“Just wanted to let you know that I recently changed the rear tire on my ‘05 Big Dog Chopper. It comes with an Avon 250 and I put over 19,000 miles on it before I replaced it. I commute 100 miles a day on the bike and my longest trip was from San Diego to Memphis–in the middle of July with the highways so hot you’d swear the tires were going to melt. Of course they didn’t. Instead those Avons provided excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, even during a couple thunder and lightning storms with heavy rain crossing New Mexico. I know most fat-tire bikes rarely see this much use so I wanted to report back that your tires are first rate and can handle the miles. I held off replacing the front tire until I had about 21,000 miles on the bike, although there was still plenty of tread left. Thanks for the great tires and keep up the great work!”

Raymond Atwood
Vista, California



Northeast Regional Sales Manager Dwight Covell is a cornerstone with Drag Specialties. We sat down with Dwight to talk about his experience with the company and his ideas on the industry as a whole. Here’s what he had to say…

Drag Specialties Magazine: How long have you been with Drag Specialties?
Dwight Covell: “I’ve been with Lemans Corporation just over 10 years now. I started in 1996 as a Parts Unlimited Sales Rep. After eight years as a sales rep I took the position of Northeast Regional Sales manager for Drag Specialties.”

Drag: What is your job all about, what’s fun about what you do?
DC: “I’m responsible for making sure Drag Specialties is presented in the most professional way possible. I work closely with the sales reps to make sure the dealers know we have the best products and programs in the industry. I enjoy sharing positive learning experiences with the reps and dealers. I’ve done many types of sales throughout my career and have come across many other sales professionals. When I’m able to share my own or someone else’s success stories to a rep or dealer and see them succeed as well because of what I’ve shared, I feel rewarded. I love what I do and am fortunate to be in the position I am. Being in the motorcycle business has to be fun or you shouldn’t be in it.”

Drag: How did you get started in the motorcycle industry?
DC: “I graduated from AMI in Daytona Beach a long time ago. They taught me how to set ignition points and true a spoked wheel among other things. I worked as an apprentice mechanic. I moved on as my skills improved and worked as head mechanic and service manager. After a while and several jobs later a situation came up when the owner of the dealership I worked at asked if I would like to learn about sales. I thought the more I knew the better off I would be. I took the offer and switched to sales.”

Drag: What is your favorite type of riding?
DC: “It was motocross. Now I’m not so sure as my career and family seem to take more of my time. I’m comfortable with a quick ride to the bagel store early on a Sunday morning or a several hundred mile run. I also like chasing my son with an XR70 while he rides his XR50. Motorcycling should be about what I call ‘the fun factor.’ How much fun can I have with this bike? Some of the best times I’ve had on bikes were tearing it up on minis in a tiny oval on a dirt lot. You can’t help but have a good time doing that.”

Drag: What bikes do you currently own and ride?
DC: “2006 Harley-Davidson FLHXI Street Glide and a 2000 Honda XR70 (kid chaser).”

Drag: Looking into the future, where do you see the industry going, changes, trends, etc.?
DC: “As far as the V-Twin industry is concerned I see a bright future. Harley-Davidson has done all of us in the aftermarket a huge favor by introducing the 96-inch bikes and six speed transmissions. What that does is put a whole bunch of TC88 models into the used marketplace. Many owners of these TC88 models will want to trade in for the new bikes. That means used bike prices may suffer a bit and the dealers will have to turn the trade-ins over. Some dealers may get too many trade-ins and that opens the door for independents to get into the late model used market or consignment market. Now the beauty of all this is no Harley is your Harley until you do something to it that says ‘this is my bike.’ That opens the door to customization of those TC88 models. Wheels, seats, sheet metal, paint, handlebars. The guy buying the used bike gets a great deal on the bike and has some more cash to put into it. That’s where we step in.”

Drag: What is your favorite thing about working for Drag?
DC: “Drag Specialties is a well respected company in the industry. I enjoy being a part of all the things we do to promote the sport and the industry. Everything from our Super Showcases, to the Drag Specialties Dealer Rides, the motorcycle rallies and racing events.”

Drag: Anything else you’d like to add or statement you’ve always wanted to make?
DC: “Working at Drag Specialties has been wonderful. Having the opportunity to work in the motorcycle industry among some of the best people I’ve ever met is a humbling experience. It’s nice to be able to have a passion for what you do in a career and I certainly have that passion. I don’t regret getting up in the morning and having to go to work. It’s what I love to do.”


Parts Magazine
Volume 14 #3

Parts Magazine Index