Since 1981

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OUR STORY

1981 - Born in a Basement

 

Big Bike Parts started as a basement business in 1981 offering electrical components such as starters, contacts and taillights mostly for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

1984 - Launch of the Honda Gold Wing GL1200

 

Already making accessories for the Honda Gold Wing, the GL1200 launch continued to propel Big Bike Parts’ growth. Expansion into accessories for Honda cruisers, including the Magna and Shadow models, became the next order of business.

 

1985 - Show Chrome Brand Started 
 
Show Chrome Accessories was trademarked in 1985 to identify its line of quality accessories, with the name evoking the industry’s historical love affair with chrome. This same year Honda introduced the GL1200 LTD. This was a limited model GL1200 Aspencade, with advanced technology features to further enhance the riding experience and open the market to new riders. Touring motorcycles went into high gear along with demand for accessories.

 

1987 - Rice Lake, Wisconsin Facility Established
 
Growth demands forced the company to relocate, and  BBP’s current facility was built. Operations and multiple warehouses were consolidated to a single location in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
1988 - A Star is Born

 

Honda launched the popular GL1500, completely outclassing all competition and creating a wide open road for Big Bike Parts to continue high growth momentum.  Sales and customer service staff were added to support expanded sales and solidify the relentless, personal approach to customer focus  Big Bike Parts is known for today.

1993 - UltraGard Covers Launched

 

UltraGard Bike Covers was established in response to consumer desires for technologically sophisticated covers in a broad range of colors and fitments.

1997 - Honda Cruisers and Hopnel
 
With Honda’s introduction of the VT1100 Shadow American Classic Edition and Valkyrie in 1997, Big Bike Parts re-introduced itself into the Honda Cruiser Markets.
 
Consumers requested more soft goods, and Hopnel was acquired. Hopnel is known as a leader in design of on-bike storage pouches and pockets; creating Highway Bar Pac-A-Derms, Saddlebag Liners and Koolers, Tank Dividers, and Tank Map Pouches. These Hopnel products now live under the Show Chrome brand.
1999 - Yamaha Cruisers
 
With Yamaha’s update of the Venture in 1999, the Show Chrome Accessories brand was once again expanded to dominate the Yamaha Cruiser Market which grew with the successful V-Star line.
2000’s - GL1800 and Motorcycle Sales
 
In 2001, the first new Honda Gold Wing model in 13 years was revealed. Demand for new accessories only increased. U.S. motorcycle unit sales continued to see rapid growth through the first half of the decade.
The constant update of Shadows and introduction of the VTX line only magnified accessory demand.

2007 - Growth of Three Wheelers
 

Big Bike Parts launched into the three wheel motorcycle accessories market with the introduction of the Can-Am Spyder in 2007 and Ryker in 2019.  Polaris introduced the Slingshot in 2014.

Today - Continued Focus on Excellence
 
Big Bike Parts was acquired in 2021 by a family with 80+ years of history and residence in Rice Lake, WI. Ownership works side-by-side every day in Rice Lake, WI with the same talented people that built the business. The innovation of exciting products will continue with BBP’s focus on the Show Chrome and UltraGard brands. The manufacturing and design staff in Rice Lake has been multiplied to fuel growth.
 
Values such as quality, friendly customer service, innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that started in the basement 40 years ago continue to this day.
 
Today, Big Bike Parts dominates the Gold Wing, Three Wheel, and Cruiser markets for accessories and covers.
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