Honest Game Reviews

Read video game reviews that provide you with things you really need to know about the games your kids are playing at the link provided. Do you know what games your kids are playing right now?

Deca Sports Review

Wii gamers check out the Deca Sports Review at the link to find out if this new Wii game is an entertaining and engaging virtual sports experience that can keep the kids out of your hair.

“I Love You Man”

NEW YORK, March 19, 2009 – How far would you go for your bro? In the new Paramount Pictures comedy “I Love You, Man” Peter Klaven (actor Paul Rudd) and Sydney Fife (actor Jason Segel) raise that benchmark to hilarious new heights. As the two buddies test and stretch the boundaries of friendship in adventure after adventure, they’re aided and abetted by a Vespa LXV 150. On-screen, the Vespa is a fun and fuel efficient friend. In the real world, every Vespa is also a great companion for more serious pursuits, such as combating traffic congestion, energy consumption and harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

Leading up to the movie’s opening on March 20, fans have the opportunity to win the Vespa LXV 150 that was used by Segel in the movie, by entering the “I Love You, Man – How Far Would You Go For Your Bro Comment Contest” on MySpace. Long-suffering friends are invited to submit their favorite example of just what length they went to for a pal by March 20. The best tale of woe will qualify to win the Vespa. In addition, Paramount Pictures created an exclusive poster featuring the Vespa LXV for fans to download from the Vespa website.

Whether traveling solo, with a best friend or a significant other, consumers will be hard-pressed to find a better partner than a Vespa. Combining stylish Italian form with premium quality and function, Vespas get up to 100 miles per gallon and save owners an average of $6000 per year versus driving a mid-size sedan. Add a twist-n-go automatic transmission and the ability to park a Vespa in the smallest of spaces and it’s the most accommodating friend you’ll ever have. For more information visit www.VespaUSA.com.

About The Piaggio Group:

With about 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 680,700 vehicles in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market. Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.

Piaggio Opens National Technical Center in Southern California

Piaggio Opens National Technical Center in Southern California

New product testing and technical training facility supports continued
expansion of company’s Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brand dealer
network

NEW YORK, March 4, 2009 – Piaggio Group Americas, importer and distributor
of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa brands, announces the opening of
its new national Technical Center in Costa Mesa, CA. The 12,000 square foot
facility houses the company’s product testing and technical training
operations, including factory product training and classroom instruction for
service technicians from all U.S. and Canadian dealerships, as well as Latin
American importers. Piaggio, which had all-time record-setting U.S. sales
in 2008, continues to expand both its model line and dealer network with
over 500 dealers serving customers in North America. The company also
anticipates ongoing strong demand for its diverse range of scooters and
motorcycles as consumers shift focus to more economical personal
transportation.

With design, engineering and manufacturing based in Italy, providing North
and South American dealers and importers with more convenient access to
factory expertise and the latest technical information is especially
important to Piaggio Group Americas’ U.S. based team.

“While many manufacturers choose to train technicians at technical colleges,
we believe that nothing compares to getting the inside story about the
latest Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio or Vespa straight from the factory’s own
technical experts,” said Erik Larson, Director, Technical Service and
Warranty, Piaggio Group Americas. “Factory-level training means that our
dealer service professionals will learn from the very best – the technical
professionals who were part of a new motorcycle or scooter model’s actual
development. And, that first-hand factory expertise translates into a real
service edge for Piaggio dealers.”

The new facility expands Piaggio’s presence in Orange County, California, a
home base for numerous motorcycle manufacturers, suppliers and industry
groups. In addition to giving the company a bigger West Coast footprint,
the new Technical Center also allows Piaggio’s U.S. team access to ongoing
road and off-road testing. Whether it’s the powerful new Vespa GTS 300
Super scooter or cutting-edge new technology, such as the Aprilia 850 Mana’s
unique transmission management system, staff can now evaluate each product’s
technical strengths in both classroom and real world settings, year-round.

In addition to product testing and technician training, the Piaggio
Technical Center also serves as the headquarters for the company’s West
Coast press and promotional fleet, including media test bikes.

About The Piaggio Group:

Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy),
the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor
vehicles. With over 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than
708,000 vehicles in 2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe
and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a
consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market.

The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200
cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi,
Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three-
and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo
ranges.

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to
Feature Renowned Racers Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen

Famed Tuner Bill Werner to Lead Program

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – Racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen will be
the guests of honor at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
“Friendraising” Breakfast on Friday, March 6, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The
flat track champions will share stories with celebrated Harley-Davidson
tuner Bill Werner, whose skills helped Parker and Springsteen to a number of
their AMA Grand National Championships.

The Museum breakfast, a Daytona Bike Week tradition, allows attendees to mix
and mingle with motorcycling’s biggest names, as well as receive rare inside
look at their lives and careers. The event is open the public and tickets
are $49 per person. All proceeds support the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of
Fame Museum and its mission of telling the exciting stories and preserving
the history of American motorcycling.

The talents and accomplishments of Parker, Springsteen, and Werner have led
each to be inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Parker, inducted
in 2003, is considered one of the great motorcycle racers in the history of
AMA racing. During his career, Parker was a nine-time AMA Grand National
Champion and set an all-time record with his 94 Grand National Championship
race wins, including 55 AMA National Mile wins and 35 AMA Half-Mile wins.
Parker is also a three-time winner of the AMA Pro Athlete of the Year award.
Like Parker, Springsteen is considered one of the best in AMA racing
history. Inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003,
Springsteen is a three-time AMA Grand National Champion with over 40
National Championship flat track race wins.

At the 2009 Museum breakfast, Parker and Springsteen will look back at their
astonishing careers through a discussion led by Bill Werner. Werner, one of
the most successful tuners in AMA Grand National racing history, was
inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. He offers a unique
perspective on the careers of Parker and Springsteen, as he turned the
wrenches for both.

To join Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen, and Bill Werner at the 21st Annual
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast, immediate
reservations are recommended. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, March
6, 2009. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast served at 8:30
a.m. Parker, Werner, and Springsteen will host an autograph session
following the conclusion of the breakfast. Admission is $49 per person.
Sponsorships are also available, and all proceeds benefit the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Museum. To make reservations or learn about event sponsorship
opportunities, contact the Museum at (614) 856-2222 or visit
www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the AMA’s
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Offers 1953 Vincent Black Shadow for

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Offers 1953 Vincent Black Shadow for
Auction

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is offering
enthusiasts the opportunity to add a historic machine to their collection.
Beginning today, January 23, the Museum is auctioning a 1953 Vincent Black
Shadow on eBay. The auction will run through February 1, 2009.

The 1953 Vincent Black Shadow on the auction block was restored by famed
Vincent restorer Mike White of Ontario, Canada, and Brent Mayfield of
Centerville, Ohio. The 1953 production is fully documented through copies
of factory paperwork, and photos of the machine prior to restoration are
available. The Vincent was originally purchased by the Museum specifically
for the annual 2008 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum raffle. This year, for
the first time, the winner of the Museum’s raffle chose to accept an
alternate cash prize instead of the motorcycle, allowing the Museum the
opportunity to auction the 1953 Vincent Black Shadow. Riders can log on to
eBay.com and enter ID number 160311565061 to bid on the classic Vincent.
Winning the bike is a perfect way to kick-start 2009, and all proceeds will
support the non-profit Museum and its mission of telling the exciting
stories and preserving the history of American motorcycling.

In addition, enthusiasts can enter the 2009 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
raffle for a chance to win a pair of Bonnevilles. The 2009 raffle winner, to
be picked during 2009 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, will be able to choose
one of two prizes: a prize package valued at $35,000 featuring a fully
restored 1959 pre-unit T120 Bonneville and an all-new limited edition 2009
50th Anniversary T100 Bonneville, or a $25,000 cash award. Tickets can be
purchased at www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614) 856-2222.

Fundraisers such as the Vincent auction and Triumph raffle – as well as the
recently concluded 2008 Leather and Ice Online Holiday Auction – are vital
to supporting the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions as well as the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which honors the men and women who shaped the
industry and sport of motorcycling. Over 400 items donated by 142 museum
supporters were up for grabs in the 2008 Leather and Ice Auction, which
raised over $25,000 for the Museum. The Museum extends its gratitude to all
those who helped make the 2008 auction such a success.

Enthusiasts interested in supporting the Museum’s fundraisers in 2009 should
contact Toni Shoap at (614) 856-2222 ext. 1340 or tshoap@ama-cycle.org.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating
Classic Motorcycles

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum invites fans
of vintage machines to rev up for two notable events. The International CBX
Owner’s Association (ICOA) will pay a special visit the Museum on Saturday,
January 24, 2009. Two weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, the Museum will
host the Penton Owner’s Group (POG) for the 8th Annual Penton Day. All
riders are welcome at both events.

The ICOA event on January 24 begins at 9:30 a.m., with a tour of the
Museum’s colorful exhibits, including “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles”
and “Awesome-Ness,” an installation chronicling the career of legendary
customizer Arlen Ness. The day will continue with a technical session and
presentation by special guest racer Geoff Smale.
Smale is known for a number of racing accomplishments, including becoming
series champion of the British Earlystocks “1300 production” class in 2000
astride a CBX with unmodified displacement. Smale also one of twelve racers
to lap at over 100 mph in a sidecar outfit, both as driver as well as
passenger, during the Isle of Man TT races. The ICOA’s visit to the Museum
will be held in conjunction with the club’s winter tech rally held in
Columbus, Ohio, on January 24 and 25. The ICOA invites all enthusiasts to
join them at the Museum on January 24. The event is free, but regular Museum
admission rates apply. Riders can log on to www.motorcyclemuseum.org for
additional information.

Penton enthusiasts are welcome to bring their machines to display at the
Museum on February 7, when the Penton Owner’s Group holds the 8th Annual
Penton Day. Sign in begins at 9 a.m., with the group’s annual business
meeting starting at 10 a.m. The topic of this year’s event will be the 50th
anniversary of Motorcycle Hall of Famer John Penton’s record-setting
transcontinental run on a BMW, and John will be on hand to share his
memories. Penton’s son, Motorcycle Hall of Famer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of
Fame
Museum board member Jack Penton, will also be at the Museum to serve as a
host of the annual Penton Day events. Riders interested in joining the
festivities can log on to www.motorcyclemuseum.org for additional
information. Membership in the POG is not required and lunch will be
provided.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Aprilia USA Announces 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike Factory Team

Aprilia USA Announces 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike Factory Team

Factory Aprilia Millennium Technologies Debuts at Historic Daytona 200

NEW YORK, NY – December 18, 2008 – Aprilia USA, the North American importer
and distributor of Aprilia sport bikes, announces the debut of an all-new
factory-sponsored road racing team in the new 2009 AMA Daytona SportBike
class, part of the 2009 AMA Superbike Championship series. The Factory
Aprilia Millennium Technologies team will be managed exclusively by KWS
Motorsports and will compete on the Aprilia RSV 1000R. The 12-race Daytona
SportBike class premieres at the historic, first-ever night-time running of
the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway, March 6.

With the debut of Italy’s Max Biaggi and Shinya Nakano onboard Aprilia’s
much anticipated new RSV4 superbike in the 2009 World Superbike series,
Aprilia USA is considering its rookie season on the Daytona SportBike
circuit as an important American circuit test bed for 2010.

“With a new team structure, new riders and the new RSV4 en route for 2010,
a season’s worth of preparation with KWS and real-world racing experience
for Aprilia USA at this level has tremendous benefits,” said Rick
Panettieri, brand manager, Aprilia USA. “The current-model RSV has long
been respected for its race-bred DNA and its precise and predictable
handling under even the most aggressive riding conditions, which has made it
a favorite among track day enthusiasts. We chose KWS Motorsports as a racing
partner for their expertise in creating top-performing race and production
bikes. This will ensure that the RSV is tuned to give the competition a real
challenge.”

Designed to promote close racing action, the new Daytona SportBike series
features a variety of high-performance motorcycles, with four-cylinder,
triple-cylinder and twin-cylinder engines.

Ben Thompson will be returning to the KWS team as the primary rider as well
as 2008 KWS crew chief Michael Godin. Thompson, who previously rode on
Aprilia’s Moto-ST team at Daytona Motor Speedway, will be teamed with
another, yet to be announced second rider. Factory Aprilia Millennium
Technologies team manager, Chip Spalding, is currently in discussions with
both riders and sponsors and can be contacted for additional information at
the company’s headquarters at chip@kwsmotorsports.com.

“After several successful seasons in AMA Superbike and Superstock,
launching a factory Daytona SportBike program for Aprilia is a real thrill,”
said Spalding. “Daytona under the lights is the perfect way to start what
we know will be a memorable series.”

“We are very proud to partner with Aprilia USA and are extremely excited to
have the RSV in our race shop,” said team owner Kevin Hunt. “Great racing in
this series starts with a strong production sport bike and the RSV
definitely exceeds that criteria.” The team will also be supported by long
time KWS sponsor Millennium Technologies, the world renowned leader in the
field of cylinder repair and replating.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy). Founded in 1962,
the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production
facilities in Scorzè. With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32
road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European
manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging
from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers
to award-winning super sport bikes. For information on Aprilia’s complete
U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.

In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading
manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and
respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 708,500 vehicles sold in
2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and
operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated
leadership in the European 2 wheeler market. Its production includes
scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range,
marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto
Guzzi brands.

About KWS Motorsports

KWS Motorsports is a full service race shop specializing in high performance
late model fuel-injected sportbikes and sportbike engines. The company’s
mission is to provide customers the most powerful, lightest, and fastest
motorcycles and motorcycle powered vehicles in the world. KWS was founded in
1993 by motorcycle racer Kevin Hunt and is a company run and staffed by
motorcycle racers with over 30 years of racing experience and knowledge.
KWS-built engines have been credited with several world top speed records,
professional road racing championships, club racing championships, and
hundreds of race wins.

Motorcycle Satisfaction Survey Results

.D. Power and Associates Reports:

Customer Satisfaction with the Motorcycle Ownership Experience Reaches Record-High Levels

Despite Higher Owner-Reported Motorcycle Prices, Satisfaction with Perceived Value Increases in 2008

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 17 December 2008 — Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle ownership experience has increased for a sixth consecutive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information StudySM released today.

Now in its 11th year, the study measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles by examining five major components of the overall ownership experience: product; quality; cost of ownership; sales; and service.

Overall motorcycle ownership satisfaction averages 814 (based on a 1,000-point scale) in 2008, up 5 points from 2007. While all five components driving satisfaction improve in 2008, the most notable increases occur in the areas of cost of ownership and product quality.

Overall, satisfaction with cost of ownership has increased steadily over time. In 2008, satisfaction with cost of ownership improves by 11 points from 2007 to an average of 707. In addition, 18 percent of owners in 2008 report that the cost of owning their motorcycles is “outstanding” (a rating of 10 on a 10-point scale), compared with only 10 percent of customers in 2005 who indicated the same. Furthermore, 30 percent of motorcycle owners in 2008 indicate that the value they received for the price paid is “outstanding,” compared with 21 percent in 2005.

The study finds that product quality has improved in 2008, compared with 2007, primarily due to a decrease in owner-reported problems. The overall number of problems reported averages 152 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)—down 8 PP100 from 2007. In addition, the number of owners who report having a problem-free experience with their motorcycle averages 42 percent in 2008, an improvement of 3 percentage points, compared with 2007.

“Despite the fact that owners report paying 14 percent more for their motorcycles this year, they are also more satisfied with the value received for the money spent,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “There are several motorcycle models with a higher price point that owners have indicated are a particularly good value for the money. This demonstrates that if you make a superior product, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for it because they believe it to be an excellent value.”

The study also finds that the industry continues to struggle with attracting younger, first-time motorcycle buyers.

“Since 2001, the average age of motorcycle owners has increased from 40 to 47 years,” said Fox. “This indicates that the current population of motorcycle buyers is aging, and a large proportion of these owners are likely to soon exit the market. Because first-time motorcycle buyers comprise 22 percent of all new motorcycle purchases—a figure has remained relatively flat since 2001—it is critical for manufacturers to focus on attracting first-time and younger buyers—primarily those in the Gen X and Y demographics—in order to ensure continued growth in this market.”

The study also includes the following findings:

Among motorcycle owners who visit a dealer for repair work, 79 percent report that the repair was performed correctly the first time—an increase of four percentage points from 2007.

The two problems that have the greatest negative impact on overall product satisfaction are rough paint and engines that overheat. Other problems that have a particularly strong impact on satisfaction include gearshift issues, lacking power, and the ride being too stiff or too soft.

During the past seven years, satisfaction with the engine and transmission has shown the greatest improvement among product-related aspects.

The 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study includes responses from 7,334 owners who purchased new on-road or dual-sport motorcycles between September 2007 and May 2008. Owners were surveyed in September and October 2008.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village , Calif. , J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:

Jeff Perlman; Brandware Public Relations; Agoura Hills, Calif.; (818) 706-1915; jperlman@brandwaregroup.com

John Tews; Troy , Mich. ; (248) 312-4119; john.tews@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

Motorcycle Satisfaction Survey Results

.D. Power and Associates Reports:

Customer Satisfaction with the Motorcycle Ownership Experience Reaches Record-High Levels

Despite Higher Owner-Reported Motorcycle Prices, Satisfaction with Perceived Value Increases in 2008

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 17 December 2008 — Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle ownership experience has increased for a sixth consecutive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information StudySM released today.

Now in its 11th year, the study measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles by examining five major components of the overall ownership experience: product; quality; cost of ownership; sales; and service.

Overall motorcycle ownership satisfaction averages 814 (based on a 1,000-point scale) in 2008, up 5 points from 2007. While all five components driving satisfaction improve in 2008, the most notable increases occur in the areas of cost of ownership and product quality.

Overall, satisfaction with cost of ownership has increased steadily over time. In 2008, satisfaction with cost of ownership improves by 11 points from 2007 to an average of 707. In addition, 18 percent of owners in 2008 report that the cost of owning their motorcycles is “outstanding” (a rating of 10 on a 10-point scale), compared with only 10 percent of customers in 2005 who indicated the same. Furthermore, 30 percent of motorcycle owners in 2008 indicate that the value they received for the price paid is “outstanding,” compared with 21 percent in 2005.

The study finds that product quality has improved in 2008, compared with 2007, primarily due to a decrease in owner-reported problems. The overall number of problems reported averages 152 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)—down 8 PP100 from 2007. In addition, the number of owners who report having a problem-free experience with their motorcycle averages 42 percent in 2008, an improvement of 3 percentage points, compared with 2007.

“Despite the fact that owners report paying 14 percent more for their motorcycles this year, they are also more satisfied with the value received for the money spent,” said Tim Fox, research manager of the powersports practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “There are several motorcycle models with a higher price point that owners have indicated are a particularly good value for the money. This demonstrates that if you make a superior product, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for it because they believe it to be an excellent value.”

The study also finds that the industry continues to struggle with attracting younger, first-time motorcycle buyers.

“Since 2001, the average age of motorcycle owners has increased from 40 to 47 years,” said Fox. “This indicates that the current population of motorcycle buyers is aging, and a large proportion of these owners are likely to soon exit the market. Because first-time motorcycle buyers comprise 22 percent of all new motorcycle purchases—a figure has remained relatively flat since 2001—it is critical for manufacturers to focus on attracting first-time and younger buyers—primarily those in the Gen X and Y demographics—in order to ensure continued growth in this market.”

The study also includes the following findings:

Among motorcycle owners who visit a dealer for repair work, 79 percent report that the repair was performed correctly the first time—an increase of four percentage points from 2007.

The two problems that have the greatest negative impact on overall product satisfaction are rough paint and engines that overheat. Other problems that have a particularly strong impact on satisfaction include gearshift issues, lacking power, and the ride being too stiff or too soft.

During the past seven years, satisfaction with the engine and transmission has shown the greatest improvement among product-related aspects.

The 2008 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study includes responses from 7,334 owners who purchased new on-road or dual-sport motorcycles between September 2007 and May 2008. Owners were surveyed in September and October 2008.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village , Calif. , J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:

Jeff Perlman; Brandware Public Relations; Agoura Hills, Calif.; (818) 706-1915; jperlman@brandwaregroup.com

John Tews; Troy , Mich. ; (248) 312-4119; john.tews@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate