricza’s most successful salespeople started out as a customer who was working for a furniture company. That customer had gone out to repossess some furniture before stopping by the dealership, and Gyuricza was impressed by the kind of guts it would take to do that. But the customer didn’t feel comfortable with his job, so Gyuricza asked him how he would feel about selling motorcycles. The customer replied that it would be a dream job, so Gyuricza made him an offer, and two weeks later, he came to work for Maverick Motorsports. Eight years later, he’s still there.

Part of retaining staff means incentivizing them, and while employees appreciate the traditional offerings, such as competitive healthcare, it’s the unique benefits that can really make a company stand out. Today, the housing crisis affects millions of people, who struggle to be able to find and afford a home. Gyuricza knows this, and he also knows from experience that no matter how much money you make, you can spend every dollar of it. When Gyuricza noticed that many of his employees who made good salaries didn’t own homes, he decided to do something about it.

“We started making an incentive where we would help them buy their first home. As they work for us over a number of years, we have a little bank of funds that we set aside for them that can only be used for the purchase of a new house. I personally will sit down with them if they need it and show them how to structure a deal, how to buy a first house, how to talk to the bank. We’ve worked with some local community programs that will put them through a first-time buyer’s program,” Gyuricza explains.

Maverick Motorsports started the program three years ago, and in that time, he’s had at least five employees buy their first homes through the program. “I think that’s maybe the program I’m the most excited about. It’s one that I’m always excited when they use that money and it gets someone that leg-up chance,” he adds.

Good Times Bad Times

As noted, Gyuricza believes the state of the industry is “exciting,” and despite current challenges, such as flat sales and financing difficulties, he remains optimistic about the future of powersports. He knows that these challenging times are cyclical, and so he remains optimistic.

“I think the industry’s got some of its brightest and best days ahead of it, so it’s an exciting business to be in. It’s not one that we’re in to make crazy money, because I think any of us could go to another industry and easily make more. Again, it’s about passion, and I love that the manufacturers are sharing the passion for the development of the industry and the sport. I am a bit of an eternal optimist, but I believe we’re going to get past some of these financial hurdles and struggles. I think we all have been in a post-pandemic learning curve, and I think we’re going to get there.”

Maverick Motorsports exists because Gyuricza bought a dealership that sold him a motorcycle but not an experience. He felt it was missing the sense of camaraderie and community that makes the powersports industry so unique. It’s that innate sense of righting a wrong in the industry that has propelled him to take greater stands — even up to taking legal action against an OEM for unfair financial practices — that makes him a Vehicle Care RockStar.

The post Brent Gyuricza: A Passion for Powersports and People appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

2025 Kayo K2Pro Specs

• Engine and drivetrain:
  • 249cc, four-stroke, single overhead-camshaft (SOHC), air-cooled engine
  • Manual five-speed transmission
• Suspension:
  • Front: Inverted forks
  • Rear: Monoshock
  • Brakes: Hydraulicdiscs
• Wheels and tires:
  • Front: 80/100 – 21 inches
  • Rear: 110/90 – 18 inches
• Additional specs:
  • 34.5-inch seat height
  • 12.6-inch ground clearance
• MSRP: $2,699

Product Pairings

Rabaconda Lift Kit for Dirt Bike Tire Changer

The Lift Kit is built for anyone who would be appreciative of a higher working height for the Dirt Bike Tire Changer. The Lift Kit raises the height of the Dirt Bike Tire Changer by eight inches, making the working height of the changer 28 inches, and consists of three legs that attach to the base of the Dirt Bike Tire Changer without the use of tools.

The Lift Kit legs when attached increase the overall leg length of the unit and, as a result, provide added stability. Each leg within the kit is made of a durable galvanized steel, incorporates rubber feet for excellent grip on any surface and the entire kit can, of course, fit into the Dirt Bike Tire Changer carry bag.

Answer Racing Unveils the Answer 25 Collection

The Answer 25 boasts three distinct gear collections — Elite, Arkon and Syncron — each catering to a specific rider’s needs and preferences.

The Elite Series represents the pinnacle of Answer Racing’s craftsmanship. Featuring premium materials like 100% polyester stretch woven chassis and full-grain genuine leather knee panels, the Elite gear delivers unparalleled comfort, mobility and durability for the most demanding riders.

The Arkon Series strikes a perfect balance between performance and value. Constructed with durable 600D Oxford polyester and incorporating a comfortable Attack Position pattern, the Arkon gear is ideal for riders who prioritize both quality and affordability.

The Syncron Series offers an entry point into the Answer Racing experience without compromising on functionality. The Syncron jerseys utilize moisture-wicking polyester fabric to keep riders cool and dry, while the pants boast a combination of durable oxford fabrics and high-performance knee panels for enhanced protection.

All three of the collections are available in adult and youth sizes.

The Answer lineup extends beyond jerseys and pants, offering three glove styles to accommodate different riding preferences. 

ProTaper Announces New Titanium Footpegs

ProTaper’s Titanium Footpegs are crafted from aerospace-grade Gr5 titanium, making them over two times stronger than steel and a staggering 3.5 times stronger than aluminum. Despite their incredible strength, the pegs come in at an ultra-lightweight 350 grams per pair, reducing overall bike weight for a competitive edge. The laser-cut teeth provide a confident grip to a rider’s boot, and the open structure ensures that mud and debris easily clear from the peg. 

The magnesium-colored cleats look great on any motocross bike, and ProTaper’s five part numbers for the peg ensure confident fitment to all popular motocross motorcycle brands. 

Kryptek and FLY Racing 2024 Gear in Kryptek Camo

Kryptek and FLY Racing have joined forces to bring enthusiasts and professionals an exciting new offering in the world of motocross gear. The collaboration has resulted in the introduction of the highly anticipated 2024 F-16 gear, Kinetic S.E. helmet and Focus Goggles, all featuring Kryptek’s renowned camo patterns.

Motocross riders can now experience the perfect blend of style, performance and camouflage with the 2024 lines. Designed with precision and crafted for durability, this gear promises to deliver unmatched comfort and protection. The Kryptek camo patterns add a touch of uniqueness and give riders a chance to stand out on the track like never before.

The Kinetic S.E. helmet is a true game-changer in the industry. With its advanced features and cutting-edge technology, it offers riders the ultimate protection without compromising on style. The incorporation of Kryptek camo patterns elevates the helmet’s aesthetics, creating a visually striking and cohesive look when paired with the 2024 F-16 gear.

To complete the ensemble, riders can rely on the Focus Goggles, which feature Kryptek camo pattern on the strap. These goggles not only provide clear vision and protection against dirt and debris but also enhance the overall appearance, complementing the gear and helmet perfectly.

The post OEM Update: 2025 Kayo K2Pro appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

As we approach the end of 2024 and set our sights on the new year, we’re encouraged by recent trends in wholesale pricing and inventory performance. November’s average wholesale price (AWP) data offers insights into dealer sentiment and hints at what may lie ahead in the powersports market. Dealer optimism has improved, buoyed by clarity following the election and the momentum of the holiday shopping season. Manufacturers have ramped up year-end incentives and promotions to clear inventory and spark consumer interest. We see reasons for cautious optimism while inventory buildup and financing hurdles remain challenging. With tax refunds set to bolster consumer purchasing power in Q2 and financing dynamics becoming more favorable, the economy is paving the way for improved dealership traffic.

November Overview

The domestic cruiser and ATV/side-by-side (SxS) segments led the charge with robust gains in AWP, reflecting strong demand. On-road motorcycles continued to exhibit consistent and predictable value trends, aligning with historical stability. Off-road segments showed improving trends, and personal watercraft (PWC) and snowmobiles experienced significant jumps in AWP, primarily driven by a cleaner, newer inventory mix. Conversely, RV/camper pricing declined for the third consecutive month, while boat values softened after reaching unusually high levels earlier in the year.

Holiday Momentum and Beyond

The holiday season is a pivotal period, with consumer spending peaking between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maintaining visibility and offering competitive pricing on new and used products will be critical to capitalize on this demand surge. We expect pricing trends to continue their gradual upward trajectory through the remainder of Q4. As we move into the early months of 2025, AWPs are likely to climb further, especially in anticipation of the spring selling season. This presents a strategic opportunity for dealers looking to acquire high value used inventory.

From all of us at NPA, thank you for your partnership. We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a prosperous New Year filled with growth and opportunity!

The post NPA Pre-Owned Market Update: November 2024 appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

They had a line where the name was supposed to be, and the employees had written their names on the line. There were two employees at the parts counter where these cards were on display. One employee had just started a month before, but the other one had been there for two years.

I asked what was going on with these cards. They didn’t know, but the owner had given them the blank cards. They had to write their name on each card in between helping customers. Which meant that they were wasting a lot of time filling out the cards. I just shook my head and moved on.      

The first thing I always did when I had a new hire was order business cards with only their first names on them (I never want someone stalking one of our employees on social media). The commercial printer I use had thousands of premade cards already printed; all they had to do was print the name and the email address for that employee. We usually got the cards in two days at most. It was a pretty simple system, and didn’t cost a lot.

This got me thinking about new employees. Do you have a system to integrate someone when he or she is hired? I’m not talking about all of the paperwork — government forms, insurance, etc. And of course, I’m sure you get them to sign the Policies and Procedure manual and give them copies. If you don’t have one, you should get one — now!  

After all that is done, it’s all about the human side: making sure that they feel comfortable and welcome. I set up an email address for them right away. I order the cards. I give them company shirts — enough for a week. And I take them around and make sure that they’re introduced to every other employee present. For those employees who are off that day, I ask the department manager involved to make sure the new person gets that introduction as soon as possible.

Once upon a time, when I worked at another shop for someone else, a fellow employee had a problem. I told him to go talk to (let’s call her) “Sarah.” He had no idea who I was talking about. He’d never been taken around and introduced to any of the other staff, even though he’d been there for six months. He was a bit introverted and had never made an effort to do it himself. I took him around to all of the departments and made sure he knew everyone. One fellow made the comment that he’d “seen him around” but had never been introduced. As you may have guessed, this was a large shop with many employees. However, there is no excuse for not making sure a new hire was introduced to all of the other employees.

I also found out this was normal standard operating procedure (SOP) at that shop; if you didn’t do it yourself, no-one was going to make sure you got an introduction. The owner believed that new employees would just figure it out themselves.

In one way, working for other shops was a good thing; I learned many things by examining what other shops did poorly and used those lessons when I bought my own dealership. You get a pretty good idea what to do when you see the good, the bad and the ugly.

This rant began with me seeing employees without proper business cards. How valued would you feel when the boss won’t even get you proper business cards? When no one takes you around and makes sure you know everyone you are working with?

It’s all so sad. Don’t be a sad employer — be a leader. Your employees will be glad to be working for you.

The post How Does Your Dealership Treat New Employees? appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

Nonetheless, Wisconsin’s Northern border makes up part of the Southern shoreline of the biggest Great Lake, Lake Superior. It also makes up part of the Western shoreline of Lake Michigan. Obviously, this makes a perfect setting for people to get into personal watercrafts to get out and enjoy the water. You also have plenty of forests and wildlife areas that allow powersports vehicles to thrive.

About 45 minutes northwest of Green Bay sits Shawano, Wisconsin, and that’s where you will find American Marine & Motorsports. Just under five miles west of Shawano Lake and close to lots of natural land, this powersports dealer is in a prime spot to succeed in the industry, and it’s been doing that for over three decades.

American Marine & Motorsports was founded in 1993 with just eight employees in a building on Shawano Lake. Marine products were the core of its business early on, but when Sales and Powersport Manager Brian Liebe joined the team in 1998, it didn’t take long for him to help the dealership get into the powersports space. 

“I pitched the idea to the store owner of expanding into this area,” Liebe explains. “I was relieved as he said, ‘Put the plan together and make it happen!’”

The powersports side of the business began with Honda ATVs, as American Marine & Motorsports was a big Honda marine dealer. The manufacturer’s marine rep for the dealership connected Liebe with a Honda powersports rep, and the powersports business took off at the dealership.

Liebe has since brought other product lines to the dealership as it grew, totaling 38 different OEMs when you factor in all the boats, motors, trailers, docks, and lifts the dealership sells. Nine of the OEMs are powersports specific, including Honda, CF-Moto, Kayo, SSR, Piranha, Hammerhead, Vanderhall, Lifan, and Mokwheel e-bikes.

Today, American Marine & Motorsports operates with 35 employees and a 200,000-square-foot showroom stocked with hundreds of boats and around 150 powersports vehicles. The dealership still has its original location on Shawano Lake, which now has a rental department with just about any small watercraft you can imagine.

According to Liebe, side-by-sides have become the best-selling segment at American Marine & Motorsports. Two-passenger side-by-sides are the top sellers, but four- and six-passenger vehicles also sell quite well.

“Much of that is due to the growing acceptance of these machines being allowed on our public roads,” Liebe comments. “It’s nice when people can go right from their home, drive down the road in their machine, get on a trail system and travel for hundreds of miles.”

Liebe also believes this stems from families wanting to experience the outdoors after the coronavirus pandemic kept everybody inside for a long time. He says the growing size of UTVs and side-by-sides make it easy for families to get out on trails together.

With so much floor space and so many products to carry, a recent challenge American Marine & Motorsports has faced is knowing how much of a certain product to carry. Liebe says this is a two-fold issue. The first issue is uncertainty with the economy. Although this issue isn’t new, it still heavily influences sales.

“Past performance hasn’t given us enough predictable and accurate information to make good, or safe, decisions,” he says. “So, how much to stock and in what models, colors and equipment seems to be more difficult.”

The second issue is dealing with manufacturers. Liebe attributes this to poor feelings about program durations, erratic pricing with surcharges and a general lack of supplier support.

“Many of our suppliers try to load you up with inventory, and when times get tough, often after we’ve stepped up in order size, the retail programs seem to soon fade away and are not there to help the dealers get clean.”

To overcome these challenges, American Marine & Motorsports is trying to carry less inventory without making a big enough cut that it can save its way to a profit. This is because yearly sales numbers are down, but the showroom is full. Liebe says inventory is thankfully not too heavy in any particular segment, and he says the dealership is using cost effective marketing through social media to help move inventory in the slower winter months.

Lots of aspects make American Marine & Motorsports a unique dealership. For one, the aforementioned 200,000-square-foot showroom was previously a shopping center that was converted to fit the dealership’s large and diverse inventory. The variety of inventory can also be considered a unique aspect of the dealership.

However, maybe the most unique aspect of American Marine & Motorsports is its annual Boat/Powersport Show. The 2025 show will mark the 13th for the dealership. It brings between 25 and 30 vendors together – from small mom-and-pop operations to larger organizations – to sell and promote their services. This show also supports several non-profit organizations, including its longtime primary non-profit the Hands Foundation, which provides no cost help to homeless veterans.

“It’s a four-day show, providing free parking, free admission, one free food and drink item, raffle prizes each day on the hour, and products we have discounted heavily throughout the show,” Liebe says. “It’s a very special event and does so much more than focus on us.”

When it comes to driving sales for American Marine & Motorsports, pre-owned sales have been substantial. Additionally, the dealership drives sales by contacting past customers about seeing if they’re ready to trade up. Liebe says this makes it easier to generate new sales.

“We advertise that we’re buying boats and powersport items,” he notes. “We get a decent amount of inventory that way. That, in turn, helps bring people in.”

Liebe also stresses how important it is to develop trust with customers. Vehicle prices are high, and many consumers focus on price to make their purchasing decision. To develop trust, American Marine & Motorsports offers services like free oil changes, first service appointments, store account credits and more in tandem with a vehicle sale.

“Providing store services to me is much better than just dropping the price,” Liebe admits. “That way, we don’t create what I refer to as a ‘race to the bottom’ with dealers around us. When that happens, in my opinion, it creates a precedent for ongoing ‘price wars.’”

Speaking of service, American Marine & Motorsports relies quite heavily on their service department. Liebe says the selling of a vehicle is only the start of the revenue stream for the dealership. Good service is a big part of the dealership’s commitment because customers should know that the dealership is here for them every step of the way.

One way American Marine & Motorsports keeps their service department in tip-top shape is by taking lots of notes on its projects. Liebe says these notes entail every detail that could possibly help fix, diagnose or benefit the dealership with its customer. He also uses lots of notes in his sales work.

“One thing in life that I’ve learned is that you can never have too many notes,” he comments. “When you need to verify certain bits of info within the business or possibly when talking to a customer about their trade-ins or servicing items, good notes are critical to running the business.”

As American Marine & Motorsports presses on into the future, the dealership wants to fill their sales and service jobs. Positions in these two areas have been difficult to fill for a number of years, Liebe says, so retaining staff is of utmost importance.

With his extensive experience at the dealership, Liebe has seen a lot of evolution in the industry. He’s glad American Marine & Motorsports has survived it all and looks forward to the success to come.

“I’m glad we’re still privately owned and have kept a good team together to make it all these years,” says Liebe. “Our store really shines when I look at the fact that we sell ‘fun stuff’ to thousands of people each and every year.”

The post The Showroom of Everything at American Marine & Motorsports appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

Winter Riding and Snow Plowing

A solid windshield is a must for those who ride or work in cold conditions. It provides excellent wind protection and keeps you warm while plowing snow or navigating icy terrain. In these cases, a full enclosure or solid windshield with a wiper attachment can drastically improve comfort and usability. Many companies offer accessories like heaters, defoggers and wipers.  When clearing snow and ice, these items can not only improve the operator’s comfort but can also help with safe operation of the UTV by reducing distractions and dramatically improving visibility.

Related: How Motorcycle Windshields and Fairings Impact Riding Performance

If you’re using your UTV in hot, dry conditions, a windshield with ventilation options (or a half-windshield) is perfect for maintaining airflow while still protecting against bugs and debris. Some companies offer a tinted option which can enhance summertime use and help protect riders from the UV of the sun.  

For those who need clear visibility and wind protection, especially during long hours outdoors, a high-quality windshield can be a lifesaver. People like hunters, farmers and homesteaders would greatly benefit from options with anti-fog coatings or specialized wipers for rain removal, as these features help ensure uninterrupted visibility. This can allow the operator to perform inspections on equipment and livestock without having to be exposed to harsh weather.

Types of UTV Windshields

UTV windshields come in various styles, offering both utilitarian and aesthetic benefits. Depending on how the customer plans on using the vehicle, there are several options tailored to their specific needs.

Polycarbonate Windshields 

Known for flexibility and impact resistance, polycarbonate windshields are ideal for sport users and those needing protection from flying debris. The flexibility of the poly makes them resistant to impacts from rocks and tree branches. However, this flexibility means the poly is also a softer material, so it can be more susceptible to scratching, and this will mean that proper care is essential. The customer should also consider whether or not the product manufacturer offers replacement panels or if he or she would have to purchase a whole new product when the poly becomes too scratched up to use.  

Acrylic/Plexiglass Windshields

Acrylic is harder than polycarbonate, making it suitable for accessories like windshield wipers, and it provides excellent long-distance visibility for hunters. However, these materials can be more prone to cracking under pressure, so they’re best for those who don’t subject their UTVs to intense, rugged use.

Flip-up or Foldable Windshields

Ideal for hunters, farmers or homesteaders, flip-up windshields can be adjusted for ventilation or completely removed. These often feature nitrogen shocks for smooth operation and are mounted with pivots points or hinges. Note that these often require a more involved installation, due to their complexity and numerous components.   

Framed Windshields

Framed windshields are excellent for commercial and daily use. These often utilize glass as a material, which this can offer excellent scratch protection and great visibility. The frame generally supports the glass and fills the gap between the windshield and the UTV frame, providing a weather-tight seal that is optimal for environmental protection. Some of the manufacturers will offer additional accessories, such as windshield wipers and water-tight vents. Many of these windshields and doors also offer a quick-detach system that allows for full removal during warmer months. However, they do add additional weight to the UTV, so they may not be ideal for sport UTV users.

Overall, it’s important to discuss with customers their intended UTV use to ensure they get the ideal products, which will lead to higher customer satisfaction and — hopefully — make it more likely they become return customers and business referrals.

Installation

When installing one of these components, it is important to install all the fasteners and clamps before fully tightening any bolts. This will help with alignment of the components to ease installation and reduce the risk of premature cracking, and it will help with the misalignment in the UTV roof frame. When installing windshields and accessories, it is also important to check the torque specifications for all fasteners, as much of the hardware is lightweight and can be damaged by over-tightening. Plastic components are prone to flexing in transit, so extra effort may be needed to align all the mounts properly.

After installation, it’s crucial for technicians to familiarize themselves with the windshield’s features so they can demonstrate them to the customers. This ensures that customers understand all the product’s options and features, plus the maintenance dos and don’ts.

Proper Cleaning and Care

UTV windshields require special attention when it comes to cleaning. Polycarbonate windshields, while flexible, are more prone to scratching. Household cleaners like Windex can degrade these materials, so use specialized acrylic or plexiglass cleaners and microfiber cloths. Avoid scrubbing, as this can create scratches and damage over time. Rinse mud and debris off first with a hose or pressure washer.  If you have stubborn material to remove, some of the foaming cleaning products work well for these tasks, because the foaming action will help break the bond between the debris and the windshield.

If there is a question about which product is appropriate, you should check with the windshield manufacturer, because many of them have products they recommend. It is also a good idea to keep these products in stock for customers to purchase for their at-home cleaning. This will become a profit source, bringing customers into the service department on a regular basis.

The windshield market is constantly evolving, so it’s wise to stay current on the latest products and model updates. This ensures the service department can make the best recommendations, enhancing customer satisfaction and creating repeat business.

The post Selling and Servicing Different UTV Windshield Types appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

Lucky Day

Gyuricza has been called a serial entrepreneur. From going door-to-door in fourth grade raising money for muscular dystrophy to selling candy and magazines in high school to his fellow students, Gyurcza fashioned a business mindset early in life. Though Gyuricza grew up in Missouri, he later moved to Los Angeles and then Oklahoma, where he got a job working corporate supply contracts. At the tender age of 22, he managed to land contracts with major companies, such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Amgen and more, and by 23, he was the company’s top salesman. But while he was living a life of success, he had a major realization: It doesn’t matter how much money you make, because you can always spend all of it and then have nothing to show for it.

“I think the learning lesson from that was you can be bold, you can do things at a young age, but money is not the answer to our problems. It’s not what makes us successful and it’s not what we should gauge success by,” Gyuricza muses.

Gyuricza eventually moved to Missoula, Montana, where he opened his own supply contracts company and then moved onto being the executive director for a youth organization. When donations dried up during the 2008 housing crisis, he had to move on, though he was unsure what to do with his life at that point.

Gyuricza had recently bought a motorcycle and remembers being underwhelmed with his purchase process. “I don’t want to say I was unhappy with the process, but I just remember thinking, ‘Boy, this could be so much better.’” He got the idea to buy the dealership, and when he went back to talk to the owner about it, he found out the owner had just listed the dealership for sale, and he agreed to sell it to Gyuricza. At the same time, Brent also noticed an old Cummins diesel repair shop for sale, and bought that building as well. Once the dealership purchase was wrapped up, he moved the business into that Cummins building, effectively quadrupling the space.

“I think we took a store that was doing about $700,000 a month in business, and within a year, we’d taken it to $1.5 million. By the second year, we were getting close to $3 million, and it’s been a good rise ever since,” Gyuricza recalls.

When Gyuricza had grown Maverick Motorsports to a certain size and gotten to know other dealerships in the area, he decided to expand, but he was looking for what had made Maverick Motorsports’ growth possible in the first place: a core dealership team. He ended up acquiring two others stores in Butte and Phillipsburg, Montana, based on the great teams they had in place. After all, Gyuricza’s favorite part of the job is the people — employees and customers alike.

“They are the best and sometimes the worst part of the job, but overall, that’s my favorite part. The characters, the individuals that come in, the stories that you hear, the people who you make a connection with or maybe go out riding with on a weekend. That’s the staff you get a chance to get to know, be a part of their family and go out riding with on a weekend. The people are who really make it — even the ones you don’t like sometimes are actually as much fun. The stories you get to tell from some of those folks are pretty spectacular,” Gyuricza relays.

Dazed and Confused

Despite the massive successes Maverick Motorsports has seen over the last several years, they have not come without their challenges. Take the pandemic, for instance. While many recreational industries saw a sales slump during that time, the powersports industry had an unexpected sales boom. Customers were looking for safe ways to spend free time, and spending it outdoors alone or with family on a powersports vehicle seemed to be the key. Dealerships weren’t able to keep vehicles in stock; sales staff didn’t even have to sell, instead becoming order takers. However, when the pandemic ended, sales dropped to their pre-COVID levels, and as a result, Maverick Motorsports, like many other dealerships, has struggled with inventory management ever since.

“Most of us thought that sales would just come to a screeching halt or they’d slow down, which at this point they are for us; they’re leveling out. What we didn’t plan on was suddenly being over-inventoried by all of the manufacturers,” Gyuricza explains. “I can say it was pretty much a systemic problem across the industry that we suddenly were over inventoried and we went from paying almost no flooring interest in selling everything we had to suddenly not being able to sell everything we have, getting back into the pre-COVID days where we were really having to fight to maintain price margins because everyone was over-inventoried and it became a race to the bottom again. Suddenly we’re back in sub-10% margin range.”

While OEMs were overstuffing dealers with inventory, it was the flooring interest that caught Maverick Motorsports most by surprise. Gyuricza admits that during COVID, the dealership had stopped a lot of standardized practices in regards to inventory management, which exacerbated the problem, but he also believes the OEMs engaged in unfair practices.

“It started when the manufacturer made us increase our credit lines, even though we had … never maxed out our credit lines. Now, all of a sudden post-pandemic, we’ve got increased credit lines by 35%, and suddenly we’re maxed out with the highest flooring interest levels we’ve seen in over a decade, and suddenly within two months, we’re paying more in flooring interest than we had in the prior four years combined. That’s deeply concerning, and it’s not sustainable for us as an industry,” Gyuricza argues.

Although Gyuricza doesn’t like to be in opposition with the OEMs, the final straw came when he saw a report noting how the manufacturer’s profits were down in every division except its financial arm, which had skyrocketed.

“When the manufacturer is making money just by their units sitting on your floor and they lose interest or concern whether you’re selling the units or not because they’re still making money, that becomes a little incestuous,” Gyuricza says.

Feeling bullied, Maverick Motorsports took it to the state of Montana, writing a letter explaining the situation and why the company felt the OEM was in the wrong. Although three state departments initially rejected the suit, the Department of Justice finally agreed that the OEM was in the wrong and put the manufacturer under a full investigation for violation of three state ordinances.

High Hopes

Unlike cars, powersports are not a necessity — they are a passion. However, many customers still come into a powersports dealership expecting an auto-dealer experience, which is typically viewed as negative.

To that end, Gyuricza and his team try to get customers to open up by letting them know from the start that they are passionate about powersports and not just here to sell. “I’ve told customers, ‘I just want to let you know we’re here because … we enjoy what we do and we want to help you. You don’t have to keep us at arm’s length. We’re not here to force you to buy something. We’re here to engage with you on a journey of excitement,’” he says.

He wants to heighten that excitement at the dealership even more in the future. As such, he decided to sit down with every Maverick Motorsports employee and ask them where that person sees the dealership heading in the future and what could be improved. One of the common threads he sees is a desire for more events, which he hopes to bring back and make successful in their own rights.

“I think some of the things I’m most excited about are having better customer interaction, having more hangout time and hangout spaces for customers to be in the dealership,” Gyuricza concludes.

From his early childhood enterprises of selling candy and magazines to now running powersports dealerships, Gyuricza had to run the gauntlet of challenges and pull himself up by his bootstraps to keep things going. Yet, it’s those same challenges that he credits to his success. Running a business is a series of bumpy whoops one after the next, and the powersports industry has created its fair share of them. Stay tuned to learn what challenges Gyuricza sees for the powersports industry and how you can take the holeshot to get ahead.

The post Vehicle Care RockStar: Brent Gyuricza appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

2025 SSR SRU170Z Specs

• Engine and drivetrain:
  • 168cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled
  • Electronic fuel injection
  • Belt drive and chain drive with CVT (F-N-R) transmission
• Suspension:
  • Front: Double A-arm
  • Rear: Swingarm
  • Brakes: Disc
• Wheels and tires:
  • Front: Aluminum, 21×7 – 10
  • Rear: Aluminum, 22×10 – 10
• Additional specs:
  • 48-inch width
  • 7-inch ground clearance
  • 2.9-gallon fuel capacity
  • Seats two
  • 180-day limited warranty coverage
• Colorways: Black, Sand, White
• MSRP: $4,999

Product Pairings

EVS Legacy Youth Goggles

The Legacy Youth goggles feature a 45-millimeter elastic strap that can be adjusted and has a silicone lining to provide optimal grip. Moreover, they are designed to be race-ready and can easily accommodate tear-offs, whether they are standard or laminated. They are specifically engineered to securely fit most helmets without affecting their overall fit. Furthermore, every pair of EVS Sports goggles complies with the EN 1938 standard, which ensures they meet the necessary safety criteria for protecting the eyes during off-road motorcycling.

EVS T3 Youth Helmets

The EVS T3 youth helmet is designed specifically for kids, providing better fit, protection and performance for the young motocross rider who needs peace of mind with every ride. The T3 comes with an adjustable visor and removable/washable liner as well as cheek pads for repeated comfort. EVS youth helmets look tremendous and meet all industry safety requirements. The T3 offers DOT certified protection at a price that won’t break the bank. 

Fox Racing Youth Ranger Drive Krux SXS Jersey

The Youth Ranger Drive Krux Jersey is a UPF 50-rated jersey that provides breathable comfort and protection from the sun. With its integrated neck and face buff, you’ll be able to stop both sun and debris from leaving a mark. The integrated cuff seamlessly connects to your gloves, while your things are stored safely with hook-and-loop pockets. This jersey is a specific youth fit (6 to 14 years old).

The post OEM Update: 2025 SSR SRU170Z appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

Bilyeu says he is an enthusiast and grew up around motorcycles. An example he gave was that his parents got him a mini bike instead of a babysitter. With that kind of background, the management at Modesto understands motorcycle people.

Both owner and general manager attribute Modesto’s success to its efforts to support the motorcycling community. Since the dealership consists of motorcyclists, they know what their customers like to do and what they expect in an event. In turn, the motorcycling community supports Modesto. The community is not monolithic, and each group expects different things from the dealership. Per online reviews, Modesto delivers to each group.  

The first community group involved with the dealership are the racers. The dealership has been involved with racing since Leonard Andres cheered on his son Brad. The Modesto dealership has supported the local facility, the Lodi Cycle Bowl, for years.

The Cycle Bowl is a quarter-mile dirt track, which opened in 1953, and has been a prime incubator for up and coming racing stars, including Kenny Roberts Sr., Chris Carr, Doug Chandler, Jim Rice and Alex Jorgenson. In years past, when money was easier to come by, Modesto H-D sponsored season champ Matt Wait and pioneer female flat tracker Michelle DiSalvo, who has been more recently wrenching for the Indian factory race team. Bilyeu also grew up racing at Lodi.

Modesto Harley-Davidson also supports vintage riders, a second community group that  supports Modesto Harley-Davidson in return.

“We rebuild Panhead and Knuckleheads,” Bilyeu says. “One of our techs, Bob White, has been working here since 1954 and does engine rebuilds. Few dealerships will work on bikes that are more than 10 years old. I don’t understand that. Someone buys a bike from you in 2014 and now you won’t work on it anymore?”

The management at Modesto understands that most vintage riders also have a modern bike to ride while trying to figure out what is going on with the Linkert carburetor, and are more likely to buy that new motorcycle — and oil, chain lube, gloves, chrome polish and drive chains — from a dealership that helps with the 1958 FLH.

One unique aspect of Modesto Harley-Davidson is the pizza parlor in the same building. The space is leased to a separate business, but there is a large window between the restaurant and the dealership. People can eat their pizza while perusing the latest Harley-Davidson models in the showroom. Some munchers finish their pizza and go talk to the sales staff about the Sportster in the corner or the trick Pan America up front. The pizza parlor is also a good place for customers to wait for their bikes to be serviced, couples to discuss the motorcycle budget, and racers to refuel after a track day. Pizza is an excellent mood improver.

The third community group involved with Modesto Harley-Davidson are party people. Food and beverages are not unique to the pizza parlor, but are also an integral part of many of Modesto’s events, which are run year round. The dealership puts on swap meets, biker breakfasts, rides to fun destinations, poker chip runs, bike nights, a fundraiser ride for veterans, and also takes part in the yearly Modesto toy run. The Modesto HOG chapter is active. It is common for people to build their social calendar around the dealership.

These events create a sense of community around the dealership and build customer loyalty. Modesto also has an extensive online presence on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Photos of events are posted, giving participants a reason to flock to social media after a ride or party to look for photos of themselves and friends. The website has links to veteran’s support organizations, the Sturgis Rally, and the Street Vibrations event.

The fourth group are women interested in riding. Harley-Davidson has been supporting women who want to ride since before World War I.

“My mom rides,” Bilyeu says. “We encourage ladies. One thing I train sales staff on – if a man and a woman walk into the dealership together – is you don’t need to sell to the man. He already wants a bike. It’s the woman you have to sell to. Make sure she is comfortable with the transaction, and that the bike has the features she wants. On the other hand, we get women in who are sneaking around their husband’s backs to buy a motorcycle.”

New riders get special attention. The dealership will deliver bikes, especially in instances where someone new to riding purchases a bike, so they don’t have to ride their bike home. Staff also gets kudos in online reviews for being patient, knowledgeable and understanding.

Modesto Harley-Davidson ensures great customer service by hiring riding enthusiasts. “We want people who are happy to be here, and we train them properly,” Bileu says. “We want our people to be a part of the culture.”

John doesn’t expect the operation to change much in the next five years. “We will keep plugging away,” he says. “There are ups and downs, and if you can’t let *** roll off your shoulders, you can’t be in this business. We are here for the people who ride.”

Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson\

500 N Carpenter Rd.
Modesto, CA 95351
(209) 522-1061
OEM: Harley-Davidson
Aftermarket: Harley-Davidson
Employees: 23

The post Get Mom and Pop Feels at Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.

2025 ARGO Magnum XF 1000 LE Specs

• Engine and drivetrain:
  • 997cc, four-stroke, single-overhead camshaft (SOHC), four-valve, twin-cylinder engine
  • Electronic fuel injection
  • CVT automatic transmission
  • Reverse available
• Suspension:
  • Independent double A-arm suspension in front and rear
  • Hydraulic disc brakes in front and rear
• Wheels and tires:
  • Aluminum wheel rims
  • Front: AT27 X 9-14
  • Rear: AT27 X 11-14
• Additional specs:
  • Selectable front and rear differential
  • Modes: Turf, Turf-Assist, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive (4WD), 4WD lock
  • 64-inch width
  • 14.2-inch ground clearance
  • 11.09-gallon fuel capacity
  • 1,000-pound rear box storage
  • 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope
  • One-year warranty
• Colorway: Graphite Gray Metallic with Orange
• MSRP: $17,999

Product Pairings

onX Offroad onX Navigation Feature

For off-road adventurers, reliable navigation is critical to making informed decisions and safely exploring unfamiliar terrain. Until now, many users had to rely on third-party navigation apps for turn-by-turn directions. With the introduction of onX Navigation, customers can build a route, choose a point of interest (POI), or find a spot on the map and instantly get directions to that place while remaining within the onX ecosystem. onX Navigation is like a co-pilot to the most remote places a vehicle can access. 

• Off-road-specific guidance: Tailored for dirt roads and off-road use, the feature provides detailed driving directions to selected destinations such as to waypoints, onX Trail Guide rated trails, forest roads and POI like lookouts or camp spots.
• Voice commands: Adventurers can rely on audible turn-by-turn directions, allowing them to keep their eyes on the trail.
• Offline mode (iOS platform only): Turn-by-turn navigation remains fully functional in areas without cell service, thanks to the ability to download maps for offline use.
• Navigate along user-created routes: Users can build custom routes in advance and receive turn-by-turn directions as they follow these user-designed paths, ensuring they stay on track throughout their adventure.
• Real-time rerouting: Should users miss a turn, the app will automatically reroute them whether they are within cell range or offline.
• Multiple map orientations: Users can switch between different map views, such as Landscape, Portrait, North-up lock, tilted perspectives and top-down views to suit their navigation preferences.
• Connected driving experience: The feature is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, delivering navigation directly to in-dash displays for a smoother in-vehicle experience while also allowing users to search for nearby trails and content all from their in-dash screen.

Impact Racing SXS Helmet

Impact Racing’s SXS and SXS SA helmets are designed for the recreational UTV market. Both are feature rich, DOT-rated full-face helmets.

Both feature flip-up shields with multi-position detents and removable, washable inner liners. A lever-actuated chin strap buckle makes for easy and secure latching. The helmets are fully vented, with adjustable chin-bar mounted air intakes for full adjustability of airflow. The included clear, polycarbonate shield provides protection from debris with replacements available in clear, dark tint and silver chrome.

The SXS SA features a side-mounted air-intake with internal channeling to direct the airflow to where it’s needed most. The channeling also helps to eliminate potential wind-induced mic noise when using a communication system. The forced air system also features an Impact Racing-exclusive, adjustable valve. The valve allows for maximum adjustment of airflow from 0% to 100%.

The SXS and SXS SA helmets can be ordered with additional options installed, such as helmet skirts and communication systems by PCI or Rugged Radios. The SXS and SXS SA helmets are DOT-compliant, making them legal for use in the state of California for off-road vehicle use. They are not for competition use.

DragonFire Racing 4Peak Tires

DragonFire Racing recently launched the 4Peak tire, which is designed to meet the needs of side-by-side riders who love America’s trails and backroads. Confident grip, puncture resistance and a comfortable ride make these tires, named after Arizona’s iconic Four Peaks mountain range, a great choice for thousands of avid four-wheel fans.

Designed to deliver superior performance on medium to hard terrain, the 4Peak tire excels on the trails and fire roads most often used by UTV owners around the country. They feature a 19-millimeter tread depth and a paired center tread block design for exceptional stability and traction. The tread is extended to the sidewalls, and tread blocks are precisely stepped, significantly enhancing sidewall puncture resistance and the self-cleaning ability of the tire.

4Peak tires are available in sizes 30, 32 and 33 and fit 14-inch and 15-inch diameter wheels.

RAVEK UTV Accessory Solutions

RAVEK products aim to improve the riding experience while providing do-it-yourself installation guides, including vehicle-specific video walkthroughs. Every RAVEK accessory is backed by an Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.

RAVEK is introducing lighting, storage, comfort and protection upgrades for Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, CFMOTO and others. Product highlights include:

• Apex Lights: Plug-and-play formed accent lighting with next-generation, ultra-bright diffused LEDs and turn signal compatibility in white, amber and red
• Adjustable Armrest: The first-ever bolt-on adjustable armrest for UTVs
• UTV Tailgate Lights: Tailgate lights for a range of utility side-by-sides with automatic reverse functionality
• RAVEK MOLLE Panel System: Expanded and versatile storage with 100% waterproof, dustproof MOLLE system bags and accessories.

The post OEM Update: 2025 ARGO Magnum XF 1000 LE appeared first on Motorcycle & Powersports News.