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Street Apparel Review
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Photo courtesy of Parker Synergies |
Today’s motorcycle enthusiasts are not just looking for apparel that will keep them protected should they sustain a fall off their bike. Comfort and style is just as important to riders. Because it’s difficult for consumers to buy these items online, it is a good idea for you to stock a variety of size and color options in each jacket, pant, vest, chaps, etc., for those consumers who aren’t interested in waiting around for you to special order them. The following companies have offered up their latest to help you decide which products you should consider keeping in stock.
Megan Vickers
Assistant Editor |
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The new AXO J Air
jacket from AXO Sport America comes in both men’s and
women’s sizes and features top grade hide with solid
perforated panels, stated Marketing Manager Collin Myers. The
jacket also comes with an anti-bacterial and polyester lining
with three inner pockets, plus reflective inserts, padded
shoulders, neck and waist cinches, described Myers. “We see
a lot more riders spending more money on jackets and boots for
comfort and style,” he noted, adding, “Our sales are up
because we have items street customers can buy at a reasonable
price.” Listening to your customers is the most important
thing a retailer can do, said Myers. He explained, “Talk to
them and ask what they like and why. Learn from them.” |
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“All Cortech and
Tour Master products are known for quality materials,
innovative features and sharp styling and these new designs
continue this heritage,” said Helmet House National
Marketing Manager Richard Kimes. New from Cortech is
the GX Sport Jacket, which features a performance cut, 600
Denier Carbolex shell that incorporates 1680 Denier ballistic
polyester elbows, shoulders and back impact panels, Kimes told
us, adding, the jacket features a Mandarin style collar with a
soft microfiber trim and the waterproof zippered chest vents
combined with sleeve vents, rear exhaust vents and the
Pipeline Ventilation System provide flow-through ventilation.
The GX Sport Jacket is said to be available in black, red,
blue, yellow and silver, in men’s sizes XS-4XL (4XL black
only) and men’s tall MDT-3XLT. New from Tour Master,
the Transition Jacket comes with removable, CE approved armor
at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated triple density
back protector, vertical zippered chest map pockets, zippered
hand pockets with flap closure, internal media pocket, dual
zippered fanny pack and sleeve key pocket, Kimes explained. A
collar anchor snap eliminates flapping while the collar is
open and a waterproof, breathable Rainguard barrier allows
rain protection without perspiration buildup, he said. Also
new, the Tour Master Synergy Electric Heated Jacket Liner
features a comfortable rip stop nylon shell with a soft
taffeta lining, 100 gm Polyfill insulation, lightweight and
flexible carbon fiber heating elements for consistent heat and
a heated collar to help seal out the cold and wind, said Kimes.
It is machine washable and is available in black, in sizes
XS-4XL, said Kimes. “Both Tour Master and Cortech apparel
sales are up significantly due to our attractive,
feature-packed designs, very competitive suggested retail
pricing, our integrated marketing program and healthy dealer
margins,” divulged Kimes. He concluded by saying,
“Multi-bike ownership is up and riders are seeking a variety
of gear that addresses specific riding conditions and
styles.” |
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Tucker Rocky’s Apparel Merchandise Manager Mark Salvatore reported the company now offers a new collection: the
Firstgear TPG (Technical Performance Gear) layered system outer garments focuses on the high mileage rider who wants a feature rich, three season product. These garments feature a waterproof, breathable outer shell to keep the wearer dry and comfortable, Knox CE armor to protect shoulders and elbows, Teramid with Kevlar underlay in the shoulders and elbows for improved durability and protection, as well as a windproof, water-resistant liner that can also be worn as a stand alone jacket, Salvatore told us. He said he has noticed that there has been an increased interest in functional features, like ventilation, waterproofing and comfort, by today’s riders. “Street apparel sales are up compared to last year due to new product,” he added. “While understanding features and benefits are helpful, having inventory really tops the list,” said Salvatore, who continued, “For the most part, apparel sales are still impulse purchases, so having the inventory on the floor allows the customer to fill that impulse. If the size is not there, the sale can walk. Rarely will a consumer want to wait another day for their size. Impulses are looking for instant gratification.” |
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The heated glove liner is the latest from
Gerbing’s Heated Clothing, reported COO Chris Haffly. “The heated glove liner is a very thin heated glove designed to be worn inside your existing gloves,” he explained, adding, “The gloves use our new patent pending microwire heating technology, which is the most efficient and durable heating system ever developed.” The heating wires are reportedly unnoticeable and provide heat along the length of each finger as well as to the back of the hand. The glove liners are made of a stretch Cordura fabric to allow them to form-fit to your hand, Haffly said. The glove liner has always been highly requested, Haffly stated, and the new design and technology used makes it the best glove liner the company has ever offered. “Our sales are very seasonal, so as we go through the warmer months, our sales are down, however, we have been able to expand our market internationally to regions such as Australia where their cooler time is our summer season,” noted
Haffly. It is important for dealers to keep Gerbing’s products out and displayed on the floor all year long, advised
Haffly, who concluded by saying, “Plant the seed early and take advantage of high peak customer traffic in the warmer months to show the products before your customers put their toys away.” |
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“Highway One’s Eureka Reversible Jacket is two jackets in one,” exclaimed Motorcycle Stuff’s Ashlie Smith. “It can be worn as a leather jacket when the sun is shining and, when the rain starts falling, the jacket can be reversed to expose a nylon water-resistant shell that provides protection,” she explained. The jacket features top quality cowhide leather, a water-resistant nylon liner, two front and one large rear zippered vents for airflow and a snap closure side belt with zippered sides for waist adjustment, described Smith. “The Eureka Reversible Jacket is available in sizes S to 3XL,” she added. |
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Joe Rocket spokesperson Adam Fox told us the company offers a number of new products for 2008. First up is the Meteor 6.0 jacket, which is 100 percent waterproof and features the Variable Flow ventilation system. “There does not exist in the market, a textile jacket that offers such waterproofing and breathable characteristics together in one versatile jacket,” he said. Next is the Joe Rocket Speedmaster 7.0 glove that offers streamlined styling and functional aerodynamics engineered with help from six time AMA Superbike Champion Mat
Mladin, noted Fox. “Constructed from cowhide and kangaroo, the glove is lined with heat and abrasion resistant Kevlar for optimized protection,” he said. The officially licensed Kawasaki men’s leather heavy jacket features 1.2 mm dull finish cowhide, CE protectors and special Kawasaki logos, badges and identification, Fox told us. Another new product he wanted to tell us about is the Joe Rocket Ladies Blaze jacket, an officially licensed Kawasaki product, which features a combined, high tenacity mesh and hitena shell, CE protectors and special Kawasaki badges. The officially licensed Yamaha Joe Rocket Champion Superbike jacket is made of premium cowhide and comes with CE rated protectors, plus Yamaha badges and identification, said Fox. The Joe Rocket Ladies Luv Mesh officially licensed Yamaha jacket comes with a combined high tenacity mesh and hitena nylon shell, he described, adding, the Joe Rocket Men’s Suzuki Superbike Replica jacket is a heavy jacket that features 1.2 mm dull finish cowhide, CE protectors and special Suzuki logos, badges and identification. Sales are up this year, noted Fox. “Retailers need to know how to properly fit their customers into the apparel that is best suited for their riding style,” he explained, adding, “Too often people are riding around in ill fitting gear. A motorcycle jacket must fit properly in order to provide the maximized protection that it was designed for.” |
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Kimpex spokesperson
Marie-Josée Turcotte reported the company’s latest street apparel products are the Win-Tec men’s and women’s jackets and the Rhyno
rainsuits. “Win-Tec clothing are 100 percent polyester with Dentik membrane,” said
Turcotte. “Dentik membrane provides an effective lightweight barrier from the wind and offers waterproof properties but yet remains breathable,” she explained, adding, “It keeps the wind and water out while it wicks away moisture from your body keeping you warmer and dyer. Dentik membrane lets you move freely but still remains a strong shell and a great temperature regulator.” The jackets reportedly feature 3M reflective piping, a YKK waterproof zipper on the front, neoprene cuffs, plus strong elbow patches, two chest pockets and two side pockets. The Rhyno rainsuits include a jacket that features a black nylon mesh liner, black corduroy pad collar with black Velcro closure, double cuffs, back elastic band waist and two way black pockets on the bottom flap of the pocket with Velcro closure, described
Turcotte. The pants come with an elastic band, two elastic suspender bands, plastic button, flared legs with zipper flap and the end of the leg comes with an elastic band and Velcro closure, she concluded. |
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The new Kobe Aggressor gloves feature carbon armor, flow-through venting, Kevlar protection and race grade leather stitched with Kevlar thread, stated company President Paul Wright. “But the main ‘feature’ is the overall high quality of the materials and construction for a low retail cost of $79,” added Wright. The quality of most apparel is up right now, he explained, particularly leather apparel, while the retail prices have remained about the same or even dropped a little, which is good news for retailers and their consumers. “Kobe apparel sales are consistently up every year and 2007 has been a good growth year for us,” he told us. Dealers should remember that their “sales people have to explain not only the features and benefits of the product but they have to explain and sell the product based on its value to the customer, especially when it comes to safety issues – dress for the slide, not for the ride,” reminded Wright. |
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The Ladies Crystal Skull long sleeve tee is made of 100 percent cotton, explained
Motorsport Brands. “Women bikers are looking for more items with
bling!” they exclaimed, adding, the company’s sales have gone up over the past year because of its increased exposure to the market. “We offer great margins to dealers and ship out in 48 hours,” the company explained, adding, “Our apparel will stop your customers in their tracks!” |
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Bruce Parker of Parker Synergies announced the company is introducing an entirely new line of Honda licensed and branded apparel for the 2008 season (pictured on page 14). Project H™ apparel, which includes branded products like leather jackets, textile jackets as well as casual wear, “will be available to dealers through Tucker Rocky as the exclusive distributor.”
"Our new agreement with American Honda presents a great opportunity," said Parker. "We intend to bring innovative style and function to [dealers and] the Honda rider," he added. |
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“The AIR jacket is the latest lightweight summer specific jacket in the
REV’IT! collection,” stated spokesperson Ali Biagi, who added, “It combines lightweight abrasion resistant materials along with mesh panels to provide the ultimate in summer breathe-ability. These materials, combined with CE approved Knox armor at a competitive price, make the AIR a great jacket for the rider who demands protection and style.” Biagi told us the company has noticed an increase in the popularity of lighter and brighter color schemes, instead of all black gear. REV’IT!’s street apparel sales have reportedly increased every year it has been sold in the US. “The quality, style and functionality of our products are our largest advocate,” said
Biagi, who concluded by saying, “It is important to stock a variety of size and color options for your customers. This gives the customer an option to select the product they want without having to wait for a shop to special order the product.” |
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RoadKrome boots, gloves, jackets, vests and chaps offer style, comfort and fit at good prices, with a great dealer margin, noted Nichols Motorcycle Supply owner and President Mark
Wickler. He told us, “Protective riding apparel that also can be used as every day casual wear is what sells, but pricing has to be in line with the US retail market –
non-powersports retail stores.” Street apparel sales are up 225 percent, said
Wickler, who explained, new designs, new vendors, a new (lower) price structure and dealer stocking programs have attributed to this increase. For the boots, he suggested stores display them like shoe stores do and to order them from the distributor’s stock. The gloves should be stocked in all sizes and only three to five models of jackets should be stocked in the popular sizes, he added. “Always have 10-20 manufacturer catalogs handy for customers. Our RoadKrome brand fits this strategy well – catalogs are free,” he explained. |
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The Shubandit Shifter Skinz are “the only way to safely and effectively eliminate gear shifter scuff marks,” explained spokesperson Clint Moore. “It’s not just about good protective riding apparel anymore,” he said, adding, “Fashion is now seen in all the apparel that is selling well this year.” Sales have more than tripled this year, divulged Moore, “since we have perfected the Shifter Skinz by incorporating strap protectors, letting the user walk on the product without it wearing out the elastic bottom straps and word of mouth has played a big role for this.” Displaying the product correctly and having them stick out in the apparel/accessories department to be seen by all is the most important thing a retailer needs to know, stated Moore. “Each separate brand item needs its own section,” he added. |
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From jackets, to gloves, to boots, to suits, these companies are hoping your customers can find what they’re looking for to keep them well protected – and looking good – whenever they take their bikes out for a spin. As many of them said before, keeping these apparel products well displayed and in stock should help your customers decide which items they want to wear home. We hope you enjoyed this month’s motorcycle street apparel feature and be sure to check out our reports on motorcycle textiles and luggage products, elsewhere in this issue.
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