Cleveland Moto podcast 501 tonight, live, on YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U07-SEQVTro

Show notes 501 

1. Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz to Retire in 2025

Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson, announced plans to retire in 2025 after five years at the helm. Zeitz introduced the "Hardwire" strategy in 2021, focusing on high-margin products and modernizing the brand to appeal to younger riders. Despite these efforts, the company forecasts flat to declining profits for 2025, citing tempered consumer spending on big-ticket items. Harley's stock has risen over 11% since Zeitz took charge, though it has underperformed compared to the S&P 500's 77% climb during the same period.​Reuters

2. Harley-Davidson Board Member Resigns Over 'Grave Concerns'

Board member Jared Dourdeville resigned, expressing "grave concerns" about the company's future. In his resignation letter, he cited "severe underperformance" by leadership, chaotic turnover, declining sales, and a lack of products to attract new customers. Harley-Davidson responded by stating that Dourdeville was not a dissenting voice in board discussions and acknowledged the challenging market conditions.​CBS58

3. Royal Enfield Launches Bear 650 Scrambler in the U.S.

Royal Enfield unveiled the Bear 650, a scrambler-style motorcycle inspired by the brand's 1960 Big Bear Run victory. Based on the INT 650 platform, the Bear 650 features a 648cc parallel-twin engine, upgraded suspension, wire-spoked wheels, and a two-into-one exhaust system. It also includes a full-color TFT dash and all-around LED lighting. The Bear 650 is available in five color options, with prices starting at $6,849. The first units are expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in early November 2024.

 MotoAmerica Talent Cup: A New Pathway to MotoGP

Replacing the Junior Cup, the Talent Cup is part of the global “Road to MotoGP” program. It features riders aged 14–21 competing on spec Krämer APX-350 MA motorcycles—lightweight, purpose-built race bikes powered by KTM 350cc engines. This shift from production-based bikes to dedicated race machines aims to better prepare young riders for international competition.​MotoAmerica+1Roadracing World+1

The series will include at least six events and one preseason test, with one round held alongside the 2025 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. ​MotoAmerica

Notably, up to five riders from the Talent Cup will be invited to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection event, offering a direct pathway to international racing. Additionally, top performers from the MotoAmerica Mini Cup and FIM MiniCUP Series will receive free season entries into the Talent Cup, provided they meet age requirements.​MotoAmerica

This initiative marks a significant step in nurturing American talent and providing a structured route to the world stage of motorcycle racing.​MotoAmerica

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