Distributor news from Indianapolis Dealer Expo

Tucker Rocky confirmed at the Expo it will expand its QuadBoss line of ATV products, which includes joint products from Swisher Inc., and Cycle Country. A QuadBoss/Swisher 44-inch Trail Cut mower and rack-mounted sprayer are some of the newest products.
Parts Unlimited’s Moose Utility Division announced a whole line of Kawasaki Mule accessories, including bed covers, windshields, a camouflage kit and more.
Kimpex had a product video and display of its new TJD Cat Track Kits, pre-assembled, bolt-on “tank tracks” for quads. Kimpex also is carrying a line of Dune accessories, including a handlebar fairing, swingarm skidplate, nerf bars and The PanOram Trail Tech motorcycle computer.
Larry Popp, owner of Motorcycle Tires & Accessories (MTA), says his new catalog will feature tires, wheels, helmets, brakes, batteries and fluids, plus new product from companies such as ITP, Ramsey Winch, K&N, D.I.D. and Xtreme. “The Xtreme clothing line did really well for us at Indy, and we’re really trying to push that this year,” Popp told Powersports Business. Xtreme manufactures a line of Worx off-road helmets, jerseys, pants and gloves, as well as youth and adult protective gear, a backpack and a gear bag.
In other product news from MTA, Popp says he is anxious for the new supermotard tires recently introduced by Maxxis. Joining a long list of manufacturers now entering the supermotard market, Maxxis is preparing to deliver three distinct types of tire for the hybrid bikes — the M6131/M6132, M6118 and M6119.
For 2003, Stoughton Smead of MotoRace says he is banking on consumer interest in gear his firm is offering from IXS Motorcycle Fashion. In business for over 30 years, MotoRace is the U.S. importer of the Swiss-made IXS products. The firm also stocks and distributes, among other things, products from Michelin, Motorex, Continental, Cheng Shin tires, Maxima, Motul, FMF, RK, Vortex, Wolfman and Scott.
“We’re quite focused on the IXS brand,” Smead said during a break at the Dealer Expo. “The perforated leather jacket that we’re exhibiting up front with the Stunt jacket — those are our two centerpiece products from IXS. IXS is a new brand to this country, and the Americans aren’t sure what to expect from it. But they make very high quality stuff in Europe — they are Dainese’s largest competitor — and that perforated leather jacket is receiving a lot of attention.”
Brian McMahan, sales manager at Marshall Distributing, said the Coldwave line picked up in November was rolled out at Indy with the 2004 product. “Coldwave couldn’t fit any better (into the Marshall lineup),” he said. “We’re known for our commitment to the snowmobile segment in hardparts and accessories. Now we can offer our customers the best selection of snowmobile apparel, too.”
Coldwave is a broad product line, and it includes jackets, bibs, pants, gloves, mittens, boots, hats, and casual wear in many colors and styles. Marshall will continue to carry the GMAX winter wear products, says McMahan. “The GMAX line has evolved into a very good product and we sell it to the same customers that now buy Coldwave.”
At Indy, Coldwave’s new “Extreme” line of GoreTex licensed pants and jackets was well received, he said. They also have a new “Blair Morgan Replica series” that features products used by Blair. There is a totally new “Blairwear” casual line, too: T-shirts, sweat shirts and jackets that are comfortable and stylish.
mike cleveland joins global motorsport group
Mike Cleveland, a former vice president of sales at Tucker Rocky Distributing, has joined Global Motorsport Group (GMG) in the newly-created position of director of business development for the North East Region. In his new role, Cleveland will be responsible for all aspects of Custom Chrome and Motorcycle Stuff business in the region, including sales, customer service, and development of product and related programs.
A Maryland native, Cleveland has more than 30 years experience in the motorcycle industry, most of which was spent at Tucker Rocky, where he served as vice president of sales and regional sales manager.
“As we refine and develop our business model to include regionalized business management and a closeness with our market, we must rely on experienced leaders who know every square inch of their market,” said Frank Esposito, GMG president. Cleveland will control sales functions as well as “every detail, down to a specific inventory portfolio for the warehouses within his region,” said Esposito.
In other GMG news, Motorcycle Stuff is preparing to host its 20th annual Dealer Show. It will be held at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla., Sept. 5-7, 2003. Dealers again will be able to put their poker faces to the test during Casino Night at the Saturday evening reception. Motorcycle Stuff’s Dealer Show is an opportunity for dealers to meet vendors, check out new merchandise for 2004, and have a great time doing business on the beach with Motorcycle Stuff. For more information, call 800/325-3673.