FOCUS – EXPO DIGEST
ÖHLINS RACING REASSESSES SHOCK PRODUCTS
The folks at Öhlins Racing spent the past year reassessing the way shock absorbers work, then transferred that knowledge to the company’s 2005 range of motocross and off-road product.
“We do not want simply to follow development — we want to lead it,” says Magnus Eriksson, product manager at Öhlins. “We devote remarkable amounts of time and energy to R&D so as to ensure that we are always one step ahead of our competitors.”
The innovations will first appear in the 2005 range of motocross and off-road product, then spread to all Öhlins product. The company says the visible differences are minimal. All in all, however, the new approach means that the flow and pressure build-up mechanisms are dependent on partially new principles, and in the way the parts work in conjunction with one another.
“One of our most important tasks in the future will be to explain to all dealers how such apparently small changes can make such a great difference,” Eriksson said. “To put it bluntly, it is a matter of forgetting everything you previously knew about how to adjust our shock absorbers. Our new range of models comes with its own set of rules.”
“Öhlins is recognized as a top level suspension company in the industry, but there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about the products, such as they are ‘too expensive’ or they are only available to top racing teams,” says Jerry Wohlgemuth of Öhlins Racing USA.
Wohlgemuth says product like Öhlins’ new off-road front fork springs, cartridge kit for standard front forks, cartridge kit for supersport 600s, and steering dampers, among other things, also are likely to attract new consumers to the brand.
Öhlins product is distributed in the U.S. by Parts Unlimited. To learn more, visit www.ohlins.com.
Öhlins Racing, Booth #1829
BRIDGESTONE
Booth #1519
Bridgestone Firestone Tire (BFNT) is bringing a new bias-ply Enduro competition (90% off-road/10% on-road) tire to Indy. Approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the new Gritty ED663/ED668 front and rear combination are specifically designed for maximum performance in soft terrain conditions.
“The Bridgestone brand has just raised the bar for Enduro competition,” said Bob Graham, motorcycle and kart manager for BFNT. “We’ve taken all we’ve learned from years of success in U.S. motocross and cross country racing, and created an all new soft terrain tread pattern, compound and tire profile that will aggressively perform in soft terrain Enduro conditions.”
The E663 front is available in a 90/90-21 54R, while the E668 rear comes in a 120/90-18 65R and a 140/80-18 70R.
BFNT also recently announced a program in which it will offer dealers a Bridgestone Dealer Lightning Jacket for every 20 Bridgestone tires a dealer purchases from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2005. Simply mail a certificate provided by your authorized USA Bridgestone distributor with a copy of your invoice for your tire purchase.
Nashville-based BFNT is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation. BFNT develops, manufactures, and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires.
SUDCO
Booth #2737
Sudco International, Commerce, Calif., now offers the Grand Prix Mouse, an exact 1/15th scale replica of the Shoei helmet worn by 250cc World Grand Prix Champion Daijiro Kato, who passed away tragically in 2003 from a race injury and became the first Japanese rider to be inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.
This commemorative GP Helmet Mouse is available in the Blue/Yellow and Red/Yellow color schemes worn by Daijiro, and have all the hot race features like an 800dpi optical laser for smooth tracking, left/right click functions for precise turn-in, and a quick throttle scrolling function. A 36-inch detachable USB cable is included. The GP Mouse is compatible with Windows (98 and later) and Apple OS machinery.
KELLEY BLUE BOOK
Booth #1817
Kelley Blue Book’s Web site, www.kbb.com, is celebrating 10 years on the Internet. Originating in 1926, the company moved its Blue Book brand online to its own domain in 1995. Since then, consumers have generated nearly 1.5 billion pricing reports on the Web site.
In 2004, more than 72 million individuals accessed the site. KBB says that number doesn’t include use by top financial institutions, governmental agencies, vehicle manufacturers and car dealers all across the country.
The company says it plans to make improvements to the site throughout 2005. Additions include enhanced vehicle reviews and new tools assisting car buyers in making informed purchase decisions.
SIDEWINDER PRODUCTS
Booth #4513
Sidewinder Products, St.Charles, Ill., plans to show dealers all-new three-piece, Tri-Metal Sprockets for motorcycles and select ATVs. This new hybrid is available for street, dirt, MX, ATV and road-race applications.
Sidewinder says the Tri-Metal sprocket is nearly impossible to destroy, and backs up the claim with a 100% lifetime guarantee against breakage.
The company says it wants to establish a larger dealer network in the U.S. and Canada, and says it will provide dealer margin approaching a 60% on single sprocket purchases.
Expo incentives include additional quantity price breaks at 10 and 50
piece orders. Also, for Expo orders, Sidewinder is providing an attractive business card and sprocket counter display for free.
Sidewinder says there are no minimum orders, and says it will vigorously prevent any mail-order discounting.
SHOEI
Booth #741
Shoei’s new full-face model, the TZ-R, will be on display in Helmet House Booth #3205 and in Shoei Safety Helmet Booth #741. Featuring a new shell design, ventilation flow control, and a list of features found on more expensive models, the TZ-R is the most affordable Shoei helmet.
Priced at $289.99, the TZ-R incorporates a CX-1V shield, which adds increased peripheral vision, along with Shoei’s own Quick Release Base Plate system (QRBP). It also features removable cheek pads and a rear spoiler.
EYERIDE MOTORWEAR
Booth #5529
Eyeride Motorwear, San Clemente, Calif., says the new Italian ERT (Eyeride Toric) patented Toric lens technology provides a 20% wider peripheral viewing area with vastly improved clarity and color enhancement.
The unit provides a comfortable goggle-like fit while the distortion free lens reduces eye strain. Retail priced at $80, including carrying case.
Check them out in booth #5529, or at Tucker Rocky or Parts Unlimited.
VP RACING FUELS, INC.
Booth #3919
VP Racing Fuels, Inc., the manufacturer of racing fuels and performance products since 1975, plans to introduce a new series of racing fuels at Indy. Called “StreetBlaze,” the series includes three unleaded fuels specifically engineered for high-performance powersports vehicles and compact sports cars.
The StreetBlaze series includes: street-legal StreetBlaze 100 octane (R+M/2), oxygenated with ethanol for high-performance motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, karts and high performance street cars; StreetBlaze 101 octane (R+M/2), not legal in those states that restrict the use of MTBE; and StreetBlaze103 octane (R+M/2), which meets the new unleaded rule for AMA Pro Racing Supercross, Arenacross and Outdoor Nationals, but also is not street-legal legal in those states that restrict the use of MTBE.
TOMOS USA
Booth #8243
Tomos USA, Greenville, S.C., plans to show its new Streetmate, Arrow and Revival TS mopeds at the Dealer Expo. The Streetmate, available in silver/black paint scheme and gobs of chrome, represents the 50th anniversary of Tomos.
All three of the new bikes are equipped with the company’s new A55 Power Design Engine, are available in pedal or kickstart, and are backed up by Tomos’ Genuine Spare Parts program.
AVON TYRES
Booth #1241
Avon Tyres North America is in the process of updating its race-only tire line for 2005.
The company says vintage applications will see some updated compounds and construction changes in select sizes and models, classic applications will see the addition of new larger, and Avon’s Supermoto Xtreme racing slicks and “wets” received new compound changes to provide a higher level of performance.
“With Vintage, Classic and Supermoto being such a popular segment in North America Avon Tyres wants to be on top of the game,” said Avon Tyres’ North American Racing Manager John Leach.
“Whether you’re racing a 1958 BSA, a mid to late 80’s Superbike or a modern Husqvarna Supermoto, Avon makes a tire for you.”
SPECTRO
Booth #3225
Spectro Oils of America, Brookfield, Conn., says it has a number of new blends available, including Spectro 4 Off-Road motorcycle engine oil ($4.15 per 1 liter bottle retail) and Spectro 4 Off-Road synthetic/petroleum blend ($6.63 per 1 liter bottle retail) made specifically to address the needs of single cylinder off road engines that require a more shear stable oil than multi-cylinder road going motorcycles.
SMITH SPORT OPTICS
Booth #1821
Smith Sport Optics, Inc., Ketchum, Ohio, will have its new Escapade and Director sunglasses in Indy.
Added to the company’s Lifestyles Series and designed to provide a comfortable fit without sacrificing durability, the Director and Escapade profiles are designed to protect the eye from wind, dust, 100% UVA/B/C and harmful blue light. Equipped with distortion-free lenses, both styles ensure total comfort and are held securely in place with ear and nose pads.
HELMET HOUSE
Booth #3205
In addition to Shoei and HJC lids, the Helmet House booth at Indy will feature a number of new Tour Master and Cortech brand products, including the wheeled Travel Sissybar Bag, Tour Master Polar-Tex Glove, and the Cortech Super Mini Tank Bag.
At a suggested retail price of $149.99, the Travel Sissybar bag is constructed of weather-resistant, high-strength 840-denier nylon and measures 22″H x 16″W x 11″D and has a carrying capacity of 15 lbs.
Retailing for $49.99, the Tour Master Polar-Tex Glove comes in mens Sizes XS-XXL and womens sizes S-L in colors Black/Black, Black/Red or Black/Blue.
RYDERS EYEWEAR
Booth #5753
Ryders Eyewear has four new models planned for the Dealer Expo, all made of Duraflex nylon frames that provide a snug fit in open faced helmets. The Glide is a foam-backed wrap style sunglass available in a light lens for night riding; the Easy Rider Goggle features interchangeable lenses.
FAIRCHILD
Booth #2101
Firstgear’s new Fuel Jacket combines race quality leather with the comfort of heavy-duty ballistic nylon, while the company’s equally new Ghost Rider jacket has a high-strength, abrasion resistant HyperTex shell including aggressive forearm and elbow padding, plus adjustable, four-port venting in the front and back.
The Fuel Jacket includes a removable thermal liner, microfleece soft collar lining and adjustable waist belts and sleeve straps. These features combined with the patented four-port Torso Vent System, and CVS cuff vents allow for all season riding comfort.
Perfect for cruising riders, the Ghost Rider also features a padded collar, two zippered handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket, adjustable waist side belts, and lower rear zipper attaches to most Firstgear pants, and is available in men’s sizes Small-3XL in colors Pitch Black, Black/Silver.
COSMOPOLITAN MOTORS
Booth #1001
Cosmopolitan Motors Inc., an independent motorcycle and scooter distributor since 1949, will have its first shipment of SHAD boxes at the Dealer Expo. This is the first time this Spanish-made, competitively priced motorcycle and scooter luggage has been offered in the states.
The Shad product line includes hard plastic top and side cases in storage sizes from 25 liters to 46 liters. Some of the options for this product line include backrests and brake lights. The top cases come with a standard bottom rack and screws to use with many existing luggage racks, or SHAD’s Top Master, or Sissy Bar and Rack.
Much of SHAD’s hard luggage uses an innovative color change system. The system includes colored top partitions that can be placed on the plain black box, allowing the consumer to change the look of the top case as he or she changes his or her bike. No need to spend extra money to purchase a new top case: simply order a new color plate for a fraction of the cost.
HANDY INDUSTRIES
Booth #3753
Handy took a fine selection of tools and put them in a roll-up pouches made of genuine suede or heavy-duty canvas. The kit contains a wide assortment of BetaTools specially chosen for motorcycle maintenance — an 8″ adjustable wrench, 3/8″ T-handle hexagon wrench (male), magnetic bit holder with bimaterial handle, 1/4″ swivel drive handle, 5/8″ and 13/16″ spark plug sockets, adjusting self locking pliers, precision feeler gauges, cable ties, safety tape and flashlight. Choose from American Standard or Metric Tools.
SADDLEMEN
Booth #3137
Derived from the popular Profiler seat, Saddlemen’s Endangered seat incorporates a new sewing technique which places exotic animal skin (alligator, etc.) on top of the high grade leather with embroidered type stitching. Also incorporated into the seat is the company’s SaddleGel system.
The Saddlemen Endangered seat carries a suggested retail price of $399.95 and is available for most Harley Davidson and metric cruisers.
ASSOCIATED PARTNERS
Booth #5314
Associated Partners is a new exhibitor at the Dealer Expo, but it’s not new to the powersports industry. Associated Partners, based in Cheyenne, Wyo., is a member of the nationwide Management Recruiter Inc. network of staffing professionals.
For more than a decade, Associated Partners has specialized in rercruiting and placing professionals in the powersports industry.
The company also offeres related human resource services such as employee evaluation and reference generation.
FOX RACING SHOX
Booth #6026
FOX Racing Shox is bringing its completely new shock absorber for the CRF/XR 50 mini to Indy (Booth #6026). The FOX Float MXR AirShox weighs only 1.1 lbs, is easy to install with no frame or seat modifcations required, and is rebuildable and revalvable.
Fox says the Float MXR is the most adjustable shock available with external rebound and an infnitely adjustable air spring using only an air pump.
“Our design objectives for the all-new Float MXR were to develop a lightweight air shock around our race-proven oil damping system that is simple to adjust for any rider on any stock or after-market pit bike,” stated Michael Daws, VP of Powersports. “Innovation and differentiation were key elements to the design of the Float MXR and I feel we were successful in achieving both.”
LS MOTORSPORTS
Booth #6119
Remember the BMW C1? Introduced as a concept in 1992, the unique hardtop scooter sold more than 12,000 units before production ceased in October 2002.
While the C1 was never made available in the United States, there’s a new scooter in the market that borrows some of BMW’s styling ideas.
Manufactured in Asia by Diamo and imported and distributed by LS MotorSports, LLC of Sugarland, Texas, the 150cc four-stroke Velux (MSRP $3,995) has a fully retractable roof and standard features including remote alarm, radio/CD/MP3 player, a windshield wiper, ABS disc brakes and 13-inch tires fore and aft.
“The Velux will change the way people think about scooter transportation,” said LS MotorSports President Mathu Solo. “People will now be better able to ride their scooter in changing climate conditions and not have to wait for a nice sunny day.”
Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) certified, the Velux is equipped with a locking rear storage compartment to fold and store the retractable roof plus extra gear like a helmet. While the roof is not an integral part of the frame, offering the same safety function as on BMW’s C1, Solo says it does protect from the elements, debris and buffeting at highway speeds.
Solo says LS Motorsports has filed patent applications on the Velux due to the unique design. He says dealers at Indy also can expect to see new options including GPS System, rearview camera, trike system and sidecar.
In other news from LS, the company signed an agreement with Joel Martin of Martin Racing Performance, Inc. (MRP), the company formerly known as Malaguti USA. MRP has agreed to develop a wide range of exclusive racing parts and accessories for the LS MotorSports scooter and ATV lineup starting with their 150cc scooter line. In addition, MRP will offer performance technical support to LS MotorSports customers.
Solo says the agreement allows MRP to provide product training and provide guidance to dealerships looking to establish a small capacity performance center.
MRP is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Turbo Kit, CB, and Wang Yang parts. Joel Martin says his goal is to be a dedicated source for vehicle distributors seeking to outsource performance and technical support.
Visit LS Motorsports at Booth #6119.
