Harley Davidson Motorbike Transforms into SuperTrike for Northern Ireland Market.

BOSTON -- A leading U.S. motorcycle company, MotorTrike of Dallas, Texas, is working with two engineers from Northern Ireland to convert Harley Davidson and Honda motorbikes into Trike's for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

SuperTrike based in Coleraine, Co. Londonderry is a new Northern Ireland based company which will use conversion kits from MotorTrike to convert the Honda and Harley Davidson motorbikes, as well as distribute trikes made by MotorTrike in the US.

SuperTrike, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop and market these innovative products and enquiries from countries in Europe, including Spain have already been received for this exciting project.

The SuperTrike business was formed by two local engineers and experienced businessmen, John French and Raymond McMullan. John runs SurfTech International in Coleraine and is a former R&D director of Seagate Technology in Limavady, Derry while Raymond owns McMullan Motors in Coleraine, where SuperTrike works and showroom will be based.

Commenting on the new business venture, John French said: "Our decision to set up a SuperTrike business in Northern Ireland is the result of extensive research into a market opportunity that we identified from the tremendous popularity of these vehicles in the US.

Interest in trikes in the UK and Republic of Ireland has also been stimulated by a recent television series in which Scottish comedian, Billy Connolly traveled around the country in a trike. Furthermore, several premium motorbike dealerships, including McMullan Motors in Coleraine, have been receiving requests for trikes and are now including these in their portfolios."

Raymond McMullan added, "MotorTrike in Texas has experienced double-digit sales growth in nine of the past 11 years and has averaged 25 % per annum in the past five years.

Our strategic focus is on the development, marketing and technical support of premium quality trikes using the best Honda and Harley Davidson motorbikes. Our conversions will be carried out here in Coleraine and at the MotorTrike plant in Texas. This will ensure high quality products."

Mary Gormley, Invest Northern Ireland Manager, said, "SuperTrike was built on the matching skills and knowledge of its two founders, who have combined experience of over 50 years in manufacturing and marketing. They are introducing a product that is successful in the US to developing markets in the UK and Republic, both of which have a deep rooted interest in motorbikes."

Mary continued, "Another important aspect of this new business is the relationship which it has already developed with the US market leader for conversions and with another company for the supply of bikes for conversion. SuperTrike is also targeting existing motorcycle dealerships and seeking to increase awareness through its participation in major events such as the Ulster Grand Prix and the development SuperTrike's website."

Invest Northern Ireland is backing SuperTrike, which is expected to provide four new jobs over the next three years, with marketing support under the Export Start programme. Invest Northern Ireland works with Northern Ireland companies to increase competitiveness, promote entrepreneurship and to facilitate the creation of more and better quality business start-ups. Invest NI is headquartered in Belfast and delivers its services through a network of local and international offices.

Invest Northern Ireland also works to secure new investment from overseas in the internationally traded services and manufacturing sectors. Focusing in particular on the financial services and ICT sectors, Invest NI works in partnership with public and private sector organizations to establish Northern Ireland as a high performance, high value location for international business.

For more information please contact Lisa Murray on 1 617 425 5510 or email [e-mail].