World Exclusive! The webBikeWorld Live Report
From the 2009 Powersports Dealer Expo
Indianapolis, Indiana
- February 13-16, 2009 by Rick K., Editor, webBikeWorld.com
Aimee Leeper is a genius. But a
couple of months ago, people were questioning her
sanity.
There was a good chance that her job as
Fulmer's Marketing Director would have ended up looking
something like the last scene of Easy Rider if it all
went wrong at the 2009 Dealer Expo.
What am I talking about? Aimee was
responsible for Fulmer's "Forty Years of Authentic
American Style" display, complete with actual, real
reproductions of '60's metalflake helmets and bubble
face shields.
Let me make this clear: these helmets
are now in production, repros of the original '60's
versions, with metalflake and the bubble face shields
seen in these photos and the video below!
This is a step back in time, with beaded
curtain "tube" rooms, '60's television sets covered in
decals from the era and surrounded by bean bag chairs to
watch, tie-dye shirts, the music...even a lava lamp.
There's retro, then there's this -- a recreation of
history. But also a bold step into the future for
Fulmer.
When I first saw the display, I couldn't
believe it. I honestly didn't know what to think.
And although you can tell by the big smiles on all the
tie-dyed Fulmer staff that they're having loads of fun,
this is serious.
Fulmer's new line of gen-u-wine metalflake reproduction helmets
includes, of course, modern
technology and they meet DOT safety standards. And
those bubble shields (remember them?), while maybe not
for everyone, are just as original. If I had a
chopper, I would absolutely have to get an Easy Rider
helmet with a bubble shield. In fact, I may buy a
chopper just so I can get the helmet!
All of the modern Fulmer helmets will
continue, but what better way to cash in on the
insatiable demand for retro style by a company that was
there when it happened.
Fortunately, so was I, and it honestly
seemed like just yesterday we parked in the grass on Rt.
17 and walked to Woodstock. And walked, and
walked....
But the memories newly released from my
little gray cells that were prompted by the Fulmer
display are all good, albeit fuzzy, for several reasons,
as you can imagine.
Definitely, absolutely the best display
at the show and good on ya, Fulmer, for going full speed
ahead and damn the economy!
Here's a little video I put together to
give you a feel for the atmosphere:
wBW
Video: Fulmer Helmets - 40 Years
The "Flower Child" helmet shown above
(my name, not Fulmer's) is from a limited run for the
Fulmer dealers who were there 40 years ago when Fulmer
started making helmets. Aimee said if there was
enough demand, she may have a limited production run
cranked up.
John Linn, Fulmer Helmets
The next photo is of John Linn holding what I call the
"Flower Child" helmet. John is the longest-serving
Fulmer employee, with 37 years and counting.
Check out the photo just below it --
those photos on the right are of John, back in the
day...
John Linn, with Fulmer since the beginning of time!
