From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.:

Yamaha Motor Company Begins 50 Year Anniversary Celebration

Cypress, CA – Yamaha Motor Company is pleased to announce the commencement of our 50 year anniversary celebration with the launch of a commemorative website as produced by Yamaha Motor Company Japan. This website features data and numerous historical photos that detail the passion of Yamaha since its inception. The site will be updated continuously throughout the year as events world-wide mark this celebration.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. will pay tribute to this anniversary with events throughout the year ahead and plans to celebrate with 100,000 motorsports fans at the U.S. MotoGP to be held July 8-10 at Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey California.

“The MotoGP involvement is just one way Yamaha can show its appreciation to our customers,” says Bob Starr, Corporate Communications Manager of the Motorsports Group. “I think our customers will be quite pleased at some of the other surprises and activities we have planned for the year ahead.”

The direct link to the 50th Anniversary website can be found here: http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/50th/index.html

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

2005 Superbike World Championship Entry List:

1, James Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999F05, Team Ducati XEROX
3, Norik Abe, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
6, Mauro Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
7, Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
8, Ivan Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
9, Chris Walker, GBR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
10, Fonsi Nieto, ESP, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
11, Troy Corser, AUS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
12, Lorenzo Alfonsi, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, D.F.X. Treme
17, Miguel Praia, POR, Yamaha YZF-R1 DFXtreme Sterilgarda
19, Lucio Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini 1
20, Marco Borciani, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
21, Michel Nickmans, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Zone Rouge
23, Jiri Mrkyvka, CZE, Ducati 999RS, SBK Team JM
24, Garry McCoy, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
25, Alessio Velini, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini
30, Jose Luis Cardoso, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1 D.F. X. Treme
31, Karl Muggeridge, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
32, Sebastien Gimbert, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
41, Noriyuki Haga, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
45, Gianluca Vizziello, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Lorenzini by Leoni
55, Regis Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999F05, Team Ducati XEROX
57, Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
71, Yukio Kagayama, JPN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
76, Max Neukirchner, GER, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
77, Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
88, Andrew Pitt, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
99, Steve Martin, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
155, Ben Bostrom, USA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Renagade KOJI
200, Giovanni Bussei, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi


2005 Supersport World Championship Entry List:

3, Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh, NED, Ducati 749R, Team Ducati Selmat
11, Kevin Curtain, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Germany
12, Javier Fores, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R600, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
14, Andrea Berta, ITA, Ducati 749R, Team Ducati Selmat
15, Matteo Baiocco, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
16, Sebastien Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
21, Katsuaki Fujiwara, JPN, Honda CBR600RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
23, Broc Parkes, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Germany
24, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO1 – Suzuki
25, Tatu Lauslehto, FIN, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
TBA, Jarno Jansen, NED, Suzuki GSX-R600, Jarno Jansen Racing
TBA, Barry Veneman, NED, Suzuki GSX-R600, Jarno Jansen Racing
30, Alessandro Antonello, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
TBA, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO1 – Suzuki
45, Sebastien LeGrelle, BEL, Honda CBR600RR, Team le Grelle DHOLDA in Action
48, David Garcia, ESP, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
TBA, Julien Enjolras, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Tati Team Beaujolais Racing
58, Tomas Miksovsky, CZE, Honda CBR600RR, Intermoto Czech Republic
59, Pawel Szkopek, CZE, Honda CBR600RR, Intermoto Czech Repuplic
69, Gianluca Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 749R, Team Caracchi
72, Stefan Folkesson, SWE, Honda CBR600RR, Stiggy Motorsports
84, Michel Fabrizio, GER, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
95, Eli Chen, ISR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
96, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
99, Fabien Foret, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Megabike
116, Johan Stigefelt, SWE, Honda CBR600RR, Stiggy Motorsports


2005 1000cc Superstock European Championship Entry List:

5, Riccardo Chiarello, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
9, Luca Scassa, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Ormeni Racing
11, Denis Sacchetti, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Corse
12, Denny Lannoo, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Zone Rouge
15, Pierrot Lerat Vanstaen, FRA, TBA, Association Plein Gaz
16, Enrique Rocamora, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R1000, HP Racing
21, Alex Martinez Mas, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Agusta PMS (Garella)
22, Leroy Verboven, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Herman Verboven Racing
23, Valerio Rufoloni, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Agusta PMS (Garella)
24, Marko Jerman, SLV, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Moto Drustvo Depala Vas
25, Olivier Deporter, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Autophone Racing
27, Ron Van Steenbergen, NED, Yamaha YZF-R1, Jarno Jansen Racing
28, Sepp Vermonden, BEL, TBA, Sepp Racing- DIRK VAN MOL
31, Vittorio Iannuzzo, ITA, MV Agusta, GiMotorsport
33, Petter Solli, NOR, Yamaha YZF-R1, SolliRacing
34, Fabrizio DeMarco, ITA, MV Agusta, GiMotorsport
35, Jan Roar Ims, NOR, Yamaha YZF-R1, IMS Racing Team
37, William De Angelis, RSM, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Trasimeno
40, Herve Gantner, SWI, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Badan Yamaha
41, Craig Coxhell, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, EMS Racing
43, Jose Manuel Hurtado, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1, Alapont Competition
47, Richard Cooper, GBR, TBA, AKUNA Racing Team
53, Alessandro Polita, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
54, Kenan Sofuaglu, TUR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Germany
55, Massimo Roccoli, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni
57, Ilario Dionisi, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
68, Daniele Vaghi, ITA, MV Agusta, EVR Corse Biassono Racing Team
69, Didier Van Keyemeulen, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Germany
73, Martin Choy, BUL, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Prista Oil Racing Team
75, Ghisbert van Ginhoven, NED, Ducati 999S, MCT-Sitra
77, Nicolas Saelens, BEL, Ducati 999S, MCT-Sitra
82, Yann Gyger, SWI, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Tyger
86, Ayrton Badovini, ITA, MV Agusta, EVR Corse Biassono Racing Team
88, Victor Cox, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Beowulf Motorsport.com
99, Jose Lombardo Morales, ESP, TBA, Team Electrolombar
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR1000RR, Roca & Mas Competicio`


2005 600cc Superstock European Championship Entry List:

11, Ronal Ter Brooke, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Kobutex Honda
12, Roy Ten Napel, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Kobutex Honda
14, Nicolas Pirot, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Zone Rouge
15, David Del Moral, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team MS Yamaha
16, Agostin Perez Munoz, ESP, Honda CBR600RR, Alapont Competition
19, Simeon Xavier, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R600, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
21, Maxime Berger, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, MBE
22, Danny De Boer, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Remar Racing (Ten Kate)
23, Jorge Villar Machado, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R600, VM Racing Team
24, Giuseppe Beretta, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, DBG Racing
26, Tom Van Looy, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R600, Herman Verboven Racing
27, Barry Burrel, GBR, Honda CBR600RR, MS Akuna Racing
31, Patrick McDougall, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R600, Beowulf Motorsport.com
32, Yoann Tiberio, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Junior Team Megabike
33, Marek Szokopek, POL, TBA, Szokopek Racing
35, Alessia Polita, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
37, Henry Taipale, FIN, Honda CBR600RR, Ajo Promotion LTD
39, Nicky Wimbauer, USA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Moto 1
41, Davide Caldart, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, WLB Racing
45, Daniel Rivas Fernades, ESP, TBA, Team Moto Sport Racing
50, Giuseppe Barone, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Syn Racing
55, Loic Napoleone, FRA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
58, Luca Verdini, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Titano Corse
59, Nicolo Canepa, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
71, Claudio Corti, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Trasimeno
77, Marketa Janakova, CZE, Suzuki GSX-R600, Titano Corse
88, Andrea Antonelli, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
96, Jonathan Gallina, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Junior Team Italia Megabike
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Roca & Mas Competicio
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Ajo Promotion LTD
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Alapont Competition’

From a press release issued by FG Sport Group:

WINTER TESTS – 2005 SUZUKIS MAKE A BIG IMPRESSION AT THE ISLAND

Phillip Island (Australia) 20 January 2005. – The Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki team, comprising of 1996 World Champion Troy Corser and Japanese star Yukio Kagayama, gave the 2005 GSX-R1000 an excellent debut during a three-day test at Phillip Island.

In the favourable weather conditions of an Australian summer Corser and Kagayama pushed to the limit at the awesome seaside circuit, Corser setting a best of 1:34.2; Kagayama 1:34.8. This combined pace, after just one test, compares favourably with the best lap time of the 2004 race weekend, set by Garry McCoy (Ducati), at 1:34.514.

Corser had a particularly eventful three days, as his GSX-R twice collided with seagulls, while Kagayama escaped a crash unscathed.

The 2005 season championship will feature high calibre World Superbike entries from six manufacturers, and even after one test Suzuki has already proved that it will play a part in what will be a particularly fascinating year of global competition.

At least ten riders will have a chance of winning in 2005, thanks to confirmed entries from closely matched teams and riders on Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Petronas and Suzuki equipment. The single make tyre rules, with all riders on equal Pirelli racing products, has already proved to be a great success in 2004 and is another factor which promises close and exciting racing.

On Sunday 23 January Noriyuki Haga will have his first ride on Yamaha’s impressive YZF-R1, alongside 2005 team-mate Andrew Pitt, allowing a fair comparison between two of the championship’s big hitters, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Yamaha Motor Germany’s Australian duo of Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain will also have a chance to test their 2005 YZF-R6 World Supersport machines.

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING RELEASES DAYTONA 200 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 20, 2005) – AMA Pro Racing has released the schedule of events for the 64th Daytona 200.

Registration and post-entry begins on Monday, March 7 with practice and qualifying beginning on Wednesday, March 9. The Repsol Lubricants Superstock and AMA Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei events will both be held on Thursday, March 10 and the AMA Superbike presented by Parts Unlimited and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 will be held on Saturday, March 12.

Modifications to the famed Daytona International Speedway have led AMA Pro Racing to change the number of laps for each event. According to AMA Pro Racing Road Race Series Manager, Ron Barrick, the final decision regarding the length of each race was made after discussions with track officials, tire companies, riders and teams. The track redesign was part of an extensive renovation to the facility.

Now instead of incorporating both of Daytona’s famous bankings, riders will navigate a new infield layout before entering the superspeedway on the back straight. The chicane leading into NASCAR turn three is unchanged as are the east banking and tri-oval sections.

The changes were made to improve safety by reducing sustained top speeds and extreme tire loads generated by the banking. Teams, riders and AMA Pro Racing officials got to see firsthand the results of the track modifications at the annual tire test held in early January.

The new layout and the switch to Formula Xtreme machinery for the 200 made this year’s test particularly important. “We knew that the changes would dictate we address the length of each race,” said Barrick. “The tire test was an opportunity to analyze tire wear, fuel mileage and speeds gathered from teams, riders and tire technicians. We used this data to help us determine race distances for each class of motorcycle.”

The Daytona Superstock, Supersport and Superbike races are sprint races while the Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 requires multiple pit stops for fuel and tires. Superstock, Supersport and Formula Xtreme (air-cooled twins excepted) rules require that competitors utilize stock fuel tanks. Superbike rules allow modifications to the fuel tank to increase capacity. Additionally, motorcycles entered in Supersport may also enter the Daytona 200. Another interesting change is that exotic quick change systems for wheels have been eliminated in an effort to lower costs and help level the playing field between factory teams and privateers. Barrick believes that the changes are good for Daytona overall.

“I think the races this year will be some of the most interesting in a long time,” said Barrick. “Considering things like the changes to the track and new race distances, the riders and teams will have to devise new set-ups and strategies to be successful.”

Schedule of Events AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited

Monday, March 7

1:00 – 5:00 – Registration: For Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

Tuesday, March 8

9:00 – 5:00 – Registration: For Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

5:00 – Post-Entry Closed for all Classes

9:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

Wednesday, March 9

7:00 – 4:00 – Registration: For Riders, Crew, Sponsors & Guests

7:00 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:00 – 8:50 – Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice

9:00 – 9:50 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Practice

10:00 – 11:00 – AMA Superbike Practice

11:10 – 12:00 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch Break

12:20 – Rider Briefing (Media Center)

1:00 – 1:40 – Repsol Lubricants Superstock Qualifying, Group 1

1:50 – 2:30 – Repsol Lubricants Superstock Qualifying, Group 2

2:40 – 3:20 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Qualifying, Group 1

3:30 – 4:10 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Qualifying, Group 2

4:20 – 5:00 – AMA Superbike Practice

5:10 – 5:50 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

7:00 – Garage Area Closed – Everyone must be out of the speedway by 7:00

Thursday, March 10

7:00 – 4:00 – Registration: For Crew, Sponsors & Guests

7:30 – 5:00 – Tech Inspection

8:00 – 8:35 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei Practice

8:45 – 9:20 – AMA Superbike Practice

9:30 – 10:05 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

10:15 – 10:50 – Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice

11:00 – 11:40 – AMA Superbike Qualifying, Group 1

11:50 – 12:30 – AMA Superbike Qualifying, Group 2

12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch Break

1:30 – 2:20 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying, Group 1

2:30 – 3:20 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Qualifying, Group 2

Final Events:

3:45 – Repsol Lubricants Superstock (13 laps, 60k)

4:45 – Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei (22 laps, 100k)

7:00 – Garage Area Closed – Everyone must be out of the speedway by 7:00

Friday, March 11

8:00 – 4:00 – Registration: For Crew, Sponsors & Guests No On-Track Road Race Activity

Saturday, March 12

8:00 – 1:00 – Registration: For Crew, Sponsors & Guests

8:30 – Tech Inspection

9:00 – 10:00 – Pit assignments (at tech garage) for riders qualified 16th – 80th in the 200

9:30 – 10:00 – AMA Superbike Practice

10:10 – 10:40 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice

Final Events:

11:15 – AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited (15 laps, 70k)

12:15 – 1:15 – Lunch Break

1:30 – Opening Ceremony and Pole Award Presentation

1:45 – Sighting Lap for the Daytona 200

2:00 – Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme, 64th Daytona 200 (68 Laps)

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

HIGH-ALTITUDE START FOR DUCATI DESMOSEDICI’S 2005 MOTOGP SEASON



Wrooom 2005, Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), 20 January – Ducati’s MotoGP season got off to a flying start today on the Grostè glacier (at an altitude of 2470 metres) as the Desmosedici GP5 appeared in its 2005 livery for the first time amidst the spectacular Dolomite mountains in northern Italy.

“The bike that Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa will race this season is the result of an evolution, not a revolution of the GP4” explained Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali yesterday during the press conference. “We learnt from the mistakes we made last year, when we arrived at the first Sepang tests with a completely different bike from the previous version and with no chance of turning back.

“The Desmosedici GP5 is the result of the work we did last season when, despite the difficulties, we didn’t lose heart and we found the equilibrium we were looking for, as was demonstrated by our improving performance over the last few races and the two podiums at the end of the season. The studies that led to the creation of this bike follow a principle of reversibility, which allows us to retrace our steps at any time and make comparisons with previous solutions”.

The bike actually differs very little from the one that was seen in the final GP of the year at Valencia except for the chassis, swing-arm and ECU innovations that will be fitted to the Desmosedici GP5. The chassis is now also attached to the swing-arm pivot, unlike the GP4. This has already been tested at Phillip Island but it will be tested again by Carlos and Loris in Malaysia to see how it works with the new Bridgestone tyres.

Instead it has already been decided to use the new swing-arm in testing and the races. This is lighter than the previous version, albeit somewhat stiffer.

Finally the ECU engine control system is new and gives greater calculation power for more sophisticated race strategies. The ECU has a number of different levels of use, but is in line with the decision to continue development one step at a time, leaving open the possibility of being able to change components at any moment. The software currently being deliberated is not radically different to the one used on the GP4, but more complex, evo-spec versions are also being developed.

Other innovations currently being developed by Ducati are a new ‘step’ engine, which is already running on the dyno, and which may be used in the second half of the season.

The GP5’s aerodynamic package has also undergone modifications: after tests carried out in the wind-tunnel, a new fairing aimed at improving the bike’s handling will appear for the first time at the forthcoming IRTA tests at Barcellona (March 18-20).

The Ducati Marlboro Team’s pre-season testing schedule is the following:

Sepang (Malaysia): January 23-25
Sepang (Malaysia): February 11-13
Phillip Island (Australia): February 17-19
Losail (Qatar): March 1-3

From a press release issued by Harley-Davidson:

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES RECORD FOURTH QUARTER AND 19TH CONSECUTIVE RECORD YEAR
Company Surpasses $5 Billion in Revenue

Milwaukee, Wis., January 20, 2005 — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004. Revenue for the quarter was $1.22 billion compared with $1.16 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 5.4 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $209.0 million compared to $182.4 million, an increase of 14.5 percent over 2003. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) was 71 cents, an 18.3 percent increase compared with last year’s 60 cents.

Revenue for the full year was $5.02 billion, compared with $4.62 billion in 2003, an 8.5 percent increase. Net income for the year was $889.8 million, a 16.9 percent increase versus last year’s $760.9 million, while diluted EPS for the full year was $3.00, a 20.0 percent increase compared with $2.50 in 2003.

“Once again Harley-Davidson achieved record revenue and earnings, making 2004 the nineteenth consecutive record year for the Company,” said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We focused on exceeding the impressive results of our 100th Anniversary year by increasing motorcycle availability to improve customer satisfaction and by stimulating interest among prospective customers. U.S. retail sales for Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased more than 7 percent over last year, demonstrating that the dream of owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle remains extremely powerful,” said Bleustein.

“Our fourth quarter retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 6.7 percent in the U.S. over the same period in 2003 and up 14 percent in international markets,” he said.

“We expect to continue to grow in 2005 and ship 339,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the year to support that growth. This is consistent with our established goals of satisfying demand for 400,000 motorcycles in 2007 and generating an annual earnings growth rate in the mid-teens,” said Bleustein.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment – Fourth Quarter Results
Revenue from Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles was $992.6 million, an increase of $47.3 million or 5.0 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 80,587 units, an increase of 3,531 units or 4.6 percent over last year’s fourth quarter.

Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $157.9 million, an increase of $16.9 million, or 12.0 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes? apparel and collectibles, totaled $54.9 million, an increase of $4.2 million or 8.2 percent.

Gross margin was 37.8 percent of revenue, up from 35.9 percent in the prior year. Gross margin was favorably impacted primarily by manufacturing efficiencies and foreign currency exchange rates. Consistent with the higher gross margin, operating margin increased from 21.5 percent in 2003 to 23.0 percent in 2004.


Motorcycle Retail Sales Data
Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the year 2004 grew 7.1 percent in the U.S. and 1.5 percent internationally compared with the prior year. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew in many of the Company’s international markets. However, overall retail sales in Europe decreased 5.3 percent.

“In response to the current market conditions and the strong Euro, Harley-Davidson is reducing suggested retail prices in 2005 on select motorcycle models in our European markets. This will make our motorcycles more affordable to a broader range of customers,” said Bleustein.


Financial Services Segment
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. (HDFS), a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., reported fourth quarter operating income of $39.2 million, up $5.4 million or 15.9 percent compared to the year-ago quarter.

The segment’s performance was driven by continued strong marketplace acceptance of its finance and insurance products as well as positive foreign currency exchange.

Annualized credit losses net of recoveries on a managed portfolio basis were 0.81 percent during the year. This is better than the Company’s stated target of 1 percent.


Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Twelve Month Results
For the fiscal year ended 2004, total Harley-Davidson motorcycle shipments were 317,289 units compared with 291,147 units in 2003, a 9.0 percent increase. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $3.93 billion, an increase of $306.7 million or 8.5 percent.

P&A revenue totaled $781.6 million, a $68.8 million or 9.7 percent increase, while General Merchandise revenue totaled $223.7 million, a $12.3 million or 5.8 percent increase compared with 2003.

Full year operating income for HDFS was $188.6 million, an increase of $20.7 million or 12.3 percent compared to 2003.

Cash Flow – Twelve Month Results
As of December 31, 2004, cash and marketable securities were $1.61 billion. During the year the Company invested $213.6 million in capital expenditures, repurchased 10.6 million shares of Company stock for $564.1 million, paid $119.2 million in dividends and increased cash and marketable securities by $289.4 million.


Stock Option Accounting
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new rules requiring companies to recognize the expense of stock option grants in their income statements. Although the new rules are not effective until the Company’s third quarter of 2005, the Company will implement this change in accounting as of January 1, 2005. If the Company had elected to expense stock options in 2004 under the new standard, the effect would have been a $22.5 million pretax charge. The Company expects a similar charge in 2005.


2005 and Beyond
In addition to the previously stated motorcycle unit shipment goal, the Company expects growth in all of its product lines. Harley-Davidson expects the growth rate for P&A revenues to be slightly higher than the motorcycle unit growth rate, and the General Merchandise growth rate is expected to be lower than the motorcycle unit growth rate. The Company expects the HDFS growth rate to be slightly higher than the Company’s motorcycle unit growth rate.


Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as 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 motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.


Forward-Looking Statements
The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” or “estimates” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The Company’s ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company’s ability to (i) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities through the implementation of innovative manufacturing techniques and other means, (ii) successfully implement production capacity increases in its facilities, (iii) successfully introduce new products and services, (iv) avoid unexpected supply chain issues, (v) sell all of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles it plans to produce, (vi) continue to develop the capacity of its distributor and dealer network, (vii) avoid unexpected changes in the regulatory environment for its products, (viii) successfully adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (ix) adjust to worldwide economic and political conditions, and (x) successfully manage the credit quality of HDFS’s loan portfolio.

In addition, the Company could experience delays in the operation of manufacturing facilities as a result of work stoppages, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Risk factors are also disclosed in documents previously filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Team SUZUKI MotoGP Hungry for Sepang Test

Team SUZUKI MotoGP riders Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins are fired up for the initial test of 2005 at Sepang in Malaysia, where they will have their first chance to ride the latest version of the Suzuki GSV-R.

Former Champion Roberts Jr and MotoGP’s hottest young prospect Hopper desperately want to get back onboard the Suzuki GSV-R and put the latest engine and chassis developments through their paces. Race technicians at Suzuki’s headquarters in Hammamatsu, Japan, have been working hard during the closed season to advance the improvements that the Bridgestone shod 990cc V4 GSV-R showed throughout last year.

The Sepang International Circuit is an ideal testing ground for the Suzuki. The 5.5km track consists of numerous medium to fast corners and four slow turns that follow full throttle straights, as well as the spectacularly smooth and sweeping chicane, capable of being negotiated at speeds in excess of 200km/h. This demanding and fast circuit will give the riders and technicians plenty of chances to push the developing GSV-R to its limits.

This will be the first time Roberts Jr and Hopper will work with new team manager Paul Denning, who takes over at the helm of the MotoGP team after winning the British Superbike Championship with Rizla Suzuki in 2004. Also joining the team at Sepang is the vastly experienced Tom O’Kane, Roberts Jr’s new chief technician.

The Sepang test runs from January 21st-24th and is the first in a gruelling schedule for Team SUZUKI MotoGP before the racing starts at Jerez in Spain on April 10th. The pre-season testing programme will return to Sepang in February before going on to Phillip Island in Australia and then more tests in Europe.

Kenny Roberts Jr
“I’m really looking forward to Sepang, it will be great to see what the guys in Japan have got for us. I’ve been working hard all through the winter break to get ready, my elbow feels 100 per cent and now my focus is totally on the first test.”

John Hopkins
“I just want to get out there and ride. I’m excited about the new season and what Suzuki can achieve. I know I am as good as the other riders but I need to prove it and the first test is a good place to start.”

Paul Denning – Team Manager
“Sepang is very important for us as it will be the first time the new team will get together. I have been in close contact with the riders and other team crew throughout the last few months and look forward to seeing everyone together and forming a strong working relationship. We are under no illusions as to the effort required to get Suzuki challenging for the top positions, but the news from Japan on the GSV-R’s development is very encouraging and we are keen to start work.”

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Garry McCoy is hoping to be fully fit in time for the official Superbike World Championship test in Qatar next month.

He has been training on a flat dirt track at his parents’ Brisbane home and has felt no side-effects from the surgery he underwent in Austria to pin his heel back together.

He said: “If someone didn’t know I would say that they wouldn’t be able to notice any limp now. I started to do a few jumps at the weekend, but nothing too much yet. And I have been out on my jet-skis and that was also fine. I wasn’t intending to go on the ‘stand-up’ but I did and it felt all right so I stayed on for a bit longer. It’s certainly better to be hanging onto handlebars rather than crutches and I’m definitely looking forward to getting the out on track on the FP1. And it’s good that the first race and test are at Qatar, where none of the other riders have been to.”

Garry has also been teaching partner Gemma how to ride a 125cc motocross bike. “I’m already as fast as Garry,” she revealed!

From a press release issued by SMRI:

Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc. (SMRI) enters its fifth season of New Mexico’s only AMA sanctioned road racing at Sandia Motor Speedway (www.sandiamotorsports.com), Albuquerque, New Mexico and La Junta Raceway located in La Junta, Colorado. This season’s schedule includes seven race/practice weekends, two supermoto schools, and four Sunday street rider track days. Check out our website, www.smri-racing.org, for more info on riders schools, supermoto race schedules, and current information. Also come see us at the Supernational Car Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico January 28, 29, 30.

Race Schedule:
April 16-17 Sandia Motor Speedway (SMS)
May 21-22 SMS
June 18-19 SMS
July 23-24 SMS
August 20-21 La Junta Raceway, Colorado
September 10-11 SMS
October 22-23 SMS

Supermoto Schools:
February 13 SMS
March 6 SMS

Sunday Track days:
April 3 SMS
June 5 SMS
August 7 SMS
October 30 SMS

Website: smri-racing.org
Mailing address: Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc.
PO Box 11806
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87192
Phone/FAX: 505-275-5978

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM MEETS THE PRESS ON THE SNOWS OF MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

Wrooom 2005, Madonna di Campiglio (Italy), 19 January : Skiing and snowboarding gave way to a more formal moment for the MotoGP riders and journalists today at the Wrooom 2005 international media event. Ducati Corse CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa met the press for the first time to chat about the start of the 2005 season, the team’s programmes and illustrate the technical details of the Desmosedici GP5.

“We were guided by a new philosophy during the design and the construction of the bike that we will be racing this year: in comparison to the GP4, the GP5 is an evolution not a revolution” declared Claudio Domenicali. “For example, the latest technical solutions we tested at Valencia last November, which are still being developed, do not completely change the handling of the bike, in particular in view of the most important change that has been made: the tyres. Bridgestone for us will be an important partner, one with whom we have immediately established an excellent rapport”.

The meeting also offered Domenicali the opportunity to announce an important project, details of which for the moment are still being defined: the Tyre Test Team, which will be set up in collaboration with the Japanese tyre manufacturer. This project, which has come about due to the two companies’ joint commitment to specifically develop tyres, will see Japanese rider Shinichi Itoh become official test-rider and will involve a group of dedicated technicians, including a Ducati Corse engineer.

Loris Capirossi is ready to tackle his third season with the Borgo Panigale team with renewed enthusiasm, as emerged clearly from his declarations.

“Moving to Ducati in 2003 was very important for me: I am proud to form a part of this family, in which I have found a group of competent and passionate people” said Loris. “The first year was fantastic, but the following year, on the other hand, saw us in a bit of difficulty at the start. The company reacted well, remained united and we worked hard until we found the equilibrium we were looking for. I am pleased with the Bridgestone tyres and in particular with the front, which adapts well to my riding style. It’s too early to make any forecasts, but for the moment I can say that I am happy and sure that we will soon be competitive”.

Carlos Checa admitted that he had a ‘soft spot’ for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. After a first approach between the two parties two years ago, the Spanish rider can now finally wear the colours of the Ducati Marlboro Team. Immediately right on the pace with the Desmosedici, Carlos has established a good rapport with his new team and is ready to develop the new GP5 machine.

“I have always been attracted by Ducati and I am delighted to be a part of them now” declared a smiling Checa. “I already found a good feeling with the team and the new bike during the first tests we made in Spain. Of course, it’s far too early to say what will happen: for the moment there is a lot of work to do, but I am very motivated and ready for the challenge”.