March 2006
V-Twin Customs on Road to Fame and Fortune?
By RICK CAMPBELL / Motorcycle Industry
March 2006 – As you will read elsewhere in this issue, Bill Rucker had been around this end of the market for a long time. He also has intimate knowledge of the EPA regulations and their impact on the custom cruiser side of things. We wanted to know, however, what his answers might be to the same questions we asked the other makers of V-Twin alternative brands. Bill tells us the Vandal is Rucker Performance’s latest American muscle bike. He continues, “The Vandal has a 300 rear tire, rigid frame, razor front fender and custom forward controls. The heart of the Rigid is a powerful 124 cubic inch S&S engine. Additional features include a 6-speed right side transmission, 45 degree rake and a race-inspired inverted front fork.” The benefits of the 2006 Vandal, Bill says, “Include twice the horsepower of a stock Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Utilizing only top quality components, the company offers motorcycles with custom fabricated sheet metal and gas tank design, signature Rucker Performance graphics and exclusive paint.” He shares that he is seeing a downturn in the demand for the Chopper-style motorcycle. “Customers are focusing more on being an individual – owning the most exclusive, unique bike on the road today.”
In Bill’s view, “The market will continue to be a robust one. I believe that the V-Twin market user’s average age is increasing and that demographic group has more disposable income, but is more discerning in what they are looking for… out of a custom motorcycle.” He says they are noticing a strong increase in sales for 2006 and that, “We strive to keep a balance where we constantly create a demand for our product. Last year we produced 40 motorcycles. This year we are looking to build 100.” Bill’s closing words of wisdom are, “This is a time to be conservative. Pay attention to your business and focus on customer service as long term strategies.”
August 8, 2006 11:15 AM | send page | Press Releases