Twin Power : The Twin Power brand was first established as a line of high quality replacement motor parts by Jim Thompson , Charlie Hadayia Sr . and others for NEMPCO ( The New England Motor Parts Company ) in 1982 . Fast forward to 2017 , and the Twin Power program is now headed up for Biker ’ s Choice and Tucker Rocky by former S & S Cycle and Baker Drivetrain man James Simonelli . Recent additions include technical components such as replacement primary chains , cam chain tensioner shoes , a 34-tooth compensator eliminator sprocket , clutch kits , valve and spring kits , cam and primary chains , manual primary chain adjuster and , most recently , what is believed to be the only replacement for the Harley camshaft position sensor . “ From pistons for Ironhead Sportsters to high-tech lithium ion batteries , we have more performance parts for more applications than ever , tested in independent labs to ensure that they fit and work like they should ,” says James . Check out the new Twin Power website at www . twinpower-usa . com
“ the similarities are a big part of what attracted me ”
“ Number Two - MAG is a brand business with its own specific needs . Whether manufactured or third party sourced , and with MAG , as everyone knows , our products are mostly made here in the United States in our own factories , brand management and product development brings its own set of challenges , requirements and opportunities . That ’ s why separation of brands from distribution is a big part of the strategic three-business model we are building . “ Number Three - our retail group , with Motorcycle Superstore and J & P Cycles , is again a separate business discipline , and is therefore a third unit within the combined MAG entity . “ So , to answer concerns and comments that we have heard about taking some of the historically TR brands , especially some of the apparel lines , and placing them into our brand business , well that makes strategic good sense . People who manage brands need to be allowed to focus on doing that . The distribution business can then be entirely focused on providing our dealers with the great products and services they need to capitalize on the many opportunities they have . Opportunities to profitably grow their businesses by helping their customers enjoy their motorcycling experience . “ Three distinct businesses , our Brand Group , our Distribution arm and our Retail e-commerce operation , three distinct business opportunities , each with their specific characteristics and requirements .” We went on to discuss the decision that the owners took to bring in an outside CEO , one who could settle the operation down , exploit available synergies and eliminate duplications . Graves was equally to the point : “ There was no obvious CEO candidate within the management of the two businesses pre-merger , no natural leader . So the decision to look outside made complete sense , and also offered the benefit of having someone with fresh
perspectives and experiences .” Asked to give a frank impression of what he thought about what he found when he started in January 2015 , Graves ’ answers went straight to the sometime benefits of those outside perspectives in their precision and simplicity . “ Well , this is a seasonal business ,” he said .
Progressive Suspension : The industry continues to put great effort into and emphasis on sales rep training , and quite rightly . As one of the most important sets of eyes and ears that a custom shop owner has for knowledge and , above all , context , such investments speak to a market ’ s long-term viability and vendor ’ s ability to “ drill down ” through the channels ; www . progressivesuspension . com
BikeMaster : One of the largest in-house brand parts and accessory programs for Tucker Rocky and Biker ’ s Choice , BikeMaster was established in 1981 by riders as the “ wrencher ’ s friend ”. Brand Manager Phillip Mayfield says “ whether you ' re a professional mechanic , or just enjoy working on your own projects , BikeMaster has the right tools and parts to get the job done . Central to the program is our understanding that quality and performance is what every motorcycle workshop and owner is looking for . Our chemicals and replacement parts provide O . E . M . quality and performance . Our batteries , tools , tubes , chain and sprockets , grips , fork seals , levers , handlebars , air and oil filters , along with hundreds of other BikeMaster branded products provide dealers with retail versatility through service , parts and sales departments . Our dedication to serve our dealers through personal and immediate customer service means we ’ ll always have their back ”; www . bikemaster . com
20 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - APRIL 2017 www . AMDchampionship . com