Energica is slowly reopening, per the guidelines of Italy’s Prime Minister, with the production line being the first to resume.

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With reference to the new interpretation made on April 26 of last April 10 Prime Minister Decree Law art.2 comma 7, in which it was welcomed the proposition of Emilia Romagna’s Governor Stefano Bonaccini to restart companies and manufacturer districts of which activities are of strategic relevance for the national economy – including companies of which production and sales are mainly directed towards export – it is officially communicated a gradual resume – from today April 28 2020 – of production activities on single shift – anticipating the full reopening of industrial activity.

As per the aforementioned indication, following the communication forwarded today (April 28, 2020) to the relevant Prefect, Energica can resume production as being a company oriented mainly to export (around 95% of export in 2019). The reopening will be carried out in compliance to social distancing and safety dispositions, and specifically to April 24th “shared regulatory protocol of measures to combat and contain the spread of Covid-19 virus in workplaces.”

“The past lockdown weeks have not stopped our beating heart. The ongoing health emergency has certainly charged a collective awareness and highlighted the importance of our Made-in-Italy manufacturing “, says Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company SpA. “In these days we have also been defining a roadmap for a gradual and safe reopening which will start on Tuesday 28 April. This first phase will involve only the production area that will operate on a regular shift.”

“From Monday May 4th we will proceed with a double shift and the Sport Production and R&D department will reopen to support production. Our program will continue in the following weeks involving all other areas. Smart working is confirmed for Mechanic and electronic design, administrative, marketing and sales activities.”

“The resume confirms and increases the protection measures already applied before the closure: each employee will be equipped with surgical masks and gloves. Disinfection will be applied to incoming and outgoing goods. This is a crucial moment and we face it according to the “Energica” mood. We can’t afford distractions or mistakes: now it’s time to goat full charge”, continues Cevolini. “Many customers have maintained their trust in us even in the lockdown period”, says Giacomo Leone, Energica Sales & Field Marketing Director. “Now it’s up to us, the upcoming deliveries will allow us to restart our market in the shortest time possible.”

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Once this pandemic mess is over with, make sure you’re ready to ride.

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During the COVID-19 outbreak, riders everywhere are anxious to see a return to normal so that we can head out to our favorite trails, scenic roadways, and motorcycling events.

For now, many of us are following directives to stay at home. Others live in areas where riding may be limited but still possible. We encourage each of you to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions, and take all necessary precautions.

For those of us waiting for the “all-clear,” this is the time to prepare to ride again. While some riders do routine maintenance at home, many others may be wondering when their local dealer will reopen for business. The fact is, dealers in most states are available now to provide parts, service, and sales in one form or another.

If you need these services now, or anticipate that you will need them soon, we urge you to contact your local dealer today to determine how they can help you. Your dealer can put your mind at ease by telling you the measures they are taking to ensure your safety, such as phone or online orders, social distancing, drop-off procedures, and more.

Another advantage to contacting your dealer now is that you can schedule the services you need in advance, avoiding the inevitable delays that will occur when everyone starts contacting their dealers once authorities issue the all-clear signal.

If you are shopping for a new bike, some manufacturers are offering home delivery programs, so be sure to ask your dealer about that, too.

Riders can also stay sharp and keep learning at home with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s online library.  Most educational materials are free, including a fun MSF Rider Perception Challenge. Riders visiting the MSF’s YouTube channel can also take a dozen narrated virtual rides to learn about street strategies.

Also, for a limited time digital issues of American Motorcyclist magazine can be viewed online for free at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/Members-Magazine-Archive, providing news and features about rights, riding, racing and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Finally, share what you have learned with your riding friends and family. Here at the AMA, the MIC, and the MSF, we will continue to share the latest news through email and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Stay well and ride safe.

The post MIC Says Let’s Prepare Now to Ride Again Soon appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Both dealers and customers have greater access to each other through the Vespa online store.

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Launched in December of 2019, the Vespa USA online store provided a digital retail environment that customers could access from the comfort of their own home. With the ongoing shelter at home orders, the tool has been critical in matching customers with dealerships, who have been quick to adapt in meeting customer needs, with consideration of contactless deliveries, and sanitation protocols.

Following the concerns related to personal health in the public environment, customers have considered Vespa as an alternative to closures in public and shared transportation options. With the E-commerce platform, interested shoppers can browse all current vehicles and model options, as well as accessory and apparel options, with the ability to have the order serviced by an authorized Vespa dealership.

To further support the marketplace, and those working to fight against COVID-19, Vespa has an ongoing dedicated promotion, offering first responders and military purchase rebates between $250-$500 on MY20 and prior, unused Vespa models, including the new Vespa Elettrica.

As a tool to the dealership network, and the aspiring Vespa owner in these challenging times, the Vespa Online Store will help pre-qualify interested parties for special financing and promotions, all from the comfort of their home, allowing the dealership to serve each customer’s style and quickly allocate restocking as needed.

The online store is now live at https://storeusa.vespa.com

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AMA Hall of Famer and the first ever AMA 125cc National Motocross Champion Marty Smith and his wife, Nancy, have died in a dune buggy accident.

The Smiths were riding in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (a.k.a. the Glamis Dunes) when the dune buggy they were driving rolled over.

In a Facebook post, former motocross racer Lee Ramage said he and his wife Tammi were riding in the buggy with the Smiths when the accident happened. Ramage says he and his wife were unhurt and attended their friends, waiting for first responders to arrive.

Marty Smith won three national titles, the 1974 and 1975 125cc championships and the 1977 500cc championship. Smith won 18 career nationals, and was one of the few to win in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes, as well as in Trans AMA competition. Smith also won the 125cc U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross in 1975 and 1976.

Smith won all of his championships with Honda, and was a fixture in the company’s advertising with his trademark long flowing hair. In 1980, Smith began riding with Suzuki, retiring after the 1981 season.

The San Diego native was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2000. You can read more about his life on the Hall of Fame’s website.

Marty and Nancy Smith are survived by their three children, Jillyin, Brooke and Tyler.

The post Marty Smith: 1956-2020 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.