| 2007 Motorcycle
Wheels Market Report
Megan Vickers
Assistant Editor
Photo courtesy of RC Components
Motorcyclists come in all ages and backgrounds and they might like to show off their individual personalities with a great set of wheels. From the classic spoke wheels, to the more edgy colored models, consumers are willing to put down the extra cash for a set of wheels that best fits their style. The following companies have supplied us with information on their latest motorcycle wheels in the hope that your customers can find what they’re looking for.
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The 20x7 forged wheel blank is new from All American Wheel, reported Director of Sales Kim
Hotinger. He explained this is a new tire and wheel size for the motorcycle industry. “Smaller sizes are becoming the trend and wide sizes have slowed down quite a bit,” Hotinger added. He told us All American Wheel has more than doubled its sales with the same customers it has had for the last two years.
All American Wheel Co.
16200 S. Garfield Ave.
Paramount, CA 90723
Phone: 562-602-6560
Fax: 562-408-1959
www.allamericanwheel.com
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The Galespeed wheels are forged aluminum or magnesium wheels in five or 10 spoke designs, noted GPtech owner Geoff Maloney. “Galespeed wheels are forged making the wheel much stronger,” he told us, adding, “The wheels are manufactured to centralize the majority of the weight toward the center of the wheel making it easier to steer and accelerate faster.” These wheels are reportedly available in 10 spoke and five spoke designs in six different finishes and are sold with everything needed for easy installation, except for a sprocket. “Customers shop for appearance and performance,” noted Maloney, and the company’s wheel sales have remained steady for 2007. The Galespeed wheels are made for looks and performance, said Maloney. “A forged wheel is much stronger than a cast wheel – giving the rider a very durable wheel for road or race use. Acceleration and better handling can be expected from upgrading to a set of Galespeed wheels,” he concluded.
GPtech
P.O. Box 325
Richland, MI 49083
Phone: 269-671-4915
Fax: 269-671-4916
www.gptechllc.com
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Gary Carter, owner of Pro-Wheel Racing Components, said, “Our newest product is our MX and offroad motorcycle wheel sets.” These sets feature a new, lighter weight design and can use OEM parts if needed, he explained. “We have noticed consumers want the most bling possible and our color combinations have filled their needs,” he told us. Sales are about the same as last year, Carter divulged, adding, “Overall, maybe they have gone up for the industry, but with the added competition in our particular market [sales] have stayed about the same.” Carter advised to always have at least one wheel set in stock so the consumer can see the product. “Even though a wheel set is an expensive item, it is still an impulse when purchasing a new motorcycle,” he added.
Pro-Wheel Racing
3729 Menzel Lake Road
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Phone: 360-691-6459
Fax: 360-691-1424
www.prowheelracing.com
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“Our attention to detail has caused us to improve even further the look and design of our four most popular Ultima aluminum wheels: the Reckoning, Lethal Weapon, Bayonet II and our famous Maltese wheel design,” informed Vice President of Sales Larry Miller. These wheels provide customers with the opportunity to purchase strikingly designed and matching wheel systems that extend to the belt drive pulleys and stainless steel brake rotors at extraordinary prices – the wheels themselves start at around
MSRP: $399.95, described Miller. He added, “Highly styled wheels continue to be very important in defining a bike as being custom and individualized.” Both the Ultima spoke wheels and aluminum mag style wheels are steady sellers, he told us, adding, “Our continued improvements, styling and competitive pricing make them real crowd pleasers.” Miller concluded by advising dealers to display the wheels on the showroom floor so their customers can connect the dots and visualize them on his or her bike.
Ultima Products
2100 State Road Z
Pevely, MO 63070
Phone: 800-325-3914
Fax: 636-931-3300
www.ultimaproducts.com
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While motorcycle wheels may be expensive, they are a great way for motorcyclists to put forth their personalities for all to see. Keeping a set of wheels displayed on the bike, out on the open floor, can catch the eye of an interested customer and add a few dollars more to the cash register. We hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s motorcycle wheels report and don’t forget to read up on the latest motorcycle tires, elsewhere in this issue. |
