Corey Green will ride a US Highland 450 MX in the 2010 X-Games Super X competition in LA this weekend. It is great to see US Highland pushing on after the devastating loss of Malmberg, Bales and Roddich. Super X should bring some great visibility to the US Highland effort.

US Highland will also have a presence off track at the X-Games to show off their extensive line of dirtbikes as well as the Streettracker and Viking road bikes. Check out the press release after the break for more information.

GLENPOOL, Okla., July 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — US Highland, Inc. (OTCBB:UHLN), a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of high-performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles, announced today that the Company will compete in the Super Motocross event at the 16th X-Games in Los Angeles, which takes place July 29, 2010 through August 1, 2010. Corey Green, a professional motocross racer will be competing at the games with the Company’s 450MX motorcycle. In addition, US Highland’s line of high-end high-performance motorcycles will be showcased at the event.

“US Highland’s sponsored rider Corey Green says, “The X- games have always been a dream of mine to participate in and just about everyone that rides a dirt bike as well. I’m excited about the chance to get an opportunity to race there.” Former US Highland President Mats Malmberg had visions of building a bike to compete in the X-Games, and; ” I am honored to help make that dream come true” said Green.

“Every brand of bike puts on a different type of roost,” referring to the plume of dirt thrown by the rear tire, “and we are gonna show them how the highland roost looks,” Green went on to say.

The Company will also be showcasing their line of motorcycles at the games. “The interest we have received from potential dealers, the Press and the motorcycle community has far exceeded our expectations. We are very pleased to be able to demonstrate our U.S. made bikes, “commented Darin Long, Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Highland, Inc.

Martin Lind, Vice President of Operations at U.S. Highland, Inc., continued, “We are very proud of our line-up of high-end motorcycles. Our approach of customizing the bikes to a rider’s profile is unique and something the bigger manufacturers don’t offer. I am also excited that a professional rider of Corey Green’s caliber chose to use our bike for the games.”

About US Highland, Inc.

US Highland, Inc. is a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of high performance, premium quality Motocross, Supermoto, Quad and Enduro motorcycles. The Company is also a leading development and engineering partner for leading OEM’s around the world. For additional information concerning US Highland Inc., visit www.ushighland.com.

Forward-looking Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events of future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluation of such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set forth in the company’s SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

The frame is built by the same company that built the Harley VR1000 superbike and the 650cc engine provides similar usable power as the Suzuki SV650. However, the top shelf suspension and components combined with superbike handling make the MRX an even more versatile bike than the legendary SV.

Check out the video after the break.

Press release: Fischer Motor Company Introduces Lower Seat-Height MRX

Pocomoke City, Maryland (March 19, 2010) – American motorcycle manufacturer Fischer Motor Company is pleased to announce a special new sport motorcycle with a lower seat height, the MRX 650 L.

Performance sport bike riders expect and demand sharp looks and great handling, but until now this has meant a high seat height that excluded some riders from being able to reach the ground when seated at a stop, or forcing these riders to ride cruisers. Sport motorcyclists can now ride on the street with style, comfort, and confidence on the Fischer MRX 650 L.

While visually almost identical to the beautiful MRX, the 650 L is more than just a lowered version, the MRX 650 L has new a suspension design developed upon the GP-based chassis and suspension geometry found on all Fischer motorcycles, but with innovative new linkage and a special Ohlins rear shock to provide progressive, compliant, and responsive feedback for maximum suspension performance. Just like the standard MRX and MRX SP, the MRX 650L features a powerful liquid-cooled, 90 degree V-twin engine, Ohlins suspension and Brembo brake components. With a comfortable, narrow seat at 27 inches high, the MRX 650L is perfect for more riders.

The MRX series features the unique Trellispar frame, the world’s only one-piece production motorcycle chassis. The Trellispar frame combines the best features from other types of frame construction to give riders a precision-tuned chassis. The MRX rider- and racer – will experience the precise front end feel and sensitivity of a trellis tube frame, but with the controlled rigidity of a twin spar frame. Created in America, the Trellispar frame is the centerpiece of the MRX line-up, and performs great on the street- and at the track. The MRX 650 L is the second of several planned models based on this sturdy platform.

Base price of the MRX 650L is $7999, and comes with many premium standard features found on motorcycles at twice the price.

Fischer Motorcycles are sold worldwide through Fischer distributors and dealers, and in the United States directly from the Fischer factory in Pocomoke City, Maryland. For more information, visit the Fischer Motor Company website at www.fischer1.com, or call the factory at 410-957-3840

2010 US Highland 350 Trail

US Highland is set to take the offroad motorcycle market to a new level of custom fit and performance in 2010. Over the last decade the Highland 950 has become the Sasquatch of the motorcycle forum world. A big, powerful agile beast that very few have seen in real life. OK, I’m being over dramatic, some owners have posted some excellent information on the few bikes in circulation. The Highland bikes may have been elusive and hard to find but they are no lumbering oafs.

The 950 twin has been claimed capable of 120 hp on the old Highland.se site and the 1150cc engine will make 150 HP. The planned 950 Viking streetfighter will weigh 318 lbs. If they put the 1150 in it the motorcycle world could get really silly, really fast. The 450′s engines were designed with a similar philosophy of light and fast and the sharp looks come from Mikael Hallgren at Caran AB. Instead of waiting for news about the new US Highland to trickle out I got on the phone with their V.P. of Promotions Kurt King for the scoop.

US Highland was started by various folks around the world including former employees of ATK of Oklahoma (a now defunct company separate from ATK Motorcycles of Utah). ATK-OK had been very busy in the supermoto race scene and had good success with the ATK 450 and more recently the Highland 450 supermoto bikes. Race Engineer Richard Harrison played a big role in making the bikes competitive and he is now a part of the newly formed US Highland (ticker: HRCM.OB).

King, Harrison and Managing Director Mats Malmberg are joined by an impressive list of executives including ex-Husqvarna President Bengt Andersson, CEO Steven Moel, Director Of Operations Damian Riddich and Chairman Of The Board Chase Bales. With all this brain power and experience behind US Highland it becomes obvious why they choose to do business differently than the rest of the industry.

US Highland is entering the market in a difficult time for powersports. Is a works quality motorcycle really going to bring in customers? How will dealers be willing to bring on a new product line in this economic climate? It appears US Highlancd has asked themselves the same questions. They will be taking a very unique approach to customer service and keeping traditional costs associated with dealer costs low.

The US Highland Customer
US Highlands target customers experienced riders aged 30 – 50. They have most likely owned many motorcycles and know the cost of making a stock dirtbike work for their riding style. They have been there with the current offerings and are ready for a works quality bike that stands out. Keep reading to find out more.

2010 US Highland Viking 950

The US Highland Machines
The 950 vTwin motor will be be produced first and shipped in the 950 Urban Assault, Street Tracker and a small run of Viking. The Desert Crosser is already sold out for the first run of 2011 models. The first 100 engine castings will be completed by engineers in Sweden and the second 100 will be completed by engineers in Oklahoma. Going forward from there all bikes will be built in the United States with 700 complete bikes will be built in 2010. Delivery is planned for the second quarter of 2010 as 2011 models. In 2011, Highland plans to more than double production to 1500 motorcycles and ATV’s.

US Highland recently completed the purchase of all of ATK USA ATV inventory and parts which they will use as the rolling chassis for their 450 powered ATX Quad Racer. The same 450 engine will be available in capacity from 350cc to 550cc and will ship in Supermoto, MX and Trail configurations. The Highland 350 Trail demonstrates the companies’ strong knowledge of trends in offroad riding and areas of the market that are not currently being met. KTM just released a very compedative 350 MX bike but have yet to bring the format to a trail bike format. On the trail a 450 cc four stroke is difficult to use to it’s full potential and sometimes dangerous when a rider is fatigued so a 350 may be the ticket for many riders.

Made In The USA
Engineering for the bikes will take place in Sweden but the bikes will be assembled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Parts for the Highland will be sourced from the United States whenever possible to keep the bikes as “Made In The USA” as possible. A side benefit to supporting the American workforce and economy is If a dealer orders parts they will ship from Tulsa, OK. Delivery time will be shorter than shipping overseas so owners will get their hands on parts faster and with lest cost.

The US Highland Dealers
Dealers for US Highland will only carry demo bikes. The traditional dealer model demands dealerships have a full lineup of bikes on the floor and a certain number of bikes available to sell. This has proven to increase sales but also puts a large financial burden on dealerships who are often forced to take out loans to cover the cost. With the poor economy qualifying for these loans has become much more difficult and many dealers are closing their doors as a result. By not carrying inventory dealers can run a leaner business and still please the customer with the detailed ordering process described later.

Dealer applications will be taken in June of this year with one dealer selected for each major metropolitan area. 250 to 275 dealers is the target for the United States which is the only market US Highland is targeting at this time.

2010 US Highland Desert Crosser 950

The Highland Customization And Sales Process
When a US Highland customer gets the itch for a factory level ride he/she will jump on one of the dealers demo bikes to be sure Highland is for them. Then they will go through a thorough interview and physical measurement process. The riders riding style, skill level and physical dimensions will be analyzed to prescribe the ideal bike. Suspension spring rate and valving, bar position, power delivery, engine displacement will all be recommended based on this analysis. The rider will choose wheels, hubs, suspension, bars and other hard parts based on their preference. Want your dirbike street legal? Highland will give you a street legal VIN nicely wrapped around your last name. Yes, your last name will be in the middle of all US Highland Vehicle Identification Numbers.

All of the users’ customizations and specs will be entered into a touch screen kiosk in the dealer’s showroom. Once the order is submitted the bike will be set up in Oklahoma and shipped to the dealer in 7 days for delivery to the customer in 10 days. However, the customer experience does not end there. The customer and the dealer representative will take the bike to a local track or riding park and test ride it to be sure it is set up correctly for the rider and performing as expected.

With sales hurting at Harley Davidson it is nice to have so many new US powersports companies starting in the US. US Highland joins Motus, Fischer, Zero Motorcycles, Brammo, Mission Motors and Electric Motorsport as promising up and coming US based powersports companies. The past has shown it is a difficult world to brake into but it can’t come at a better time. Some of the most impressive companies in history were born in a recession. Google, Amazon, eBay just to name a few. Here’s to hoping the next recession success story comes from the powersports industry. We could definitely use the good news.

Check out the tour of US Highland in Oklahoma below.

Dealers will not carry any inventory. The buying process will be automated via kiosk in the dealer’s showroom. After the customer evaluates a demo model details such as engine displacement and suspension will be tailored to the users riding style. Once the customer order is complete the bike will be shipped in 7 days as the bike is assembled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No word on pricing or release date. Stay tuned to OtherMakes.net for updates.

More pics after the break…

Source: Motorcycle.com

Pictures of the Highland 950 vTwin has been popping up on discussion forums for years and teasing adventure riders with it’s high capacity, light weight, 120 HP engine and dirt ready design. Now it appears we may see these bikes in dirt and gravel near you. U.S. Highland is building the 950 vTwin  dualsport in 750cc, 950cc and 1150cc capacities and multiple body styles. They also will produce several versions of a single cyinlar dirtbike and ATV from 250cc, 350, 450 and 550cc.

From what I can piece together, Highland was started started in Sweden by ex-Husqvarna employees. Later the company joined forces with Louyang Northern Enterprises Group Company, Ltd to start Luoyang Luojia Highland Motors Co., Ltd. ATK was working with Highland to rebadge the bikes but this fell through. Dirt Wheels claims Cannondale was involved along the way.

US Highland recently got their hands on the equipment to build the machines and have begun production of US made units in Bixby, Oklahoma. The US Highland machines have sophisticated and highly tunable electronic fuel injection. They also come equiped with trick features such as a “G-Meter” to record vertical acceleration and deceleration forces. The US Highland website will allow customers to built a bike with multiple choices of engine and specs to suit their riding style.

The target market for the Highland is customers from 30 to 50 years old who want more than what existing manufacturers offer. All parts will be sourced from American companies and vendors when possible.

Source: Dirt Wheels

Back in 2003 Dan Fischer set out to create the first American sport bike of the modern era. Originally slated to be a Rotax powered 1000cc VTwin the direction changed for a smaller, less expensive 650cc power plant by Hyosung. The Fischer MRX 650 eventually became a Glynn Kerr designed sportbike combines the versitility of a 650cc 90 degree VTwin engine with high end components and exotic design to deliver a unique, affordable, fun to ride machine. Pics and Video after the jump…

The Hyosung loyal motorcyclists of Korider.com have been lusting over the bike since pictures of it in development started surfacing in 2003. This summer the American made Fischer MRX650 started shipping to customers around the world. Chris Chase of Tulsa Cycle Supply, a guy who has been tuning and racing the Hyosung 650 vTwin for over 5 years has been posting pictures of the bike and bringing forum members up to speed with the many high quality details.

Chris describes the bike saying:

They ride great and the handling is awesome, I can definitely say they are very easy to ride and confidence inspiring . All of the US units are getting fully synthetic oil out of the box, every one is checked and ridden prior to being delivered. Standard equipment on these units are Hella lights, Brembo master cylinder, Ohlins rear shock, custom hand crafted seat, roller bearings on head tube and swing arm assembly, Woodcraft licensed clip-ons, EK gold 525 o-ring chain, LED tailight, Koso full programmable instrument cluster with shift light and multi function LCD screen and color selection, Bridgestone tires, braided brake lines front and rear, and full stainless exhaust.

It retails for $7999.99 USD and goes up from there as most parts can be customized. Below is a video of the MRX 650 in action.

Source: Korider.com Hyosung Riders Forum

2009 Zero X Electric Motorcycle

A member of Electric Motorcycle Forum noticed that you can buy the Zero X on Amazon.com signaling Zero is experimenting with another minor shift from traditional motorcycle sales. Zero currently uses a system of sales representatives who host demo rides and educate perspective buyers about the bikes. When a rider chooses to buy a Zero the bike is drop shipped to the customer or the representative’s dealership if they have a retail location. If the rep has a retail location they get 10 to 13% profit on the deal. Representatives without brick and mortar get less.

Dealer News explains it very well on page 2 of their article…

As mentioned earlier, the company is forgoing the traditional distribution model. Instead, dealers offer demo rides only. If a customer decides to buy, he or she does so directly from Zero through its website (www.zeromotorcycles.com), entering a promotional code provided by the dealer, who then earns a commission of 10 percent to 13 percent. If a customer doesn’t enter a code, and resides in a territory with a Zero rep, the company says the agent will still earn a commission. Zero pays dealers monthly.

The article goes on to explain that representatives without brick and mortar location get less money for a sale.

If you have an Amazon Prime account you can get free shipping. I assume you can also save on sales tax in some states. Being on Amazon could be great advertising for Zero Motorcycles. Zero not only has an innovative set of motorcycles, they continue to innovate in their marketing, PR, sales, advertising and distribution. Zero is turning out to be a wild ride for the whole powersports industry.

Source: Electric Motorcycle Forum
Source: Dealer News

Motus appears to be working with venture capital firms and looking to raise $900K in funding.

The target market for the bike looks to be the 15K to 20K touring niche held by the Yamaha FJR1300 and BMW K1300S. According to theKneeslider they want to do something much more radical. Can’t wait to see what they do. Very happy to see American companies starting up with innovation in mind. Can’t wait to see the bike. I hope it gets as much coverage as the American auto industry demise.

Picture Source: http://cbcase.blogspot.com/2008/12/test-sketch.html
Motus Motorcycle Forum