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In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Christofer Ratcliffe, founder of Langen Motorcycles and one of the minds behind some of the most radical motorcycles being built today.

What started with rebuilding motorcycles as a kid eventually turned into a career that helped shape modern British motorcycle engineering.

Chris takes us through his journey from studying automotive engineering and working at TVR to helping modernize CCM Motorcycles using 3D CAD technology, leading development of the lightweight BMW-powered GP450 Adventure bike, and helping create the now-iconic CCM Spitfire.

But this episode goes far deeper than motorcycles.

Chris shares unbelievable behind-the-scenes stories involving military and United Nations motorcycle contracts, including rugged Honda-based machines designed for Afghan forces operating in some of the harshest environments on earth.

We also dive into the birth of Langen Motorcycles, including the terrifying decision to sell his own house to fund the company, navigating the chaos of COVID, leveraging EV innovation grants to survive, and taking on the nearly impossible challenge of building a modern fuel-injected 250cc two-stroke V-twin motorcycle in an era dominated by regulations and corporate conformity.

From lightweight engineering philosophy and bespoke manufacturing to the insane vision behind the 185 horsepower / 185 kilogram Langen Lightspeed, this conversation is a raw look into what it really takes to build motorcycles without compromise.

This is a must-listen episode for motorcycle enthusiasts, engineers, builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone obsessed with performance, innovation, and chasing impossible ideas.

Connect with Chris Ratcliffe:

Website: https://www.langenmotorcycles.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LangenMotorcycles/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/langenmotorcycles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/langen-motorcycles/

 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXdvDfQtxKh5ncwrAJJo38A


Check Out Our Sponsors:
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✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com

Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyclesWorldwide
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

Timestamps:

00:00 The Man Bringing the Two-Stroke Back From the Dead  of Langen Motorcycles
00:27 Podcast Intro and Guest
02:09 Rapid Fire Questions
04:55 Motorcycle Roots at Home
06:41 First Bike Lessons
08:10 Engineering Career Detours
09:52 TVR Trial by Fire
13:08 Joining CCM and CAD
18:27 GP450 Lightweight Breakthrough
21:31 Spitfire Born in Eight Weeks
23:59 Defense and UN Projects
25:33 Leap to Start Langen
28:42 Naming the Brand
31:12 Early Sacrifices and EV Grants
34:59 Choosing the Two Stroke Vision
36:52 Pricing a Premium Machine
38:44 Why Two Strokes Matter
40:19 Designing the V Twin Layout
41:27 Packaging Without Bodywork
42:40 Fuel Range Reality Check
43:13 Prototype Launch During Covid
45:43 Boutique Builder Value
47:50 Local Supply Chain Approach
49:29 Lightspeed 185 Brief
50:11 Scaling Customization Options
51:45 Taking On The Giants
52:53 Growth Plans And Dealers
54:10 Future Of Bespoke Bikes
56:07 UK Market And Chinese Brands
59:52 Getting Young Riders Hooked
01:01:17 Advice For Future Builders
01:03:30 US Expansion Roadshow
01:06:15 Wrap Up And Contact Info

#LangenMotorcycles #ChrisRatcliffe #MotorcyclePodcast #TwoStroke #CustomMotorcycles #BritishMotorcycles #CafeRacer #Superbike #BikeLife #MotorcycleEngineering

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Big Mike Rouse joins One Gang Worldwide for a raw and in-depth conversation about the rise, explosion, and survival of the custom chopper era and the unbelievable story behind BMC Choppers.

From growing up in Santa Cruz and building his first shovelhead to landing magazine covers and turning a small garage operation into one of the biggest names in custom motorcycles, Mike takes us through the wild ride that led to over 18,000 motorcycles being built during the height of the chopper boom.

We dive deep into the golden age of custom bike culture, Biker Build-Off television fame, building a nationally recognized motorcycle and parts brand, the pressure of rapid growth, the brutal impact of the 2009 economic crash, mentorship from Mike Corbin, and how the motorcycle industry has changed in the social media era.

This episode is packed with motorcycle history, business lessons, industry truth, and the passion that still drives Big Mike to build today.

A must-listen for chopper fans, builders, motorcycle entrepreneurs, and anyone who lived through or wishes they experienced the golden era of custom motorcycles.

Connect with Mike Rouse:

Website: https://bmcnextlevel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmcmotorcycles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmcmotorcyclecompany

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bmcmotorcyclecompany


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Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyclesWorldwide
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to One Gang
00:54 Meet Big Mike
02:28 Fame and Humility
03:50 Rapid Fire Round
14:29 Early Life in Santa Cruz
15:27 Football and Family
18:57 First Shop Breakthrough
22:22 Investor Money and Growth
25:02 Leaving Corporate Behind
29:16 Bend Oregon Production Era
31:44 Inside the Chopper Boom
34:09 Biker Build Off Call
40:12 Magazine Ads and Press
43:05 TV Reality vs Real Builds
45:36 Chop It with Big Mike
46:34 Chopper Boom Growing Pains
47:22 Helping New Builders Rise
48:31 2009 Crash and Buybacks
50:23 Hindsight on Scaling Up
53:07 What Made BMC Different
55:40 Social Media Era Shift
59:46 Design Studio and Storytelling
01:02:08 Mentorship With Mike Corbin
01:07:10 Pivot to Parts Innovation
01:13:57 What Still Drives Mike
01:18:27 Advice for Young Builders
01:22:18 Where to Follow and Final Wrap

#BMCChoppers #BigMikeRouse #ChopperCulture #CustomMotorcycles #AmericanVtwin #MotorcycleIndustry #BikerBuildOff #ChopperLife #HarleyDavidson #MotorcyclePodcast #OneGangWorldwide #CustomBikeBuilder #Shovelhead #VtwinCulture #MotorcycleHistory #BuiltNotBought #GarageBuilt #ChopperBoom #MotorcycleCommunity #CyclesWorldwide

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In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Annick Magac—motorcycle storyteller, racer, and founder of the FÉROCE podcast.

From her early days growing up between cultures to studying design in New York City, Annick shares how she found her way into the motorcycle world—and never looked back. What started with a first bike and a tight-knit NYC riding circle quickly evolved into track days, racing a Honda RS125, and building a platform dedicated to telling riders’ stories.

We talk about the origins of FÉROCE, the rise of solo podcasting, and the importance of making motorcycling more accessible through training, community, and representation. Annick also shares insight into industry trends, including the role of social media, the growth of women riders, and how EV bikes and affordability are shaping the next generation of riders.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this episode is a deep dive into the culture, challenges, and future of motorcycling.

Connect with Annick Magac: 

FÉROCE Podcast: https://liveferoce.com/

Website: https://annickmagac.com/

Book: https://annickmagac.com/clearbook/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magac.annick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annickmagac/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnickMagac

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com

Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

Timestamps:

00:00 Cold Open and Intro
01:59 Speed Round Icebreaker
05:24 Gear, Music and Dream Trips
13:30 Growing Up and First Rides
16:10 Design School Meets Motorheads
21:38 First Bike Brooklyn Bridge Chaos
24:03 Track Days and Racing Progression
27:27 NYC Motorcycle Culture Awakening
32:03 Why She Started FÉROCE Podcast
33:34 Solo Episodes and Evolving Format
35:32 Making Riding Accessible
37:06 Training and Smart Limits
40:25 Creative Riders and Shop Class
42:28 Building Motorcycle Community
44:19 Women Riders Content Gap
53:03 Industry Growth and EV Shift
01:04:16 Affordable Bikes and Entry Ladder
01:08:06 Future Plans and Motivation
01:09:50 Start Before Perfect
01:12:18 Where to Find Her and Wrap Up

 #Motorcycles #MotoPodcast #WomenWhoRide #TrackDays #MotorcycleLife #MotoCommunity #BeginnerRiders #Sportbikes #EVMotorcycles #RideMore #FerocePodcast #OneGangWorldwide 

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On this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Shea and Shaina, the founders of Born Scum, to talk about how they built a DIY motorcycle and counterculture brand from just $300.

Born Scum grew from a small run of shirts sold on Instagram into a recognized name in motorcycle culture, skate culture, tattoo culture, and hardcore streetwear. Shea and Shaina share their story of growing up in Bakersfield, dealing with homelessness and hard times early in life, reconnecting, and building a business together from the ground up.

We get into how they stayed self-funded, why they brought screen printing in-house, how they built a loyal audience organically, what running a business as a couple really looks like, and why their bike giveaways mean so much to the people who follow the brand.

If you’re into motorcycle lifestyle brands, DIY business stories, streetwear, custom bike culture, or building a brand without loans or investors, this episode is packed with value.

Connect with Born Scum: 

Website: https://www.bornscum.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/born_scum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bornscumclothingco

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/born_scum

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com

Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

Timestamps:

00:00 Mindset Creates Future
00:19 Podcast Welcome And Guests
01:22 Rapid Fire Icebreaker
03:11 Music Tastes And Influences
06:44 Boise Move And Lifestyle
08:04 Dream Bikes And Old Vs New
10:57 Giveaway Builds Philosophy
13:46 Born Scum Defined Loyal
14:50 Sponsor Break And Origins
15:26 Bakersfield Childhood Stories
17:25 Shayna Upbringing And Homelessness
21:31 Reconnecting And Relationship Shift
25:06 The 300 Dollar Brand Start
28:13 Shayna Joins And Scaling Up
31:20 No Plan B Mindset
33:00 Handling Criticism and Confidence
34:27 Blue Collar Roots and Affirmations
36:49 Money Decisions and DIY Printing
40:13 Keeping the Brand Authentic
42:43 Couples in Business Balance
46:33 Growing a Following Organically
51:43 Counterculture Identity and Meaning
53:39 Why We Do Bike Giveaways
55:46 Lowest Lows and COVID Shock
01:00:28 Healthy Growth and Community Impact
01:05:20 Advice and Where to Follow

#BornScum #StreetwearBrand #UndergroundBrand #IndependentBrand #DIYCulture #HustleFromNothing #TattooCulture #SkateCulture #CustomBikeLife #GarageBuilt #ChopperCulture #BuiltNotBought #OneGangWorldwide #CyclesWorldwide

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Robert Pandya of #genXgearhead: a longtime motorcycle industry voice with deep experience in brand building, events, media, and rider engagement.

Robert has spent roughly three decades in powersports and has worked across some of the most recognizable corners of the industry. He currently leads GenXgearhead, previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, helped shape the conversation at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, and founded the Give A Shift initiative focused on the future of motorcycling.

We discuss how motorcycling can grow through collaboration, authenticity, and better rider development. He shares personal background (born in Scotland, lived in India, raised in Illinois), how a Suzuki GN250 sparked his riding life, and key lessons from dealership work: “shut up and listen,” plus the need for OEM leaders to understand dealership realities. Pandya critiques inauthentic marketing, highlights undervalued bikes like the Royal Enfield 650, and explains Discover the Ride/Give A Shift as a free, candid industry roundtable that influenced conversations on training and inclusivity. He advocates All Kids Bike, warns about used-inventory and demographic pressures, urges unified OEM action, and says the industry must address e-bikes and protect motorcycling’s place amid future transportation changes.

Connect with Robert: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-pandya-gearhead/

Robert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertpandya/

Genxgearhead IG: https://www.instagram.com/genxgearhead/

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
 

Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

Chapters: 

00:00 Industry Unity PSA
00:43 Podcast Intro Guest Setup
02:24 Rapid Fire Icebreakers
03:23 Bikes Gearhead Life
04:41 Rally Stories Dirt Switch
06:50 Underrated Bikes AI Rants
09:56 Music Memories Eighties
12:46 Grace Safety Misconceptions
15:11 Origins Across Continents
17:10 First Bike Stigma Lessons
21:57 Two Wheels Independence
23:38 Dealership Floor Realities
25:57 OEM Dealer Disconnect
30:04 PR Storytelling Breakthrough
33:36 Marketing Versus Authenticity
38:10 Harley Leadership Debate
40:48 Brand Identity Lessons
41:45 Brand Culture Matters
42:19 Authenticity Over Rivalry
43:00 What Makes Each OEM
44:43 Discover The Ride Origins
46:55 Give A Shift Impact
50:01 Critique Culture Resistance
53:49 All Kids Bike Mission
56:52 COO At Buffalo Chip
59:55 Sturgis Meals On Wheels
01:03:58 Running Sturgis Scale
01:08:33 Barber Museum Lessons
01:11:55 Industry Health Check
01:17:04 What Industry Gets Right
01:20:35 Five Minutes With OEMs
01:23:55 If Nothing Changes
01:26:23 Closing Advice And Follow

#RobertPandya #GenXgearhead #MotorcyclePodcast #OneGangWorldwide #CyclesWorldwide #MotorcycleIndustry #Powersports #SturgisBuffaloChip #GiveAShift #FutureOfMotorcycling

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Get ready for a real, unfiltered look at what’s happening inside today’s dealer market.

In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, to break down the reality behind the marine and powersports industries right now.

Matt takes us on a chronological ride from his early days in journalism to helping build PowerSports Business, and eventually stepping into a leadership role at MRAA during one of its most challenging moments. What followed was a complete transformation—rebuilding membership, redefining value, and helping create what is now known as Dealer Week, one of the most impactful dealer-focused events in the industry.

But this conversation goes far beyond the past.

We dig into what dealers are facing today post-COVID market shifts, rising inventory pressure, interest rates, pricing challenges, and the growing role of digital marketing and AI in how customers shop and discover products. Matt also shares his perspective on consolidation, the evolving dealership model, and what the “Dealership of the Future” really looks like.

This is an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about leadership, survival, and where this industry is headed next.

If you’re a dealer, builder, or anyone who truly cares about the future of powersports and marine, this is one you don’t want to miss.

00:00 Welcome to Marine Retail

01:53 Rapid Fire Icebreaker

08:18 Finding Writing and Journalism

10:11 Breaking Into Boating Media

14:49 Learning Business the Hard Way

18:22 Top 100 Dealers Impact

23:22 Taking Over MRAA

26:16 Membership Turnaround Playbook

31:41 Dealer Week Origins

35:36 Dealer Education Impact

37:10 Typical Boat Dealerships

39:23 Dealer Counts And Attrition

40:16 Post Covid Inventory Crunch

45:38 Margins And Transparency

50:17 Advertising And AI Search

53:24 Marketplace Listings Debate

56:32 Dealership Of The Future

01:01:36 Power Sports Lessons

01:05:56 Advice For Newcomers

01:08:13 Legacy And Crisis Wins

01:12:08 Awards And Contact Info

01:15:28 Final Thanks And Signoff

Connect with Matt:

Website: https://mraa.com/

[email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgruhn/ 

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
 

Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

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Get ready to go behind the curtain of one of the most dominant brands in motorsports.

In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Joe Parsons, Director of Special Marketing Projects for Monster Energy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From launching the very first monsterenergy.com to helping build a global sports marketing powerhouse, Joe takes us on a two-decade journey that most people never get to see.

We dive into the early, unfiltered days from Vans Warped Tour activations and X Games cash-for-podium moments to the underground strategies that helped shape Monster’s identity. Joe breaks down how the brand built its edge by hiring insiders from the worlds of motorsports, music, and nightlife and why authenticity has always been the foundation.

From Ricky Brabec’s historic Dakar victory to global expansion through grassroots BMX and skate scenes in Eastern Europe, this episode uncovers what it really takes to build a worldwide presence. Joe also opens up about high-pressure logistics, massive event execution, measuring ROI at scale, and the personal sacrifices that come with living life on the road.

This isn’t just marketing. This is how a brand becomes a movement and Joe was there from the beginning! 

00:00 Monster Marketing Movement

01:56 Rapid Fire Icebreakers

10:07 Dakar Wins And Big Bets

14:49 Rebel Roots And BMX

17:49 Toshiba And Y2K Web Era

20:44 Joining Monster Early Days

25:01 Three Pillars Authenticity

27:01 Warped Tour Street Marketing

36:41 How Monster Picks Partners

50:12 Dakar Logistics Nightmare

56:57 Going All In Or Selective

59:20 Sponsorship ROI Reality

01:05:05 Family Sacrifices And Travel

01:09:07 Advice For Breaking In

Connect with Joe:

Instagram: monster_joe

linkedin.com/in/energymarketing

https://www.facebook.com/joe.parsons.568

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
 
Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

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Get ready for a real, no-BS look at what it actually takes to build a career and earn a seat in the powersports industry.

In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Neil Noble, President of Navigant Motor Group and a multi-store Harley-Davidson partner in Texas. But this isn’t a story about a title, it’s about the years of work behind it.

Neil takes us all the way back to growing up near Cincinnati, where he learned early lessons in customer service, hustle, and reading people. From working in insurance to cutting his teeth in auto BDC, his path eventually led him into Harley-Davidson sales in 2002, where everything changed.

From there, we follow a true ground-up journey. Sales floors, management roles, tough decisions during the 2008 downturn in Detroit, and the constant pressure to perform while building systems that actually work. Neil breaks down how real advancement happens in this industry not just through skill and perseverance, but through what he calls “luck exposure”, being willing to have hard conversations, and knowing how to stay consistent without burning out.

We dive deep into what separates average dealerships from great ones:
What systems are non-negotiable.
How to create momentum inside a store.
How to build a destination without making customers feel processed.
And what ownership really looks like behind the scenes.

Neil also opens up about growth, margins, and the realities of scaling along with the Calculated Risk sale to a family office, and why more dealers today are adding other brands to stay competitive. He shares his perspective on the future of Harley-Davidson, leadership changes under Jochen Zeitz and Artie Starrs, and the ongoing challenge of affordability in today’s market.

We also lighten it up with a rapid-fire segment covering dealership priorities, underrated departments, his customized 2010 Crossbones, and thoughts on performance parts like the 135 crate engine, plus a memorable moment from King of the Baggers with Willie G. Davidson.

This is a conversation about work, consistency, leadership, and earning your place one step at a time.

02:11 Rapid Fire Icebreaker

05:25 Dream Garage Picks

06:42 Harley Parts Favorites

10:03 Insurance Hustle Lessons

14:54 From Med School to Business

19:51 Early Leadership Reality Check

23:05 Pressure in the 2008 Crash

31:59 Building Texas Harley

36:46 From Transactional to Destination

42:38 Harley Passion Returns

45:14 Owner Mindset Lessons

51:06 Navigant Deal Shift

55:38 Analog Beyond Digital

59:48 Marketing and CRM Reality

01:04:23 Next Decade for Harley

01:12:10 Multi Brand Rooftops

01:15:31 Career Roadmap Advice

01:19:16 Racing Moment Finale

Connect with Neil:

Website: navigantmotorgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-noble-536862a/

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
 
Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

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Get ready for a powerful conversation with one of the most respected leaders in the powersports industry. In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Michael Angeli, VP of Sales North America at Piaggio Group Americas, the force behind iconic brands like Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, and Piaggio.

But this isn’t just a conversation about titles or corporate strategy, this is about the climb.

Michael takes us all the way back to his upbringing, where growing up in a large, modest household and running a paper route became the foundation for a relentless work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset. From there, we follow his journey into the powersports world, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident during his time at Tucker Rocky that could have changed everything, but didn’t.

What unfolds is a raw, honest look at a career built through persistence, learning, and showing up when it mattered most. 

We dive deep into the differences between distribution and OEM life, and how those lessons shaped his dealer-first philosophy today. Michael breaks down what actually drives dealer success, profitability, identity, service departments that perform, and the small fundamentals most stores overlook. From how a customer is greeted at the door to how inventory is planned at a national level, this episode connects the dots between the showroom floor and the executive boardroom.

We also get into the realities of today’s market, longer ownership cycles, financing conversations, and why “spray and pray” marketing is dead. Instead, Michael shares how targeted strategy, community-building (especially with Vespa), and investing in your dealership’s brand and customer experience are what separate those who survive from those who win.

This is more than an industry conversation, it’s a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and building something that lasts.

If you’re a dealer, a rider, or anyone chasing something bigger in this industry, this is one episode you don’t want to miss. 

00:00 Meet Michael Angeli

05:40 MotoGP Machines and RSV4 X Talk

11:37 Breaking In at Tucker Rocky

14:34 Distributor vs OEM Reality

20:24 Joining Piaggio and Early Challenges

29:07 What Great OEM Support Looks Like

31:47 Communication and Rebuilding Dealers

36:59 Spotting a Healthy Dealership

39:25 Dealership Health Checks

40:08 Service Department Signals

42:39 Financing Entry Level

45:45 Consumer Trends Post COVID

48:17 Trade In Value Gap

54:17 Build Brand Not Price

01:01:25 After Sale Referrals

01:03:32 Support Dealers and OEMs

01:05:24 Career Advice Persistence

01:12:56 Final Thanks and Invite

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://www.piaggiogroup.com/en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/piaggio-group-americas/ 

Linkedln: linkedin.com/in/michael-angeli-863aa754

Check Out Our Sponsors:
SAVE 20% on Milwaukee Leather motorcycle gear!

✅ Use promo code: CW20

🛒 Shop here: https://milwaukeemotorcycleclothing.com
 
Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide

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In this episode of One Gang Worldwide, Ben and Serge sit down with Ohio Congressman Troy Balderson, a small-business owner, former mechanic, lifelong public servant, and someone who understands the freedom of two wheels as much as the responsibility of public office.

What begins as a conversation about motorcycles quickly turns into a deeper look at the road that led Troy from a farm outside Zanesville, Ohio, to the halls of Congress. He shares stories about growing up in 4-H, learning discipline and work ethic early, and working in his family’s Chrysler-Dodge dealership before the realities of the 2008 financial crisis forced them to close their doors.

Troy explains the unexpected moment that pushed him into politics in 2006 when a customer encouraged him to step up and serve his community. From local politics to Washington, he opens up about what life inside Congress is really like and separates the reality from the political theater people often see on television.

Motorcycles still play an important role in his life. Troy talks about how riding helps him reset, why he prefers modular full-face helmets and curvy backroads, and why West Virginia and Pennsylvania remain some of his favorite places to ride. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, he also discusses advocating for rider safety, training programs, and ensuring motorcyclists are considered as new transportation technologies evolve.

Along the way, the conversation touches on small business challenges, agriculture, regulation, infrastructure, social media’s influence on the next generation, and the importance of trades, family stability, and civic responsibility. Ben and Serge also share their perspectives as everyday citizens, openly discussing politics, current events, and the growing division often amplified by traditional media and social platforms.

At the end of the day, whether you're in Congress or on a motorcycle, the road teaches the same lessons: responsibility, respect for others, and the understanding that the journey forward is always better when people ride it together.

01:40 Rapid Fire Ride Talk

07:44 Family and Farm Roots

09:23 Dealership Life Lessons

15:40 Statehouse to Congresse

37:33 Media Fuels Division

43:00 Turning Point Politics

49:00 Trades Skills Comeback

59:25 Nuclear Family Matters

01:02:35 Advice And Bike Stories

01:07:24 Wrap Up And Contact

Connect with Troy:

Website: Balderson.gov 

Instagram: @RepBalderson 

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