t’s no secret that the business climate has been a little soft for a while, largely due to issues in the economy. But the industry has also suffered from many riders taking a wait-and-see mode in terms of what kind of modifications they can make to their motorcycles. What has been affecting sales in some categories was the fear by the retailers that they could face penalties if they sold a product that did not meet certain sound and/or emissions standards. Well, the good news is that the clouds in the sky are beginning to clear. Many of Drag Specialties’ vendors have independently worked with the California Air Resources board to get the needed exemptions to sell in California – this being the “50-state” spec. And now two of Drag’s top engine suppliers, S&S and TP, are working together to provide the press with some needed background information to produce some articles in the near future that will clear up any uncertainty about what you can use motor-wise to avoid problems. Check out our report in the News & Events section about the kickoff “summit” held recently at the S&S headquarters in Wisconsin. Then watch for more to come in this, and other consumer and trade magazines as we go along. In this issue check out the FatBook Bike project report on the hot looking custom built by Shadley Brothers. Orange never looked so good. And it’s time to recap the happenings from Daytona Bike Week. No one does Bike Week exactly the same, and we offer a look at the experiences our staff and contributors had this year. People of course make it all come together, and the profiles in this issue are proof of that. Be sure to read the story of a true legend of speed, Carl Morrow. He started out sharing workspace in the Los Angeles area with what would become another legendary name, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. Other spotlight subjects include a look at JIMS Performance, Alloy Art, Russell Mitchell’s Exile Cycles, and Kibblewhite. As we do in every issue, we have the latest new products from many of Drag’s top vendors, an overview of Drag Specialties sales promotions and a preview of the 2008 NHRA drag racing season.

Parts Magazine
Volume 15 #5

Parts Magazine Index