Motorcycle Textiles Review
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Photo courtesy of Mustang Motorcycle Products
Megan Vickers
Assistant Editor
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“No matter what their age or household income, no matter what model of motorcycle they ride or how much chrome they have added to it, absolutely no driver or passenger enjoys riding if they are uncomfortable,” explained Marilyn Simmons of Mustang Motorcycle Products. Today’s seat manufacturers have worked hard to ensure their seats add a new level of comfort for those long, leisure rides and two very important companies have offered up their latest motorcycle seats for your consideration.
Furthermore, your customers want a cover that keeps their bikes in tiptop shape when they break it out of the garage after a long, cold winter. A couple of the industriy’s leading companies told us all about their latest covers, engineered to fit just about any size bike.
To finish off this month’s textiles market report, we spoke with a few more companies to learn more about their newest motorcycle tie-downs, for those customers who need to keep their bikes stable, whether in transporting them from one location to another, or for extended storage during the winter months. |
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The form-fit, super-soft indoor covers from Covercraft Industries are the softest covers for indoor storage, said National Sales Manager Beth
Velarde. The covers feature a bike-hugging spandex fabric with soft fleece lining to protect those expensive paint jobs and they can be put in the washer and dryer, she explained. Velarde noted that Covercraft’s sales are about the same as last year. As for advising dealers, Velarde said, “[Dealers] need to be aware of the customer’s true needs. It’s not always about selling or buying the least expensive product on the market, but the highest quality for the best price,” she concluded. |
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EK Motor Sports’ latest textile product is the Power Cat dual clip soft end tie-down strap, informed spokesperson Lindy Phippen Smith. “Made from 1 1/8 inch wide, 100 percent nylon webbing and constructed with the most durable components on the market, these tie-downs feature dual safety clips that are an industry first providing convenience and security to your motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile,” she explained. The soft ends are said to protect handlebars from any scratches or scuffs and these tie-downs adjust from 24 inches to 78 inches in length and feature 1,200 lbs. of tensile strength.
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The dual protection motorcycle cover keeps the bike safe from Mother Nature and features non-scratch material in the upper panel and heat resistant material in the lower panel, stated
Global Accessories Marketing Manager Daniel Felsted. The cover is available in large (83.9 inches by 33.3 inches by 46.8 inches) and extra large (110.4 inches by 44.9 inches by 62.4 inches) sizes and includes a storage bag with tie-down strap, he added. “As motorcycles gain in popularity consumers are asking for more accessories to fit their various lifestyles,” described
Felsted, who continued, “The companies that can identify and cater to such lifestyles will be the winners.” Global Accessories’ product sales are up, divulged
Felsted, mostly because of the increased affluence of its customers. “Provide ways to make purchases easier for customers. Video installations, easy access to facts and figures, testimonials from likeminded customers, customer reviews and loyalty programs make a big difference in sales,” noted
Felsted. |
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Le Pera now offers seats for the 2007-2008 applications, informed Christine Le
Pera. These seats are of the highest quality and craftsmanship and feature powder- coated base plates, she described, adding that custom options are available. There are no limits to the imagination, so anything goes, Le Pera said. The company’s sales are up over the year prior, she divulged, saying, “We have always understood dealers’ needs with backing up great quality and satisfaction. In this industry it is good to have a company that will stand by your side.”
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“With Motorcycle Stuff tie-downs, anything can be secured,” stated Advertising and Communications Coordinator Ashlie Smith. “The tie-downs have a 1,200 lb. rated capacity, 72 inch length strap and 3/8 inch vinyl coated hooks,” she continued. The tie-downs are said to feature high-quality, cam-action buckles, as well as a peggable clamshell packaging for easy in-store display. “Choose from a wide range of colors including black, red, blue, green, orange, purple and
camo, or soft hook tie-downs in blue, black and red,” explained Smith, who concluded by saying, “Motorcycle Stuff tie-downs are available exclusively through Motorcycle Stuff.”
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“We have just started production on our new line of seats (pictured on pg. 42) for the Yamaha 1300 V-Star and are now designing seats for the Suzuki M50,” stated Marilyn Simmons, marketing director of
Mustang Motorcycle Products, who added that the company is also updating its line of Harley-Davidson seats for the 2008 models. “Mustang’s foam is noticeably softer than our competitors’ and it almost instantly conforms to the shape of the rider and passenger,” Simmons explained, “Not only does this provide a more universal fit, but there is also no extended break-in period required.” Mustang embraces the bagger trend since they have always maintained a traditional look, divulged Simmons. She told us that although the motorcycle market has slowed down somewhat since last year, the demand for Mustang’s seats has been increasing. Simmons concluded, “Once your customers feel the difference Mustang comfort makes, they will ride more and they will buy more accessories and future bikes from you.”
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These motorcycle textile products can ensure your customers enjoy their bikes during those long hot summer days; or when not in use, these items can help your customers keep their bikes stored in great condition. We hope these motorcycle seats, tie-downs and covers can help keep your customers satisfied and we urge you to check out our reports on motorcycle luggage and street apparel, elsewhere in this issue.
MOTORCYCLE TEXTILES CONTACT LIST
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