| Street Performance
Accessories
Despite harsher restrictions from the EPA and legislators, combined with a soft market, riders are still interested in increasing their bike’s performance and are becoming more conscientious about the quality of the products available to them. To stay ahead of these performance savvy consumers, dealers need to take it a step further and not only educate themselves about each product they stock, but their staff as well, so that the next time a customer walks into your store, you can satisfy them with just the part they are looking for. The following companies have contributed some information on their latest street performance products in order to help you achieve this
goal.
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The Baker King Kong Klutch is a super strong clutch for stock Harley-Davidson motorcycles, exclaimed spokesperson Anthony Underwood. “Due to the revolutionary and bold design, using automotive clutch plates with a proprietary friction material, the King Kong Klutch has a tremendous torque holding capacity while providing a very, very light clutch effort,” Underwood explained. “The move is clearly away from cosmetic and impractical chopper stuff and more toward usable, bolt-on and stock fitting bagger stuff,” he noted, adding, in the American Big Twin market, the biggest threat is the influx of inferior products. “Fly-by-night operations and overseas knock-off artists tempt customers to purchase shoddy, unproven product. They effectively co-modify product and devalue the real thing,” he explained. However, when the product eventually fails, we get the customer anyway, Underwood stated. He continued by saying, the best thing to do is support those who continue to support you, i.e. supporting American bikers by employing them and sticking to American manufacturing. Street performance sales are doing really well, divulged Underwood, who advised dealers to keep informed of their products’ quality so that the customer only has to buy something once.
Baker Drivetrain
9804 E. Saginaw
Haslett, MI 48840
Phone: 877-640-2004
Fax: 517-339-4590
www.bakerdrivetrain.com |
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“Our new billet aluminum clutch pressure plate for Ducati motorcycles” is the latest street performance accessory from Barnett Tool & Engineering, noted President Mike Taylor. “This pressure plate is CNC machined from billet aluminum and available in red, black or gold,” he explained, adding, “Not only is the design of this product great looking, it also helps to protect the clutch assembly in the event of a tip over or crash.” Taylor told us he has seen an increase in demand in the sport bike market and the need for performance products that are made to both perform and look custom. The actions of irresponsible riders on public roads are the major issue he cited as being a threat to the market. “Speeding, wheelies, stopees and other stunts on public roads will ultimately bring the authorities down on all of us – such as loud pipes have done … Do not underestimate the power of a pissed off public,” Taylor explained. He added, opportunities lie in the expanding quality of American-made products from established companies who have solid track records and who service and stand behind their products. “Consumers will pay more for a better product, better quality and better service,” he noted, adding, Barnett’s sales are about even with last year. Taylor concluded by reminding dealers to educate their customers on the importance of buying high quality products from a reputable company.
Barnett Tool & Engineering
2238 Palma Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805-642-9435
Fax: 805-642-9436
www.barnettclutches.com
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“With everything going four stroke, one of Cometic’s biggest performance products would have to be the availability of almost any thickness in a head or base gasket,” spokesperson Jason Moses told us. He explained the head gaskets are made from layers of stainless steel because it transfers heat much faster than a fiber gasket. “This allows the engine to shed the heat faster, improving thermal efficiency and can help prevent over heating with today’s high compression engines,” he added. By using several layers of stainless steel the company is reportedly able to produce gaskets as thin as .018 inches and up to .140 inches thick. “I don’t know of any new trends other than the customer trying to squeeze every bit of performance from his/her engine for a decent price,” noted Moses, who added, Cometic’s gaskets are a very efficient way to achieve this and over the last few years, the company’s sales in this market have increased. “I think gas prices have a significant impact on the street motorcycle market, with gas prices on the rise again for this summer, I’m sure I’ll be riding even more,” Moses said. There are a lot of products out there that enhance performance without sacrificing reliability and the key is to find a suitable combination of what your customer wants and what they can afford, he told dealers.
Cometic Gasket
8090 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077
Phone: 800-752-9850
Fax: 440-354-0350
www.cometic.com |
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Cycle-Rama’s custom
designed, drop-in cams are designed to make max horsepower
and torque with stock heads and displacement, informed Vice
President Pam Brown. She told us she has noticed an
increasing number of higher flowing air filters, plus the
self-tuning engine management systems are improving. Not
working within the EPA guidelines, watching your overhead,
insurance and higher taxes are all threats to the industry,
she explained, adding that on the other hand bolt-on kits
are its biggest opportunity; find a proven combination and
you have yourself a money maker. “The graph is of our
specially designed, stage 1 kit on a 2007 Road King. The kit
consists of our Cycle-Rama bolt-in cams, hi-flow air filter,
exhaust and dyno tuned,” she said. Sales are up over the
year prior, Brown divulged, thanks to the company’s
increased manufacturing of big inch Twin Cam engines.
“Pick proven performance kits and stick with them,”
Brown advised stores.
Cycle-Rama
7200 73rd St., North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: 727-546-0889
Fax: 727-545-1047
www.cycle-rama.com |
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“Dynojet is constantly keeping up with the latest Harley-Davidson models by developing power commander applications as soon as the bikes are available,” stated spokesperson Nelson Yee, who added, “New features for power commander accessories such as the LCD are made available for download on the Web site.” Dynojet works to help the bike perform and with a power commander installed, riders can expect crisper throttle response and better performance, Yee explained. Sales are up as riders realize the benefits of Dynojet’s products and from watching them on the track, he added. “For our products, better knowledge on how other products will benefit from having a power commander installed will help with sales,” he told dealers, adding, “If a customer wants to change pipes during the life of the bike, the same power commander can be used.”
Dynojet Research
2191 Mendenhall Drive
N. Las Vegas, NV 89019
Phone: 800-922-4993
Fax: 702-399-1431
www.dynojet.com |
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“We now manufacture an alternative braking system that allows the rider to operate the rear brake with the middle finger and the clutch with the index finger,” described Geoff Maloney of
GPtech. He told us this system allows the rider to operate the controls with their left hand to give them more control over the rear brake, while still maintaining a comfortable reach to the clutch lever. Rider comfort and eye catching products are two market trends he has noticed, Maloney said, and he believes that the increase in irresponsible riding on roadways is a big threat to the industry. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the acceptance of using motorcycles as a means of transportation, Maloney added. Because riders are planning ahead to next year’s riding season, sales are up, he divulged. “Knowing the product line you are selling helps inform the customer, in turn giving the customer the best advice for his or her options,” Maloney concluded.
GPtech
P.O. Box 325
Richland, MI 49083
Phone: 269-671-4915
Fax: 269-671-4916
www.gptechllc.com |
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“We just released the new Triumph 675 high-flow replacement filter and the Harley-Davidson Sportster RK series intake assembly for 2004-2008 883cc and 1200cc
Sportsters,” K&N Engineering Brand Manager Johnny Jump explained. He told us the Triumph filters fit directly into the stock airbox assembly without the need for cutting or other modifications to the fuel management system. “All of K&N’s OE replacement high-flow filters that are used for the street are covered by K&N’s million mile limited warranty so it never needs to be replaced,” Jump added. He continued by saying the K&N RK series complete intake assembly has been built around an original high-flow K&N filter and it features a billet aluminum backing plate, with a built-in dyno tuned velocity stack and internal run breathers. “It fits neatly behind the stock air-cleaner cover for a factory look,” Jump said. Because of the economy, many consumers have become hesitant to spend their money for aftermarket accessories, but, he noted, “A K&N filter will last the life of the vehicle and can be serviced easily at home or at any dealership.” Work together with the Air Resources board to ensure products are compliant and can get EO numbers so that consumers can feel confident in installing them on their bikes without having to worry about fines, advised Jump. Though sales are the same as last year, Jump said K&N has seen increases in its performance oil filters and at the service counter. “If a customer can get all of his needs met at the dealership, you can be sure he will be back to your store,” he concluded.
K&N Engineering
1455 Citrus St.
Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: 800-858-3333
Fax: 951-826-4001
www.knfilters.com |
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KB Performance Pistons announced the release of its new, expanded piston lineup and new catalog for 2008. The new catalog is easy to read and is organized to clearly identify hypereutectic and forged pistons, the company explained. “It features computer generated drawings instead of photographs to give a clearer idea of how the pistons look,” the company added. KB told us it is offering 29 new forged applications, with 15 of them in the Twin Cam pistons category alone. “We’re also coming out with a new hypereutectic 100 cubic inch Indian piston,” KB said, adding, “Many of our existing pistons feature new, lighter weight designs.” KB noted that offering people a variety and giving people options in the kind of piston they can buy is critical to retaining customers. For that reason, the company explained, it has many different compression ratio offerings on just about all of their pistons.
KB Performance Pistons
4909 Goni Road
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: 775-887-2971
Fax: 775-882-7773 |
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Orient Express now offers a billet quick access clutch cover for the 2006-2008 Kawasaki ZX 14 Ninja, reported Marketing Communications Manager Steve
Ionescu. It has been CNC machined from billet aluminum for a precision fit, with extra depth to accommodate lock up and slider clutches for drag racing, explained
Ionescu, who added, “A quick access secondary outer cover allows for fast clutch changes and adjustments at the track.” One trend he said he has noticed is the increasing emphasis on customization. The increasing number of governmental regulations regarding emissions and sound is a threat, however, it also creates more opportunities for aftermarket companies to supply consumers with alternatives for performance, like turbo systems and nitrous products, Ionescu explained. Overall, sales of street performance products are up when compared to last year, he divulged, which he attributes to increased consumer awareness. “Proper tuning can yield tremendous power, most of which is unmanageable for the average street user,” said
Ionescu. He concluded, “Promoting track day events at local drag race and road race venues will help improve sales.”
Orient Express
28 Grand Blvd., North
Brentwood, NY 11717
Phone: 800-645-6521
Fax: 631-231-9557
www.orientexpress.com |
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New from R/D Spring Corp. are the valve spring kits
#VSK 1002 HD and #VSK 1007 HD, informed spokesperson Zach Jones. “Beehive valve spring kits allow lighter parts with better valve control, giving the bike more power and longer life,” he explained, adding, these kits are available with titanium or lightweight steel top retainers. Smog requirements and the latest law passed in California that stated an individual can only custom make a bike once every five years are the two major threats Jones said he has noticed. He explained his products are focused on the racing market, since nowadays any altering done to the manufacturer’s parts could render the bike illegal for street use. Jones advised dealers to know about what they are selling in regard to reliability and smog requirements.
R/D Spring Corp.
17710 Bangor Ave.
Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 760-948-4698
Fax: 760-948-4856
www.rdvalvespring.com |
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The 107 cid bolt-on big bore kit for 2007-up Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engines is the latest street performance accessory from Revolution Performance, stated owner Brian
Nallin. This kit offers a four cubic inch increase over OEM big bore kits, he explained, as well as up to 30 percent more rear wheel horsepower and torque from stock. It has ten times the wear resistance versus OEM cast iron lined cylinders and offers better overall heat dissipation due to its all aluminum construction, Nallin told us. “Customers are moving towards products that offer a balance of efficiency as well as performance rather than just performance focused components,” he noted. The tightening of regulations regarding emissions is the biggest threat because it can seriously hinder the current and potential sales of camshaft and cylinder head manufacturers, Nallin stated, adding, “The biggest opportunity lies with manufacturers of components such as our all-aluminum cylinders that dissipate heat at a substantial rate and allow for leaner fuel mixtures without sacrificing structural integrity.” Be very aware of both the market you are selling to and the products that you are selling because the potential legal ramifications can be a death blow to small companies in case something goes wrong, advised
Nallin.
Revolution Performance
1312 Pilgrim Road
Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: 866-892-2109
Fax: 920-892-2206
www.revperf.com |
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S&S Cycle Media and Advertising Supervisor Howard Kelly reported the company has released the S&S teardrop air cleaner to fit all big twins from 1993-2008, with the exception of 2008 FLH models. “This air cleaner will work on stock CV carbs or stock single bore throttle bodies,” noted Kelly, who explained that the S&S teardrop air cleaner allows significantly more airflow than a conventional air cleaner. “It looks good and can add three to five horsepower over stock,” he added. Customers are more interested in performance components that will work with a fuel injected bike, he told us, so shops must understand how to work on fuel injection bikes in order to stay in the competition. Lack of dealer education is the biggest threat, stated Kelly, while big opportunities come from S&S’ new emissions certification lab so that the company can work on developing EPA complaint and CARB compliant products. “Performance engine component sales are very strong,” divulged Kelly. He concluded by saying, “S&S offers a training and certification school in which dealers can come in and learn about working on S&S engines and components as well as working on fuel injection. Understanding and being able to service bikes with fuel injection is the future of this industry.”
S&S Cycle
235 Causeway Blvd.
La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: 608-627-1497
www.sscycle.com |
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The direct link race performance kit is an aftermarket tuning and mapping package for any size repair center or dealership, TechnoResearch’s Laura Scaccia told us. “This is a software/hardware combination tool that communicates directly with the stock EFI to enable modifications so that drivers can get their bikes to run the way they want them to,” she explained, adding, “Tuners can monitor and log their data in real time in multiple formats, as well as interface with gas analyzer and O2 controller modules and read other engine parameter data in the process.” Consumers are becoming more interested in the features and capabilities of the products and once they know what’s possible and what’s available, they know a good price to pay for what they want, Scaccia noted. She continued by saying, “When a customer has a bad experience, they are sometimes discouraged enough to shy away from the technology altogether and we have quite a job to do to persuade them it’s worth another try.” Despite the weak economy, Scaccia said TechnoResearch’s sales are up this year, which is due in part to people using their bikes as a primary means of transportation in an attempt to spend less on gas. “To use our product, [dealers] really need to have a dyno on site. While it is possible to tune without one, it would be extremely labor and time intensive,” she concluded.
TechnoResearch
4940 Delemere Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48073
Phone: 248-658-1800
Fax: 248-658-1802
www.technoresearch.com |
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The Ultima programmable ignition kit features an industry standard module with programmed curves suitable for all engines up to Ultima’s 140
ci, stated Ken Francis, vice president of engineering. Other features include intelligent over-voltage/over-current protection, adjustable retard timing and short circuit protection, he explained, adding, the ignition kit includes a single fire coil that puts out over 3,000 volts with fast rise times and high energy. “In performance electronics, people are looking for programmable performance features to custom tailor their unique riding requirements and they want sophisticated data recording features to document their experience,” Francis told us. He added, “The opportunity lies in providing customers of our proprietary Ultima engine and drivetrain products with the means to seek additional performance upgrades through our programmable ignitions, performance spark plug cables, powerful AGM batteries and battery cables.” Performance sales are up, Francis divulged, and the company believes they will continue to grow with the addition of new products that enhance and support the company’s engine and drivetrain components. “Showcase and exhibit these products for customers to see,” he told dealers. Francis concluded by saying, “We package our products to reflect the added excitement the customer is buying into without adding to their cost. A great product deserves a great presentation.”
Ultima Products – Midwest
Motorcycle Supply
2100 State Road Z
Pevely, MO 63070
Phone: 800-325-3914
Fax: 636-931-3300
www.ultimaproducts.com |
As many of these companies stated, it has become more important than ever to know what your local and state legislation entails in regard to emission and sound regulations. Education is the key and by staying well informed about what’s going on in your neck of the woods, you can ensure that you both stock ‘legal’ products as well as make sure your customers use only the best when upgrading the performance of their bike. If you have any questions regarding this material, go ahead and pick up the phone, or fax, or email these companies who are more than willing to answer your questions. We hope you’ve enjoyed this segment on street performance products and don’t forget to read the latest street exhaust market report, elsewhere in this issue.
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