15th annual V-Twin Expo to see exhibitor growth?
WITH the 15th annual V-Twin Expo at Cincinnati, Ohio, fast approaching, final preparations are underway for an event that many in the industry will be hoping will be an event that will show that the wider economic recovery is starting to trickle down convincingly into significant custom parts and accessory revenue growth.
Speaking with Easyriders Events' show organizer Jim Betlach in mid-December, it is apparent that the show continues to attract representation from pretty much all the 'core-competency' vendors in the market, and that there may be some signs of increased vendor confidence.
"There are very few, if any, of what you would term the principal 'players' in the market who will not be at V-Twin Expo again in 2015, one way or another. Many continue to manage their booth size and other expo related spends carefully, but if anything, we are going to have a few more new and returning exhibitors this time than drop-outs.
"That is a good sign for the show, but above all it is a good sign for the market. The show has served the specialty interests of the custom v-twin market through thick and thin," says Betlach.
"This will be the 15th year that V-Twin Expo will have reflected the highly specialized nature of custom market businesses, and there's no question that V-Twin Expo will remain the primary market-specific expo for years to come.
"If we are now going to start seeing stabilization in vendor and visitor numbers, then that gives the market a platform on which to build.
"I have long maintained that for so long as people want to ride Harleys and build custom bikes, there will be a need for an independent business opportunity such as that provided by V-Twin Expo.
"Where else can dealers meet so many of the vendors they could be buying from in such a concentrated way than at a show that is built for that purpose?"
Betlach's question is rhetorical of course, and it is the closest he comes to alluding to the ongoing attempts by other show organizers to stake a claim to V-Twin Expo's turf, and the other pressures, show and otherwise, that the classic B2B expo model is under in North America.
V-Twin Expo has now successfully adjusted its timings to accommodate the two biggest issues that vendor feedback provided. The timing now avoids the distractions of Superbowl Sunday, always the fist Sunday of February, and the decision to abandon the Monday has been proven to be in everyone's best interests in the context of recessionary pressures.
The 2015 V-Twin Expo will open its doors at 9:00 am on Saturday February 7th (to 6:00 pm) at the downtown Duke Energy Convention Center, Elm Street, Cincinnati, and 9:00 am Sunday February 8th (to 5:00 pm).
Latest AMD/Baird dealer survey reveals mixed results
THE results of the latest AMD/Baird quarterly Harley-Davidson authorized dealer survey reveals mixed results among those surveyed (October through mid-November 2014).
Domestic US dealers surveyed reported retail unit sales up by between 5 and 8 percent through mid-November (up as much as 14 percent in the case of used model sales).
However, the results that dealers are achieving from those sales and the other activities within dealerships, suggest that the low level of units being bought at this time of year will continue to leave many stores flat (at best) in terms of profits until volumes pick up again in the spring.
Canadian new unit sales appear to be off by approximately 20 percent, with other international markets essentially flat at this time. The survey revealed increases of between 1-2 percent, but on a small sample.
Contrary to the positive unit performance appears to be largely negative performance in retail results terms, with dealers reporting slightly down retail results in all categories.
Baird asked dealers to rate new unit retail trends by production category. Overall, demand for touring bikes remains robust (likely attributable to the reintroduction of the Road Glide), but statistically and anecdotally dealers are reporting that they are encountering issues with Dyna and Softail sales in particular.
One dealer is quoted as saying that sales in the period were "way down ... like a light switch was turned off", and another reported that sales were "poor, with margin under pressure."
Other dealers stated that "previous model changes missed the mark"; "Harley must figure out a way to drive Cruiser sales"; "initial surge of pent-up Road Glide demand has now tapered off. There are too many carry-overs and not enough changes to model line-up."
While "Softail and Dyna new and used sales have been decreasing drastically over the last couple of years" appears to summarize the feeling of many dealers, others appear to be doing better ... "sales are incredible! Way over last year - up 40+ percent"; "stronger than we expected, much better than last Fall"; "bikes selling the best are used Big Twins."
In terms of the new bike inventory they are carrying, dealers report that it is broadly "balanced" for the time of year, with 60 percent saying that it is "about right", but one in five reporting that it is too low.
Despite used bike retail trends being "solid" on a volume-weighted basis, dealers consider their used bike inventory to be too high, which is likely a result of more frequent trades being seen in association with new bike retail sales.
Indeed, Baird say that they have seen the glut of used bike inventory weigh on used bike trade-in values, a factor in Harley's July decision to cut 2014 new bike production.
In terms of new bike pricing, 56 percent of dealers surveyed report that they are selling bikes bellow MSRP - a number that Baird say that they would consider to be within the "normal" range.
Overall, discounting appears to have moderated from the elevated levels seen during the third quarter - when Harley used promotions to clear out non-current inventory.
Dealers report that the consumer financing environment remains stable, with 57 percent reporting no change, though nearly one in four told Baird that it has been more difficult in the period concerned.
Baird recently established a Harley-Davidson dealer sentiment index, capturing both current and longer term (3-5 year) dealer perspectives.
Additionally, Baird asked dealers to evaluate Harley-Davidson based on the company's level of innovation and return on investment.
Both current dealer sentiment (54 versus 66) and 3-5 year sentiment (60 versus 73) declined on a year-over-year basis – likely attributable to a number of factors, including the strong Rushmore launch last year, difficulty stocking sufficient Street inventory, declining trade-in values, among others. Still, Harley dealers are very satisfied with the company’s level of innovation (74) and return on investment (60).
One dealer said that "Harley's unwillingness to deal with retail issues and competition is a huge concern", while another stated that "2014 had many changes with the Rushmore introductions, while 2015 had few. The price point for Dyna and Softails since standard ABS has made the product price point to high compared to the Touring options. The used market is drying up and scaring our customers. Used motorcycles are not holding their value.”
Conversely, proving that Baird's research genuinely picks up a full spectrum of feedback, another dealer stated that "it is an amazing time to be a Harley dealer!"
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. is an employee owned wealth management, capital markets, asset management and private equity firm that was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company says that it currently has $105 billion in client assets.
Any AMD readers who would like to see this or future AMD/Baird quarterly Harley-Davidson dealer surveys in full, or any authorized Harley-Davidson dealers who would like to participate in future surveys, can contact AMD’s Information Editor Sara Viney by email (sara@dealer-world.com).
W&W expands product line
W&W Cycles continues to introduce parts for Harley-Davidsons that are based on classic pieces, and among the latest of these new options is a telescopic fork designed after the Ceriani front end that was standard equipment on XR and XRTT 750 factory and production race bikes.
The new T35 Dirt Track front end from W&W features cast aluminum triple trees with integrated 1in handlebar clamps and lower legs machined from billet aluminum. Total claimed weight is about 5kg less than a stock 35mm Narrow Glide fork. The width is 170mm (fork tube center to fork tube center) so it requires narrow aluminum hubs and corresponding brakes, and the handlebar mounting clamps are spaced 75mm (center to center). Like the original Ceriani pattern it features a friction disc steering damper with a large adjuster wheel.
The fork is intended for lighter weight bikes with a dry weight near 200kg. Caliper brackets and anchors need to be fabricated.
A second front end option now offered by W&W are the adjustable fork cartridges from Andreani. The cartridges replace the factory internals, feature a 20mm piston and provide a complete range of adjustment possibilities. Compression damping, rebound and spring pre-load can be tuned to the rider’s specific requirements. Each kit consists of two hydraulic cartridges complete with compression/rebound pistons, necessary shims, fork springs and top adjusting screws. Two versions are available for ’06-’13 Dyna models or ’02 onward Sportsters.
Fork modifications required for the installation of the Andreani cartridges are non-reversible.
The Six Days headlight by LSL is a classically styled headlamp that uses a side mount installation. Available in all black or black with a chrome bezel, the light features a modern prismatic reflector and a clear lens. The 5-3/4in light houses an H4, 12V, 60/55W bulb.
Available from W&W to work with the Six Days light are matching LSL sidemounts. The universal, two-piece clamp mounts are machined from billet aluminum and available for both 39mm and 41mm fork tubes, and in a choice of 67mm or 83mm lengths. The shorter versions feature extra holes for turn signal mounting.
Further LSL options available through W&W include the Clubman grips. The slim bodied rubber grips have a non-slip surface, and are supplied open ended for use with bar weights or turn signals, but end plugs to close them are provided. In black only, the grips are 125mm long and work with ’74 onward handlebar controls on 1in bars.
If the grips are left open, Oberon handlebar end mirrors can be used. The adjustable bar end mirrors fit handlebars with an internal diameter of 22mm. They are CNC machined from T6 billet aluminum, and the mirror can fold through 220 degrees, which tucks the mirror in past the bar end when space is tight.
The adjustable bar end mirror, in black or silver anodized finish, is more than just a mirror, as it also acts as a bar end weight to reduce handlebar vibrations.
Based on the design of the handlebar used on 1983 and ‘84 XR1000 models, the Malibu handlebars from Bates have a 1in diameter and an overall width of 81cm. The steel bars can be ordered in chrome or black powder coat and without dimples for use on H-D models up to ’81, or with dimples for bikes ’81 onward.
A quick and easy way to change the look of the stock gas cap is to use the Moon gas cap cover from W&W. It is glued onto the stock or similar gas cap with a few drops of silicone, or optionally with a few additional side-mounted set screws. The cast aluminum cover is a universal fit on all gas caps with 72.5mm or smaller outer diameter.
W&W CYCLES AG
Wuerzburg, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)931 250 61 16
sales@wwag.com
www.wwag.com
Burly Bagger bars for 2014 Touring Models
BURLY has introduced a line of bars specifically designed for use on 2014 Touring models. The new 1-1/4in diameter handlebars are being offered in a choice of 13in or 15in heights. The bars taper at the ends to allow the use of stock hand controls and are dimpled and drilled for internal wiring.
The bends in the bars have been designed to allow them to fit around the bike’s gauges while not interfering with speakers or fairing-mounted mirrors.
The new handlebars, which are ride-by-wire ready, are available in a choice of chrome or black finishes.
BURLY BRAND PRODUCTS
La Palma, California, USA
Tel: 714 523 8700
info@burlybrand.com
www.burlybrand.com
Headwinds 7in LED headlight
HEADWINDS has now launched a new 7in diameter LED headlamp, which features a 12/15W high/low beam.
The company states that its LED light is both brighter and whiter than halogen equivalents. In addition it is suggested that there will be no need to replace bulbs as the LEDs used are energy efficient, solid-state units that can also withstand shock and vibration.
The die-cast aluminum housing of the Headwinds LED light has integrated cooling fans to provide maximum protection.
HEADWINDS, Inc.
Monrovia, California, USA
Tel: 626 359 8044
sales@headwinds.com
www.headwinds.com
Bagger exhausts from Freedom
FREEDOM Performance is making its Combat slip-ons to fit ’95-’15 Dresser models. The 4.5in diameter mufflers have 2-1/2in louvered to 3in stepped Bandit performance baffles or optional quiet baffles, and are offered in a choice of chrome or hi-temp black finishes with three billet tip options.
While Freedom Performance slip-ons fit Harley-Davidson stock and competitor true dual headers, the company suggests that for the biggest performance improvements the Combats are matched to a set of its headers, i.e. Standard True Duals Headers or Right-Side Tuck & Under Headers.
Freedom Performance’s Right-Side Tuck & Under True Dual headers are a true dual system with no crossover, which also eliminate the catalytic converter. The pipes are made up of 1-3/4in headers and 220-degree, 16-gauge heavy duty, full-coverage 2-1/2in heat shields, and O2 ports and plugs are provided for early models.
Available in black or chrome, two versions of the Right-Side Tuck & Under True Dual headers are offered for ’95-’08 models and for ’09-‘15 bikes.
FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST
Gardena, California, USA
Tel: 310 324 0415
info@freedomperform.com
www.freedomperform.com
Intake options from Mid-USA
AMONG the intake options being offered by Mid-USA there is a performance intake kit for Big Twin applications. The kit replaces the OE air cleaner and is said to offer a significant power increase. Available in black or chrome, the intake kits fit Big Twin models ’01 onwards (except Touring models ’08 onwards).
A second intake option now offered by Mid-USA is a high flow air filter element for OE air cleaners. The washable and re-usable, high flow, four-layer cotton element is said to increase air flow while offering excellent filtration for long engine life. Filters are available for Big Twin Evolution ’90-’99 with carburetor, Twin Cam models ’99-‘06 with carb and Softail ’01 onward with EFI, FLT models ’08 onward and Sportsters ’88-‘03.
MID-USA MOTORCYCLE PARTS
Hazelwood, Missouri, USA
Tel: 314 595 5555
midusa@mid-usa.com
www.mid-usa.com
International Aftermarket Directory
After
years of planning and months of trying to find a suitable production
slot, we here at AMD Magazine are now pleased to be able to confirm that
the long-awaited update of the acclaimed AMD International Aftermarket
Vendor Directory and Builder Book (buyer's guide) is now in the final
production stage.
The
final listings refinements are being undertaken this week, and all
advertising artwork needs to be headed our way week commencing January
5th.
This 2015/16 edition will be over 200 pages and for the first time ever will appear both in print and as a digital edition.
The
hot news is that it will be available as a platform-optimized online
resource and as a searchable download for your own long-term reference.
