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The new year is off to a bold new start for BMW Motorrad USA, as sales of BMW motorcycles rose 48 percent in January com- pared to January 2016. While BMW Motorrad USA posted double — and even triple — digit growth across the model segments in which it competes, performance was strongest among F series (F 700 GS), G series (G 650 GS) and R series (R 1200 R and R 1200 RT) models. "We have the broadest model range we've ever had in our history, which is contributing to our growing sales," said Michael Peyton, vice president of BMW Motorrad North America. "With bikes for every riding prefer- ence and budget, and a strong and growing number of BMW retailers around the country, the motorcycling community is paying closer attention to BMW these days." "Our sales show that consumers are embracing all-new models like the custom- izable R nineT Scrambler, which exceeded our sales expectations for January, as well as perennial favorites like the R 1200 RT." BMW's diverse range of adventure models, roadsters, sport bikes and tourers can be seen and ridden at 152 U.S. retailers. Many new and updated BMW models are also currently making their debut at motorcycle shows around the country. AJP MOTORCYCLE SALES GROW BY 62 PERCENT AJP USA, the importer of Portuguese moto brand AJP, recorded its third consecutive year of record-breaking growth in 2016. Unit sales of AJP motorcycles increased 62 percent com- pared to 2015, and the brand added 17 new dealers during 2016, for a total of 26 dealers throughout the U.S. AJP USA's parts and accessory lineup also has expanded, with 24 branded hard parts now available. For the 2017 model year, AJP has added two new models, the PR4 and PR5 Extremes. That gives AJP five enduro models available in the U.S. market. The AJP factory in Portugal has released the PR7, a new 600cc adventure bike, into the European market. Demand for the PR7 from the U.S. market is ramping up, and the company's goal is to offer a U.S. street-legal version of the PR7 in the fall, as a 2018 model. Distributor Scott Armstrong reports that AJP projects a 40 percent increase in unit sales in 2017 and signing 10-15 more dealers. DFW HONDA HOSTS SUPERCROSS RACERS Prior to the Arlington Supercross in Texas, Team Honda HRC's Cole Seely and Andrew Short, as well as GEICO Honda's Jimmy Decotis, signed autographs and visited with fans at DFW Honda in Grapevine, Texas. STRIDER SUPPORTS STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM Strider Bikes, the manufacturer and mar- keter of children's no-pedal balance bikes, has stepped up to support the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, Strider will be the presenting sponsor for the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies held in conjunction with the Sturgis Motor- cycle Rally in August, as well as working with the museum on local charity events and fund- raising efforts throughout the year. "It is the museum's goal to not only honor the history of motorcycling, but to continue to build a lasting legacy," said executive director Myrick Robbins. "Ryan McFar- land and the team at Strider make a perfect partner to build the future with. Starting with toddlers still in diapers, Strider opens up a lifetime of two-wheeled adventures to future generations of motorcycle history makers ... one stride at a time." The 77th Sturgis Rally is set for Aug. 4-13, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Strider will be held Aug. 9 at the Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota. ADVWOMAN RALLY SET FOR COLORADO The 2nd annual women-led ADVWoman Rally announced that the event will be held July 20-23 at Flying Heels Rodeo Arena in Granby, Colorado. The event will include a variety of self- guided rides, a geocache scavenger hunt, classroom training sessions as well as on- range adventure and dirt bike rider training. All instructors are women. Men are welcome, too, as it's a female- and family-friendly rally. Last year, several participants traveled over 1,800 miles to attend. Immediately following the Rally there will be a first-ever all-ladies Colorado Backcountry Discovery (COBDR) Tour led by acques and fellow adventure rider Alisa Clickenger. PSB DIGEST www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • March 13, 2017 • 27 BMW Motorrad USA sales up 48 percent in January The ADVWoman Rally in Colorado expands to four days in July. The AJP PR7 is a 600cc adventure bike that will be released in the U.S. as a street-legal 2018 model.