Mar. 9, 2009 – Aftermarket Digest

MIC launches HelmetCheck.org

A new Web site allows riders to verify a helmet they own or are considering for purchase complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) safety standard.
The Web site, HelmetCheck.org, was developed by Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Helmet Task Force.?It allows consumers to find information on DOT-compliant helmets from any helmet manufacturer voluntarily participating in the database.
Major helmet companies and distributors AFX, AGV, Arai, AXO, HJC, Icon, Scorpion and Shoei have thus far provided information on their full line of helmets to the site.
“The most important piece of safety equipment a rider can wear is a DOT-compliant helmet,” said Eric Anderson, chairman of the MIC Helmet Task Force. “We hope to call attention to the DOT standard and let riders know that they can reliably identify and verify that the helmet they own, or are considering for purchase, is DOT-compliant.”
DOT-compliant helmets are marked with an identifying sticker on the back. A DOT-labeled helmet denotes the manufacturer meets or exceeds the government standards for protection. To display a DOT certification symbol on helmets, manufacturers must adhere to standards that include impact absorbing capability and penetration resistance, and a retention system standard that ensures a helmet stays fastened in the event of a crash.
“With hundreds of models available to choose from, and especially given the prevalence of counterfeit stickers, there is unfortunately a lot of confusion among consumers,” Anderson said. “We are deeply appreciative of the cooperation of the manufacturers and distributors for providing their product information to the site for the benefit of all the riders. Given their participation, HelmetCheck.org will be a reliable way for riders and law enforcement agencies to verify that a specific helmet meets the DOT standard.”
HelmetCheck.org also will be a repository of helmet-related information, research and public service announcements for the benefit of consumers, policymakers and law enforcement.

Parts Unlimited announces two new catalogs

Parts Unlimited has released two 2009 catalogs, its street and helmet and apparel catalog.
The latter is new for Parts. The national distributor took its helmet, riding apparel, rider accessories, communicators and casual apparel out of its Street, Off-Road and ATV catalogs. These parts, accessories and apparel were added to the Drag Specialities’ FatBook and put in one reference catalog.
The catalog is more than 600 pages.
The Street Catalog, meanwhile, features hard parts and accessories and has the latest application updates and technical information.
For more information contact a Parts Unlimited or Drag Specialties sales rep.

Ideal’s DMS software includes service department tools

Ideal Computer Systems, a provider of dealer management software for powersports dealers, has released Ideal 6.3 for Windows, its newest version of dealer management software.
This new version includes a Digital Signature Capture, Technician Time Clock, new Labor Efficiency reports, new End of Day reports, even more advanced Inventory reports and many performance upgrades.
“Ideal 6.3 has been a work in progress for several months, but we wanted to make sure this new version would be the most beneficial system on the market for powersports dealers,” Ideal President Dennis Haefner said in a press release.
With some of these new features, powersports dealers will be able to: