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Will Harley Davidson’s LiveWire Bring a New Road to Success?

Harley Davidson this week revealed a production-ready electric motorcycle, the Harley Davidson LiveWire, four years after its concept bike emerged. After overall price losses of 18.78% this year, Harley’s share price is beginning to rise. Could its new electric motorbike mean future success is secured for Harley?

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire will be available in 2019. Harley hopes the electric models of its iconic, more than a century old, motorcycle brand will revive the company. The LiveWire is the first in a portfolio of electric Harley’s likely to be available by 2022.

Harley plans to install Level 2 public electric vehicle chargers at the dealers that will retail the bikes. The LiveWire can also be charged via its under-the-seat-stored power cord and a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household socket. It’s also compatible with Level 3 or DC Fast Charge.

Harley Davidson LiveWire Source: TechCrunch

The Roar of the Harley LiveWire

The bike is powered by a magnetic electric motor and will have two batteries, one for main power and a second to power lights, controls and displays. Missing the gas-powered roar of Harley’s conventional bikes, Harley has added a tone that changes in pitch and volume with the speed of the bike.

Whether this will satisfy Harley’s historic base of serious bikers or will encourage a more environmentally aware younger generation remains to be seen.

Harley’s aren’t just for Hells Angels, Harley Owners Groups (HOGs). encompass serious and hobby bikers, men and women. and span generations. Harley’s Softtails and Sportsters are seen on highways alongside its Touring bikes, so an electric version might have a shot if there are enough charging stations.

Harley’s Senior Vice President, Mark Hans-Richer answered concerns over replacing Harley’s roar when the prototype was released in 2014 saying the LiveWire will have a noise of its own:

“The sound is a distinct part of the thrill…think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.”

Here’s a demonstration of that new sound on a dynamometer (Source: Consumer Reports):

The Future for Harley Davidson?

Market Research firm TechNavio predicts the electric motorcycle industry is expected to grow 42% by 2021 creating an opportunity for Harley.

Though there are other electric bikes already on the market they are from smaller manufacturers. Harley invested in one of them–Silicon Valley startup Alta Motors, in March 2019.

Harley has committed between $25 and $50 million to electric motorcycle development, a sign Harley clearly expects electric bikes to be part of its future success.

Harley Davidson Share Price Source: Google

Harley’s share price has struggled this year, its third-quarter earnings beat estimates, but sales of its bikes fell over 13% prompting investors to sell shared in late October. Since then, Harley’s share price has recovered up to $40.96 per share today from $35.99 on October 26, 2018.

Despite the slight upturn, Harley’s bet on electric bikes might take longer to prove successful. And, with US sales declining and production costs increasing due to trade-war tariffs Harley likely won’t see immediate success from its current range of bikes.

The company is, however, focused on a ten-year turnaround plan to convert younger riders to the brand and increase sales. New markets and electric bikes like the LiveWire are part of this strategy and if Harley can overcome its competitors and lead in the electric motorcycle market, the brand could still dominate its second century. Matt Levatich, president and CEO confirmed to CNBC recently:

“As we manage our business with resilience in a challenging time in our history, we are leveraging our strengths for a more promising road ahead…We are investing to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders and we are optimizing our business to drive profitability and cash flow.”

The move to electric-powered vehicles is beginning to accelerate, soon we’ll be able to ride our electric Harley’s home and have pizza cooked and delivered by a Pizza Hut autonomous robot and its electric Toyota truck.

Featured image from Shutterstock.

November 8, 2018
$13m for the World’s Most Expensive Car! But It’s Not For Sale

Do you want to own the world’s most expensive car? Well, even if you did, you can’t! It’s not for sale. The earth-shattering Sweptail by Rolls Royce is worth a seizure-inducing $13 million and it doesn’t even have furry dice in the window. And it’s only got two seats.

Even the world’s keenest luxury automobile flexer, rapper Lil Wayne, doesn’t have something quite this expensive in his car collection. This is a car that someone such as Mike Tyson would’ve bought to take his Siberian tiger to the vets.

World’s Most Expensive Car Is a Roller

Lamborghini this, Bugatti that, but when it comes to the world’s most expensive car, the $13 million Sweptail by Rolls Royce has blown them all out of the water in dramatic fashion.

Did you know that in 2016 there were only 4,000 Rolls Royce’s manufactured? This is why the iconic luxury car brand is continually one of the most sought-after by all car collectors.

The Sweptail by Rolls Royce is a one-of-kind model, customized and tailor-made for a customer that will remain nameless. The custom coach-work looks similar to what you would find on royal carriages. It’s all about the blue blood luxury lifestyle baby.

It’s What’s on the Inside That Counts

The car comes equipped with two seats, a fully panoramic sun-roof, handcrafted wooden and leather interior features, hidden attaches for laptop computers and stashing other things, and has a sleek design that mimics the tapering you might expect to see on a luxury yacht.

That is quite handy because the owner is apparently a collector of super-yachts and private planes.

There’s not much information on the world’s most expensive car at this time because it is not a mass-produced piece, so we have no idea how fast it goes.

The car is said to have been modeled on some Rolls Royce vehicles from the 1920s and 30s and does definitely have a stately yet modern feel to it.

Although the world’s most expensive car is not for sale, it blows away the previous most expensive, which was the $4.8 million Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.

Featured image from Auto MThai.

November 8, 2018
Is Vince Gilligan is Writing a New Breaking Bad Movie?

When burying money in the desert is an occupational hazard, you have already made it big in the criminal world. If you were a fan of monumental TV-series anti-hero Walter White, you might be happy to learn that industry sources are claiming a Breaking Bad movie script is currently being written by the show’s creator Vince Gilligan.

Rumors have been rife since the show’s epic final episode in 2013 that a prequel or a Breaking Bad movie might be written, but only now are we starting to hear something more concrete.

Will We Get a Breaking Bad Movie?

Many fans of the show thought the only link we now had to the Breaking Bad world was via the prequel series Better Call Saul, which is also written by Gilligan. And although Bob Odenkirk does a fantastic job as the happy-go-lucky ‘criminal’ lawyer Jimmy McGill, more commonly known as Saul Goodman, it’s not quite the same. How could it be?

According to the entertainment news website, The Hollywood Reporter, a Breaking Bad movie could well be heading to a screen near you in the future.

No one who watched the original AMC series will ever forget the Greek tragedy that was the Walter White story. From a lowly paid chemistry teacher with terminal cancer to makeshift meth-lab operator to badass druglord and kingpin knocking off bodies like Tony Montana. The story was one of the best told in television history.

Completely Different Story?

Sources close to Vince Gilligan told The Hollywood Reporter that the writer is already working on a two-hour script for the new Breaking Bad movie. Although AMC was the original broadcasters of the Breaking Bad series, it is not known as of yet whether they are involved in the project.

At this point, no one is sure exactly how this will pan out or even if Walter White will be involved at all. It’s believed that the new Breaking Bad movie is currently going under the title “Greenbrier” and is apparently about a kidnapped man who escapes and is trying to find freedom.

It sounds to me as if the Breaking Bad banner will be used but the story and characters will be completely different.

Have the news outlets got this wrong and assumed that Greenbrier is a new Breaking Bad series because Vince Gilligan has written it and the filming will apparently be in New Mexico later this month? That’s definitely a possibility.

We will have to hold tight, cross our fingers, spark up the Bunsen burners and hope that the rumors of this Breaking Bad movie are true.

Featured image from Pixabay.

November 8, 2018
The Queen of England Is 92 and Still Enjoys Horseriding

The Queen of England went for a ride this week, despite the chilly November weather. The monarch, who is now 92 followed her husband, Prince Philip, spotted in his horse and carriage at Windsor on the same morning. The Queen was also accompanied by her Head Groom, Terry Pendryon.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband ride regularly on the grounds of the Windsor Castle, home of the royal couple. The images showing the Queen riding her favorite Fell pony quickly went viral, as she shows impressive riding skills despite her age. Proving that when it comes to equine activities, age is just a number.

Apparently, the monarch never misses an opportunity to take her horse through gardens on her estate. She was spotted riding this spring, and also last year, in March.

Dedication to Great Britain’s War Heroes

During her morning ride, Queen Elizabeth showed her dedication to the country and its fallen war heroes. Her pony wore the distinctive red rosette made out of four poppies.

The Queen attached the flowers to the horse’s bridle to mark the season of remembrance, an important celebration to the Royal family.

This year, the ceremony during Armistice Day will mark 100 years from the end of the first World War. Just like last year, this Sunday (November 11) Prince Charles will have the central role in honoring the fallen war heroes while the Queen will be watching the service from the balcony.

The Queen Has Ridden Since She Was Three

With excellent riding skills, the Queen doesn’t use a riding hat these days. On Monday morning, she wore her usual headscarf, tinted glasses, and a navy blue coat.

Prince Phillip preferred to ride in a carriage. He wore a hat, gloves, a warm with a winter coat, and had a blanket on. His presence at the service for the Armistice Day wasn’t yet confirmed by the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband have a known passion for horses. She started riding lessons when she was only three and received her first pony when she turned four years old.

The monarch loves both riding and watching the races. She also has excellent knowledge of breeding horses. Her thoroughbreds have won more than 1,600 races, according to the Horse and Hound.

Featured image from The Telegraph.

November 8, 2018
Amy Adams Strunk Turned the Tennessee Titans Around

Amy Adams Strunk isn’t your typical NFL owner. Her father was Bud Adams, the original owner of what is now called the Tennessee Titans. Unlike many NFL team owners, Amy Adams Strunk didn’t grow up in her father’s stadium. In fact, the opposite is true.

When her father died a few years ago, there were some problems in the Titan’s organization. Morale was low, and the team wasn’t performing well at all. Although she wasn’t supposed to be the one to take over the reins from her father, Amy Adams Strunk has proven that she has what it takes to make an NFL program run the right way.

Amy Adams Strunk, the Unlikely NFL “Owner”

In truth, Amy Adams Strunk owns a third of the Tennessee Titans. Her sister and the family of her departed brother also own a third. The details of how the Titans fell into shabbiness are almost as interesting as Amy’s ascent to power, and how she was finally able to set her family’ NFL legacy straight.

Bud Adams, Amy’s father, was old school. He made his first fortune in the Texas oil business, which is how he financed the Houston Oilers way back in the 1960s.

Image from Shutterstock

He never thought that women could play a role in his organization, and he kept Amy and her sister away from football as she was growing up.

Amy’s brother, Ken Adams, was supposed to be the man to take over from his father. Unfortunately, Bud was something of a control freak, and Ken blew his body apart with a pistol at the age of 29. According to Amy:

“He was crushed by the pressure.”

No Country for Young Men

In the wake of his son’s unnerving suicide, Bud Adams decided that more control was a good thing. Amy told a reporter from ESPNW that:

“After Ken died, his obsession with control ramped up.”

The end result of this was an NFL team that got continuously worse in every regard, eventually posting a record of 2-14 in 2014, the year after Bud’s death.

When Bud Adams died, Amy’s sister’s husband took control of the Titans. Tommy Smith had been working with the team for years, and apparently, he was able to deal with Bud.

After his boss went to the big game in the sky, the tools that he acquired in years past didn’t seem to be doing the job. At first, Amy and her departed brother’s family were willing to let him have a go at running the Titans, but it didn’t last long.

Tommy Smith may have been in power, but Amy and her brother’s family had majority control of the Titans:

“I felt bad… but we’d given him 18 months. He’d had his opportunity.”

Rebuilding the Program

Amy Adams Strunk didn’t think she would be the one to look after her father’s football team:

“I never saw myself in football… It wasn’t the life I wanted. My dad could be very charming, and there were times he was a great father. But he was very hard. He wouldn’t have brought me along, ‘Someday I want you to run the team.’ Nooooo. It would have been about control.”

While her father had been distant from the community in Nashville, Amy made sure that everyone knew that the Tennessee Titans were a part of their city.

She also gutted the team. She fired the coach and GM, and over two years nearly half of the organization was replaced under her watch.

Great Ideas Get Results

No one in their right mind would ever suggest that Amy is afraid to make changes.

She also revamped how the locker rooms were laid out:

“We needed to come out of the dark ages and adapt to how things work now.”

Before she came to power, the players couldn’t see each other when they were in the locker room. She changed that and also installed equipment to dry and cool the players’ pads.

Taylor Lewan left tackle on the Titans said:

“Actions speak louder than words… For her to come in and be excited to see me, to give me a hug when I’m all sweaty in my pads, it does something.”

The changes she made seemed to take effect quickly. The Titans went from their shameful 2014 performance to a record of 9-7 in 2016 and made it close to the national championship.

That is a huge move in a better direction, and Amy Adams Strunk was clearly the force behind the change.

Featured image from Titans Wire.

November 8, 2018
Pot Stocks Rallied Higher After Sessions Stepped Down

The US mid-terms weren’t only good news for the Democrats. Pot stocks rallied higher after Jeff Sessions was forced to step down. After the resignation of the US Attorney General opposed to federal regulation of cannabis was announced, pot stocks leaped to even higher heights. Trading on Wednesday on the speculation that the next Attorney General to hold office may have a more favorable outlook on marijuana legalization.

Pot Stocks Rallied Higher

Pot stocks were so high a few weeks ago there was hardly an analyst alive who didn’t predict their downfall. Yet, throw in the latest developments and it goes to show that stock markets are heavily affected by external geopolitical forces.

Pot stocks were already trading high on Wednesday after Michigan announced that it would become the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana.

But the Sessions’ step down is what really holds the key to legalization at a federal level, potentially opening up a gigantic market for marijuana producers. Shares in Tilray went up by a massive 30.4% to trade at $139.60 yesterday.

TLRY YahooFinanceChart

The Naysayers May Be Proven Wrong

So, pot stocks are high again, but does this mean the naysayers are proven wrong by their theories that the big bubble is waiting to burst? Not likely. Considering the lack of infrastructure, experience, the fact that most suppliers miscalculated demand in Canada at first, and also that the biggest thing behind pot stocks is still speculation.

If Sessions’ replacement has a different outlook on the fate of marijuana from his predecessor, that’s good news for pot stocks.

But let’s remember that they’re already trading at exuberant heights. They’re also incredibly volatile, with many companies, including Tilray seeing a drop by over 50% in just five days during September.

Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis also gained by 7.1% and 8.4% on the Toronto stock exchange on Wednesday.

A lot of people are getting high once again on pot stocks, but don’t let FOMO rob you of all your savings when the hype dies down.

Featured image from Shutterstock.

November 8, 2018
Xiaomi Challenges Apple with $30-Dollar AirPods

Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Xiamoi has been garnering a reputation for its accessories as much as its mobile phones lately. And its most recent announcement of the release of its $30 AirPods may be one of the most interesting yet.

As some analysts advise people to steer away from Apple stock since its affluent market is eroding while the competition steps up its efforts, manufacturers like Xiamoi are gaining ground.

While the Chinese tech company’s AirDots are unlikely to match Apple’s technology when it comes to sound quality, with a price tag of under $30, they may capture a sizable market.

Xiamoi AirDots Are Clones of AirPods

The wireless earbuds look exactly like their much more expensive rival’s and offer similar functionality, including a compact charging case and tappable controls. They even come equipped with silicone tips to ensure a secure fit and supposed improved sound isolation. They also support Bluetooth 5.0.

For around $29 (199 yuan), the AirDots are available for pre-order in China, although, according to the Verge, those people looking for a similar quality experience offered by Apple are likely to be left disappointed.

Nevertheless, the Chinese have proven themselves to be particularly prolific at making things, improving in quality each time. It’s quite probable that it will only be a question of time before the technology improves and Apple is forced to do something about its high price tag.

Featured image from Xiaomi.

November 8, 2018
Restaurant Chain Papa John’s Lost $13 Million in Q3

Papa John’s earnings are down 15.7% from last year, from $431.7 million to $364 million in revenue. Analysts were expecting a bad quarter for the pizza restaurant chain and projected a 9% drop, but no one foresaw the epic proportions of the disaster.

The company’s terrible earnings may complicate a possible sale process. Papa John’s has been going through a major crisis since May 2017 when the forced-out founder, chairman, and CEO John Schnatter generated a media scandal with racial comments during a conference call.

Papa John’s Lost 41 Cents per Share

The third quarter brought Papa John’s a loss of 41 cents per share (or $13 million). This is a huge difference from last year when the company registered a profit of $21.8 million during the same period.

The company earned 20 cents a share, 2 cents less than the average estimates compiled by Refinitiv.

Finding buyers will be challenging for Papa John’s, as the company saw a 13.2% drop in sales for its owned locations. Franchisers did a bit better, with same-store sales down 8.6% while the forecast predicted a 10.5% drop.

The company has already been forced to spend some $3.6 million in an attempt to remove John Schnatter’s image from all its marketing materials, a desperate last-ditch attempt to regain some of its lost popularity.

Steve Ritchie, the new CEO of Papa John’s stated:

“During the quarter, we took important actions resulting in improved consumer sentiment and North America comp sales that were slightly ahead of expectations.”

The CEO also mentioned a “positive response” to the company’s new marketing strategy, pointing out an increase in sales in September, compared to July and August.

A PR Nightmare for Papa John’s

The restaurant chain is facing two lawsuits, both filed by former CEO John Schnatter, who accuses the board of forcing his exit from the company and drags the brand into one media scandal after another.

In July, the board decided to ban Schnatter from buying any more shares through a procedure called “poison pill.” The founder has a 30% stake, and the board is trying to keep him from gaining control over the company, by not allowing him to buy any more shares until next summer.

Papa John’s hoped to repair the damage by hiring Lazard LAZ and Bank of America BAC as financial advisors. The company’s looking for a buyer, while Schnatter hopes to get some capital through equity firms, to consolidate his position inside the Papa John’s.

However, no company seems ready to associate its image with the entrepreneur after his racist statements, although he has admitted he was wrong and apologized for his words.

Featured image from Shutterstock.

November 7, 2018
NFL Players Make Money, but Maybe Not as Much as You Think

Think all NFL players are making big cash? Well, you might be in for a surprise.

There are always going to be the headliners. The Tom Bradys and Matthew Staffords of the league demand stratospheric pay. They bring in the fans and endorsement deals, and land contracts that are worth tens of millions of dollars. Tom Brady is on track to clear more than $20 million USD this year at the Pats, which is a pile of loot for anyone.

The NFL league minimum is a different story. At just over $400,000 USD per year, the lowest paid NFL players make a lot less than the hero quarterbacks, and receivers. Then there are the practice-squads, who can earn as little as $8,000 USD. They are paid weekly, with no guarantee of continued work throughout the season.

NFL Players Run the Gamut

New England Patriots special teams superstar Matthew Slater says that the idea of every NFL player making loads of money is a “Big-time myth.” The average NFL career is just three years long, which doesn’t leave much time to stack up cash.

Tom Brady, Superbowl

In most cases, the top two or three players on a team will make the majority of the salaries paid. For example, while Tom Brady is taking home his tens of millions of dollars, more than 20 other Patriots players will be earning less than $1 million USD. Less than 10% of the Patriots will earn more than $5 million USD, and most will be paid less than $3 million USD.

Once taxes are paid, a player will be left with around 60% of their salary. The lavish lifestyles that sometimes happen in the world of professional sports can eat up even more money. Some of the younger players can be left without a job, or a way to continue earning the money they quickly become used to making.

On The Low End of the Spectrum

Average salaries can be deceiving. When most of the money is spent on a few high-dollar players, the equation that creates an average price may suggest that an average player is making a lot more than most do. With this in mind, consider the fact that among professional baseball, basketball, and football, NFL players make the least of the three.

Last year, the average NBA player earned more than $7 million USD, while the average MLB player took home around $4 million USD. The average salary paid in the NFL was a little over $2 million USD, but as the above example illustrates, many make far less than the average.

Matthew Slater earned around $1.6 million USD last year, and he is happy to have it.

According to him:

“We’re very fortunate, financially, to be able to do what we’re doing: Play a game, a child’s game, and be compensated for it.”

But he went on to say:

“There are guys in this league that play on four or five teams in the same year. They’re on practice squads, and they’re scrapping and clawing and trying to provide for themselves and their family.”

Plan Ahead

The median household income in the US is hovering around $60,000 USD, which makes the average salary in the NFL look pretty good by comparison. The average US family would have to work for the better part of a decade to match an NFL player who is making the league minimum.

Depending on the taxes involved, a three-year stint in the NFL would clear more than a half-million dollars, which isn’t too shabby for a twenty-something.

As long as they take care of themselves, and avoid expensive toys, a short NFL career is an amazing start to a professional life. It probably looks pretty good on a resume as well!

Images from Shutterstock.

November 7, 2018
Is Floyd Mayweather Going Broke? 50-Cent Thinks so

Outspoken hip-hop emcee turned businessman 50-Cent reckons Floyd Mayweather might be going broke or at least has some tax problems.

Some might point to the rapper’s ongoing beef with his former friend as a reason for the claims. But there are some strange things happening around the Mayweather circus at this moment in time.

The formally retired boxer had a reported net worth via Forbes of around $700 million at the turn of the year and was listed as making over $200 million in his 2015 fight against Manny Pacquiao alone.

Is it possible that Floyd’s cash-flow is dwindling? It seems impossible. But not everything is always how it seems.

Floyd Mayweather MMA Matchup Announcement

Floyd Mayweather’s decision to fight UFC fighter extraordinaire Conor McGregor made total sense from a business point of view. But the boxer’s recent press conference to announce a New Year’s Eve fight against the 20-year-old Japanese kickboxing sensation Tenshin Nasukawa in Japan has left the boxing world scratching their heads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y908HZOCjOk

Former friend now turned enemy 50-Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, had some choice words in regards to the situation on his Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzuCxmHotD/?utm_source=ig_embed

Other boxing fans took to Twitter to claim that:

“This screams that Mayweather is going broke.”

We all knew a comeback was imminent but we naturally assumed it would be against a former foe and Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao. The choice to fight Tenshin Nasukawa, in a bout whose rules are yet to be confirmed, came out of left field.

The fact that Mayweather turned up to the press conference in Tokyo on Sunday looking a bit disheveled without his usual Floyd Mayweather Promotions team members such as Laurence Ellerbe, has caused some controversy on internet boxing YouTube sites.

Some believe Floyd has gone his own route with this decision. If you look at the logos behind Floyd during the press conference, you will see only the TMT banner. There is no mention of Mayweather Promotions or even his long-time American broadcaster Showtime.

Floyd Is Sending Out Strange Signals

Instead of his usual braggadocios attitude and incessant money talk, Floyd didn’t once mention how much he was getting paid for the Tenshin Nasukawa gig.

Is it possible that Floyd has gone rogue with this announcement and seriously needs to replenish his funds? One Twitter commenter speculated that a man who buys an $18 million watch will always need to keep the cash coming thick and fast.

Other commenters on Twitter also chipped in with their opinions such as:

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Mayweather isn’t doing as well financially as he would like everyone to believe. He has looked desperate in recent months, trying to set up fights with a number of fighters. Even a $300 million dollar payday can go fast if you spend the way he does.”

Something doesn’t quite add up with these recent happenings. Is Floyd Mayweather just looking to take advantage of his fame while he still can, or are there some underlying problems in regards to his cash flow and the IRS? It will all come out in the wash and 50-Cent will be there to tell everyone about it on Instagram.

Featured image from Pixabay.

November 7, 2018