Electronics Market Report 2009
As riders look to add more high tech gadgets and gizmos to their motorcycles, it is important that they understand what is available to them. From lights, to radios, to ignition systems and even fuel injection control modules, consumers need to know the benefits and features of each product. Additionally, it is a good idea to let them know what it will mean to the bike’s existing electrical system when they add on each item, thus resulting in their need for a new battery, or a battery charger. We contacted a number of the industry’s leading providers of electrical components for this month’s Market Report.
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[no photo – feature opener] “Through years of advanced research in battery electronics and electrochemistry, CTEK (pictured above)has developed battery chargers with superior technology that save time, money and aggravation by maximizing battery life and performance,” stated spokesperson Matt Ingram, who continued by saying, “With a patented ‘pulse’ switch mode charging cycle, CTEK battery chargers can be left on the battery for any length of time without the worry of overcharging or gassing the battery.” The company has recently launched its patented comfort indicator that is designed to let the user actually ‘see’ the battery and its state of charge, he told us. “These comfort indicators have three LED lights built into them – green (the battery is in good shape), yellow (charge soon or risk sulfating the battery) and red (charge it right away),” Ingram explained, adding, “With one simple glance, the dealership or consumer can tell that the battery is in good shape or if it could use a charge. This can not only make a battery last longer and perform better, but also save riders from the frustration and hassle of breaking down on the road due to battery failure.” Motorcycle electronics have become more advanced over the past couple of years as companies tailor their own products instead of adapting from another, he noted, and CTEK has noticed more riders are adding electronic accessories to their bikes, such as clocks, GPS systems and digital gauges making the load on the battery greater. “This extra electronic draw drains down the battery faster causing premature failure,” he said, “With the addition of CTEK’s comfort indicator along with a CTEK battery charger, this risk is reduced if not eliminated.” In times like these, the consumer is holding on to a vehicle longer instead of purchasing a new one as often, Ingram explained, and they seem to be spending more money on customizing and accessorizing their existing vehicle along with being more conscious of performing proper maintenance to get the most from their bike. “CTEK has seen substantial growth in numbers compared to last year. We have found that consumers have become more ‘savvy’ and educated in properly maintaining their vehicles,” he added. CTEK Power
www.ctek.com
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New from Electrical Connection is the BMW CANbus lighting and trailer isolators that are designed to allow the use of aftermarket lighting on the bike or trailer without affecting the CANbus box, described President Lewis Preston. He told us he has noticed the OEMs are using smaller wires in their systems to reduce costs and lighten the vehicle’s overall weight; however, this also reduces the capacity for adding extra lighting. The two main threats to the motorcycle electronics market are the cheap imported knock-offs and technicians who are not trained properly in electronics, stated Preston. He told us the company has worked on selling parts that make adding additional electronics easier and which are simple to troubleshoot if needed. “We try to develop products that don’t require the installer to have an electronics degree,” he added. Electrical Connection’s overall sales have been up, which Preston said he believes is because consumers are becoming more aware of easy installation options such as ‘plug-and-play’ products. Preston concluded by reminding stores, “It’s becoming more difficult to just simply tap something into the bike’s wiring without affecting other circuits. Use external fuse blocks and ground blocks and you don’t run the risk of damaging the bike, or more importantly, voiding warranties.”
Electrical Connection
www.electricalconnection.com
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Greg Tysor reported EMGO International has released new technology for classic British electrical components, including Lucas type replacement stators, rotors and HT pick-ups. He told us he has noticed previously hard to get parts or even discontinued parts are now being made available for the classic machines. Like the rest of the industry, the economy is the biggest threat to the motorcycle electronics market, he explained, however, older bikes are being resurrected and that’s providing a great source of alternative income. Sales are up, Tysor divulged, since EMGO sells a lot of parts for the older machines and business is very good right now. “Don’t assume because a bike is old that parts are not available,” he advised, “A restored older bike on display is always an attention grabber. It doesn’t have to be a Vincent, just a clean classic.”
EMGO International
Phone: 770-944-3532
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The Find It Now GPS security system has a 360_ motion sensor that alerts the customer instantly if anyone moves or tampers with the powersports product, described Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ray
Banken. Riders can track their bikes 24/7 via any Internet connection and the system has an internal backup battery in case the power is cut, he explained, adding the system also features stealth installation with no lights or identifying markings and comes with a complete package that includes roadside assistance and theft guarantee. With parts and labor costs in the U.S. more than foreign markets, foreign companies are able to build less quality at less cost and pass inferior products into the U.S. market, Banken stated, adding, “Electronics are getting more high tech and with the economy the way it is, theft is on the rise and electronics that protect your assets are becoming more in demand.” The demand is there and everyone likes the latest gadgets, he told stores, and dealers should let their customers know what is available.
Find It Now USA
www.finditnowusa.com
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Dave Sieve, vice president of sales, reported the Ultima single fire programmable ignition system is a made in the U.S.A. electronic ignition system packaged with the finest coil at a very competitive price. “They feature an industry standard electronic module with programmed curves suitable for all engines up to our monster 140 C.I. El Bruto engine.” Other features are said to include intelligent over-voltage/over-current protection, adjustable retard timing, plus short circuit protection. The ignition kit includes a single fire coil that puts out over 45,000 volts with fast rise times and high energy, added Sieve. “People are looking for intelligently designed and smartly priced products. Our ignition kit is available as module-only or as a complete kit and the software can be purchased separately for the widest array of options and savings,” he explained, adding, “These are times when the smartest products rise to the top; we are designing the product essentials to deliver style and performance at extra savings for customers and the best margins for dealers.” The company’s sales are up, said Sieve, which is reflected in their further developments in electronic products, like an extended line of spark plug wires, batteries, AGM batteries and battery cables. Put these products on display, he exclaimed, “We take the extra measure of providing attractive packaging designed with informative information without adding to the cost of the item and intruding upon dealer margins. These are very competitively priced electronic products.”
Ultima Products – Midwest Motorcycle Supply
www.ultimaproducts.com
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Whether your customers are interested in adding on lights, stereo systems, or upgrading the battery, keep in mind the benefits and features of each item, as well as the proper methods of installing them on the machine. If you have any questions pertaining to the products mentioned in this feature, use the contact list provided to gather more information from the company.
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