Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Boyer.
Wayne, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started racing motorcycles at 14 years old. Racing in North America and all over the world. The companies that sponsored me with the racing gear worn were in Europe. These companies asked me to help them with advertising here in the USA. In 1988 the largest motorcycle apparel company in the world named Motoport, approached me. I went into a 50/50 partnership with the German company. In 1994 I purchased the 50% of my German partner’s shares.
The majority of our motorcycle apparel was designed for the German market. Many of these designs did not work for the North American market.
I also found that the majority of motorcycle apparel was made with the main priority of fashion. When a rider crashed the protection from the apparel was completely inadequate. I started manufacturing protective motorcycle apparel in house here in the USA in 1991.
Motoport USA is known all over the world to make the most protective motorcycle apparel. Motoport’s apparel is not only protective, it will also keep you comfortable in cold/wet weather and will last for many years. Motoport USA was the first in world to use Kevlar blended materials that are 5 to 10 times stronger than leather. Motoport was the first in the world to use comfortable protective body armor that covers more of the endangered parts of the body. I also patented the first removable Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable jacket/pant liners. Motoport USA also backs up all our claims with the best Guarantee on motorcycle apparel in the world. If a rider crashes in Motoport’s Kevlar blended apparel and we cannot repair the gear for 50% of the price for the same gear new, we give this rider new gear for free. See our web site at: www.motoport.com. In the ARTICALS Section of this web site, you can read thousands of Testimonials of riders that crashed wearing Motoport with few to no injuries.
Currently, more than 250 police department motorcycle riders wear Motoport. These motors on average ride 10 to 12 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Some of these departments will wear the same jacket/pant for 4 to 6 years before requesting another jacket/pant.
I’m very proud that Motoport USA has brought manufacturing motorcycle apparel back to the USA.
Has it been a smooth road?
The company was pushed to a negative value in 1997 from 4 years of negotiating with the Germans before a purchase price was finalized.
In 1996, Motoport’s warehouse roof failed and the building flooded in a rain storm. It took 3 years to get only a partial reimbursement for all the loss from this flood.
It has been very difficult/expensive complying to all the taxes/rules to manufacture here in California. The majority of materials we purchased in the early 1990’s were made here in the USA. Most of these materials now are not made here and must be purchased in other countries.
Currently, our largest problem is keeping up with the demand for Motoport’s products.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The ratio of cars compared to motorcycle here in the USA is far different than the majority of other countries. I see the ratio of motorcycles increasing in the USA in the next 5 to 10 years.
When any problems with our economy occur, motorcycle riding will increase. We will also see an increase of the older generation after retiring, riding for fun, taking trips.
Motorcycle police have been wearing the same apparel that had zero protection if the rider crashed, since 1918. Motoport was the first company to enable these police motors to now be protected and ride in comfort. I see in the near future that all motorcycle police will be wearing protective apparel. I also see the general public as time goes by to be more concerned and wear more protective motorcycle apparel.
Contact Info:
- Address: 340 Rancheros Dr. #184
San Marcos, CA 92069 - Website: www.motoport.com
- Phone: 800-777-6499
- Email: motoportusa@earthlink.net
- Instagram: motoport_usa
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