Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/288267
FOCUS PSB V-twin www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • April 8, 2014 • 15 14 • April 8, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Experience, R&D lead to high-quality products BY LIZ KEENER MANAGING EDITOR With more than four decades in the automotive industry, ACCEL Performance Group is well known for its various ignition and charging system components for cars and trucks. But its powersports division isn't new to the game either, with 30 years under its belt serving the V-twin motorcycle segment. STEALTH SUPERCOIL ACCEL creates ignition coils, charging com- ponents, spark plugs and other products for V-twin motorcycles. Its most recent product is the Stealth SuperCoil, which features a cast alu- minum cover that holds the coil in place while also acting as a functional heat sink, pulling heat away from the cylinder head. "What the Stealth SuperCoil is is a 'coil unplugged,' as we refer to it in the auto indus- try, a coil mounted directly to the spark plug, with no wires connecting them," said Jason Ellison, product and sales manager, power- sports. "Some of the metric bike manufacturers are using that technology, but it's never been put into play on an air-cooled Harley." Like much of ACCEL's powersports prod- ucts, the Stealth SuperCoil was inspired by a similar product from the automotive division of the company. However, on the automo- tive side, the coil has been sold primarily for performance upgrades, while on motorcycles, the Stealth SuperCoil has the added benefit of hiding the fins in the head, losing visual spark plug wires. "On the Harley, for sure, it's a lot more vis- ible, so I think the biggest selling feature on it is the aesthetic feature, rather than the perfor- mance features," Ellison said. Custom builders, especially, have been drawn to the Stealth SuperCoil as they're often trying to hide wires on their designs. The prod- uct has been a boost for ACCEL, which has seen customers need fewer coil replacements as OEMs produce higher-quality products. "We think with this new technology, it gives guys a reason to take their existing coil off that's probably in good condition and working just fine and put our product on," Ellison said. R&D Through OEMs have upped the quality ante, ACCEL still takes pride in the premium product it sells. All ignition coils and charging system components come with lifetime warranties. "We have an extremely low return rate on those lifetime guarantee programs because our quality is very good, and therefore we can ACCEL renews focus on powersports segment Beyond performance gains, ACCEL's Stealth SuperCoil has the added benefit of hiding spark plug wires, as seen in this before (above) and after photo. See ACCEL, Page 17 Seeking something better, 7th Gear Motorcycle Co. trio goes it alone BY DAVE MCMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF It doesn't take much to see the success that the trio of thirtysomethings will likely experience as owner-operators at 7th Gear Motorcycle Co. The new parts, service and customization shop, under the direction of Justin Lowther, Paul Saminto and Don Stefanic, didn't take long to make its mark on local riders after its May 1, 2013, opening in Albany, Ore. "These guys are second to none in honest direct answers! If you have a question about parts they are Jonny on the spot to help you make the best choice." "This shop is awesome." "Honest and professional." "Just picked up my '08 FLHT, Wow, what a great job and so friendly, I will be back and recommend you to my friends!" And those are just the start of the plaudits on Facebook. Their debut trip to V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, where they ran into an enterprising industry reporter on the show floor, didn't leave much time for tomfoolery on the side. "This has been a great day. Not many pictures yet because we're doing so many training seminars today," is how one of their Facebook posts reads. Chasing their dream P12x19-PSB5-Focus.indd 14 3/27/14 11:10 AM