| Harley Aftermarket
When you take out the performance and exhaust products, what’s left? Well, we’re here to give you an inside look at the latest Harley aftermarket products from some of the industry’s leading companies. We’ve got the
latest air wings, primaries, windshields and more in this month’s Market
Report.
|
|
“The Functioned Formed Primary
(FFP) is our newest non-performance product,” announced Baker Drivetrain Vice President of Engineering Bert Baker. It is designed to fit 1990-2006 Softail models and Rolling Thunder long chaincase bagger frames, he told us. Baker added, “The shrink-wrapped forged aluminum inner and outer primary drive housing of the FFP combines the business-only belt drive looks with the convenience, safety and durability of conventional double row chain wet primaries.” The glory hole in the middle is said to offer good looks and/or the flexibility for mid-shift applications. It is available in show-polished or black anodized finishes and the FFP is compatible with stock and aftermarket 1990-2006 clutches, chains and comp sprockets, Baker explained. “People are modifying their stock Harleys a lot more and doing scratch-built projects less,” he noted, “I think the slow down in the economy, along with some false hysteria about EPA and government compliance, is pushing this way.” The biggest threat to the Harley aftermarket was the overheated condition that existed five years ago, Baker continued. “That overheated business climate attracted a lot of numbskulls to this industry who were in it for the wrong reasons. Fortunately, that is behind us now,” he said, and creativity offers the biggest opportunities in this market. “Our success in the market is proportional to how much cool and innovative stuff we design. Very little opportunity exists for knock-off
gomers,” he told us. Though sales are flat, Baker said the company has been working even harder to create new markets and trends. He concluded by reminding dealers to remember to do business with reputable companies that spend a lot of time and money to ensure the fitment and quality of their products.
Baker Drivetrain
www.bakerdrivetrain.com |
|
|
Richard Schafer, director of Biker’s Choice, reported the company now offers a Twin Power gasket program with gasket boards, O-rings and seals for Twin Cams, EVOs and
Sportsters. “Our gaskets are made from micropore technology,” Schafer described, and the benefits of this is improved sealing capability, high crush resistance, exceptional torque retention and outstanding resistance to blowout. “We are seeing increases in serviceable parts, i.e. rubber tubes, gaskets, tires, etc.,” said Schafer. He added he has also noticed an increase in sales of bolt-on parts that someone can add to their bike at home. “People are looking for value,” he told us, and companies should provide a quality part at a value price. “Mostly the parts are not technical in nature, so somebody can dress up their bike in their garage,” he said. Sales are up, Schafer divulged, as people keep their bikes longer, which requires them to service these units to fix them up instead of buying a new one. Selling non-performance and non-exhaust products is a good way to start selling parts to customers without too much technical expertise needed for installation, he reminded retailers.
Biker’s Choice – Tucker Rocky Distributing
www.bikerschoice.com
|
|
|
New from Cyclesmiths is the ‘banana’ style foot/highway peg, stated General Manager Ron Boyd. “The new peg is the final addition to our popular ‘banana’ footboard line,” he explained, adding, “It can be used as a regular peg, a rear passenger peg, or as a highway peg. And it looks great.” As Harley’s sales slow down, so does the rest of the industry, he noted, and the economy is the biggest threat to the current market. “If people don’t have jobs and flat out don’t have any money to spend then it doesn’t matter whether they like or don’t like your products and that is the situation we are looking at these days,” Boyd noted. He continued by saying, “I would have to say the best chances of success are to stay ahead of the game. Try to anticipate the changes and always try to get your hands on new models and technology first so that you will have an edge at getting products out into the marketplace.” As of October 2008, Boyd told us
Cyclesmiths’ sales are up 16 percent over 2007. His advice to dealers is the same as always: service sells and know your products. “When the going gets tough it always comes down to the basics. Be courteous, helpful and go the extra mile whenever possible,” he concluded.
Cyclesmiths
www.cyclesmiths.com
|
|
|
Larry Miller, vice president of sales, reported Ultima Products latest is the 150 series hot rod bobber frame, available with a 30.5_ rake/no stretch, plus a 34_ rake and 4 inch stretch
downtubes. “The 150 series bobber frame uses 1020 DOM (drawn over mandrel) steel tubing and is TIG welded at stress points,” Miller described, and the frame accepts Softail stock components and has a one piece transmission plate for Evolution style five and six speed transmissions. It reportedly accepts up to a 150 rear tire. “The trend we are promoting is discerning what products are most essential in promoting our dealers’ and customers’ profitability and expanding their application,” he told us, adding, “The economy forces much greater discernment in buying aftermarket products, causing products that are not competitive in price and value to stagnate sales.” However, the market’s biggest opportunity is in defining one’s focus on what essentials will help dealers and bike shop owners remain profitable in a troubled economy, Miller explained. “Our sales are up because of our competitive prices and focus on the essentials dealers and bike shop owners need to survive the tough economy,” he added. Miller concluded by telling retailers, “Our Ultima frame family is depicted well in our Ultima Showbike brochure, showing completely built bikes, a pro street style, the new Fat BastardÆ the Third, the Silver Horse Chopper and the all-new hot rod bobber. A great start in directing a customer to the aesthetic they are looking for. Ask your Midwest sales rep. for this
brochure.”
Ultima Products – Midwest Motorcycle Supply
www.ultimaproducts.com |
Don’t be discouraged with the plethora of aftermarket products available outside of the non-performance, non-exhaust categories. Stocking a healthy selection of these products, as well as keeping them well displayed in your showroom, could lead to increased sales in your parts departments. If you have any questions regarding these products, use the contact lists provided to ring up these companies for more information.
|
