Apr. 6, 2009 – Champion gears up production
INDIANAPOLIS — A trike kit company has made changes in its manufacturing process, allowing it to enlargen its dealer network.
Champion Trikes, a Garden Grove, Calif.-based manufacturer, is seeking to grow its dealer network this year, said Jim Pinto, the company’s general manager.
“We’re increasing manufacturing capacity so we’re going to go after a larger dealer network,” Pinto said.
Pinto, speaking from the company’s booth at Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, says Champion has gone to a more lean manufacturing style, with just-in-time supply deliveries allowing the company to increase its production at its current facility. Champion, also known for manufacturing sidecars, has a 45,000-square-foot facility with about 100 employees.
The company manufactures trike kits for principally Harley and Honda models but also for Yamaha Star models.
Champion has kits for all of the Harley FL family and some Softail models as well. For Honda bikes, Champion produces kits for the 1500 and 1800 Gold Wing and the 1300 and 1800 VTX.
Champion has approximately 240 dealers in North America and another dozen internationally. Pinto says the company will continue to look at different areas throughout North America to expand its dealer network, especially in the Midwest and the West Coast.
Along with the trike kits, which feature three-year limited warranties, according to press releases, Champion also builds a reverse gear for six-speed transmissions and sport touring trailers.
— Neil Pascale
