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MESSAGE FROM BARRY & SHELLEY
Well! Isn’t 2020 the most “interesting” year we’ve all had for a long time!
We started with the caustic fog of bushfire smoke from across the Tasman, but that was just the opening act. The main event, Covid 19, threw all of us, everywhere, globally, out of our normal lives, and way out of our comfort zones. As it did for you, lockdown stopped Road and Sport cold. When there’s a battle on, however, our little country fights like a heavyweight, and after lockdown we’ve got a collar on the virus and kicked back into gear.
At the dealership we supported our wonderful staff through the closures, but we needed to cut back a few things, so the HOG Roast was cancelled this year. Our plans for a celebration of our 30th Anniversary as a Harley-Davidson® Dealer didn’t make it off the spreadsheet either. Please be sure, though, that we are extremely proud of our 30 year milestone, and of being New Zealand’s longest serving H-D dealer.
The early end to riding restrictions has meant that you – our wonderful Road and Sport family – have been able to continue riding, and you’ve helped us to a reasonably strong year. Thank you for your brilliant support! It’s a two-way street too, because when we’re strong, we can best support your riding, and your enjoyment of the unique Harley-Davidson® lifestyle.
The virus, still rampant in many places overseas, affects us now in delays to international freight and deliveries generally, but given that, we’re actually doing very well at getting stock here for you. Of course, if virus cases recur here in New Zealand, we will always do everything we can to ensure your safety in-store.
So, to repeat two little words, and express the most important feeling we have for all of you, THANK YOU!
We want you to travel safely, and enjoy the thrill of riding your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. From everyone at Road and Sport, we send our best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
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A COUPLE OF GOOD THINGS FROM 2020
During the year we’ve been able to share with you a few changes, pieces of good news, and some stunning new products.
At Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Matt Levatich stepped down from the top position of CEO, and has been replaced by Board of Directors Chair Jochen Zeitz. Hot on the heels of this came the Covid-19 sales slowdowns, staff cutbacks, and temporary manufacturing pauses, but Jochen has responded by turning the company onto new courses.
Some of these are, in fact, returns to the principles and positions of the past, and we welcome the renewed focus on the strength and desirability of the H-D brand, and onto many existing motorcycles models. We also support the stronger focus on the brand’s inclusive culture.
Here on the ground in New Zealand, in the Road and Sport showroom, in the Service Department, and on the great roads of the Waikato, we’ve been blown away this year by new release products.
LiveWire® is unbelievably capable, quick, and fun. It is, as the Motor Company proudly says, the “halo product” of the EV range. We expect more models to follow, as the technology improves and lower-cost variants are released. But we don’t expect any less fun riding them!
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In traditional Big-Twin engine new products, we (and our customers!) can’t get enough of the 2020 released Screamin’ Eagle® 131 Stage-4 upgrade kits, and the 131 Stage-4 crate engine for Tourers and most Softail® models. Our Street Glide® 131 demo bike has now covered about one-and-a-half times the length of the country, faultless, smooth, and cannon-shot quick when we twist the wrist.
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The Softail Standard, released mid-year, has been the basis of a couple of great custom bikes conceived and put together by our R&S team.
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In essence, 2020 has been a high-pressure, difficult year. But in the world of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, which is where you all live, it’s far from difficult to find or create cruisey weekends, thrills on the dragstrip, holiday tours, new adventures, and new friends.
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WHAT’S COMING IN 2021?
The most exciting time of every year for all of us is the new models release. And this year, for the first time ever, we ALL get to see it!
The new 2021 models from the Motor Company will be released globally online on January 20th, 6.00am NZDT. Also shown in the presentation will be new motorcycle accessories, riding gear, and apparel.
A month later, on February 23rd NZ time, will be the global release of the much anticipated Pan America® 1250 Adventure Touring motorcycle.
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We’ll let you know additional details about both of these global events soon!
One thing that won’t change in 2021 is the great customer service we provide. We’re proud of what we do and how we do it, and we’ll continue to support and encourage all of you in the Road and Sport family.
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RIDING TO THE BURT MUNRO CHALLENGE?
We’re lucky here in New Zealand to have a world-class motorcycling event in-country every year. It’s also great that it’s waaay down South, because we get to ride our Harleys through most of the scenery.
Many of our customers travel to the Burt every year, and we want to ensure that your motorcycle is serviced, and on good tyres, before the trip. This year’s Burt is from Feb 10 to 14, and to avoid any last minute rush in the Service Department, we’re asking that you pre-book the service (and tyres if necessary) so your spot is locked-in early.
Call into our dealership or give us a ring on 07 958 1413 or click on the button below to book online
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