Motorcycle Expos define state of motorcycling industry
Maverick - Mar 3, 2010

In February, Cycle Matters attended two major motorcycle events; The Dealernews International Powersports Expo in Indianapolis, IN, and the Easy Riders V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, OH. Both provided a breath of fresh air in these predominantly depressed economic times.  

More importantly, times that test the souls of die hard motorcycle industry pros that have invested much of their lives building or retailing all things motorcycle.

In today’s economic environment, depressed psychs for those in the motorcycling industry are common. Exhibitors and dealers had their eyes wide open searching for answers to the challenges they face in the marketplace.  

Questions about remaining competitive by providing the best products and services, while upgrading processes and procedures to meet consumer demand for technical improvements and information were dominant in all venues. 

Estimates are that 3 out of 10 U.S. dealers may discontinue operations during this year. Some expressed concern about their own staying power, while others were very optimistic.

Some observed there to be significantly fewer “pioneers” or individuals and companies on the cutting edge of new and innovative motorcycling products. But, multiple choices in aftermarket performance upgrades, accessories, and gear offered visible evidence sufficient to dispute that notion at both of the Expos.  

Industry leaders recognize the motorcycle industry has downsized during the last 13 months. With the reduction of sales revenues, dealers and suppliers have cut staff, and many have had to reinvent themselves to continue as viable businesses.   But, the buzz among all participants was that the industry, and those within it, will survive primarily due to the forces of passionate motorcyclists who buy and ride these finely tuned machines, and the fierce determination of some pretty savvy industry businessmen and women. 

An example of the latter is the “Revive Your Ride!” campaign designed to get customers into local motorcycle, ATV, aftermarket, and service retailers. The Aftermarket Committee of the Motorcycle Industry Council started the campaign specifically to help generate consumer interest in riding and the powersports lifestyle, while building floor traffic and ultimately retail sales for dealers and retailers. Consumers can look for “Revive Your Ride” specials and promotions at participating dealers throughout the industry. 

These industry-leading Expos provided motorcycle retailers, manufacturers of all things motorcycle (from steel to leather and lace, fluids to keep things moving and keep things from moving, from rubber to duct tape, and gear), and members of the media reasons to believe the motorcycling industry is alive and well. 

There were an estimated 2,500 exhibitors at the two Expos.

Here is a glimpse of some of the challenging topics discussed at the expos:

• Retailing in Stores and Online
• Marketing and Advertising
• How to install and operate motorcycle performance electronics
• Boosting power with Supercharging Basics
• Selling successfully to women
• Making cost effective performance improvements, which products deliver the best return, building satisfied customers and more.
• Building a service department that provides customer centered service.
• New performance products: e.g. easy start cams and more.
• Reinventing the industry – surviving the downturn
• Managing the pre-owned market.

As you read these topics and visualize some of the possibilities evolving from the discussion, do you also conclude that consumers have everything to benefit in the year’s ahead?

There were new products in every imaginable category. New products to build, accessorize, and to generate more power for quickness, speed and stopping. There were new lubricants to put into motorcycles to make them run smoother and more efficiently. Paint, graphics, and finish preservation options were abundant.  There were new seats and supports to create a comfortable ride, and new bags and trunks to haul more stuff.  Gear designers continue to create protective garments, which are increasingly stylish. And, there were products to add security, sound, and communication while operating your motorcycle, and tools to take motorcycles apart and put them together.

At the Dealernews International Powersports Expo, a judging committee made up of retailers and buyers chose the 25 new products they feel would have the biggest impact on the 2010 selling season. From those 25, the Top 10 were chosen. They are as follows:

• GP1 EVO by Athena Evolution srl: GP1 EVO is the first ECU that is fully Plug&Play and programmable onto the standard electric system of the most common 2009-2010 off-road injection models.
• BikeCondoms by BikeCondoms, Inc.: BikeCondoms protect against the STDs (Standard Topside Damages) of sun, rain, snow, dirt, dust, and bird droppings
• XBi2 y ChatterBox USA: The XBi2 is the most advanced Bluetooth bike-to-bike communication system in the market. 
• 3/8” Drive Socket Bit sets by Cruz TOOLS. Inc.: 3/8 Drive Socket Bit sets (inch and metric hex Torx) handle the most common powersport vehicle fasteners.
• FUSION by FreyMoto Industries, LLC: Fusion systems are the first plug-n-play, three zone, multi-color LED accent kits.
• Re-Settable Hour Meter by Hardline Products: Re-Settable Hour Meter for 4-Stroke Dirt Bikes, ATV's and UTV's.   Knowing what to service and when is the key to making your engine last.
• Prana Carbon Helmet by Kali Protectives: Weighing 1150 grams, the PRANA Carbon incorporates pyramids of CONTEGOT foam to provide the softest materials by your head, thanks to its Composite FusionT Plus.
• Oil Filter Magnet by Motion Pro: This innovative, innexpensive, powerful earth magnets captures harmful particles smaller than 20 microns that can damage your motor that standard filters leave behind.
• Palm Protectors by Risk Racing: Palm Protectors are a very thin, protective layer offering full coverage protection of the palm as well as the saddle area between the index finger and thumb.
• Fusion Grip Tech with Ergo Wave grips by Risk Racing: Fusion Grip Tech uses bonding strips and spray catalyst to bond grips to handle bars rather than grip glue and safety wire. Use in conjunction with the new Risk Racing Ergonomic Wave Grips and the new Risk Racing Palm Protectors.
  

• Love Handles by Enchantment Motor Sports
• HelmetSeure Helmet Lock by HelmetSecure
• HMK Voyager Boa Boot by HMK
• J-Wheelz by J-Wheelz
• eCaddy Delux GPS Mounting Kits by Leader Motorcycle Accessories
• Clear Pocket Saddle Bag Liner by Bestem USA
• Libert- E Xero by Libert- E Motor
• ProFilter by Maxima
• Armor Rim Strip Tape by Motion Pro
• Shampoo by MotoDuds, Inc.
• Easy Start Cams by S&S Cycle
• ScooterGirls GoGo Gear by ScooterGirls, Inc
• EXO 900 TransformerHelmet by Scorpion Sports, Inc.
• KewlFlow Circulatory Cooling Vest by TechNiche International
• Land and Sea Oil by Lucas Oil 

All products were presented in remarkable color and display to invite motorcycle dealers to purchase large quantities. After all, one of the primary objectives of these expos was to move products from the manufacturer to the retailer.   Many of the manufacturers and distributors were booking orders from retail dealers with substantial economic outcomes; i.e., big dollars.  

There were plenty of tires, exhaust systems in chrome and black, lights, oils and lubricants, heated gear, helmets with innovative features in assorted colors, shapes, and styles.

For motorcyclists, this is an exciting time! 

Motorcyclists can upgrade engine, fuel management, drive train, and electronics to attain maximum power and performance. With the help of industry experts, motorcyclists can create any look and feel they can imagine, starting with frame to components, paint, add-ons, and light features. Motorcyclist can ride on the best tires (with varying compounds for handling and durability), and they can wear the best safety gear available in the history of motorcycling. 

This is an exciting time to be on a motorcycle!