July 23, 2007 – Aftermarket Digest

Tank Sports Centralizes Its Two Parts Centers
Tank Sports has completed the merger of the Redcat and Tank Sports’ parts distribution centers into one centralized location, providing customers with more than 5,500 parts for all current and previous model years.
“The China powersports industry is looking for a lead supplier of not only products but also quality parts,” said Mike Turber, recently appointed director of sales and marketing. “Tank Sports, after consulting with many of our own customers, has decided that in an effort to best serve the powersports community, we will take an initiative to provide parts not only for the products we sell, but also for the over 30 brands of other powersports products on the market currently shipping from China.”
The consolidation of the two parts distribution centers is a key factor in building the Tank brand name, officials said.
“We want all dealers to see Tank Sports as a leader in not only providing the best quality products currently exporting from China, but also as a key supplier of parts for all brands of powersports products currently manufactured in China,” said Tank CEO Jiangyong Ji.
V-SEPT Announces New Partnership
V-SEPT Inc., a developer of sales and lead tracking software, and More Than Rewards, a developer of customer loyalty rewards products, agreed to partner and offer powersports dealerships an integrated customer loyalty rewards program, according to a press release.
Customers will now be able to earn rewards for shopping at the same dealership or qualifying sister dealerships through
V-Loyalty, which will assimilate with most dealer management systems and with V-SEPT.
V-Loyalty provides a set of software gateways that interface with the dealer management system. This capability allows cashiered sales to automatically update the customer’s account with points/rewards, which automatically generates gift certificates and coupons based on buying habits. The software gateway also will enhance the V-SEPT products by providing sales and customer information automatically from the dealer management system. The gateway works with popular dealer management systems.
V-SEPT will be marketing and supporting the V-Loyalty product as part of its comprehensive set of sales tools.
Service Providers to Provide New Online Forum
MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com, a provider of employment services and job opportunities to the motorcycle industry, has joined forces with Dealership University, a provider of online training courses for the industry.
Dealership University’s Rod Stuckey and Tory Hornsby have agreed to become moderators for the new discussion forum on www.MotorcycleIndustryJobs.com.
The forum will be open to the industry to share experiences of working in the industry, give advice or ask questions pertaining to careers, salary, education and training in the industry. Hornsby and Stuckey will be providing advice and insight regarding employment and education in the dealership world.
“This alliance will increase awareness of the vast array of easily accessible services that have become available to both employers and job seekers in the industry,” said Alex Baylon, president/founder of Motorcycle Industry Jobs.
Hornsby of DealershipUniversity.com said “the MIJ forum is built specifically for industry personnel that are interested in education, training and career advice, which is right up our alley.”
Twenty20 to Debut New Wearable Camcorder
Twenty20, a helmet camera manufacturer, is set to change the way consumers shoot and share action video with a new generation of wearable camcorders.
Expected to debut this fall is a camera that mounts to nearly any object and can record and store smooth camcorder quality video.
The purpose of Twenty20’s wearable camcorder is to simplify recording action video, which can be time consuming and expensive.
“Our plan is to continue to provide new tools to make action video as easy to record and share as a picture on your digital camera,” said Jason Green, founder of Twenty20.
To help pull off this evolution, Twenty20 partnered with Ziba Design, known for its work with blue chip giants such as Sirius, Logitech and Intel, to tackle the logistical issues customers have faced with action video.
Green said the feature set is robust for a unit not much bigger than a cell phone. The camera records to a removable SD memory card and should retail for around $350.
To compliment the new product launch, Twenty20 has built a unique retail program that includes a free, interactive, in-store display as well as marketing and pre-sale support.
For more information, please call Twenty20 at 866/397-6920 or support@twenty20corp.com.
Otis Hackett Group Names Dealer Development Director
Otis Hackett Group’s new director of dealer development is not new to the consulting company.
Tom Orlando recently rejoined the company in the new role, which will include strategic planning and oversight of all training activities for existing dealers as well as establishing new clients.
Orlando, who recently served as a sales manager for a powersports dealership, also has worked with the Otis Hackett Group (OHG) as a trainer, consultant and programs director.
“He was even one of my original clients when I started the company,” Otis Hackett, president of OHG, said in a press release. “If anyone knows OHG better than I do, Tom’s the man.”
OHG, which provides training and consulting, recently expanded its services to include training modules for parts, service, operations and accounting as well as 20 group services.
Wire Plus Lands Australian Distributor
Wire Plus Powersports Electronics has added a distributor in Australia called Rollies Speed Shop.
Rollies represents several of the top manufacturers located in the United States among many other world renowned companies and decided to go with Wire Plus because of its innovative products it manufactures for the Harley-Davidson and custom V-twin markets.
Rollies, started 27 years ago by current president Rollie Callow, services approximately 250 dealers located in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Indonesia and the South Pacific Rim.
“We decided to go with Wire Plus not only for their digital speedometers, but also because they manufacture a complete line of self-diagnostic wiring systems to fit any stock or custom bike application,” Callow said in a press release.
Wire Plus makes an assortment of modular motorcycle wiring systems as well as state-of-the-art digital speedometers. These instrument panels are available both in a rectangular shape, which can be either flush mounted or mounted in a separate housing, or in a circular housing that many of the top manufacturers use on their bikes as part of their OEM equipment.
For those interested in obtaining more information on Wire Plus, reach them at 620/221-2417, www.wire-plus.com or e-mail them at sales@wire-plus.com.
Five Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Thefts Outlined
Only 25-30 percent of stolen motorcycles are ever recovered, while stolen cars and trucks have a recovery rate of 60-65 percent, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
“A record number of motorcyclists are on the road today and many are riding machines with expensive upgrades,” says Mitch Roggeman, national sales director for Nationwide Insurance’s Property & Casualty Specialty Products.
“These riders can thwart theft with a few simple steps and minor expense.”
Here are five such steps that dealers can pass on to their customers:
n Tracking technology: Install a tracking system on the motorcycle. If the bike is stolen, the devices use GPS or other locating technology to help police recover your vehicle.
n?Disc brake locks:?These portable, strongly constructed mechanisms lock the bike’s wheel in place, preventing ride and roll away theft. Just remind the consumer to remove the device before they get back on the road.
n?Chains: Heavy duty chains are particularly useful for group rides. A long chain can link the wheels of the bikes together, leaving no individual target.
n?Obstacles: Loosen a spark plug cap or shut off the gas so thieves believe they are experiencing mechanical problems. Thieves are more likely to abandon a troublesome machine.
n?Location: Park in a well-lit, highly trafficked area. Thieves looking for a quick grab are likely to move on to an easier, less risky target.
Even the most precautious enthusiasts also should consider insuring their vehicles in case these steps don’t prevent a theft.
Joe Rocket Apparel, Yamaha Announce Agreement
Randy Robison, president of Robison’s Inc., owner of the Joe Rocket motorcycle apparel brand, announced a licensing agreement with Yamaha Motor Corp. USA and Yamaha Motor Company Ltd.
The agreement calls for Joe Rocket to produce a line of licensed sport-oriented motorcycle apparel that will be distributed exclusively by Sullivan’s Inc.
“The launch of this line is a fine example of the successful relationship that Joe Rocket and Yamaha have cultivated through our joint ventures in the U.S.A., Canada and Europe,” Robison said in a press release.
To compliment the Joe Rocket line of Yamaha licensed apparel, Robinson’s Inc. will utilize its technical and design experience to build a full line of Yamaha Genuine apparel to be distributed exclusively at Yamaha dealers.
“The partnership between Yamaha and Joe Rocket will bring the very best of both brands to enthusiasts,” said Mo Murray, division manager, Yamaha Parts and Accessories Division.
Maxxis Offers Racing Tires Online
In response to customer demand, Maxxis has added a racing section to its eStore. The online store offers racing-compound automotive, ATV and motorcycle tires.
“Our products are very popular with racing pros: Maxxis dominates the podium in several series,”?Scott Barker, advertising manager for Maxxis International USA, said in a press release. “Consequently, we’ve been getting a lot of interest in our racing tires. We decided the best way to meet this need was to offer these tires online.”
The racing section offers a variety of products, including the Presa Supermotard, the
MA-Z1 DRIFT and the Razr MX SYHP. Because many of these models are not carried by local distributors, this online store offers an exclusive chance to buy tires that are otherwise inaccessible for most consumers.
To learn more about Maxxis racing tires, please visit maxxis.com/racing.asp.
Shoei Unveils New Helmet With New Graphic
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp. recently unveiled a new helmet that features an aggressive new graphic selected by multi-time AMA champion Eric Bostrom.
The new helmet, called the X-Eleven E-Boz TC-1, also features Shoei’s patented Dual Layer EPS ventilation system, AIM-plus shell construction, and an aerodynamically efficient shape developed in Shoei’s own wind tunnel.
“When Chris Wood from Airtrix showed me the helmet, gloating in victory, I absolutely fell in love with it,”?Bostrom said in a press release.
The X-Eleven E-Boz is available in sizes XXS-XXL, is backed by Shoei’s 5-year warranty, and will be available starting in mid-July.
To learn more about Shoei’s entire line of premium motorcycle helmets, please visit the Web site at www.shoei-helmets.com. psb