SCOOTING AT AMERIVESPA 2010

This is has been a really cool experience so far. The travels of our good friends at Kymco were amazing as they recalled hail, rain, weird weather, and all sorts of interesting characters on their SCOOT 2 Texas Adventure.

Make sure to read up about it online at: http://kymcousa.blogspot.com/2010/05/scoot2tx-ride-day-6-final-day.html

This year over 400 registrations meant a good display of scooters. Unlike a busy European or Asia street this isn't a common site in America. Few places have a couple of hundred scooters I can only think of the rentals in Key West FL or South Beach. So Amerivespa gets media attention, its gets people interested in scootering, and its a way for anyone who likes scooters to check out someone elses scoot.

I had a lot of people ask me questions about the Downtown 300i I was driving from Kymco which is fantastic. By having so many brand new Kymco Xciting 500 units and Downtown 300 samples Kymco did a great job with the crowd.

Meeting face to face with dealers was also a unique opportunity we got to have some drinks and talk shop. I also had stores that have ever done business with us come and ask the typical question "Where do I get parts for this brand?" sometimes its truly humbling to know the word is finally getting around as to what we do back in Miami. So we actually got some new shops that want to repair different brands of bikes which is great. Like I said every scooter out there is SOMEONE'S first scooter. So why all the hate? I met a Diamo driver here at the show, I met several TNG owners, I photographed two FLY Scooter IL Belos, lots and lots of scooters. What I loved about Amerivespa is that back in 2001 when I went to the first Mile High Mayhem in Denver I attended there were hardly any Twist N Gos, the second year where I actually got to hang with the STR/Kymco USA guys they were just testing the Bet and Win 150cc scooter. Move Forward 8 years and we saw at least 30 Kymco scooters in the crowd, there was a good selection of Buddys by Genuine, ET2s, ET4, old Rabbits, Lambrettas and your traditional grey market bike like a Gilera there and a BMW C1 there. So Scootering has become more inclusive in my opinion. You had some people that came from Germany for this. I met a couple that came from Mexico. Last night I met two Houston police officers who share an affinity for all things scooters and they were coolest couple I had met. Im ranting, but its been a great event.

If you ever want to read up on two of the most positive people out there with some of the best things going for them in life. I want you to bookmark the blogs and websites of two of my good friends Steve and Guido. Both of them have been troopers, despite being tired ( In Guidos case having driven for a week ) they went out to meet the peeps and document the experience.

THE FRIENDLY SPOT LOOKING AT SCOOTERS WATCH VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaX8r0HUNCM





A mad thank you for Pistol Pete from Scoot Magazine. http://www.scootmagazine.com/ who drove me around when I was scooterless for the first few hours. I got to ride cupcake by one of the best single hand drivers I've ever met.
Read up:
http://blog.guidoebert.com

http://www.thescooterscoop.com
GREAT RIDE VID WATCH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph7LYKelE-E

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We'll our first day of Amerivespa 2010 is going great. Finally found the guys from Kymco, visited the Alamo, had lunch with the biggest guys in the Scooter press core and got to drive around with the one and only Pistol Pete.

Check out some of the video from today at Amerivespa 2010. We've seen all sorts of scooters even grey market ones like a BMW C1, Peugeot, Genuine Stella, some tricked out Zoomers and more than just the traditional Vespa and Lambrettas. Oh and did I mention Kymco provided the one and only Scooter Maven with a 300cc Scooter to drive around in? The bike is awesome. Having a blast with everyone.



To see all the latest news from Amerivespa 2010 San Antonio stay tuned to the Kymco Ride http://www.thescooterscoop.com
http://blog.guidoebert.com
http://kymcousa.blogspot.com/
For Amerivespa info visit http://www.Amerivespa.org

VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph7LYKelE-E

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VOG 260 UPGRADES ARE IN STOCK

You need to check out the new TK exhaust, Variator, and springs that have arrived at MRP!

SCOOTER NINJA SLIDERS IN STOCK FOR LINHAI 260cc SCOOTERS


ROKETA 250B VOG 260 AEOLUS 260 DIAMO 260
Linhai Znen Xingyue SUNRIGHT SOLD BY MANY NAMES

GET THE VARIATOR IN STOCK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-3Qb7jXLXg

CHECK OUT THIS COOL VIDEO FROM SCOOTERTRONICS
JCL GLIDER ITA260 THIS LINHAI HAS A LOT OF NAMES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRE3g_0FFhc

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Wow, the phones have started ringing, and stores we haven't heard from in 3 years are calling. Thats a good sign the industry is coming back.

I haven't had time to answer any emails on Youtube or to talk about consumer questions, but here are some I've been getting in the inbox.

This weeks roundup.

Question:
I have a 2008 Andretti M50 and I'm in need of a complete Throttle Assembly and also the throttle cable assembly. Can I get these the complete Throttle Assembly through MRP? Will you be carrying all the Benelli parts from here on out?
Dealer ACE

A: Yes, we have that part in stock. You can order it from your local dealer. Obviously, we’re not the importer of Benelli, but we have started carrying their parts. I more than anyone understand the frustration in finding parts when a brand switches or changes importers. Actually if you’ll notice since we started carrying their parts finding the parts have been easier because we put them online. We are adding the Benelli part numbers to our items every single day. http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm



EMAIL: Thank you for getting me my starter. I had been waiting 3 months for it but Miguel didn’t know what a Keeway was.
Jessica Contreras, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Thanks Jessica. Some stores aren’t familiar with all the brands. Miguel works at a Yamaha dealership and he had never seen a Keeway made by QJ before. Problem was he was buying generic Chinese parts online and didn’t know not all the Chinese scooters are the same. Fortunately MRP had the OEM Keeway part in stock and we were able to solve the problem. I hardly ever hear when we help people with a part so I appreciate the email. All the best, enjoy the stickers.




QUESTION:
I have a 2006 Cf V5 that has low compression. I was looking at doing a Top end rebuild adn am hunting around on your site looking for parts. Is there a complete kit to convert to a 300cc. I figured maybe better off doing that since i will be in there anyway. Can you let me know what I would need to do this and price it out for me or if there is a link on your website and I am just not seeing it. I know you guys do all the hot rod parts for the V5 I could just use some suggestions. I need the prices so I know what to look like.

A: I would suggest use our web catalog when searching for parts sometimes that’s easier.
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d83097ef

I just emailed you the MSRP prices and part numbers. These are estimated prices dealers do charge for installation, some dealers quote without installation. Be careful some mechanics refuse to install things purchased online and if you buy online and take it to a shop they might charge you more on service. STORES HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING. So don’t get upset at them or blame MRP for this.

QUESTION: I need CPI parts, my local mechanic doesn’t have an account with you. He only buys when he needs parts and says he refuses to buy from anyone with a minimum. What can I do? I really like ____________ been going here for years and its making you look like &*&^

A: I’m glad you have a relationship with your local mechanic, but we can’t base our business plan on that. If he can’t open an account we can’t force him to. You can order the part online from one of our other dealers that do have an account. http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php or you can buy it and take it to him and have him install it.

I understand his position I do, but at the same time I’ve dealt with this when I sold vehicles and in other industries. All I can say is the average person will not understand the reasoning behind all this and will only get upset at the person refusing to get him the part. I just say we are more than happy to help you, but you have to go somewhere or call someone who does have an account. We did offer to sell him the part, but with a repair shop account and it was slightly higher than a stocking dealer and he refused.

Not every dealership is meant to be a Parts Unlimited dealer ( they have a $5,000 a year buy in ) the proliferation of Chinese importers that sell retail, wholesale, and to anyone with a dollar like many Chinese has led to more and more “scooter shops” that are Just in Time. In some cases even small stores that act like importers, then you have Chinese manufactures that sell direct to the public.

Some manufactures have started selling direct to the public ( REALLY KILLING DEALERS)

2008 – 2009 was a period of uncertainty in the automotive and powersports industry over 50 car parts distributors closed in the USA, some were swallowed by competitors. The same happened in Scooters, ATVs, UTVs, and the average surviving shop doesn’t quite get what’s happened since all these see is the proliferation of the guy in his underwear sitting at home selling Gokart and Scooter parts online. The truth is the Asian suppliers have only made this worse by selling to anyone and everyone without regard to the stores that pay rent, have employees, and offer real service. Having no end in sight to all this you’ve really seen a high degree of unethical behavior on the part of distributors pushing product and selling to anyone with the cash be it a consumer or small lawnmower shop. Stores trying to buy direct from OEMs bypassing distributors ( OEMs desperate selling to everyone even unlicensed dealers ) motor vehicles being sold at flea markets etc… I’ve seen this all before. I saw it in 2005 in Puerto Rico, I saw it in the scooter boom in Panama. It even happened in Venezuela until Chavez put an end into the importation of inexpensive scooters. The same happened in the USA it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride and all these things have affected not just the actual sales, but the perception of the market.

All it does is make the small shop “believe” everyone should have the same low standards. The truth is without some degree of buy in no dealership would invest in knowing the product or representing it. You cannot sell from a catalog. The same way a hospital can’t sell surgeries without having doctors you need to invest, know what you are doing / selling, and built a shop. You wouldn’t accept this type of mediocrity from your dentist why accept it from the local guy who sells things without ever having purchased one. The internet was not meant to replace the store mechanic.

The end result of the lowering standards in the Powersports Industry is you see more and more repair shops that are guys working unlicensed from a U-Haul or from home selling parts, repairing, and selling online. We try to have standards ( I am fully aware some people don’t I see it everyday in every aspect of life ) but those who hold themselves to a higher degree ultimately do better. You want to go to a shop that knows what its selling. That’s why all the major companies have a buy in and standards. If a dealer can’t invest in factory tools he should be allowed to be a Piaggio service center. Same goes if you don’t know what you’re selling how can I sell you our products?

You have to buy so many cars to be a Ford dealer. Same thing here.

EMAIL: Maven, thanks for the QJ gasket, I had been having a hard time finding that. Swamp Cycles took care of it.
Michael Lee, Orlando, FL

I believe you meant: http://www.swampcyclesmrpstore.com/
Yes they are a dealer in Gainesville, FL and they do stock a lot.



Question:
On the message board they said to contact you regarding sliders Which Sliders do you recommend for my TGB?
David Houston, TX

A: Back in 2003 we started importing cylindrical rollers form Turbo Kit for the TK Variators also known as J Costa. These only work on their specific variators. MRP was the first company to introduce square sliders to the US market back in 2005. We started with Dr Pulley, last year we picked up Scooter Ninja Taiwan and Adige from Italy to round out our selection for 17 X 12 sliders for the TGB line. They are all excellent product you can order from a dealer or online.

THINGS OUT OF OUR CONTROL THIS MONTH

QUESTION:
Question: I paid William ________ the former manager of ___________ for a new Ruckus exhaust. I just went to the store Friday and ts now closed. The landlord says their home number is disconnected. I was told they sent you the money for the Two Brothers exhaust two weeks ago! I would like to be immediately refunded. I’m a member of ________________________I called and left a message with your staff IF IM NOT PAID I WILL MAKE SURE NOBODY BUYS FROM YOU AGAIN
B Baxley, GA

A: B – I got your message, left you a message, got your email, sent you an email. Look we “MRP” don’t own the stores. I am sorry, I saw this happen more last year several times not only on parts but on whole ATVs and Scooters. I would contact the local authorities, but since it was only $300 it’s a small claims matter. I’m happy its happening less because fewer stores are closing if anything more stores are opening and the economy is getting better. Please understand MRP does not own the stores. They are independently run shops, this isn’t a franchise. I already got the phone call from your mom and spoke to her. I understand we don’t charge shops until AFTER something is shipped.

If you go to another shop, we will give you fantastic discount and work with the other store. I emailed you a list of nearby stores. That’s the most I can do. I am truly sorry this happened to you and if you visit Bob the dealer I mentioned he has some extra MRP shirts and I told him to save one for you.



Question:
I’ve called you three times and asked for help installing my cylinder kit. I am extremely upset you give the worst possible customer service! I already overpaid and If I don’t get a call immediately I will tell everyone online never to buy your products.
Jimmy Seattle, WA

A: Jimmy, I replied by email and spoke to you. First off you called and asked what the dealer paid for the part. We don’t talk about that.

Second rule of the MRP club is that we sell to the dealer and the dealer needs to give you support. I forwarded your information to the dealer that sold you the part. Then I spoke to him and explained since the part was damaged we wouldn’t replace it but we would sell him one at cost to help you out.

If he doesn’t help you go to another store or work it out with the dealer, but again you didn’t pay him to install it. I personally would never have sold it to you that way. We don’t own the stores. I’m limited in time and what we can do. If you buy a part from a store and plan on installing it yourself make sure you know what you’re doing, because at this point the store is not liable and I know that’s difficult to understand. Motorcycle Stores are not Best Buy or Walmart where people buy something use it and return it the next day, these are mechanical products.

We don’t sell direct, some people do. If we did sell you the product direct we would offer that level of phone service you’re looking for, but our business plan is to sell to the dealer. The dealer needs to offer you the support and the way he / she chooses to sell the product thats up to them. It is quite possible we are a little backwards when all the other companies obviously don’t give two craps about the retailer anymore and you can buy direct, but Im a little stubborn in my ways when it comes to saying go to a store.

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Martin Racing Performance, supplier of racing components for scooters, ATVs and go-karts, has signed a cooperation agreement with PUMA CYCLES a direct distributor of ZNEN China.

The deal will have MRP develop a wide range of exclusive racing parts and accessories for PUMA-built vehicles and have MRP offer dealers technical support. MRP also will assist with joint product development, suggesting changes to the PUMA product line for entry to the U.S. dealer base.

To kickoff the agreement, PUMA will provide MRP with its entire U.S. lineup, including its private-label models currently sold in the United under the PUMA name. North American dealers will immediately see a new host of upgrades and accessories from some of the leading European brands for the PUMA lineup.

PUMA Cycles said the deal was designed to assist the company in entering the North American market. Both companies will be exhibiting together at the SEMA Show Nov 2-7, 2010 to be held in Las Vegas Nevada for more information please visit http://www.pumacycles.com

For more info on MRP visit http://www.mrp-speed.com
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0EidqoIg7k

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf2AE423B2Q&feature=player_embedded


Every scooter is someones first ride, we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is, we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part.

Sometimes you have to do the research before going to the store. Again, its a matter of time and the store wants to know it will get the sale so before going to the local shop, look up the OEM part number on our repair manual section it will help you big time.

http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ – Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse, the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse, CPI – TAIWAN Distribution, and TNG Scooters.

The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy, Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name, MH Motorhispania of Spain, RX, Loncin, Lifan, Linhai, Zongshen, Wangye, MS UTVs, and CPI Taiwan. In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena, Malossi, Turbo Kit, Innova, Vee Rubber, Duro, Bando, Gates, Powerlink, Posh, Maxxis, Namura, Scooter Ninja, Slipstreamer, and MRP.

Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter, buggy, and ATV parts distributor. For a list of retailers visit www.mrp-speed.com
When it comes to parts we have it all:

You can find a list of MRP dealers at:

Or buy online from some famous MRP dealers direct using the part numbers:
http://www.moxiescooters-store.com
http://www.gokartsusa.com
http://www.thescooterreviewshop.com
http://www.scootertronics.com
http://www.swampcyclesmrpstore.com
http://www.mrscooterstore.com
There are over 1,000 retailers carrying MRP parts and over 50 websites so go ahead give them a call http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php
this list gets updated often so check back for MRP dealers

From Scooters to Chinese UTVs MRP HAS IT!

* air filters
* axles
* batteries
* battery chargers
* bearings
* belts
* body parts
* brakes
* cables
* carburetors
* CDIs
* chains
* controllers (electric)
* electronics
* Engine Parts
* engines & motors
* frame parts
* gas caps and gas tanks
* handles, grips, controls
* lights
* mufflers
* sprockets
* tires and tubes
* wheels

We have a ton of stuff make sure to check it out on our site.

MRP has added more parts to its lineup to be the number one source of all scooters items. Some distributors carry Chinese or European scooter parts, but MRP is the only company in the USA the covers the full range.

MRP earlier this year acquired parts from the now-closed QJ - Keeway warehouse and product from the defunct Diamo USA/LS Motorsports. The company also has OEM parts for Malaguti, MH, RX, Loncin, Lifan, Linhai, Zonshen, MS UTVs, and distributes aftermarket parts from Athena, Malossi, Turbo Kit, Innova, Vee Rubber, Namura, Scooter Ninja, Slipstreamer and MRP's house brand.

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Kymco just put up some great videos on the way to Amerivespa make sure to follow them on Guidos blog: http://blog.guidoebert.com/

He's got a day by day account of whats going on. If that wasn't the coolest thing in Scootering in the USA then check out Kymco who has a professional film crew following their adventure. Seriously, they are really leaving Honda and Yamaha in the dust when it comes to serious Scooter marketing in the US.

I should be following these guys in a few days.

Day 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guvt5afC-Yk&feature=player_embedded


Day 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNuHJ_vX_U&NR=1


My Preview earlier in the year from MRP covering the new Kymco models
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWz5OquTtcU&feature=related

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I've talked about it before, but here is another series of videos and clips on the ZTR Clutch and Tools

Next month we will be shipping out the new ZTR-MRP 250cc Springs for the Buggies and GoKarts available only from MRP. These are fanstastic new springs developed by both companies. We believe in bringing back manufacturing jobs to America and part of that push is promoting ZTR. We like the brand and we like the new exclusive items we will be carrying. ZTR impressed us with their innovation, design, and the fact they are driven to make everything in America again. I said let's go for it and its become one of our best selling products.

If interested in carrying the new 250cc and 300cc springs from ZTR or to find a dealer that carries them make sure to contact us at our website.

We like ZTR we have special sizes and models only sold by MRP for the US Scooter market. If interested in our exclusive lineup visit us at www.mrp-speed.com

Now if you don't have a set of tools you can buy these from one of our dealers at http://www.mrp-speed.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjeWPOHSmdU


HOW TO USE THE ZTR CLUTCH TOOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jUtduU4FE



PART 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O647p5QbfL0&feature=related

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I often get questions like who tests the TK exhausts. Well the company has been in business for 40 years, they sponsor a ton of racers, but if thats not sufficient check out this great vid online of the owner of the company testing a Tmax 500cc on the dyno.
http://www.youtube.com/user/frangct#p/u/4/lsiWeT-MH3Q


To read more about them visit their website http://www.turbokit.net

Now where can you buy a TK exhaust or variator thats simple visit our site and click on places to buy or:
You can get TK Variators from our dealers listed on our website such as Scootertronics
http://www.scootertronics.com/variator.html

When it comes to the 250cc Go Karts there is nothing like it. We find they perform a lot better than the Malossi or DR Pulley, some people shy away from them because its different tech or a little pricier, but the quality of the product is worth it.

We've had some testers including SYCARMS you can call Tom at 662-301-1563 he will tell you why its the best buggy variator out there. Don't take my word for it. Call him up.


ON THE EXHAUST SIDE
WATCH HOW THEY ENGRAVE NAMES ON THE EXHAUST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWCSL0kY9_k

T-MAX with TK EXHAUST AND TK / JCOSTA VARIATOR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwx55Pt7EGM


DERBI SENDA
Derbi Senda TK Exhaust http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5hb3qlVGOQ


TURBO KIT EXHAUST ( ESCAPE de TK ) on a KYMCO 500cc Xciting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRRp_wW1vjk


KYMCO 125cc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEwdq4A_TY&feature=related


BURGMAN 650cc THis is the TK Exhaust available in the US as well for the SUZUKI scooter Burgman 650. These videos are all over youtube showing the growing popularity of the TK Exhaust line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ5oZ0yxo_4&feature=related


PROMO VIDEO IN ENGLISH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbpyeIGxVTg



SPANISH VIDEO


SPORT BIKES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKQwMZ2LzM4
TK EXHAUST ON CBR 600 RR



2Stroke 50cc Yamaha Here we have a chrome series "bling bling in the states" pretty cool same as the JOG ZUMA in stock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kJvjUMRdrM


So regardless of your vehicle from buggies to sportbikes TK is worth taking a look at when ordering for your scooter, buggy, atv, or motorcycles.

Find out more at http://www.turbokit.net

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Thursday May 27th will be the start of Amerivespa this year in San Antonio, TX. I usually go to only one or two rallies to meet with store owners each year. My first rally was in 2001 Mile High in Denver which was the biggest I had seen, I returned the following year because I had such a good time. Then every year I would pick a local or regional one to attend picking something different.

Not all rallies are big sometimes only 20 or 30 scooters, but they are happy when someone from the industry shows up. I have gone to one or two where it was only a handful of people but thats ok. Now this is a rider event, but I cannot stress how important the "major" rallies are for research, education, and getting to know the industry. If you are looking for a job its a great way to meet people in the business. You can't go expecting to sell anything or to really talk with suppliers, you should go to see and hear what riders do with their bikes. So go to connect, to listen, and to learn. If you want to open a store, or just opened one, go.

This year I think the biggest of rallies is the one the industry in general in focusing on. I've mentioned how terrible 2009 was for the industry so I'm glad to see companies like Kymco promoting it more than ever. I know it's called "Amerivespa" because Vespa has become synonymous with the word "scooter" to the average person, but the truth is if you look back companies like Kymco have been better promoters of local rallies in the US the last few years. Even the late Peter Warrick would tell me that was one of his biggest peeves with Piaggio that he was a bigger sponsor of Amerivespa last year than they were.

This year will be a little different. Everyone from Kymco to Vectrix is going to be there. I know a lot of vendors have tables, but they are mostly to educate not to sell. The guys there already have scooters. It's important to get some news, to make sure scooters are seen as an important form of transportation in America, and to promote the dealers that support these events. Whenever you see a rally the local news gets involved and Amerivespa often gets national attention which is great. The last two months you've might have noticed Kymco USA promoting a ride all the way there from their corporate office check it out at http://www.kymcousa.com/on_road.html They have done a terrific job of getting the word out, press including clips online, ads, and mentions in Powersports Business and Dealer News about the trip. Rick Pawelka the director of Marketing at Kymco USA has probably gotten the most press I have seen on Amerivespa in years.

Back to why you should attend as a Dealer....

This is an educational event in a way. At Dealer Expo you have 10 mins with people and you are trying to sell. This even you are there to watch and learn, to talk to other dealers, and have a good time. The same applies to people that do this from 9 to 5. When I attend dealer events I'm there to sell stuff to stores, at this event I'm there just to have a good time and support the industry friends that we have. If you have a store keep an open mind, meet people from other walks of life and regions of the country and you will have a blast.

If you've never heard of Amerivespa I think it's quite educational for any new dealership to attend a major rally. Your employees will thank you for taking them. It's like Disney for the kids if you can afford to go take them. I have often walked into a dealership and seen pictures on the wall from rallies where all the employees attended. Not every dealer can afford to go to Intermot, Tokyo or Milan. However, Amerivespa takes place in our backyard. If you are getting into the business of scooters for the first time I would say in the US you should see the Dealer Expo, attend a supplier retreat at least once, do some Dealer University training, and go to a rally or two. If you can pick any scooter event to train and learn about the industry go to the biggest one at least once. You can find out more about it at: http://amerivespa.org

If you can't attend I know select sites are going
Expect live coverage of the event from our friends at the Scooter Scoop http://www.thescooterscoop.com/


Powersports Business Daily http://blog.guidoebert.com/
MAKE SURE TO BOOKMARK THOSE TWO BECAUSE GUIDOS BLOG IS BIG ON SCOOTER NEWS

Motorcycle Product News is covering the event and will have a spread in the August issue http://www.mpnmag.com

Make sure to follow the Kymco corporate ride at: http://www.kymcousa.com/on_road.html


So if you are going, get the word out. The industry needs it more than ever.

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More on our series of explanations on Shaving ( how to cut down to size a slider to use in a lower torque combo setting say 24 X 18 inside a 23 X 18 ATV or Buggy for more power ) and Splicing ( mixing and matching same size say 20 X 17 but with three or two weights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AqEMyQL8Qc


If you have a Kinroad 250cc hands down the best thing you can do is upgrade to a TM51 it has been specifically designed for a Go Kart. What we notice is many sliders, rollers, and variators are just generic for CVT systems founds in ATVs, Scooters, and other applications. Turbo Kit in Spain has specific apps for their variators which we like so they come factory direct with the right grams in them and tuned to work with their exhaust. Watch the video below for more info on their buggy and scooter variators.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMcZqUwMOnk

For a Full List of TK variators ( J Costa ) sliders, and other accessories like the cylindrical sliders click here http://www.martinracingdealer.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=TURBO+KIT+PRODUCTS:Turbo+Kit+Variators




MORE ON THE TK VARIATORS AND SLIDERS
Made in Spain - We are a Turbo Kit Direct Distributor to find out more about Turbo Kit visit http://www.TurboKit.net Only the best finish and performance from the leader in Spanish Racing Made in Spain some of the finest variators money can buy. Turbo Kit is known in the racing circuit sponsors of Team Aprilia Spain, Team KTM, Team Kawasaki Spain, Team Yamaha and more! The variators are used by all the major pro-circuit racers in Spain, France, and Italy. The cylindrical tech produces a revolutionary new style of sliding in order to increase and improve the performance of your maxi-scooter. You'll achieve better acceleration, greater gas mileage, less vibration and no roller clanking. Upgrade your stock scooter for a smoother ride. Turbo Kit variators come with the most advanced weights available. These polygon rollers perform better than standard round weights by allowing the variator to open farther for higher top speeds, and last longer with less performance material loss. The weights have several unique features such as their composite material containing nylon for better performance. Made in Europe. -Made of unique material -Low Friction/Low Wear/High temperature resistance -Fastest roller weights available in the MAXI SCOOTER CATEGORIES -Record Setting in Tmax, Kymco 500, and Honda models! Comes complete with weights all Turbo Kit products are made in Spain!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U0VW7gZooo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUW4mER4obE&feature=player_embedded

For the first video in the series on rollers
Martin Racing Performance is a distributor and manufacturer of parts for scooters, ATVs, and Motorcycles. We've had 10 years worth of experience with CVT systems from OEM manufacturers we've represented to new brands we've tested and picked up over the years.

We test new products before we sell them on our in-house dyno. In this video we talk about some of the products we import and distribute to our wholesale dealer base of carbon based rollers, nylon sliders, carbon sliders, cylindrical sliders, and their components. We import brands such as Polini, Dr Pulley, Malossi, Scooter Ninja, Top Racing, Koso, XT1, Adige Sliders, Italkit, TK Variators / Rollers - Turbo Kit and more. To find a dealer or to see our current product range visit http://www.mrp-speed.com

For more info on some of the rollers / sliders we now carry visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjKL33NYGKA


For more info visit our website http://www.mrp-speed.com

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Mad Props to Guido for following the stories our segment of the industry cares about. Scooters often get ignored in the motorcycle press. Once a year we get a special issue or two and its usually about gas prices or how everyone is getting rich. Guido has always taken it to the next level. This week I have to send a mass shout out to him because he did two things.

First he broke the United Motors auction story. Hyosung really needs to pay attention to this one because they make an excellent product and to see several thousand units out there that have been orphaned will make them into ZOOMBIE Scooter no dealer will want to touch. Nobody in the industry covered United Motors closing which is sad because magazines should be about reporting not just giving advertisers free press and quotes when its all hype. The stores need to be on top and be educated on whats really happening. See UM story http://blog.guidoebert.com/2010/05/20/um-bikes-appear-at-auction.aspx

Few people read my blog compared to Guidos so I will give him a mad thank you for following up and taking the time to write about Peter Warrick. http://blog.guidoebert.com/2010/05/20/scooter-slinger-peter-warrick-dies.aspx I have to say the quotes from Philip McCaleb and other industry people were excellent. I'm glad someone was helping honor his memory and putting the word out there. He was a family man, a business guru, and his legend will live on in the US Scooter Scene. I still find myself thinking of what could have been had he had more time on this earth. 62 years was way too short and I for one will truly miss him.

If you've read this far I want you to subscribe to Guidos blog because he is one of the few professionals that cares about everything happening including the OEM reports. This is important to any shop owner because more than once a day I get the question should I buy this brand? Which is a good rental brand? etc...
http://blog.guidoebert.com/ go ahead visit it and bookmark it.

Now I started promoting Guido last year because I saw what a value his blog is to the industry. I did a couple of mass emails telling 10,000 people in the industry to visit the site and they went there in droves. Soon after several parts companies jumped on it, in April 2stroke buzz even gave him some love http://2strokebuzz.com/2010/04/01/speaking-of-2sbebert-comparisons%E2%80%A6 even one of my closest competitors interviewed him. So I have to say he is on the fast track. I'm glad someone out there is reporting real news and not some fluff piece. I respect that watch him test out a Kymco and a Genuine in some upcoming articles.

Once industry experts wake up they will be lining up to advertise on that page because its getting up there with all the hits.

Guido thank you for caring about the dealers and the industry.

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We as an industry have the power to stop the Zombies!

I mean the Zombie companies and their followers in some cases the guys working from a garage at home drop shipping scooters, parts, atvs, gokarts without a mechanic, license, or the expenses my dealers have to endure to stay in business. They are cannibalizing the legitimate stores that have been in business for 30 years or more.

I think stores or at least dealers with a sense of pride just need to stop the buying from these parts places working from their houses. These are the same people that feed the Scooter Zombie Companies.

There is so much illegal activity going on in California and Texas right now with importers bringing in parts they don't declare, don't pay taxes on, and then dump them to guys selling parts from their houses. We'll the word is out NHTSA, Customs, Carb, EPA, and CA DOT is cracking down. It's about time.

Maybe they are just looking for money because state coffers are at an all time low, but its about time they do something.

Following a year that can only be described as Armageddon 2009 many of the CEOs of legitimate importers have been asking for years that the DOT / NHTSA crack down on this situation. Companies like CF-MOTO and ZNEN have stopped feeding the respective zombies companies supposedly were distributors, but weren't. Some of them just large dealers. Many Chinese manufacturers were subsidizing their importers during the 2007 - 2008 boom, but that could only last a little while. Last year some 12 scooter distributors crashed in the US ( Much of this went under reported or ignored completely by the magazines that were happy to take their Indy Dealer Expo dollars and ads ) Despite all this several companies have continued to trump along and these need to get weeded out as well.

Again, my reasoning behind all this is that its killing the legitimate Yamaha, Honda, Vespa dealers that can't make a living as long as we allow the undead a free rampage of Ebay and Craigs list.

My points in this rant today is that Chinese excess capacity needs to be eliminated. We need more enforcement so legitimate companies that pay warranty, help dealers, and play by the rules stick around ( Kymcos / Peirspeed / SYM of the world you know who you are ) This can only be achieved if the dealers think before they buy.

Dealers once and for all = Stop buying from the guy who works from the garage because he's cheap.

Consumers = if its too good to be true and you purchase a scooter from a guy working from a U-Haul you will get screwed. Be smart. Buy from a shop.

Yo NHTSA, DOT stop looking at fake HDs and Honda parts focus on whats happening at the 50cc level. EPA keep checking the Chinese ATVs.

Thats my rant, but you know what someone predicted all this about 2 years ago. He wrote a really good piece you can see online. Tom Lynott. He was probably ahead of the curve when he put this online.



The following is from CMSI / TNGs market report to the MIC:
Non-Compliance with DOT Gray Market Penalties!
•The new Obama administration has committed to much stronger enforcement of consumer protection laws. This action is especially attractive for the government when it also means that new jobs will be added for Americans who have lost their jobs to “off-shore” workers and who will be hired by AIM.
•Under existing rules listed in CFR 49 book, penalties for violations are severe and are imposed on the original manufacturer, in spite of their being a foreign company.
•Referring to the CFR 49, section 578.6 and 579.3 the foreign manufacturer is responsible for compliance with the various rules and regulations and includes reporting of safety defects and any complaints or claims filed against that manufacturer in any country that the manufacturer has sold vehicles.
•The penalties for violations are listed below:
•Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:( FMVSS ). $6,000 per vehicle and $16,375,000 max. for a related series of violations.
•Title Information: $1,100 per case
•Consumer Information: $1,100 per case, $500,000 maximum
•Country of Origin: $1,100 per case
•Odometer tampering: $2,200 per case
•Vehicle theft device tampering: $1,100 per case
•Failure to report under part 579 “Reporting of Information and Communications About Potential Defects.”
–SubPart A: General
–SubPart B: Reporting of Safety Recalls and Other Safety Campaigns in Foreign Countries.
–SubPart C: Reporting of Early Warning Information
Why Chinese Vehicle manufacturers now face big problems in the U.S.
•Lack of Quality Control & Testing. Unsafe vehicles.
•Non-Compliance with DOT, EPA, CARB and CPSC.
•Black Market “drop shipping” via Internet.
•Consumers/Small Businesses being “ripped off”
•Many Chinese vehicle makers sell to anyone and enable uneducated U.S. importers to set up distribution of private label brands without adequate infrastructure of customer service and/or dealer after-sale support.
•Non-compliant vehicles pollute the environment and endanger public safety.
•No Service or parts infrastructure, no product liability insurance. Massive consumer dissatisfaction after receipt of “drop shipped” scooter (see chart)
•Hundreds of thousands of “orphaned” vehicles (scooters, motorcycles and ATVs)


In the meantime we will keep doing what we do and work the parts segment.

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Well it was about time. Today we got a huge delivery of backordered items, bear with us as we unload, load, and put up online.

New items for Vespa, Zongshen, Piaggio, Aprilia, GY6. Backordered stuff like 125cc CDIs, throttle cables, pistons, all being put into the system.

We're expanding. It's a slow but fun process.

We also have some new partners in our quest to be the best we can be so I will be sending out some emails to the dealers.

I will also be a guest speaker tomorrow at a Dealer Meeting. More to follow....

For consumers looking for OEM parts it just means we are going to have more help for your local repair shop to get you back on the road.
For OEM parts, check out Martin Racing Performance visit our site http://www.mrp-speed.com and click on places to buy to find a local dealer. MRP sells only direct to dealers, so it helps when you look up the part number in the manuals and parts books section. Then contact your local shop. MRP distributes OEM parts for TNG, CF Moto, Keeway Southeast, CPI Taiwan, PSF/Benelli/Andretti, Diamo, Cubik (matches OEM Vento part numbers), as well as QJ and ZNEN (who manufacture bikes for a variety of scooter importers).


For a list of stores visit: http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php

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A pioneer in the world of American Scooters has left us, My good friend Peter Warrick was 62 years old when he died yesterday May 17, 2010 much too young and still had a lot left to accomplish.

This morning I found out and before I knew it my phone was ringing off the hook so I guess its not a secret anymore. I'm still kind of in shock about the whole thing.

I'm hoping the family has time to grieve and everyone will pay their respects to someone who despite his age was redefining the idea of an American cross interstate scooter chain. The entire MRP family and I all extend our deepest condolences to the Warrick family. I enjoyed my long chats with Peter and his mechanic Dick over at the Ft Lauderdale location. Peter Warrick to me was a visionary of where a true American chain properly funded could take the scooter world. He carried it all in his quest to be better than the best ( Kymco slogan there watch out) seriously he was more of what Piaggio USA could be than Piaggio Group themselves, he knew what a Vespa store should be like and in his quest he carried it all. Everyone has lost a good client and a good friend from Genuine to Zongshen he was everyones client and friend. I can't think of a serious brand he didn't carry. In his 12 shops he had Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Vespa, Piaggio, SYM, Kymco, Adly, Hammerhead, Zongshen, TGB, you name it he had it. He started his first shop back in 1972 and to this date it still carries the original name on its letterhead "Vespa of Ft Lauderdale." I just searched my computer for some appropriate pictures of Peter and I at the Piaggio meeting back in 2007, but I really couldn't find any that were worth sharing with the public, but I will leave you with this. He was always a great guy.

Last year he sponsored Amerivespa. He actually donated more than Piaggio USA from what I hear and he cared about the scooter community he showed that in everything he did that was scooter related. Below are some links so you can watch his videos online. Peter could talk shop and Piaggio history better than anyone I knew. In a short time he redifined the American scooter scene.

As a child I remember watching his TV commercials for Warrick Hobby supply every Saturday morning before the cartoons came on. He was cool guy and I can already see him hanging out with Elvis and all the cool cats he admired. My best goes out to Wally and his family, hopefully they will continue the Warrick legacy and the shops that impressed anyone that came to visit South Florida.


If you have a chance stop and visit the store that started his legacy http://www.hobbysuperstore.com/

The first video features Peter. The second one is some of the shorts I made at his shop.

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A couple of years ago we started pimping out our scooters with LEDs. We displayed some at our booth at the 2005 Dealer Expo. Since then we've seen a lot of companies jump in the market and thanks to new suppliers we've expanded our selection to included SN, Buzztronics, Light Grip among others. The Buzztronics LEDs are awesome we really like the FLEX STRIP which are 24 super bright LED''s formed in a durable, weather and shock resistant case. Comes in two 4.75" self sticking flexible strips. Can be wired into your scooter battery or FX power module.

to see more visit our site http://www.martinracingdealer.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=Parts+by+Type:LED+Lights

If you need ideas check out some of our videos.

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So far this year MRP has been in the league with the big boys. Racing seems to be all the rage again!

Northeast!
First up is the longest running team we've sponsored "Team Scootertronics" the best known team in the Southeast Mike and Tommy Thunder out there every single weekend trying out new tricks. We've mentioned them before the guys are serious about racing.
Since 2006 MRP has been sponsoring these cool cats out on the track. http://www.scootertronics.com

Indiana!
This year we tried something new and sponsored Envioromotos first launch into the race scene by Sponsoring the First Annual 2010 Twist and Gone Scooter Drag races!

The T&G was a 1/8 mile drag race held in southern Indiana. The races were on May 1st, 2010 at the Brown County Drag way. Cool thing almost everyone in the industry sent something or helped out, were happy Jeremy had an awesome event. The event attracted a enthusiasts from all over the country you can check them out on their facebook page or the site http://www.twistandgone.com/


Last but not least

TEAM LOS LOQUITOS in Puerto rico

In San Juan Puerto Rico we want to send a big shout out to our boys who continue to wear the MRP flags. Official Sponsor of both teams of the SJSRA the San Juan Scooter Racing Association.

Mad love to those guys and their crazy adventures. See you next month when we visit.

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We'll I get this question every day. The easiest way is to find the part you need online and then find a local or online dealer from this link that can help you.
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php

Get the part numbers here before calling the shop.
http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm


Thanks to 2strokebuzz.com for mentioning us this week.

Every scooter is somones first ride, we help the dealers and consumers find those hard to find parts. Doesn't matter what brand it is, we've been doing the Chinese scooter parts thing since 2004 so we can help you find the right part.

Since January 2009 MRP has expanded by acquiring the QJ – Keeway Southeast distribution parts warehouse, the Diamo USA / LS Motorsports / Italjet USA parts warehouse, CPI – TAIWAN Distribution, and TNG Scooters.

The company has OEM parts for Malaguti scooters of Italy, Benelli (acquired by QJ in 2006) the Italian brand now made in China and sold in the USA under the Andretti name, MH Motorhispania of Spain, RX, Loncin, Lifan, Linhai, Zongshen, Wangye, MS UTVs, and CPI Taiwan. In addition the company distributes performance parts from Athena, Malossi, Turbo Kit, Innova, Vee Rubber, Duro, Bando, Gates, Powerlink, Posh, Maxxis, Namura, Scooter Ninja, Slipstreamer, and MRP.

Products carried by MRP can be obtain exclusively at select Motorcycle Dealerships and Repair Shops in the USA. MRP is the one stop wholesale ONLY scooter, buggy, and ATV parts distributor. For a list of retailers visit www.mrp-speed.com
When it comes to parts we have it all:

From Scooters to Chinese UTVs we got it:

* air filters
* axles
* batteries
* battery chargers
* bearings
* belts
* body parts
* brakes
* cables
* carburetors
* CDIs
* chains
* controllers (electric)
* electronics
* Engine Parts
* engines & motors
* frame parts
* gas caps and gas tanks
* handles, grips, controls
* lights
* mufflers
* sprockets
* tires and tubes
* wheels

We have a ton of stuff make sure to check it out on our site.

MRP has added more parts to its lineup to be the number one source of all scooters items. Some distributors carry Chinese or European scooter parts, but MRP is the only company in the USA the covers the full range.

MRP earlier this year acquired parts from the now-closed QJ - Keeway warehouse and product from the defunct Diamo USA/LS Motorsports. The company also has OEM parts for Malaguti, MH, RX, Loncin, Lifan, Linhai, Zonshen, MS UTVs, and distributes aftermarket parts from Athena, Malossi, Turbo Kit, Innova, Vee Rubber, Namura, Scooter Ninja, Slipstreamer and MRP's house brand.

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MRP now has the CF MOTO UTV and ATV 500cc Variators in stock.
Clutches, Springs, Sliders, and More for your CF-MOTO 500cc

TK IN THE HOUSE!
Call us today

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Well funny how things work out. I've always said it has to be a level playing field for the manufacturers. It isn't fair to a brand like Kymco, CF MOTO, and others.

I mean better late than never. The mainland factories need to learn there is a certain way of doing things.


From DealerNews.com

Goldenvale Executives Admit Fraud
By Joe Delmont

Two top executives of Goldenvale, Inc., one of the leading us importers of Chinese ATVs and other powersports equipment, reportedly have admitted falsifying emissions data on some of their motorcycles and ATVs but didn’t get any jail time as part of a plea bargaining deal.

Goldenvale owner Kening N. Ma to four counts of grand theft and Shirley Hyunae Ji, Goldenvale vice president,pleaded no contest to one count of grand theft, according to dailybulletin.com. The pair are scheduled to be sentenced to three years probation on July 20.

The two were arrested in March as reported by Dealernews. The executives of the company based in Ontario, Calif., were charged in a 70-count complaint with using fake certificates issued by the California Resources Board (CARB), among other offenses.

Goldenvale, which also operates a facility in Dallas, imports ATVs, dirtbikes, scooters and karts. The equipment was sold through a dealer network under the Roketa brand. JD

Pep Boys to pay $5 million to settle Clean Air Act case
Publish date: May 11, 2010
The Pep Boys has agreed to pay $5 million in civil penalties and take corrective measures to settle claims that it violated the federal Clean Air Act by importing and selling Chinese motorcycles, ATVs and generators that do not comply with environmental requirements, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday.

Baja Inc., which supplied the non-compliant vehicles to Pep Boys, is also settling with the U.S., according to theJustice Department.

"Importers of foreign-made vehicles and engines must comply with the same Clean Air Act requirements that apply to those selling domestic products, and this settlement demonstrates that we will take strong action to ensure that importers comply with their obligations," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Under this settlement Pep Boys and Baja will not only pay a civil penalty, but will offset the excess emissions from the vehicles and engines already sold and take steps that go beyond what the law requires to ensure that their future imports and sales meet Clean Air Act standards."

This is the largest vehicle and engine importation case brought by the United States to date under the Clean Air Act, both in number of vehicles and engines imported and penalty paid. The complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement in federal court in the District of Columbia, alleges that Pep Boys and Baja imported and sold at least 241,000 illegal vehicles and engines from 2004 through 2009.

The agreement requires Pep Boys to export or destroy over 1,300 non-compliant vehicles and engines, and to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of equipment already sold to consumers, estimated at 620 tons of excess hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions, and more than 6,520 tons of excess carbon monoxide emissions. Under the settlement, Pep Boys will implement projects to offset the excess emissions including offering discounted push or electric lawn mowers in exchange for older more polluting gas-powered mowers.

The complaint alleges that at least 45 vehicle and generator models imported and sold by Pep Boys and Baja were not certified to meet federal emission standards, and that Pep Boys failed to provide purchasers with the full emission-system warranty required by the Clean Air Act, and imported and sold vehicles and engines without the proper emission control information labels.

The vehicles and engines were built by more than 35 different manufacturers in China. EPA and U.S. Customs & Border Protection discovered the violations through inspections conducted at Pep Boys stores, at U.S. ports, and through a review of importation documents the company provided to EPA.

The settlement also requires Pep Boys and Baja to offer a free extended emission warranty on certain vehicle and engine models, to reimburse consumers for emission-related repair expenses, and to implement rigorous corporate compliance plans. Baja also agreed to pay a penalty of $25,000, an amount that was reduced substantially in light of Baja’s current financial condition.

The settlement is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all imported vehicles and engines comply with Clean Air Act requirements. Pep Boys is a national automotive aftermarket and service chain with annual sales of $1.9 billion. The company operates more than 580 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico. In 2008, the company, based in Philadelphia, was the third largest importer of Chinese-made all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States. In 2006 and 2007, Pep Boys was the fourth largest importer of generators.

Baja, based in Phoenix, contracts with Chinese manufacturers to supply ATVs and motorcycles to Pep Boys and others. Baja also manages all after-sale functions, including servicing warranty claims and providing replacement parts for these vehicles.

The settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.

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If your looking for hard to find parts please follow these steps first so you can find what you're looking for before calling a store.

MRP will not sell to the public, but they kindly ask that you contact a local shop

For a list of MRP stores visit: http://www.martinracingdealer.com/locator/index.php

MRP suggests you look up the repair manual and part number before contacting the store ( They have gone the extra step and posted online manuals that were unavailable before online from the original importers like CPI, ZNEN, and Diamo manuals )

LINK

http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

Parts MRP now distributes:

TNG Scooters ( CF MOTO, QJ, ZNEN products )

Keeway Southeast ( Former Keeway distributor for 7 states acquired by MRP January 2009)

CPI Taiwan ( new importer for 2010 is PIT MOTORS )

QJ-Benelli-Andretti ( official parts source for 2010-2011)

DIAMO – LS MOTORSPORTS = MRP now distributes the parts for Diamo and the new company Precision Motorsports

Cubik – Private label branded scooters by QJ ( SAME MODELS AS VENTO USING VENTO OEM PART NUMBERS )

For a full list visit www.mrp-speed.com

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