This is a new weekly motorcycle industry news brief (please click the link and subscribe). It’s not a commitment (for you), not a hassle (for me), it’s just a few pieces of info a week that may open your riding experience up to what’s happening outside your favorite brand and around the world. Be aware that if you subscribe to this Substack and also listen to the podcast Chasing the Horizon, you’ll get some repeats between the two.

RideNow refinances $220 million as transparent pricing affects results

RideNow borrowed $220 million from an outfit called Centerbridge to pay off its existing Oaktree loan. The new debt is due in September 2031, carries an interest rate of at least 11.375% and is backed by nearly all of the company’s assets. RideNow is also discussing an additional $50 million line of credit with Wells Fargo, but no agreement has been reached.

The refinancing is part of a larger overhaul that includes Clear Price, RideNow’s new advertised-pricing system. The company says the change hurt its August results. Clear Price was a response to stronger enforcement of existing laws requiring advertised prices to include mandatory dealer fees. As one of the country’s largest dealership groups, RideNow will test whether transparent pricing can work with the freight, setup and other fees common in the powersports business. The high cost of its new loans also suggests the company is restructuring its debt, not magically becoming financially secure. | LINK | SEC Filing

Northern Ireland implements graduated motorcycle licensing

Northern Ireland’s graduated licensing system (similar to the systems used in other European countries) now applies to riders whose provisional A1, A2 or A motorcycle entitlement began on or after October 1. Before booking the practical test, a learner must complete a six-month minimum learning period, Compulsory Basic Training where required and 10 mandatory training modules recorded in a digital logbook. An 11th real-world-riding module is optional, and access to the training and logbook application costs £17 (about $22). It’s a highly involved program covering more than machine control; it extends into rider attitude, behavior and decision-making. Newly qualified riders also enter a 24-month restricted-driver period, replacing the previous 12-month period.

This is a significant change to the process of becoming a motorcyclist. It could improve preparation and safety, but it also adds roadblocks to ridership in the form of time, administration and expense in a licensing system that already presents a substantial barrier to younger riders. | LINK

Honda and Yamaha put electric motocross prototypes on track together

Honda and Yamaha will demonstrate their CR ELECTRIC PROTO and YE-01 Racing Concept motorcycles at the Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France. Yamaha developed the YE-01 with French manufacturer Electric Motion, combining that company’s electric power unit with technology derived from the YZ450F chassis. Yamaha says the program is intended to support eventual participation in the planned MXEP electric-motocross series. Neither manufacturer has announced production, pricing or launch information, nor has Yamaha released any performance numbers for the platform. Still, it’s a a big deal to have half of Japan’s Big Four manufacturers openly colluding—I mean collaborating—on a new initiative. | LINK

MIC acquires MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com

Back at the end of August, the Motorcycle Industry Council acquired MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com, the employment platform Alex Baylon founded in 2004. Read the full story right here on the MOA website.

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