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July 2, 2007 – Aftermarket Digest

S&S Dealers Must Pass Test to Sell EPA-certified Engines
S&S Cycle has started online testing for dealers desiring to sell EPA-certified S&S Proven Performance engines.
S&S has granted a grace period to its authorized dealers through Sept. 31. However beginning Oct. 1, any dealer wishing to purchase the EPA-certified engines must have successfully passed the test.
S&S is requiring authorized dealers to pass this test in order to stock and sell these engines. This test will be administered independently by S&S Cycle, and is available either online or in person as part of the company’s Training & Certification programs offered at its Customer Support Center in La Crosse, Wis.
The purpose of this test is to assure the end-user and the regulatory community that S&S dealers understand the rules and regulations surrounding the EPA-certified engines.
The EPA has set specific rules and regulations for registering a motorcycle with an EPA certified engine. The owner of the engine is responsible for maintaining and installing the engine per the specifications provided. Additionally, the customer must abide by the no tampering laws. The main requirements set forth by the EPA address vehicle weight, gear ratio and exhaust backpressure.
When the certification process was announced, S&S immediately went to work certifying the following three engine groups: the 35?8-inch bore, 4-inch bore and 41?8-inch bore — these are the V96E, V113E and V124E single-cam models.
Authorized S&S dealers, or dealers purchasing S&S products from authorized S&S distributors, should contact the S&S Training & Certification staff at training@sscycle.com or their customer support representative to receive directions and credentials for the online testing application. The online testing application includes a video, important pre-test documentation and the test.?
Michelin Recalls Some Front Motorcycle Tires
Michelin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada that it is recalling Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Pilot Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front motorcycle tires with the “Made in France” markings in the United States and Canada.
An examination of these tires showed a possible defect in the tread due to a manufacturing irregularity. No cases of pressure loss have been reported and no accidents have occurred.
This recall involves these specific tires only and has no impact on any other Michelin tires.
Because rider safety is the primary concern, Michelin has decided as a precaution to replace the 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Michelin Pilot Power front tires, which can be identified by the following markings on the sidewall:

  • a “Made in France” label
  • DOT 6UCW 980T or DOT 6UCW 979T.
    Any consumer in the United States or Canada who believes they are affected by the recall should call Michelin Consumer Relations at 866/324-2835.
    Replacement tires are available at no cost (including mounting and balancing) to consumers through participating Michelin motorcycle tire servicing retailers.
    Custom Chrome Offers Spanish Translation Catalog
    Custom Chrome, a designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories, is making available a Spanish language translation of the 2007 catalog.
    This catalog can be ordered by calling toll-free 800/729-3332, or 408/825-5000 from outside the U.S., or by visiting the Web site at www.customchrome.com.
    In addition, a PDF version is now available for download.
    “Spanish as a primary or secondary language is growing, especially in North America,” said Holger Mohr, Custom Chrome president. “At Custom Chrome we want to be out in front as we look for ways to better serve our customers and consumers alike.”
    Helmet House Loses One of Its Own
    Lee Fincher, 54, a Helmet House account manager for almost 20 years, passed away Monday, June 11.
    Fincher had served dealerships throughout the greater South Texas area.
    Found in his car just off a highway in Beaumont, Texas, his death appears to local police to be from natural causes, pending a coroner’s report, according to Helmet House officials.
    Lee, affectionately known as “Scooter” by his friends and family, is survived by two sisters, Sherry Pate of Fort Worth, Texas, and Carol Spriggs of Austin, Texas, and two children, Heather and Austin.
    Services for Fincher were scheduled for June 24.
    ITP Adds McGuire to Its Sales Support Staff
    ITP has added Pat McGuire, who will provide sales support for dealers and distributor representatives, product development and testing, and on-site race support.
    McGuire will be based in Wisconsin and can be reached at 608/449-4466, or pat.mcguire@carlisletire.com.
    In 2007, ITP is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a worldwide aftermarket tire and wheel source. For more information, visit ITP’s Web site at www.itptires.com.
    Airprotek Hires Reps to Service Mexican Powersports Market
    Airprotek International Inc., a distributor of a line of safety jackets and vests that utilize proprietary air bag technology design, appointed two independent sales reps to develop its retail and consumer direct sales channels in Mexico.
    Miguel Angel Gonzalez, a 20-plus-year multi-industry sales veteran, will be responsible for Airprotek’s sales in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit and parts of the state of Sinaloa. Ramiro Chavez, a 20-plus-year veteran in the automotive parts industry, will cover the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Chihuahua.
    “With an estimated 4 million registered motorcycles and scooters and double digit growth over the last five years, Mexico represents a growing market for Airprotek’s line of airbag safety jackets and vests,”?said Bob Kay, Airprotek’s director and marketing advisor. “We have seen the number of sales inquiries from Mexico increase dramatically during the past 12 months.
    “In the coming months, we plan to expand our network of Mexican sales reps in accordance with our long term sales objectives.”
    New Race Manager Named For Fox Shox
    California-based Fox Racing Shox has hired Dan Geery as its new powersports race manager.
    Geery’s professional background is in construction sales and management, but his personal interest is motorsports. He’s had a 30-year riding and racing career, racing motorcycles and Formula One-type cars.
    “Dan has great enthusiasm and experience with powersports, and he will be able to support and grow our sports marketing programs in existing segments, while at the same time increasing our presence in various emerging powersports markets,” Fox Racing Shox Powersports Engineering Manager Wes Allinger said in a statement.
    Viking Bags Introduces 70 New Saddlebags
    Citing the increasing number of motorcyclists who want a bike as a primary ride and therefore are in need of good saddlebags, Viking Bags has launched 70 new types of saddlebags.
    The saddlebags, which can be found at www.vikingbags.com, are economical and can be found to fit riders and bikes of all styles.
    Los Angeles-based Viking Bags announced the new summer selection for leather saddlebags for 2007, which include several new features.
    Motorcycle History Report Software Offered
    Lynx Digital Corp, a media and information services company, launched its powersports dealer program with Cyclechex.com, a motorcycle history report software.
    The software allows member dealers to execute unlimited searches using the motorcycle’s unique 17-digit vin number. This will provide historical data regarding title info, odometer statements, crash history, lien information, damage or salvaged titles.
    Cyclechex.com also offers Web exposure with the certified dealer program and guaranteed buy-back insurance for consumer confidence.
    Cyclechex.com has partnered with Cycletrader.com, NADAguides.com and Capitalone.com to enhance the buyer’s experience.
    “The motorcycle industry has grown tremendously in the last five years,” said Adam Bernard, marketing director for Lynx Digital Corp. “The consumer portion of Cyclechex.com has been a huge success and continues to grow daily.”
    To register and obtain information on becoming a certified Cyclechex dealer, visit www.cyclechex.com. psb

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