Apr. 21, 2008 – Aftermarket Digest

Tucker Rocky, IMS Partner to Promote Indianapolis GP

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Tucker Rocky Distributing have formed a partnership to promote and enhance the fan experience for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
A part of the MotoGP World Championship, the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take place Sept. 14 on a new, 2.620-mile road course at IMS. The relationship between IMS and Tucker Rocky will last through the 2010 event and includes many pre-event and event weekend promotional elements, including signage, vending and display space and event advertising.
Tucker Rocky is one of the world’s largest wholesale distributors of aftermarket parts, apparel and accessories in the powersports industry. More than 75,000 items for powersports enthusiasts are distributed by Tucker Rocky and sold under such brands as Answer, Biker’s Choice, Pro Taper, MSR, QuadBoss, River Road, Ducks Unlimited, Bully Locks and Firstgear.
“We are certainly excited to be a part of the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP,” said Tim Pritchard, Tucker Rocky’s vice president of sales and marketing. “The IMS has done an outstanding job of creating what will be the largest motorcycle race event in the U.S. We are looking forward to a great weekend of racing and sharing it with our dealers, vendors, customers and MotoGP fans around the world.”
Tucker Rocky, which is owned by LDI of Indianapolis, has seven distribution centers located around the United States that provide products to dealers in the U.S. and worldwide.

Industry Companies to Host Suspension Seminars

The Sportbike Company and Ohlins Suspension will host two suspension seminars at tracks in North America.
The first seminar is for any brand sport motorcycles on June 9 at the America Raceway in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and the second is an Ducati exclusive on July 28 at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio, according to an Ohlins press release.
Ohlins suspension technicians from the AMA Superbike series will assist participants through seminars and discussions. Due to the advanced level of discussion, only intermediate and advanced class riders can register. However, there will be suspensions basic set-up seminars for novice participants.
To register, visit www.sportbiketracktime.com. Cost for the event is $200 above the cost of the track day. That includes dinner for one on the evening before the event, lunch on the day of the event, access to Öhlins technicians, the suspension log and other at-the-track features.

Saddlemen Upgrades the Foam in its Seats

Saddlemen has recently upgraded all of its seats with new “Black Magic” foam.
Traditional seat foam is white or off-white, which can present an unsightly blemish if the cover is torn or damaged. Black Magic foam maintains its black consistency throughout, while exhibiting the same durometer settings and comfort levels as Saddlemen’s previous foam, the company reported.
Saddlemen seats are distributed through Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties. Call 800/397-7709 for more information, or visit them online at saddlemen.com.

Two-wheel Experts to Hold Workshop at INTERMOT

A workshop that previously received interested from trade visitors will once again be available at the coming INTERMOT.
More than 1,100 exhibiting companies from 40 countries are expected to attend the biannual show, which is set for Oct. 8-12 in Cologne, Germany.
The workshop will allow trade visitors to see a number of technical demonstrations, including electrical and electronic error diagnosis; conducting exhaust gas testing; customising; engine technology and chassis diagnostics.
The two-wheel workshop will be carried out by the Schweinfurt Vehicle Academy.

K&K Insurance Expands Powersports Program

K&K Insurance Group announced enhancements to its motorcycle dealership program, which might now be found in the new Franchised Powersports Dealer Program.
Designed for a variety of franchises, the program now includes coverage for PWC manufactured by BRP, Honda and Yamaha. Package and excess lines of coverage might now be offered to dealerships that sell approved brands of powersport products without any type of motorcycle product sales. No reporting or audits are performed.
In addition, K&K has expanded its list of more than 35 approved manufacturers to include Big Bear Choppers, KYMCO, Lehman Trikes, Orange County Choppers, Royal Enfield, Schwinn Motor Scooters and Sullivans Motorcycles. A complete list of qualified manufacturers is available at www.kandkinsurance.com.
For more information, call K&K Insurance at 866/554-4636.

Green Industry & Equipment Expo Slates ‘Dealer Experience’

Back by popular demand for the second annual Green Industry & Equipment Expo will be “The Dealer Experience – Your Guide to Profitability.”
The trade show will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 23-25 in Louisville.
The Dealer Experience, sponsored by STIHL Inc. and the Ariens Co., and hosted by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and North American Equipment Dealers Association, offers many benefits to dealers of all sizes, including: