Latest news with #powersports
Car and Driver
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Maybe You Don't Need 325 Horsepower to Have Fun on the Water
Anyone who bought a powersports toy circa 2020 to 2022 can tell you it was a seller's market. Supply chain meltdowns, combined with low interest rates and unprecedented demand, meant that pretty much any boat, ATV, side-by-side, RV, or personal watercraft practically sold itself, often at full price or more. Those days are over. Now the situation is inverted, because a lot of people who bought recreational machines during the pandemic used their new toys a few times and then realized they'd overestimated their appetite for adrenaline. And, as a habitual Marketplace browser, I notice that the lowest usage tends to correlate to the highest horsepower. More than a few would-be speed junkies bring home a machine like Sea-Doo's 325-hp supercharged RXP-X only to find that hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds is not necessarily a feat you want to repeat all day long. Car and Driver The 170-hp GTI SE does about 55 mph, which is often faster than the traffic is moving out on Route 1 in the Keys. Sea-Doo, for its part, has concentrated on revamping the more accessible machines in its lineup over the past few years. The second-generation Spark—Sea-Doo's affordable rec lite personal watercraft—debuted for 2024. The bigger GTI models were redesigned for 2021, the same year that Sea-Doo's wild pontoon boat, the Switch, hit the market. It's been a while since I rode a Sea-Doo, and I've never tried a Switch, so I headed down to Florida to see what's new. These kinds of drive events are common, both for cars and powersports machines, but the twist here is that my wife and kids came along, too. Because it turns out that 14-year-olds can ride personal watercraft in Florida, a revelation that was greeted with a hearty "Let's goooo!" by my 14-year-old son, Rhys. There would be no RXP-X on the agenda, because I'm not sure even my frontal lobe is fully formed enough for that. Car and Driver I wasn't too worried about putting Rhys on a Sea-Doo, even though the 170-hp GTI SE can hit about 55 mph. He got his boater's license in North Carolina (we all passed the test for the temporary Florida-specific one) and he's well versed in ATVs and the like. But I still peppered him with PWC-specific dad advice long before we arrived at our ride spot on Florida Bay, a little north of Islamorada: Don't hammer the throttle away from the dock, don't even touch the throttle if anyone's in the water behind you, always check behind you before turning, and stay away from whoever else is riding. Other than that? Go rip it. Car and Driver Here's where dry-sump oiling becomes important. We began with a family tour to Toilet Seat Cut, which, as you'd expect, is a channel bordered by lavishly decorated toilet seats mounted on poles sunk in the shallows. Besides exuding high-level Florida Keys eccentricity, the forest of toilet seats does a great job delineating the narrow channel—if you don't know where you're going, it's easy to miss a cut on the bay side of the Keys. Fortunately, if an errant dad leads everyone far astray from the deep water, backtracking is quick on a Sea-Doo. The Spark, with 90 horsepower, can hit about 45 mph, which feels plenty fast until you ride the GTI SE and find there's more to be had. I can honestly say that never did I wish for more horsepower. Sea-Doo | Car and Driver That is how you mark a channel, Florida Keys style. At least, not on the personal watercraft—the Switch might be a different story. The 21-foot Switch was powered by a 230-hp supercharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder, and it was pretty quick for what is essentially a floating living room. I saw 40 mph on the speedometer, but another 95 horses wouldn't hurt it. The Switch is unique among pontoon boats in that it uses Sea-Doo running gear, complete with a jet drive and handlebars. The handlebars make it crazy maneuverable around the dock (you can spin the boat on its axis by bumping between forward and reverse with the bars fully cranked), but at speed, the pontoon hull would rather track straight ahead than dig into turns. Nonetheless, I was able to get the kids whipping outside the wake during a tubing session, launching them duly skyward when we came back around to the chop. Pontoons are generally thought of as lake boats, but the Switch had no problem with the wind-whipped bay when we took a 12-mile trip to Gilbert's in Key Largo. Sea-Doo | Car and Driver Sea-Doo | Car and Driver What, you kids think this tube is flip-proof? Sea-Doo | Car and Driver The Switch's 230 hp proves enough for an enervating ride. We also spent a lot of time going nowhere in particular. The Spark is perfect for that, particularly the Trixx version ($9199 for the single-seater), which can angle its thrust nozzle extra far up and down. Why would you want to do that? Two words: water wheelies. And also reverse donuts. The Trixx has what looks like a sprinter's starter blocks at the rear of the hull, and you wonder what they're for until you goose it in Trixx mode with the trim set all the way toward bow high. Most PWCs climb a little bit out of the water before the impeller sucks air, self-regulating a relatively flat running attitude. Not the Trixxx—you can stand on those blocks and ride it till it's almost vertical, at which point it gets challenging to balance. Toppling over sideways, you can pin the throttle and ride out of it, but going over backwards (a distinct possibility) occasions a respawn after you inevitably yank the lanyard and kill the engine. It's stupid fun, as is ripping reverse donuts, which causes water to spray out from under the bow in a geyser. I wondered how the Rotax engine survives these antics, and the answer is that the Spark (and all Sea-Doos) uses a dry-sump oiling system to keep everything properly lubed even when it's being tossed vertical or upside down. Race-car stuff—nice. Car and Driver When we had an actual destination in mind, like heading down to Islamorada to buy bait, the GTI SEs were the ride of choice. The hulls are longer and heavier, and the GTI is more refined than the rambunctious Spark. The newer GTIs don't look radically different than their pre-2021 predecessors, but there were changes aplenty. The Rotax's output rose from 155 to 170 horsepower, dropping the claimed 0-to-50-mph time from 6.6 seconds to 5.2 seconds. There's way more onboard storage, including a waterproof phone compartment. And Sea-Doo worked to lower the center of gravity, mounting the engine deeper in the hull and lowering the seat height. Car and Driver As with a car, lowering the CG produces better handling, and the GTI feels like you could ride it to Cuba and be ready for a night out in Havana when you get there. Rhys, for his part, took to cruising aimlessly around the bay and listening to music on the onboard audio system. When I asked him what he thought, he said, "I can't get enough of these things." I get it. This was his first taste of motorized freedom, two years before he'll be able to drive a car. Car and Driver Unlike many a pandemic purchaser, I know that if I owned a Sea-Doo or two, they'd get plenty of use, especially with Kid 2 about to age into the 14-year-old rider demographic (I've been informed by both lads that 14 is also the legal PWC operator age in North Carolina, where we live). Fortunately for my bank account, I have nowhere to dock a Sea-Doo, and having to visit a boat ramp every time diminishes spontaneous rides, which are the best kind. But if I ever do get one, I might need to drag it down to the Keys. Because we completed one more project on our final ride, and someday I want to go see how the clearcoat is holding up on the Dyer family addition to Toilet Seat Cut. Ezra Dyer Senior Editor Ezra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He's now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Kemimoto Celebrates 14 Years of Powersports Innovation with Anniversary Mega Sale
Houston, TX, Texas, United States, June 11, 2025 -- Kemimoto, a trusted leader in UTV accessories and motorcycle gear, is celebrating its 14th anniversary with a major month-long sales event designed for outdoor enthusiasts and off-road riders. From June 5 to June 30, the Kemimoto 14th Anniversary Sale delivers deep discounts, sitewide deals, and exclusive bundles on high-performance gear built for adventure. For over a decade, Kemimoto has specialized in durable, rider-tested off-road accessories for UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles, supporting top vehicle brands including Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, CFMOTO, and more. The brand is recognized for its commitment to functional design, rugged reliability, and community-driven innovation. 'We're proud to celebrate 14 years of riding alongside our customers,' said a Kemimoto spokesperson. 'From sand dunes to snow trails, Kemimoto has always been about enabling more confident, comfortable, and exciting rides.' Anniversary Event Highlights: June 5–30 1. Up to 45% OFF: Save on popular UTV upgrades like sound bars, mirrors, storage bags, and more. 2. Extra 14% OFF Sitewide (Code: EXTRA14): No minimum required — stackable with sale items. 3. Clearance Boost – Extra 20% OFF (Code: MCL20): Get even deeper savings on end-of-line gear. 4. New Subscribers Get 15% OFF: First-time customers can unlock additional savings instantly. Top Powersports Accessories Featured Kemimoto's most in-demand products will be featured throughout the sale, including: 1. Universal UTV Sound Bars – Weatherproof, Bluetooth-enabled, and trail-tested audio for every terrain. 2. UTV Side Mirrors – Wide-angle visibility, tough housing, and easy installation for most models. 3. LED Whip Lights – Illuminate night rides, sand dunes, and parades with vibrant, customizable lights. 4. Model-Specific Gear – Fit-tested accessories for Polaris RZR / Ranger / General, Can-Am Maverick X3 / Defender, CFMOTO ZForce / UForce, and Honda Pioneer / Talon. 5. Motorcycle Accessories – Tactical gloves, heated gear, handlebar mirrors, and storage kits built for two-wheeled adventure. Join the Celebration Kemimoto's 14th Anniversary is more than a sale — it's a thank-you to the community that powers the journey. With unbeatable pricing, exclusive codes, and free subscriber perks, now is the perfect time to upgrade your rig and stock up for the next adventure. Shop the Anniversary Event at About the company: Complete Journey of Dream Contact Info: Name: Kemimoto Email: Send Email Organization: Kemimoto Website: Release ID: 89162123 Should any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies arise from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will be at your disposal for timely assistance within 8 hours – taking necessary measures to rectify identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. We prioritize delivering accurate and reliable information.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Motorrad Dealers Top-Ranked in 2025 Powersports Study for Providing Quick and Easy Service Appointments
Missed Opportunities: Industrywide half of all customer calls ended without a service appointment date and time being offered, and 4 in 10 customers were told to "just drop it off" despite a typical one-week service availability backlog BMW, consistency in difficult times: While the industry faces tough conditions, BMW maintained consistently high performance three years in a row MONTEREY, Calif., June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BMW Motorrad dealerships ranked highest in the 2025 Pied Piper PSI® Service Telephone Effectiveness® (STE®) Powersports Industry Study, which measured the efficiency and quality of customer attempts to schedule service appointments by telephone. Following BMW were Kubota, Triumph, Polaris Off-Road and Harley-Davidson. Pied Piper submitted service calls to 1,531 powersports dealerships representing 27 brands, then evaluated the telephone interactions. Each brand's overall STE Score is a combined average of its individual dealer performances. Scores range from 0 to 100 and include over 30 differently weighted measurements tracking the best practices most likely to generate service revenue and customer loyalty. BMW Ranked Highest: Consistency in Challenging Conditions "BMW has consistently been ranked among the top three performing brands during the three years this annual study has been conducted," said Cameron O'Hagan, Pied Piper's Vice President of Metrics and Analytics. "This year they have achieved the top position due to that consistency." BMW led the 2025 STE study with an average STE score of 50 – the same score BMW achieved in both 2023 and 2024. The following are examples of behaviors which set BMW dealers apart from the industry average when customers call for service: Higher Rate of Setting Appointments – 65% of BMW service calls resulted in an appointment being set, compared to only 52% for the industry overall. More Likely to Ask About Other Issues – BMW customers were asked if they had any other issues or needed any additional service 35% of the time on average, compared to only 22% of the time for the industry overall. More Likely to Ask if Visited Before – On average, BMW dealers asked service customers whether they had visited the dealership before 44% of the time, compared to 28% of the time for the industry overall. Reach Service Advisor Quickly – BMW customers on average reached a service advisor within one minute 84% of the time, compared to 78% of the time for the industry overall. Why Should We Care About a Customer's Service Telephone Experience? "Well-run service departments focus on building customer loyalty, and the first opportunity to drive that loyalty is a customer's phone call to schedule an appointment," said O'Hagan. "Powersports customers who struggle to schedule service vote with their feet by moving to another dealership or independent shop. In extreme cases, due to most powersports purchases being discretionary, if ownership becomes frustrating, many customers will begin to question whether it's worth the effort and may sell the vehicle and become sour with the brand." The industry's average STE score improved one point over the past year, reaching an average score of 44, one point higher than 2024 but trailing the 2023 high watermark average score by two points. Performance varied substantially from dealership to dealership, with a minority of dealerships clearly benefiting from their superior processes. 16% of dealerships nationally achieved STE scores over 70, by providing an interaction with their service customers that was speedy, efficient and proactively helpful. In contrast, customers for 11% of the dealerships hung up their phone having completely failed in their attempt to schedule service. The business implications between those two extremes are substantial. Powersport Industry Performance Lacking in Key Areas Customer expectations for scheduling service aren't set by the powersports industry. Nearly all powersports customers also schedule service for their cars and trucks, and over the past few years the auto industry has significantly improved the service scheduling experience for their customers. Fail to Live up to Expectations – Today, half of all auto service appointments for basic needs like oil changes are quickly booked online, and with the help of AI-powered chat, 87% of auto customers who phone to schedule service end their call with an appointment—compared to only 52% of the powersports customers. Too Many "Just Drop it Off" Demands – 41% of the time powersports customers were told to "just drop it off" and wait an undetermined amount of time, rather than the dealership committing to a specific date and time. In comparison, this unfavorable behavior occurs only 2% of the time in the auto industry. Rarely Ask About Additional Services – Across the industry, only 22% of customers were asked if they had other issues or needed additional services—significantly lower than the 40% rate seen in the auto industry. Industry's Greatest Opportunities for Improvement "The cliché is true: sales sells the first; service sells the rest," said O'Hagan. "Dealerships that prioritize a superior service experience gain in both sales and service." Turn "Just Drop it Off" Into a Positive – 41% of powersports customers are told to "just drop it off," where the vehicle will wait—often outside in the elements—for an undetermined number of days, before the dealership will get to it. This demonstrates little concern for a customer's time or expectations. However, this "drop it off" mentality can be transformed from a frustration into a positive experience by also offering an appointment. For example: "I can schedule you two weeks from today, or if you prefer, you're welcome to bring it in and we'll try to get to it sooner." Framing it this way respects the customer's time and shows that the dealership is organized and responsive—turning a traditionally negative interaction into a loyalty-building moment. Understand What Customers Are Really Experiencing – In the 2025 study there were 14 brands which improved their STE score over the previous year. The brand with the greatest improvement was Kubota, with a six-point gain since last year, moving from a tenth-place ranking in 2024 to second in this year's study. Kubota dealers nearly doubled their rate of setting appointments, occurring 58% of the time in 2025 compared to 31% of the time last year. Kubota dealers also drastically cut the rate of insisting "just drop it off" from 62% of the time in 2024 to 38% of the time this year. The key to this improvement was showing dealers what their customers actually experienced when calling for service. 2025 Brand Performance Compared Performance varied substantially by brand, as shown by these examples: "Set an Appointment" - How often did the brand's dealerships offer an appointment for a specific date and time? More than 60% of the time on average: Triumph, BMW, Royal Enfield, Moto Guzzi Less than 25% of the time on average: Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, John Deere "Just Drop it Off" - How often did the brand's dealerships insist that the customer drop off the vehicle without also offering an appointment? Less than 25% of the time on average: Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi More than 50% of the time on average: Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, John Deere "Average Days Out" – What were the brand's dealerships' average number of days out until the earliest available appointment? Less than 5 days on average: Kubota, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha More than 10 days on average: Suzuki, Zero, HiSun "Inquire About Additional Services" - How often did the brand's dealerships ask if there were other issues or services the customer would like to have addressed? More than 35% of the time on average: Ducati, Husqvarna, BMW, HiSun Less than 15% of the time on average: Yamaha, Segway, Arctic Cat, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, CFMoto, Triumph "Communication Failure" - How often would calling a brand's dealerships for service result in an issue that prevented communication (placed on hold indefinitely, straight to voicemail, stuck in phone tree, etc.)? Less than 5% of the time on average: Segway, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Kubota, Polaris More than 15% of the time on average: Kymco, Zero, Ducati, Tracker Why Was This Study Conducted? "The first service interaction that drives loyalty and service revenue is a customer's initial phone call to schedule an appointment," said O'Hagan. "Because these phone calls often go unnoticed in daily operations, they're frequently neglected — and without clear visibility, improvement becomes difficult." For more than 15 years, Pied Piper has independently published annual industry studies that rank the omnichannel performance of brands and dealer groups. These studies track how industry performance changes over time and let clients understand how their own performance compares. Pied Piper clients order ongoing Prospect Satisfaction Index® (PSI®) measurement and reporting – internet, telephone or in-person – for their dealerships, as tools to improve and maintain omnichannel sales and service effectiveness. Pied Piper clients have found that the key to driving dealership improvement is showing what sales and service customers are really experiencing – which is often a surprise. About Pied Piper Management Company, LLC Monterey, California - based Pied Piper helps brands and national retailer groups improve the omnichannel sales & service performance of their retailers. Pied Piper's PSI process applies data science analytics to determine the omnichannel sales and service best practices most likely to drive unit sales and loyalty. PSI then uses a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning and human actors to measure and report how effectively retail locations follow those best practices. Other recent Pied Piper PSI industry studies include: 2025 Internet Lead Effectiveness® (ILE®) Powersport Industry Study (Indian Motorcycle was ranked first) 2025 Internet Lead Effectiveness® (ILE®) Auto Industry Study (Subaru was ranked first) 2024 Service Telephone Effectiveness® (STE®) Auto Dealer Group Study (Serra Automotive was ranked first) 2024 Telephone Lead Effectiveness™ (TLE™) Pontoon Boat Industry Study (BRP's Sea-Doo brand ranked first) Learn more, request a presentation of industry study results, or request PSI measurement and reporting at ------------------------- This press release is provided for editorial use only, and information contained in this release may not be used for advertising or otherwise promoting brands mentioned in this release without specific, written permission from Pied Piper Management Co., LLC. View source version on Contacts Contact at Pied Piper: Ryan Scott, rscott@ (831) 648-1075 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
