Christmas is almost here...

If you watch even a small amount of TV, you know that the economy stinks and people are feeling the pinch. Yours truly fits into that category. I personally have to go back to 2007 to find a Christmas where money wasn't a huge issue. Yea, I know that the housing bubble burst in late 2007, and the Stock Market followed in 2008. 2009 was the year of the "double whack". The housing continued in the toilet and unemployment hit all time highs. While I'm not one to celebrate New Years, this year I'm going to stay up and watch the clock hit 2010...

Christmas has taken on a new meaning for myself and family. Regardless of how I thought I saw Christmas, it's changed. In the past I would be the first guy to bellow that Christmas was about family, and I honestly meant it. However, I also was the guy shopping for the perfect gift, and would pay anything to get it. I didn't want to be the guy who sat there Christmas morning, wondering if I spent enough to equal the gifts I received... Funny how things can change your perspective.

Yes, I'm an owner of a retail store. Yes, I stay in business because people spend money. Yes, I'm the guy telling you to shop smart.

I've been doing this 11 years, and in that time I can honestly say that I've never been in it for the money. Of course I need to turn a profit. Without profit I don't exist. The difference is that I firmly believed that I had to earn it. If someone else was offering something I didn't, they deserve the sale. It's that simple. What I never expected is for a time to come where people simply felt scared to buy. We are there now, and everyone can see it.

Let me tell you a story...lol. Last year I was sitting around the house and had nothing to do. All of a sudden I felt the strong urge to buy a RC helicopter. I figured I could fly it around the back yard, mess with the dogs a bit, and generally have a little fun. Across the street from my house I have a small hobby shop, and being that I like to buy locally if I can, I dropped in to see what they had. While small, they had a great selection. I walked around a bit, looked at the prices and walked out. I just couldn't justify the expense. In 2007 I would have slapped down the cash without thinking twice.

In this day and age everyone needs to buy smarter. If a Dealer tells you that the more expensive helmet (example) is what you need, ask why. If they can't spit it out in a way that makes sense, trust your gut and walk away. Never allow yourself to be pushed into something you don't need. While I can go on and on about price, it's sometimes better to buy something you require, and forget about how much (or little) it costs. It would be super easy for me to tell you that the best stuff comes with the highest price tag. It's simply not true.

Here's some insider info... I've looked around online at other companies selling the same stuff I do. It's part of my job. Many of them do a great job, and I respect them. However, be careful. I've seen more and more companies popping up using price and "specials" as their only sales option. Look, the item they're selling is the same as everyone else. My advise is to look behind the product at who's running the show. Ultimately this is the "unknown" you're paying for, and it will lead to issues if the company falls apart after the strong sales pitch. Anyone can "sell" if given the right personally, or training. Integrity is something you either have, or don't have.

I won't be writing again until after New Years. I hope you have a GREAT Christmas, and wish you a fantastic New Year. See you in 2010.

Veterans Day

March of 1986 was one of the proudest days of my life. It was the month that I graduated Basic Training at Fort Benning. Later Airborne school.

I was a young kid, and like most kids my age, I thought I knew everything. I looked at joining the Army as more of an adventure. Honestly, I wasn't looking at it as a means of serving my Country. Only later did I have this perspective, and understood the sacrifice.

This part of my life in many ways seems like another life. Many of the details have been lost with time. The memories that stand out most are those that center around the teamwork and camaraderie I experienced. Knowing that those around you were truly people you could trust. The bond between soldiers, is a bond never really recreated outside in the real world.

Today, I'm proud of my son Tyler, who spent two tours in Iraq, and my Son-in-law Preston who is currently serving in Afghanistan. I'm also proud of my father who served in Korea, and my Father-in-law who served in WWII and Korean. My Uncle who served in Vietnam and was injured in the process. I'm the second generation, of three, that has served this great Country, and feel honored to be part of an ongoing belief in self sacrifice.

To all that have served, this day is yours. Remember, very few can be honored by their Country on this day. You are all special, and everyone owes you a deep sense of gratitude.

High-End helmets. They worth it??

Times have been better, and in the last 2 years it's hard to not have been effected. Either personally, or indirectly. Even I have found myself being a little more thrifty when it comes to where my money goes. This is simply the smart move. The high-end helmet market has seen the biggest impact. Not everyone has $500 lying around for one piece of equipment.

I feel there is a VERY specific person who takes the leap into the high-end helmet market...

The most common are the 30+ riders (I include myself in this category). These riders are more likely to have owned a high-end helmet in the past, and understand the value. Often they've owned less expensive helmets, and have found their limitations. Spending the extra $300 is something they have accepted, and most importantly, have seen the results. It's not a "mystery" purchase. I joke in the store everyday that it's easier to take a step up the helmet ladder, than to take a step back... Once you're ridden with a helmet that is exceptional, you're ruined for life...lol.

The second group (which includes many of the above) are riders who ride everyday. Either to work, or are retired. These riders want their helmets to preform, and understand that while a less expensive helmet can meet their needs, the high-end models do it just a bit better. It's worth it to spend the extra money now, since they "live" in the thing 2 hours (or longer) a day. It's simply,"the right tool for the job."

While there are several more categories, that I won't list here, I'll end it with this last one. The riders who have been riding for years, have owned less expensive helmets in the past, and have come to the conclusion that it's time to make the leap. These riders have a list a mile long (which is good), and if they spend the extra money, they want a HUGE return on their investment. If the step up from mid-priced models, the the high-end models isn't AMAZING, they might as well stay where they're at... When I speak to these riders, questions are a HUGE must. Finding the "right" helmet takes time, but every second is worth it. The rider, nor I, want the end result to anything less than perfect.

I've lectured many times (and continue too), that not everyone needs a high-end model. There are less expensive options out there that will fill their needs. However, if you choose to make the leap, seek out someone you trust and get the information you need. Not all high-end helmets are the same. If you get yourself into a high-end model that doesn't meet your needs, you're wasting your money.

If I hear, "How's that working for ya?"one more time, I'll LOOSE IT..!

If you've seen any of my videos, you'll notice that I try my best to keep my evaluations "Real". I say the good with the bad, and don't pull any punches. I'll admit, there are some products that I don't care for, and choose not to do videos. I'm the first to say that I don't know everything, and what I hate, someone else might feel is fantastic. I simply leave those products alone, and let others express their opinions.

Now, to my point. There have been a few products I've felt obligated to do videos which, don't have a 100% favorable evaluation. When these are posted, the phone calls come rushing in from the manufacturers, the distributors, or often, both. The "toss down" comment is always, "I saw your video. How's that working for you?" In other words, how many have I sold.

I'm not stupid, and understand that when I point out more bad points, than good, I risk not selling any of that product. I could stand up in front of the camera, point out features, or only point out features that I like, and leave all the bad features to myself. I have Internet access, so I've seen other video reviews where they do just that. After watching I always shake my head and wonder if people honestly believe what they have to say...

I started out 4 years ago doing just that. I would stand up, point out the products features, and leave it at that. After one or two, I just didn't like this approach. If I was watching, I would want to hear the bad with the good. Ever since, this has been my mission. No product is perfect.

Has it hurt my bottom line? Well, do people buy products that I don't have 51% good to say? Probably not. I have just this to say about that... I COULD CARE LESS...! If you have a great product, it will come out. If it sucks, then it shouldn't sell. It's that easy. There are way too many products that are great, to have them get the same review as the products that fall flat.

I get calls and emails every week from customers who say, "Hey Todd, I wish I had found your video's before I bought my last helmet/jacket/bag. I watched it, and you would have saved me a ton of money. You're right, it's not what I envisioned."

I will continue calling it like I see it. If there are those out there that prefer not hearing the bad with the good, and they choose to buy somewhere else, that's fine.

For all of the Manufacturers and Distributors out there... I would embrace different viewpoints, and work on fixing the things that need fixing. Because I'm honest, when you do hit it out of the park, I will be your best ambassador. Don't shoot the messenger...!

Shoei in 2010...?

Wow, I opened up my latest motorcycle magazine, and low and behold, there was an ad for the new Shoei RF-1100 and X-12... What the Hell are these guys thinking... Nothing makes me more angry than to see an ad for a product that I can't buy. What, we don't get enough "teasers" on TV...? They say September 29th... We will see. Rarely do they hit their mark.

My second issue is that they see fit to advertise, but yet us (Dealers) can't get ANY information on the new models. Trust me, I've tried. I did manage to find a few photo's online, but nothing from Shoei. It would be nice to have a little information, so when people see their ads, we don't sound like idiots...lol.

I have both the RF-1100 and X-12 on pre-order so I can get out on the road as soon as possible. It scares me a bit when companies make changes, to product that was really, really good to begin with. I have my fingers crossed that both models are steps forward. They (Shoei) better too. If the price goes up, but you don't get anything other than a cosmetic change, I will have a fun time doing the video reviews...lol. Shoei might not have such a great time.

It's a "dry" heat huh..?

This will be a quick one… Hot is hot, and when it hits 115+ here in Arizona, I can assure you that it doesn’t feel 95, 85, or even slightly under 100…lol. Today we had our first summer tip over in the parking lot. The customer came in, tossed down his side stand, and in about 5 minutes it was lying flat in the parking lot. Nothing damaged, other than the asphalt. Nice hole where the kick-stand was freed.

Here’s The Helmet Harbor, LLC  “stay as cool as you can during the Arizona summer” tip of 2009.


Head to Walmart, buy a personal misting system (Misty Mate), and toss the bottle inside your tank bag. Route the mister up to your handlebars, aim the nozzle straight up, and open it when your get moving. The mist will hit the wind, drift back to you, and drop the temp about 20 degrees…

Yes, in Arizona, staying cool isn’t a luxury. It’s simple survival…lol.

Spend extra for a high flow helmet (venting)?

Right up front, ANY helmet is better than no helmet at all. However, do some helmets "fit" better with certain bikes? I'm not sure about that, but there are a few things to keep in mind when buying a helmet.

What bike do you ride?

Every May I start to see the large touring bikes pull into the parking lot. The riders come in, hand over their credit card and ask for the "best" venting helmet in the store... It typically takes me about 30 minutes to explain that their bike, and a well vented helmet, don't mix. It's like oil and water. Helmets ideally need a smooth, unbroken stream of air to work at their best. If you're sitting behind a huge fairing, or wind shield, you don't get enough of this type of air.

I get comebacks such as, "I have a port (opening) in my windshield. I get air" or, " The top of my helmet gets great air. When I don't wear my helmet I can feel it." Keep one thing in mind, if you have a medium to large wind shield, at best the air has been disrupted. In a nut shell, buying a "high-flow" helmet when you're on this type of bike, is a HUGE waste of money. Focus on fit, weight, or styling. Now do great venting helmets do "slightly" better than average helmets on these types of bikes? Well, a little better, but I don't feel that the difference is worth the extra $150...

Now if you're on a sportbike, sport-touring bike, or a naked cruiser, then go for it. The extra money will be well worth it. Simply, you'll get your monies worth.

Do you ride in town mainly, or Freeway?

Simply put, price has nothing to do with venting... I could walk you around my store and show you a $200 helmet that vents as well as a $650 helmet. I could also show you a few helmets above $350 that vent great at 65MPH, but are somewhat limited below this speed.

I feel that a helmet, regardless of what it was designed for (racing, touring) should vent well below 35MPH. I think it's easy for manufacturers to get sucked into the belief that every guy riding a sport bike wants to wear a "Race" helmet. But lets face it, some things designed for the track, don't always work great during your short in town commute... Finding this middle ground is what I feel makes, or breaks a model. I've lectured it over, and over again. Nothing comes close to the all around performance of the Shoei X-11. Great in town, and on the track. Other companies appear to focus on the track performance, and their helmets work great above 65MPH. Not so great between those stop lights.

I break helmets into two categories. Passive, and non-passive venting. Non passive models are those that work at 3oMPH, and you can actually "feel" the air entering the helmet. There are only 6 models, out of all that I've tested that fit this tough standard. The Arai Models, Shoei X-11, RF-1000, Shark RSR2 and RSi, the Bell Star, and the new HJC FS-15. Yep, no Arai, Suomy, KBC, AGV. know don't get me wrong, these other companies make helmets that vent well above average, they just go about it differently. Some start to work great at around 45MPH, but below that they blend in with every other helmet on the market.

Bottom line? If you spend most of your time in town, then make sure you get a helmet that works great at those speeds. It doesn't always mean a "Race" type helmet. If you're behind a wind screen, know that whatever helmet you get will have a hard time functioning as designed.

Really? Helmets and Jackets are worth it? Really?

Lets leave the "Freedom to choose" out of this debate, because that seems to come up every time I get involved in a conversation. Lets just get a grip on what is really at the foundation here, which is PREVENTING INJURY...

Let me tell you a story about a customer who came into my store many, many years ago. He wasn't a kid under 21, but in his early 30's. He rolled into the parking lot on a very nice cruiser wearing no helmet, a tank-top, shorts, and flip-flops. It just happens that at this exact time I was having a conversation with a customer in the store, who was on the fence about buying a jacket. He had a helmet, and really thought that was enough.

When the scantly dressed customer came through the door, I got the sense he had a good sense of humor, so I went with it. After the greetings, I asked him, "Hey, can you do me a HUGE favor? We're having a debate on whether a jacket is worth the cost. Could you head back out into the parking lot, run as fast as you can, and at the end, dive face forward? We want to see how banged up you are." The customer laughed and stated, "What, you think I'm crazy?"

Lets face it, we call accidents, accidents, not on purposes...

I think you would be hard to find a football player who would take the field on game day without a helmet. Few bicycle riders forgo the helmet. On the ski slopes it hard to find someone not wearing a helmet. Hey, it makes sense right? Keeps your head warm, and protects you if you fall. Hockey players, who typically like a good fight, wear helmets (no it's not a rule that they do). These guys want to have a bad day, and go home afterward...

How about this? Stand on the tailgate of the nearest truck you can find. Bend down, grab you ankles and fall forward onto the parking lot. Better yet, wear a T-shirt, no helmet, blue jeans, and have your wife drag you behind the family car for 50 feet... The fact is, if you're sane, if you "had" to do the above, and was offered a helmet and gear, you would take it. Why is the bike different?

I want to think that deep down inside, we all know that safety gear like helmets, gloves, jackets, pants and boots help prevent injury. If so, why do I see so many people "deciding" against them? Comfort? My local customers are shocked to find that they will actually be "cooler" on a 110' day wearing a mesh jacket, and an above average venting "full-face" helmet. Sure, there are products out there that just won't fit you right. I can guaranty that if you walk into my shop, I can find something that fits well. Jackets, the same. It might take time, but we have more of that, than layers of skin...

We have a "unwritten" law in Arizona that many people aren't aware of. You might want to check your own State. While we're a no-helmet State, the insurance companies have something to say (they always do..)...

If you're involved in an accident in Arizona, and sustain injury to your head that could have been prevented by wearing a helmet, they PAY NOTHING.. This holds true, even if the other person is AT FAULT... You're riding down the street, someone yanks a left in front of you, and you plow your head into the side of the car, NOTHING.

I'll be the first to admit that there are times when the helmet comes off, and I ride. I'm always out in the middle of no where, very little traffic, and I feel I'm in control. Sure, I could hit a rabbit and crash, but to me it's worth the risk. When traffic picks up, I slap on a helmet. This is my personal opinion... If you ride a bike without a helmet in town, on busy highways, or NEVER, you're NUTS.

I'll close with this. I tell new riders that, "Everyone out there is trying to kill you. Ride like your life depends on you knowing this."

June 6th, 1944.. We Should ALL REMEMBER.

June 6th, 1944 - D-Day

There are many days we, as a Nation, can look back on with inner pride. As a NATION that has a past, let us not forget those that have, are, and will, represent us with unimaginable character.

Today is an appropriate day, to walk outside, and proclaim in a resolved voice....

I AM AN AMERICAN...!

Today marks the day that our fathers, brothers, and grandfathers were called to action. Many gave their lives in the fight. While I'm sure these hero's were focused on defeating the enemy before them, and protecting their brothers to the left, right, behind and in front, they were also tapping into what has made this County the GREATEST on the planet. Bravery.

I feel that we are a Nation made up of the bravest humans on the planet. From the first Americans who dared to travel great oceans to an unknown land, to those who have "chosen" to protect our Country today. We have never been a people who have settled, just to settle.

Websters defines "Bravery" as, "A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing fear."

I cannot speak for anyone, but myself. When I step back and look around, I see a Nation inhabited by a people who refuse to give up. A people, with different beliefs, but share the same heart. A Nation who "enjoys" challenge so much, we yearn to create it around us... We, as a people, want to be tested. Settle? If it were possible to show us this "word" in a solid form, we would relish the opportunity to smack it in the face.

Those Americans who fought on D-Day are my hero's. 65 years later they continue to teach me a lesson about who I am. I'M AN AMERICAN. I share a history with every brave American who have passed, live today, and those that are being being born as I type this message... I owe everything that I am, right down to my most precious gift, my family, to these Patriots. Without them, I may not see my own strength as clearly. They were tested in the most brutal of situations, and shined. I too can shine because this bond rests inside me, and in you. WE ARE AMERICANS..!

Close your eyes. You're on a small boat approaching a foreign land, knowing that the door in front of you is about to drop. Horrific scenes are all around you, but yet something inside you compels you out the door and forward. Fear? It's there. Flight? You bet. One special gift lye's within each of us. Americans are able to put these aside because we love our Country, and Countrymen. Bravery is what bubbles to to the top. It's in our genes, because of our past. This can never be taken away.

Today, I'm going to hug my family. Today, I'm going to thank a Veteran. Today, I'm going to once again remind myself that it doesn't stop with me. That together, with my fellow AMERICANS, I'm going to roll up my sleeves and get to work. Acknowledge that past generations have delivered to my doorstep, through their sacrifices, an inner fire found no where else on this planet.

I AM AN AMERICAN..!

2010 should be an interesting year...

I know, it's May, but 2010 will be here before we know it. 2010 is when we see the new SNELL rating, and I think this is going to open the door for many of the helmet manufacturers to update their models. I've already heard through the grape vine that some could be out as soon as November...

Why is the SNELL update so huge for 2010? It's simple. In the past the manufacturers had to make two helmets. One for Europe, and another for the US. With SNELL softening their standard to be more like DOT and ECE22-05, they should be coming out with one helmet for the World. This will open the door for lighter helmets, and broaden the amount of features they can include. You're already seeing it with the inner visor systems on the HJC products.

Who is due for a change? Well, if I had to put one company at the top of the list, I would say Shoei. They've had out their current models for over 5 years, and other companies like Arai have made the change with the Corsair V. The X-11 has been at the top, and even thou I feel it's still there, something fresh would be nice. I just hope they don't ruin it...lol. Other companies have already made the change to just 22-05/DOT, so 2010 isn't as huge. Their stuff is already out.

When the next generation of the X-11 comes out, I'll be sure to slap it on and give it a once over. It better be good, since my current X-11 has a ton of life left...

Motorcycle Flash, WAY....Back.

It's easy to get caught up in the planning of the "next" ride, and never revisit the rides of the past. The other day a customer and I were talking, and the conversation turned to past rides. I discovered that many of the places I've visited, he had never seen from the seat of a bike, and viscera. It got me thinking. If I had to pick one past ride that stood out against all the others, which one would it be...?

While all of may travels have stories, one trip really rang true.

This was years ago. I hadn't started this business, and was working in a profession that simply paid the bills. The passion had been lost long ago, and I truly found myself waking up each morning knowing how the day would go before my feet hit the carpet. I was simply going through the paces of "life" and sadly I knew it.

One day I was returning home from work and pasted by my motorcycle sitting in the garage. I've done it each day, but today was different. Something was different. I walked in, called my work, took 2 weeks off (had a TON of vacation since I never used it), broke the news to my wife that I was leaving on a trip, packed a few things (took a whole 5 minutes), and just simply..........left.

I had no idea where I was going. I didn't even take the time to grab a map. I knew the roads that would get me out of Arizona, which was enough. I wasn't in a rush, and decided to just ride. When the sun was about to set, I would find a place to sleep. I would eat when hungry, stop when needed, and be open to anything that happened during the day. The purest form of "unscripted".

One night stands out more than the others during the trip. I had made my way to Montana at this point, and had been on the road about 5 days. The sun was setting, and for some reason I told myself I was going to find a camping location near a river. I could have cared less where, but the river wasn't optional. The last map I had purchased was for the State I'd left 6 hours before, and didn't have a clue if the road I was on even came close to this river I envisioned.

Just as my mind began filling with cluttered thought (worry) I rounded a bend in the road, popped out of the tree's, and came upon a river. Not just a small river, but a raging river. There was a wood bridge that look "close" to supporting the bike, so I crossed. I found an incredible place to toss the tent, and before I new it, I was sitting on a rock overlooking the water rushing by.

This is where everything came together for me. Alone, sitting on a rock, river rushing by, fire behind me, with very little "thought" taking place. Nothing else really mattered. The pressures of life simply melted away. Things I took as Gospel, began to take on a different form. The TRULY important aspects of my life resurfaced, the clutter rushed away with the 1000 of gallons of water whipping by in front of me. That night, I never slept better.

The rest of trip also had moments. Camping at Glacier Nation Park, and meeting people who just "made sense" to me. Sleeping under the stars in Idaho. Even buying new spark plugs in South Dakota from a 300 square foot "shop" took on a different meaning. Each mile, took me further away from home, which is exactly what I needed.

I STRONGLY feel that we have "reset" buttons, and at times forget where it's located. I can't speak for others, but I know for myself that it's my nature to overwhelm myself each and every day. Whether it be about work, family, or just personal baggage. Every now and then you have to hit the "reset" button to get back to a solid base. I'm not myself unless I hit this button every now and then.

The end came one morning as I woke up and understood it was time to turn around. I didn't dread it like I thought I would at the beginning of the trip. I just packed up, sat on the bike and headed South.

I've done many trips since, and I've stopped comparing each trip to others. I don't describe motorcycling as a passion, but rather a tool. Everyone has their own, mine simply has two tires and an engine. These tools are there to help use clear away the self imposed weight of living, and find our "reset" button. I suggest you find yours.

HJC hits a triple..!

OK, I'm the first to call HJC what it is; The King of Average. 2008 was actually a little disappointing. HJC came out with several new products, but in my opinion, they fell a little short. While they did make some worthwhile changes, each model was lacking just a bit in the innovation department.

Then 2009 comes along, and as if they were reading my mind, they come out with the "IS" models. All three (IS-16, IS-MAX, IS-33) are outstanding products. Yes, I used outstanding to describe HJC. Ooh what can change in a year.

Each of these models have above average venting, an inner visor (thou on the light side), and HJC's new Silvercool liner. Put this all together, and it equals a solid product.

Since this product came out, I've sold a TON. Everyone to this point has been extremely happy, and they agree with my opinion. It doesn't always work this way. On many products, my view and those that buy it differ. The IS models simply work.

Now, which manufacturers should take notice? Scorpion helmets might as well have a bulls eye on their back. In 2008 they were at the top in many ways. They offered a solid product (still due), at a reasonable price. Their product typically had slightly better features, for about the same money. The HJC IS models simply now take over this position.

It will be interesting to see what the other companies do for 2010. Many will do what they have done in the past. Thump their chests and stick with the belief that their product doesn't need to change. Others will head to the drawing board and change their product. Some might even be good...lol. Until they make these changes, HJC simply has the advantage.

Where do you draw the line?

I BEAT into my staff everyday that our goal is not to "sell" product, but rather solve problems. Our customers come to our store with a "problem". They need a helmet, and need us to help them find the right one for their individual needs. If we get this right, we've hit a home run. But how do you handle those times when you're asked to cross the line? Let me tell you a story about a situation that popped up the other day...

We had a customer (I'll call him Mr. X) who bought a helmet online. Everything went smooth right up to the point that he wanted to make a return. Returns aren't an issue, however he explained that he had rode with the helmet, and only after this Demo ride did he find that the helmet wouldn't workout... I could re-sight our policy, but simply stated, you ride with it, it's yours. Needless to say, he wasn't happy with us, and expressed it quite clearly.

Mr. X stated that he had bought product from other companies, and they all allowed him to make a return after a short ride. He went so far as to call another well known online retailer and asked one of their customer service agents if they would take a return if it had been ridden with? No shocker here, they stated they would. By the way, they also clearly state that they would not in their return policy.

What does this all mean? First, I sell NEW product. My customers expect "NEW and UNUSED product" when they place their orders. I expect it when I buy something, and I would personally be upset if I got something that didn't appear fresh and unused. I'm paying for NEW, not SLIGHTLY, GENTLY, HARDLY, BARELY USED. If this other company takes back product like Mr. X states, then resells it, it's simply wrong. It's also wrong to allow a return if they are going to eat the product. That simply drives up the costs for EVERYONE. You know, the 99.9% that have taken the time to understand the rules.

Simply, I refuse to allow the .01% to ruin it for the other 99.9%.

I understand how it hurts to have bought something, and after a short ride, find that it won't workout like you planned. Money wasted. Because I understand this issue, I try my best to make sure through videos, evaluations and phone calls that we limit this outcome. However, there isn't a tried and true way around this. There will be occasions when something won't workout.

It's simple, do everything you can to make sure that what you bought meets your expectations WITHOUT USING IT. I tell customers here in the store, even after being fitted by me, to take it home, leave the stickers alone, open the visor, and watch TV for an hour. You can get a VERY good idea if something will work, without actually ridding with it. If it doesn't workout, you can make a return. No harm, no foul. The next person who buys that product can know deep down inside that they got a new product, not a one that's "gently used".

Is the motorcycle industry on CRACK?!

I try to keep it as "Real" as possible on my Helmet Harbor Blog. If I didn't, I wouldn't even read it. Total waste of time. I don't make too many friends with this approach, but I'm not on this planet to suck-up to people in my industry.

This leads me into my main subject, which is "Give Me A Break..!" When I started my store in 1999, I'll be the first to admit that the Internet resembled the wild, wild, west. Everything was a free for all. No one monitored pricing. Our distributors sold us product (and it stopped at that), and when new companies opened, you almost had to hand over your first born child. Simply, once you past the test, you were "free" to "sell".


Aah, then the "brick and mortar" dealers started to complain around 2003. Most of them had it good up until the Internet started to flourish. Now, customers who came into their stores were leaving to buy online. Who wouldn't, when you could buy something online $100 less..? Why would this change, and why would the manufacturers/distributors care? Simple, the "perception" the large dealers put forth was that if "they" stopped carrying product, where would customers to go to see product in person.. They wanted to maintain their HUGE margins.

Do I understand that having a HUGE showroom costs money, or flooring 100+ motorcycles isn't cheap? Simple, yes I do. I also know that having 10 teenage kids walking the floor costs money, and huge salries for the upper 10% costs money. While I know there are dealerships out there that have a semi-large apparel stock, but LETS GET REAL. If you have a customer, in your store, treat them right, and they walk, that doesn't make it everyone elses problem.

HELLO, I've always had a store, and this was one of the MANY requirements of opening a shop. The truth is, at that time, they outnumbered the smaller guys. Even thou in 2003 the few online stores that were doing well, were out selling the Dealerships. Ooh, but they had more locations. This was really the beginning of the end of the online "sale".


If you haven't noticed, the World is a bit different than it was in 2003/04. Prior to 2005 it was a busy business to be in, even with the price restrictions online. Slowly the market began to slow, and as we all know (unless you live in a cave), 2008 was a year to remember. How are "some" of the manufactures/distributors acting now? Funny that you asked...lol.


It appears that when times slow down, to this degree, it's now OK for the distributors and manufacturers to "lighten" up on their self imposed rules. New companies are now allowed to be opened over the phone, and who needs a store front...? These new players could careless about customers (you), and are only interested in making a quick buck. Representatives from these distributors, who work on commissions, are getting HAMMERED..! What's the solution? Open more accounts, to whomever wants one, and hope they sell "something". Who cares if in the end the customers get hurt? Just make sales...

I've spoken with several Representatives from various companies who've told me nightmare situations. In general, it's turned into a dog-eat-dog attitude. Pressure to SELL has taken over, and good sense has been put on hold. This industry becomes a mess, but again, who cares. Let me tell you who should, you, the customer.

Here's what EATS me up more than anything. If you're a company manufacturing product, or a distributor selling to retailers, get some common sense. In a perfect World everything would be "fair". HELLO, that World only exists in the movies. The FACT is we exist to help CUSTOMERS. That's not just by providing a product for sale. Customer service, and yes, PRICE has something to do with that.

Listen up Manufacturers and Distributors...! You only have a FEW responsibilities. FOCUS..! Because I'm all about helping out, I'll break it down for you.

VERIFY EVERY ACCOUNT, and don't open accounts unless you're 100% sure the business is about CUSTOMER SERVICE first. FOLLOW you're own guidelines and requirements. IF THEY DON'T MEET the requirements, don't let them sell.

GET THE HELL OUT OF PRICE CONTROL...! This creates MORE problems than it SOLVES.

IF YOU HAVE A DEALER BREAKING "YOUR" RULES, CAN THEM..! Three strikes you're out doesn't work. Look, don't treat problem businesses like they didn't understand what they were doing... Those in this industry aren't IDIOTS..! Have your Rep. contact the company, give them 3 days to fix the issue, and if they drag their feet, boot them..!

SUPPORT EVERYONE..! Hello, the little guys are JUST as important as the corporations with 25 stores. Often, we're more important. Innovation rarely starts at the top of the food chain. Hmmm, sounds a little like what of FED is doing, doesn't it. OK, not working there guys, so GET A CLUE.

YES, I "might" sound a little frustrated... Let things slow down. I don't have an issue tightening the nuts a bit, and giving things a little more thought. I actually welcome it. However, I don't want this to be limited to just the Dealers out there. The Manufacturers/Distributors need to use this opportunity to get a grip on what's really important and start working from a firm foundation. This is not the time to make miss-steps, which adversely effort everyone down the food chain.

Changes for 2009

If you own a small business, or work for one, you understand when I say each day is filled with the challenges of staying "fresh & new", and finding ways to better serve your customers. This challenge is 24/7, and often can lead to sleepless nights. It's amazing how a little sleep deporvation can lead to something inovative.

Of course there are companies that can't come up with an original idea if their life depended on it... These guys get a bit more sleep, but in the end the result isn't the same.

For 2009 I've decided to venture outside the box yet another time. I think the changes will not only help our company, but most importantly, our customers. Keep an eye out in the coming months for the changes, but honestly, they will slap you in the face...

Are there going to be any changes for 2009?

Every year is different. In the 10 plus years of owning this store, there have been "sleeper" years where everything pretty much stays the same, and other years where you can't keep up. What is 2009? Lets just put it this way, some companies stepped up, others, same old same old.

I call HJC "the king of average". I'm quick to point out that this isn't a bad-thing. There are a TON of companies out there that make junk. All of what HJC makes is of high quality, just typically doesn't have a ton of "bells and whistles". Granted, they've tried in the past to enter the "high end" market, but design SNAFU's have held them back. 2009 could be their year...

HJC for 2008 came out with a few cool products (FS models), but again, they were held back with minor design issues. I'm not sure what happened at the HJC head quarters, but they took everything back to the drawing board and came out with the new IS models. This includes the new FS-15 Carbon, which I will be doing a video evaluation soon. What makes the IS models different? HJC decided to "INVESTED" in the fact that their customer-base now understands that DOT only isn't a bad thing. Most of the new IS models have a inner visor (which works), and they kept the weighed down. Two HUGE features that will separate them from the masses.

Let me get one thing PERFECTLY clear. Up until 09 I "liked" HJC. I wasn't in love with any of their models. They did the job, but never thilled me. With the IS models, I'm now in a place I've never been... Watch out Scorpion. Simply, it comes down to value. If I can stand up in-front of a customer, rattle off a ton of features, and most importantly, they can see them, other products get lost in the conversation. This is HJC's strong point this year. You don't need to be NASA engineer to see the advantages.

Nolan is also jumping on the band wagon and brought in their flip-up N103 for 2009. All the issues I felt the old N102 had, they fixed. The visor is now inside the helmet, and the rear exhaust vents help move air inside. I do wish they would have released the N43 in the US (inner visor version), but they dropped the ball. Batting 500 isn't bad.

The company that I feel is really stepping up for 09 is Shark. Many have no clue who Shark is, since they only entered the US market about 2 years ago. Shark is one of Europe's largest manufacturers, and they make very solid products. They're the inventor of an inner styrene system called "Shark Fins" which is basically an inner crumple zone. They also currently have the lightest full-face out there, with the RSR2.

The one model that stands out for 09 is the Evoline. It's a flip-up front helmet, where the chin-bar actually goes up and over the helmet to rest on the rear. Very clever. Also, the helmet has an inner visor, which is becoming more and more popular.

I think 09 will have some winners, stay the sames, and losers. Only time will tell...