Jun. 30, 2008 – Aftermarket Digest

LeoVince Celebrates 5th Anniversary, Big Sales Increase

Celebrating its five-year U.S. anniversary, LeoVince USA says its year-to-date sales are up almost 50 percent over 2007.
The company hosted a number of events to celebrate the anniversary, including a charity run and party. LeoVince also had a customer open house at its expanded facilities in the San Francisco Bay area. The new building provides additional office space, an R&D center with dyno room, photo studio and increased warehouse space.
The new space, U.S. Manager Tim Calhoun says, was added to accommodate the company’s growth.
“We’ve been growing so fast because response from customers and the dealer community to the quality of our product has been phenomenal,” he said in a press release. “By having the R&D of LeoVince and the Mollo family behind us, we are able to utilize the strength of our testing and manufacturing expertise to deliver awesome products to U.S. riders.”

Bridgestone Introduces Soft and Hard Terrain Tires

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire is seeking to strengthen its position in the motocross/off-road market with the introduction of the M203/M204 soft-terrain and M603/M604 hard-terrain tires.
These tires will replace the current M201/M202 soft terrain and M601/M602 hard terrain tires.
Prototype versions of these new tires were developed and tested by top AMA factory teams in Supercross, Motocross and off-road racing, capturing a dominant majority of race wins and championships. With this data, and building on the proven performance of the combination, Bridgestone engineers have fine-tuned casing constructions and tread design patterns to increase durability, widen the range of soil applications and increase cornering performance on the new M203/M204 soft terrain and M603/M604 hard terrain tires.
Using new lug patterns, rubber compounds and tire constructions, the new directional M203 front block pattern provides tremendous grip with stability under maximum braking. The new block pattern also gives advanced controll ability and reliable contact feel at any lean angle in the corners. The M204 rear tire provides solid side grip and traction on a wide range of soil with improved slide control even in the tightest corners. The M203 front will be available in five different sizes and the M204 rear will be available in eight sizes.

ITP Debuts Terracross R/T XD for Sporty Performance

ITP has recently released two new TerraCross R/T sizes designed for better sport-oriented performance.
Now available in a 25x9R-14 front and a 25x10R-14 rear, this new sizing results in an extra-low profile with less sidewall flex for precise steering and exceptional control.
Along with significantly better handling, these new sizes are lighter than current 26-inch options, reduce horsepower losses and allow the operator to retain OEM gearing characteristics.
These new TerraCross R/T tires feature ITP’s new XD (Extreme Duty) construction and extended-life rubber compound for a new level of durability and reliability. Ideal for both ATV and UTV applications, the TerraCross R/T XD uses a unique interlocking tread pattern and wide footprint to offer traction and flotation in mud, snow and sand.
The ITP TerraCross R/T XD is available in numerous 12- and 14-inch sizes, and also comes in a variety of pre-mounted tire/wheel kits using ITP’s stylish and rugged SS Alloy one-piece aluminum wheels.

GIE+EXPO’s New Products Live Will Showcase Innovations

After a one-year hiatus, the new products showcase will be at GIE+EXPO (the Green Industry & Equipment Expo) in Louisville.
Now called New Products Live, the feature is expected to be larger and more comprehensive than ever. Signs on each new product will direct attendees to the appropriate exhibits where they can learn firsthand about the products’ applications and benefits.
Products are eligible only if they have been introduced since last year’s show. A preliminary list of entries will be posted on www.gie-expo.com in August.
“Research indicates the No.1 reason people attend this tradeshow is to see new products,” Show Director Warren Sellers said.
The GIE+EXPO is set for , Oct. 23-Oct. 25. It is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.; Professional Landcare Network and the Professional Grounds Management Society. Pre-registration for a three-day pass to GIE+EXPO is $10 per person. The admission for those who wait to register onsite will be $50. To pre-register online and reserve hotel rooms, go to www.gie-expo.com.

Bosski’s Trailers for Trails Program Takes Off

Bosski Inc., manufacturer of the ATV Wagon trailers, introduced its donation program, called “Trailers for Trails,” in 2006. So far dozens of pull-behind ATV trailers have been put to work with local recreation clubs from Maine to Montana.
Retailers support the program because Bosski’s top-selling trailer is instantly moved from the showroom to the hands of the club. Active quad owners can see and watch the product in action, where that consumer might not have seen the item ever before.
Applications and more information are available at their Web site, www.atvwagon.com.

Entries Being Accepted for 2008 Suppliers Directory

Manufacturers and aftermarket companies can now update their free company listings for Powersports Business’ 2008 Market Data Book and Suppliers Directory.
Last year, more than 1,000 industry companies appeared in the data book, which will be published this fall.
For information on how to update your company listings or create a new free listing, contact PSB Associate Editor Karin Gelschus at kgelschus@affinitygroup.com or 763/383-4413.

Storz Sells XR 1200 Trademark Rights to Harley-Davidson

Storz Performance announced it has reached agreement with Harley-Davidson over trademark rights.
The Ventura, Calif., company said Harley has acquired Storz’s trademark rights for the mark “XR 1200.” Specific terms of the agreement were not revealed.
Storz Performance introduced its XR 1200 dirt track style conversion kits for Sportster motorcycles in January 2005.

American Supercamp to Use Yamaha TT-R Motorcycles

American Supercamp announced a partnership with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. for the American Supercamp motorcycle technique schools.
Yamaha will supply motorcycles, GYTR parts and accessories and Yamalube oils and chemicals for both standard Supercamps and American Supercamp Supermoto Schools. Yamaha TT-R110E and TT-R125LE motorcycles will be used in both racer and non-racer American Supercamp schools. psb