Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/288267
www.PowersportsBusiness.com AFTERMARKET Powersports Business • April 8, 2014 • 37 HOTPRODUCTS AFTERMARKET BY LIZ KEENER MANAGING EDITOR When Custom Dynamics exhibits at an industry trade show, its booth is hard to miss. Glowing with numerous lights, the com- pany's booth usually catches the eye of many show attendees. Powersports Business recently caught up with Megan Barrett, business manager of North Carolina-based Custom Dynamics, to learn about the latest in lighting technology and trends. PSB: What kind of motorcycles do your products fit? MEGAN BARRETT: "They fit pretty much everything — anything 12-volt DC, even side- by-sides or ATVs. We do have some Harley- specific; we have some Can-Am Spyder; we have Yamaha parts; and we have universal that will go pretty much anywhere." PSB: How is lighting technology advancing, especially with LEDs? MB: "There's a lot of advantages to LEDs. They illuminate quicker; they're less power draw; they're brighter, so we see a variety of markets that are picking them up. Some people want them because they're safer. Some people want them because they look cooler; they give a different look, and so we're following that. LEDs have gotten brighter, less draw, so we're constantly reinventing our products and using the latest technology." PSB: In the '90s, it became really popular to light up bikes. Is that still something that rid- ers are doing? MB: "That's still very popular. We kind of thought that bubble would burst, but it hasn't; it still seems to be going strong. The more operational brake lights, turn signals — that market continues to grow quicker than accent lights, but the accent lights are still there. There are safety advantages to accent lights, too." PSB: What are some of your most popular products? MB: "Our most popular product is our Dynamic Rings; it's actually the white ring, and then when you apply the turn signal, the light turns off, and it flashes amber, so with more DRLs (daytime running lamps) on cars and things like that, this has been very, very popu- lar on the Harley side of things." "Turn signals in general — our Can-Am Spyder products have been very, very popu- lar. Our LED plate frame, this is our new product, that's probably our most popular new product right now." PSB: What do dealers like about carrying your product as opposed to another company's lighting products? MB: "We offer a lifetime warranty on our LEDs; we offer a five-year on our modules. We have technical support; we've got phone reps that can help answer any questions. We offer display programs. Our goal is to support the dealer and help them out in any way we can." PSB: Why are customers drawn to your lights as opposed to a competitor's lights? MB: "We try to listen to the customer and get an idea of exactly what they're looking for and use their ideas in our product development. And we use very high-quality LEDs. We are not the least expensive on the market, but we try to make a good quality product that's going to last." PSB: If you're not the least expensive prod- uct on the market, what makes your product worth the higher price tag? MB: "A brighter LED. We take extra steps. We put short-circuit protection on a lot of our modules; that's something we've been com- ing out with. We make sure that everything is waterproof, that everything is sealed, that it's quality. We use a high-grade tape for the things that mount with 3M tape." PSB GARWOOD CUSTOM CYCLES SPOKE WHEELS FOR SPORT BIKES Specifications — Garwood Custom Cycles' Spoke Wheels for Sport Bikes add a striking look to any sport bike, while they function and perform like a cast or a machined wheel. The wheels from the North Carolina- based company are available in fat spokes (50 large diameter spokes) and cross-laced 40, 60, 80 and 120 spokes. Wheels come in stock replacement sizes, up to custom 360mm rear tires with sizes from 17x3.5 to 18x14. Wheels are available for Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki sport bikes. Benefits — Garwood took this customization-centric approach and released the line with a multitude of customization options. This includes spokes and rims available in all primary colors, polish and chrome. Spoke styles include fat, smooth, twisted or jewel cut. Suggested Retail Price — Front wheel (17x3), $999; rear wheel (17x6), $1,099 Contact — 336/249-8289; www.garwoodcustomcycles.com SCHUBERTH SR1 STEALTH Specifications — Schuberth has announced the arrival of new graphics and colorways for its premium racing hel- met, the SR1. The SR1 Stealth will be offered in red, orange or blue color options and is now available through Schuberth dealers. Benefits — Though the Stealth is primarily matte black, 360° of reflectivity and accents not only meet the rider's color prefer- ence but also enhance rider visibility and safety. Suggested Retail Price — SR1 solid, $899; SR1 Technology, $969; SR Stealth, $949 Contact — www.schuberthnorthamerica.com FULMER TJ143 STREET MOTO AIR JACKET Specifications — Fulmer Helmets & Apparel's TJ143 Street Moto Air Jacket is a three-season jacket. Ful- mer used an upgraded tight weave mesh exterior for a high-end stylish product. Benefits — The jacket is equipped with removable CE armor in the back, shoulders and elbows, as well as a back pad, a front media pocket with headphone access, a waterproof yet breathable removable liner, dual arm slack adjusters and generous elbow, waist and back expansion panels. It's available in sizes XS- 4XL and in white, black, platinum, red, hi-viz green and blue. Suggested Retail Price — $149.95 Contact — www.fulmerhelmets.com BRP XPS CARBON FREE Specifications — BRP's XPS Carbon Free is a combi- nation fuel treatment and fuel system cleaner that can be used periodically to maintain fuel system integrity and keep internal engine parts clean, in addition to serving as a fuel stabilizer during storage periods. Benefits — Carbon Free treats fuel when vehicles go Custom Dynamics lights up the industry 36 • April 8, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Megan Barrett, business manager of Custom Dynamics, and a colleague talk to a Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties rep at the distributor's 2013 National Vendor Presentation in Madison, Wis. P36x38-PSB5-Aftermarket.indd 36 3/27/14 11:35 AM