Feb 2, 2008
Well, it’s the first “real” day of trudging through 300+ vendors (may be more) here in chilly Cincy and besides my feet and back killing me, i have to say things are starting to look a bit more promising. Initially, I’d had some concerns about this years event. Not sure if it was because of over hyping or hearing that some vendors were opting out or seeing that the industry is going though so many changes (good and bad). Whatever it was, I am apparently over IT. Granted, alot of us are still concerned about the continued price increases in products we depend on (note: almost ALL the tire mfg’s present just released their new pricing, and they show 6-9% increases, across the board). Oh, and what about Custom Chrome being sold to a Korean company? Global Motorsports Group unloaded Custom Chrome to Korean Dae-II corporation, (the guys that make the RevTech engines/transmissions). Former Founder/CEO Nace Panzica is returning to take the helm after being gone for 8 years. Deal should be completed by March.
Whatever your view on the industry is at this point, the question looms overhead like a giant dark cloud….”where and what, is the marketplace going to do and look like in the long term”? I can say from a industry participant perspective, there are ALOT of companies that just 2 years ago were making a killing providing specialty item(s), that just aren’t around anymore. And if they have survived, they have vastly changed their profile line(s). Whatever happens, you can bet your mothers fine china that this industry will bounce back; different granted, but at least back.
Heading though the huge lobby area at the Duke Auditorium you not only wade through crowds of people, but find yourself gawking at an impressive display showing some of histories motorcycle racing legends….such as the worlds fastest motorcycle and other history makers. However, your also bombarded with banners, signs, personalities (is that Paul Sr and Jr walking with “handlers“?…hmmmm. And what is Dale Jr. doing here and who is that Yellow Man advertising the Motorcycle Monster website?).
Entering the convention hall, you are confronted with some of the most amazing examples of “display craftsmanship” you an imaging: Metal Towers, Flashing Lights, Women, Rotating Merchandise, Sound systems, Glitter, Women, Banners, Demo Tables, Setting Areas, Women (you get the point). One of the first one you can’t miss is Corbin’s rotating and well designed new bagger collection. I have to admit, i fondled the merchandise way too long and if your going the bagger route, you have to seriously consider their product.
One company i spent almost all day trying to find was 360 Brake! As many of our readers know, Guilty Customs is in the midst of a build for Gatorz Eyewear and part of the original concept drawings was to have a seemingly “floating” wheel/tire setup using clear wheels and a minimally visible braking system. 
Initially 360 Brake was one of the companies that stated they wished to participate in the project. However, things went a bit sideways internally with the company, but after much maneuvering and back-to-basic’s management efforts, they have re-emerged a new improved 360 Brake! Thank goodness. Spending time with company President, Dale Needleman, i found that not only have they retested, refined and redesigned the product, they have done the same with the company. I’m looking forward to having additional discussions with Dale and then moving forward in getting a set of 360 Brakes for the Gatorz build.
One last comment. There is a company coming into the market with what i believe is probably the most authentic “era” bikes around. The company is called ZERO Engineering. As you will hear them say often, “Zero combines form and function with minimal frills, gadgets, and chrome, each bike meticulously built by hand with uncompromising style, beauty and attention to detail”. And we can attest to that attention to detail, authenticity and quality. Talking with Hiro Sasaki and seeing their bikes it made myself (and a lot of others) acknowledge that Zero Engineering has hit the mark on all points. The program at ZERO is that the bikes are designed overseas (you should see their paint jobs!) and built in Las Vegas, NV. The attention to quality, detail and authenticity is truly amazing and with production of the Samurai Chopper Type 6 being limited to only 24 in 2008, I’m sure they will go fast! If your wanting to inquiry about being a dealer, you should contact Hiro Sasaki. His email is hiro@zero-eng.com and tell em’ Guilty sent ya! Zero, is a Licensed and Registered NHTSA Manufacturer.
Jay, thanks for the catch on the error of the date! I’m sure there are others that have comments and agree with your view of the ‘net ho’s’. etc.
Cj
A couple of points re: the sale of Custom Chrome to Daell USA headed by Nace Panzica. The deal will be completed by March ’08 not March ’09. Also, tires are not the only product with an across the board price increase. Oil has also gone up. Too many people in our industry have unrealistic expectations when it comes to pricing of everyday products. Among other things, we have internet parts prostitutes to thank for negatively impacting our local bike shops. Every time a customer patronizes one of these ‘net hos to save a buck or two, the harder it is for shops and distributors to make a living. The industry hopefully will bounce back but it’s time for every one of us to take a hard look in the mirror and evaluate what our role is in creating a healthy enviornment where we can all thrive.