MOTOCYCLER's BBS

While custom motorcycle builders are often the lone wolves of the industry, a new organization is aiming to bring homogenization to an arena of the industry that is better known for its maverick attitude. The Custom Bike Association (CBA) is a new "advocate, provider, and promoter" for everything V-Twin. It came about by the realization of industry insiders that there was a lack of a centralized, education-focused organization representing the needs of the custom sector. The CBA aims to fill that void.

A brochure I procured from the CBA booth at the recent V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati best summarizes what the new organization is all about.

"The primary goal of the CBA is to establish a standardized education and certification process based on universally accepted specifications and standards. This accreditation system will increase the knowledge base of the entire industry and elevate its image to one of informed, dedicated professionals. The CBA will also be a tireless promoter of all V-Twin and metric sectors: manufacturers, dealers, riders and, of course, builders."

"The Custom Bike Association (CBA) is a new voice in V-Twin: advocating for its members, providing for their needs and promoting the industry as a whole. A CBA membership grants you access to a vast pool of resources and an ever expanding network of professionals to keep you in step with today's trends and informed of critical professional issues. We invite you to join today."

Though the fledgling group is just getting off the ground, it already has a strong foundation of established players endorsing its efforts. The list includes American Iron Magazine, Eddie Trotta's Thunder Cycle Design, Matt Hotch Designs, Donnie Smith's Custom Cycles, Dave Perewitz's Cycle Fabrication, Paul Cox Industries, and Aaron Greene's Paramount Custom Cycles.

The CBA's efforts extend to all levels of the industry, from large-scale manufacturers and dealers to father-and-son garage-style enterprises. The CBA is reaching out to riders and enthusiasts as well. And while ensuring that everyone is building bikes that meet a uniform level of specifications and standards is a lofty goal, the CBA is not looking to become a governing body that rats out non-conformists. On the contrary, the CBA wishes to remain as an "unbiased, neutral source for guidance and direction." Here is a list of services the organization hopes to provide to its members.

Manufacturers

- Participate in standardized education and certification processes.
- Provide a forum for manufacturers to discuss new products, ideas and trends.
- Offer a variety of consumer-direct marketing services.
- Provide a high-profile venue for product dissemination.
- Planning and promoting manufacturer-focused activities.

Dealers & Builders:

- Promoting education through a standardized accreditation process.
- Implementing a universal certification process based on accepted industry benchmarks.
- Provide a forum for dealer and builders to discuss new products, ideas and trends.
- Planning and promoting dealer- and builder-focused activities.

Riders & Enthusiasts:

- Protect the interest of the consumers through extensive product features and independent user reviews.
- Provide a range of exclusive discounts and VIP services.
- Connect members with industry service providers through various locator tools.
- Provide a forum for riders and enthusiasts to discuss new products, ideas and trends.
- Planning and promoting rider- and enthusiast-focused activities.

A CBA membership grants members "access to a vast pool of resources and an ever-expanding network of professionals to keep you in step with today's trends and informed of critical professional issues." For anyone interested in getting with the program, now is the time to join because membership is free until March 31, 2008. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, so check it out. It might just be the smartest thing you do to push your business forward in 2008.