Ryan Zimmer speaks about racing with Slater Skins/Shield

Kyle978
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8/10/2014 7:53pm
jeffro756 wrote:
you talkin to me?
No, I was agreeing with you toward The Rock.
The Rock
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8/11/2014 1:15am Edited Date/Time 8/11/2014 1:18am
jeffro756 wrote:
Rock - Why do you keep changing the damn thread title? Just to boost views? Bike looked good, i agree, if outside money was the only...
Rock - Why do you keep changing the damn thread title? Just to boost views?

Bike looked good, i agree, if outside money was the only thing flowing in they would demand this kind of real estate, but until the well of energy drinks and tires and power tools dries up no one will demand it and slater skins will have the same fate as before.

Kyle978 wrote:
Seriously, I appreciate the sponsorship from your buddy, but I'm sickened by your constant attempts to portray yourself as an industry insider. There were actual press...
Seriously, I appreciate the sponsorship from your buddy, but I'm sickened by your constant attempts to portray yourself as an industry insider. There were actual press releases about it, RacerX posted something about it...just chill out and let it run it's course. I spun the T-handles for my buddy who went 16-16 in the 250's at 'Shougal who drove 22 hours in his van, didn't see making threads about it.
May I suggest not clicking on any threads I start as a way to deal with your sickness? Give you a 7.5 on the moderator attempt but fiber might help with that.

I think you missed an opportunity to share a pretty neat experience about wrenching for your buddy. Congrats for that team effort. Amazing what privateers go through chasing the dream. If you have pictures from that trip I would love to see them.

EDIT: Changing the title seemed more logical than starting a new thread on the same subject each moto. You guys have no idea what a big deal this was this weekend. John's been working on this a long time so excuuuuuuuse me for being excited for my buddy.
The Rock
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8/12/2014 11:32pm Edited Date/Time 8/13/2014 2:22am
Nice mini interview with Ryan Zimmer about his experience at Unadilla with the Slater Skins and Shield in MXA's Mid-Week Report
Indy mxer
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8/13/2014 7:13am
Electro21 wrote:
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins...
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins and the bike would look awesome. It's great to see outside industries pulled into the sport and I think these Slater Skins can be a good thing.
Agree. Get rid of the front piece. The rest looks great.

The Shop

moto589
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8/13/2014 7:47am
Is Canidae still involved in the sport?

MarkF
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8/13/2014 8:12am
We have heard a lot of comments like these over the last few weeks so I am going to break it done to simple economics and...
We have heard a lot of comments like these over the last few weeks so I am going to break it done to simple economics and marketing. I am not singling you out 4stroke4DWIN either just using as example.

People in general are resistant to change and this is a drastic change to the motorcycles you are use to seeing for sure. However, it costs money to go racing and at the Pro level it is extremely expensive. How do you get money to go racing if you don't have it? Sponsors! For the exception of the Gieco Honda, you can even read the sponsors on a motocross bike when it flashes across your television set. If I owned a company I would not spend my marketing budget for something you cant even see.
Our bike stands out with Slater Skins, you know Blue Buffalo is our sponsor. This makes perfect sense to me even though some feel it looks different. Simply put it is marketing, and I truly hope that this might change how big corporate and outside sponsors look at the marketing opportunities of our sport. Throw more money in and give more kids like mine an opportunity to make a living as a professional mx/sx racer than there are now. If we continue to think and do things the same way we are going to get the same results.
I respect those that disagree with me, but I feel very strongly that this could be an excellent way to attract more sponsors and money to our sport. Evidently, Blue Buffalo feels good enough about it to put their name on it and we truly appreciate it.

Jeff Zimmer
You know the old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well I applaud you guys. I also emailed Blue Buffalo to acknowledge their involvement with our sport.
SRP33
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8/13/2014 8:17am Edited Date/Time 8/13/2014 8:20am
Electro21 wrote:
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins...
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins and the bike would look awesome. It's great to see outside industries pulled into the sport and I think these Slater Skins can be a good thing.
Indy mxer wrote:
Agree. Get rid of the front piece. The rest looks great.


This is why the Slater Shield is important
every time a logo is seen means money. who are the 2 guys in front sponsored by ? good question looks like oneal and a big M sure inside the industry people know, but a lot of fans do not, that is the market who spends money on product.
SRP33
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8/13/2014 8:25am




JA946
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8/13/2014 8:30am
How many times has this title changed?
mauidex
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8/13/2014 8:35am
personally all for this, but as everyone sees, and has for how long now???, this is fighting an uphill battle that most likely isn't getting anywhere.......

20 years ago it was started and done correctly...........there was NEVER any question in anyones mind who sponsored the Pro Circuit 125 team....................today there is no question who sponsors the Factory Connection team..............

it is a synergistic collaboration between all involved to get "the look" and acceptable sponsor exposure...............and it is not necessary to attempt to change the bike, which i'm sure would not bode well as you move up the food chain and start dealing with OEM bike guys who are invested in equipment and/or money........ie; MC dilemma..............

and for you Rock, who seems invested in this somehow, no one ever had a problem knowing what guys on the track were HOT riders.............the key is the gear sponsor, if they can see a bit past their own noses, the good ones do it right..........the photo just posted shows how to do it wrong..........

SRP33
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8/13/2014 8:51am
mauidex wrote:
personally all for this, but as everyone sees, and has for how long now???, this is fighting an uphill battle that most likely isn't getting anywhere...
personally all for this, but as everyone sees, and has for how long now???, this is fighting an uphill battle that most likely isn't getting anywhere.......

20 years ago it was started and done correctly...........there was NEVER any question in anyones mind who sponsored the Pro Circuit 125 team....................today there is no question who sponsors the Factory Connection team..............

it is a synergistic collaboration between all involved to get "the look" and acceptable sponsor exposure...............and it is not necessary to attempt to change the bike, which i'm sure would not bode well as you move up the food chain and start dealing with OEM bike guys who are invested in equipment and/or money........ie; MC dilemma..............

and for you Rock, who seems invested in this somehow, no one ever had a problem knowing what guys on the track were HOT riders.............the key is the gear sponsor, if they can see a bit past their own noses, the good ones do it right..........the photo just posted shows how to do it wrong..........

Your so far off. people have no idea who sponsors who, sure mxers know, general public has no clue bottom line.
I have been doing this a very long time back when I was involved with RHINO MOTO SKINS. we had riders all over the word running are stuff. Greg Albertyn race the Trophie Desnations with no problems. My partner died of cancer so the program came to a stop. I started it back up got freestyle guys and did the Sobe deal with Team Suzuki. 4 strokes came out everyone said Slater Skins won't work factories didn't want their bikes looking different, but now times they are a changing
proof was this past weekend and I have already worked a deal with an OEM. So mauidex your logic is wrong but for you its true
that's fine good luck to you and your team.
Ramrod
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8/13/2014 8:57am
mauidex wrote:
personally all for this, but as everyone sees, and has for how long now???, this is fighting an uphill battle that most likely isn't getting anywhere...
personally all for this, but as everyone sees, and has for how long now???, this is fighting an uphill battle that most likely isn't getting anywhere.......

20 years ago it was started and done correctly...........there was NEVER any question in anyones mind who sponsored the Pro Circuit 125 team....................today there is no question who sponsors the Factory Connection team..............

it is a synergistic collaboration between all involved to get "the look" and acceptable sponsor exposure...............and it is not necessary to attempt to change the bike, which i'm sure would not bode well as you move up the food chain and start dealing with OEM bike guys who are invested in equipment and/or money........ie; MC dilemma..............

and for you Rock, who seems invested in this somehow, no one ever had a problem knowing what guys on the track were HOT riders.............the key is the gear sponsor, if they can see a bit past their own noses, the good ones do it right..........the photo just posted shows how to do it wrong..........

SRP33 wrote:
Your so far off. people have no idea who sponsors who, sure mxers know, general public has no clue bottom line. I have been doing this...
Your so far off. people have no idea who sponsors who, sure mxers know, general public has no clue bottom line.
I have been doing this a very long time back when I was involved with RHINO MOTO SKINS. we had riders all over the word running are stuff. Greg Albertyn race the Trophie Desnations with no problems. My partner died of cancer so the program came to a stop. I started it back up got freestyle guys and did the Sobe deal with Team Suzuki. 4 strokes came out everyone said Slater Skins won't work factories didn't want their bikes looking different, but now times they are a changing
proof was this past weekend and I have already worked a deal with an OEM. So mauidex your logic is wrong but for you its true
that's fine good luck to you and your team.
Some people have small minds and can't see the big picture plus people are naturally resistant to change.

I hope ideas like this keep progressing.

mauidex
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8/13/2014 9:10am
take a picture of tomac..............go to a mall.........or anywhere you choose with lots of non-moto people...............ask them who sponsors this guy??????????? I guarantee you that you will get at least 80% - 90% correct answer............GEICO

not sayin at all your idea/product won't work.........it;s just not necessary if the rest of the package is done correctly.......

as to you as well SRP............good luck...........
NCProaction
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8/13/2014 10:55am
SEE ARE125 wrote:
Too funny never saw that one before
NCProaction
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8/13/2014 11:24am
mauidex wrote:
take a picture of tomac..............go to a mall.........or anywhere you choose with lots of non-moto people...............ask them who sponsors this guy??????????? I guarantee you that you...
take a picture of tomac..............go to a mall.........or anywhere you choose with lots of non-moto people...............ask them who sponsors this guy??????????? I guarantee you that you will get at least 80% - 90% correct answer............GEICO

not sayin at all your idea/product won't work.........it;s just not necessary if the rest of the package is done correctly.......

as to you as well SRP............good luck...........
I agree with this statement, but other than Geico most of the other bikes you really cant tell who sponsors them.

I hate when these posts get so defensive and combative on here. I agree to disagree with everyone that says this will never work. In my humble opinion it already has!

My son, Ryan Zimmer, like so many other great riding Privateers are getting lost in the shuffle in our sport. They don't make anything and dedicate their life to MX because that is all they know. I can tell you first hand how much goes into getting to the point Ryan is right now in his career, and so many others are right there too. How do you get to the next level? You need bikes, training, diet, travel, testing, all of which cost money. I can't afford it and many other Privateers with plenty of talent can't afford it either.

That is were Slater Skins come in and change the game for us. Just at 1 race Unadilla tell me how many Privateers had the following;

1. A $600 million dollar a year company (BLUE BUFFALO) sponsor them
2. MX license paid for ($300)
3. Entry fees paid for ($250)
4. Pre Race press ( Racer X, Motocross Action, Vital)
5. Post Race Press ( Racer X, Motocross Action, Vital)
6. 3 photo shoots (never did those before)
7. Good Press (tons of people blowing up my phone on how cool our bike was and they are now buying Blue Buffalo)
8. Bad Press (They are still talking about us)
9. Gas money ($200)
10. Awesome Rig to pit out of (3D Racing)
ETC.........

Ryan also made $400 dollars racing, too bad he got a ticket on the way to the house, so you know where that money is going. Those of you that don't think this will work, it already has for us. Love it or hate it truth is we went racing and had fun doing it. We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity. With a little luck and some hard work Ryan will keep getting better and get the things he needs to be successful in this sport.

My Dad always told me everyone is trying to get to the same spot in life, they just take different paths. Some paths are easier than others, but if you reach where you are going it only matters that you got there. I see Justin Brayton and the path he took, many forget that because he got to the destination. We know where we come from and are humbled and very thankful for this opportunity.

Jeff Zimmer
SRP33
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8/13/2014 11:44am
Amen Jeff

My buddy is a bar tender at a local restaurant every sat night he puts the supercross on for us 10 or so people.
anyhow one night 2 guys watching, one an advertising executive for unilever (axe body spray)
he was loving the racing never saw it before. He was saying look at that guy on that green and black bike the blue bike etc had no clue RV Monster RD redbull no clue. he did know NASCAR signage not so much the drivers but the sponsors, it was the same race Ryan got hurt at. So the point is people outside of being a loyal fan have no clue what so ever, who's name is on the bikes paying the bills.

Is the Slater Skins and Slater Shield the cure all absolutely not but it is a big part of the whole picture and it is helping us achieve our goals so I guess that's all that matters to us

Jeff don't forget that clutch I bought LOL LOL
The Rock
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8/13/2014 12:38pm Edited Date/Time 8/13/2014 12:40pm
We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity.

NFM

EDIT: Tyler King who lives in SoCal and works with John Slater was instrumental in putting the Unadilla deal together and deserves props for it. Atta boy Tyler!
SRP33
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8/13/2014 12:54pm
The Rock wrote:
[b]We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity.[/b] NFM EDIT: Tyler King who lives in SoCal and...
We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity.

NFM

EDIT: Tyler King who lives in SoCal and works with John Slater was instrumental in putting the Unadilla deal together and deserves props for it. Atta boy Tyler!
Tylers nick name is Dead King
His first Supercross he got a 10th overall 125 class.
He was racing at a fair grounds, crashed real hard died 3 times, they kept bringing him back to life,dudes amazing. he was one of the original freestyle guys back in the day had some crazy jumps, great guy loves the sport like we all do.

Rock you should do a story on him, he does inspiration lecture to people who have come back from crossing over, his story is pretty remarkable
cruzer18
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8/13/2014 12:57pm
Electro21 wrote:
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins...
I like the look of the sides, but is think the hand guards/number plate piece looks bad. Ditch the front piece, keep the side Slater Skins and the bike would look awesome. It's great to see outside industries pulled into the sport and I think these Slater Skins can be a good thing.
Indy mxer wrote:
Agree. Get rid of the front piece. The rest looks great.
SRP33 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2014/08/13/62190/s1200_Zimmer_outside_Full_Pic_Unadilla.jpg[/img] This is why the Slater Shield is important every time a logo is seen means money. who are the 2 guys in front sponsored by...


This is why the Slater Shield is important
every time a logo is seen means money. who are the 2 guys in front sponsored by ? good question looks like oneal and a big M sure inside the industry people know, but a lot of fans do not, that is the market who spends money on product.
its Justin Brayton and Phil Nicolletti... Bikes do have numbers and so does nascar..
slipdog
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8/13/2014 1:24pm
I see a funky looking logo with a diamond and the word "Blue", Other than that I can't tell from any of the pictures what it means. Blue Diamond walnuts? The Blue Angles, Blue Balls, Your my boy Blue....

I don't see a dog food logo though, if I didn't see this thread I wouldn't know what it was. I don't mean this as a knock on the skins, more of the company logo. Just an observation from the fence.
8/13/2014 2:15pm
The Rock wrote:
[b]We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity.[/b] NFM EDIT: Tyler King who lives in SoCal and...
We have some options lining up for SX 2015 we would have never had without this opportunity.

NFM

EDIT: Tyler King who lives in SoCal and works with John Slater was instrumental in putting the Unadilla deal together and deserves props for it. Atta boy Tyler!
SRP33 wrote:
Tylers nick name is Dead King His first Supercross he got a 10th overall 125 class. He was racing at a fair grounds, crashed real hard...
Tylers nick name is Dead King
His first Supercross he got a 10th overall 125 class.
He was racing at a fair grounds, crashed real hard died 3 times, they kept bringing him back to life,dudes amazing. he was one of the original freestyle guys back in the day had some crazy jumps, great guy loves the sport like we all do.

Rock you should do a story on him, he does inspiration lecture to people who have come back from crossing over, his story is pretty remarkable
Thank you gentlemen. When we take a step back with the understanding that this is all about saving the Privateer 'race' (I was for 22 yrs.) many of the comments/controversy (most have never lined up for a final AMA 40) regarding this thread/topic are just absolute comedy. It's our laughSmile My father says the same words as Jeff Zimmer, as do so many others in history I've had the honor of growing up alongside: Schnell, Preston, Wheeler, Nelson, Harrington, Metzger, Deegan, etc.
VERY SPECIAL THANKS to GuyB for his photography and taking the time to take a good look at this program in person. This program still has a GIANT mountain to climb for '15.....but now we can see the top and we'll could be climbing with an OEM sherpaSmile
The Rock
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8/13/2014 11:52pm
We have heard a lot of comments like these over the last few weeks so I am going to break it done to simple economics and...
We have heard a lot of comments like these over the last few weeks so I am going to break it done to simple economics and marketing. I am not singling you out 4stroke4DWIN either just using as example.

People in general are resistant to change and this is a drastic change to the motorcycles you are use to seeing for sure. However, it costs money to go racing and at the Pro level it is extremely expensive. How do you get money to go racing if you don't have it? Sponsors! For the exception of the Gieco Honda, you can even read the sponsors on a motocross bike when it flashes across your television set. If I owned a company I would not spend my marketing budget for something you cant even see.
Our bike stands out with Slater Skins, you know Blue Buffalo is our sponsor. This makes perfect sense to me even though some feel it looks different. Simply put it is marketing, and I truly hope that this might change how big corporate and outside sponsors look at the marketing opportunities of our sport. Throw more money in and give more kids like mine an opportunity to make a living as a professional mx/sx racer than there are now. If we continue to think and do things the same way we are going to get the same results.
I respect those that disagree with me, but I feel very strongly that this could be an excellent way to attract more sponsors and money to our sport. Evidently, Blue Buffalo feels good enough about it to put their name on it and we truly appreciate it.

Jeff Zimmer
MarkF wrote:
You know the old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well I applaud you guys. I also emailed...
You know the old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well I applaud you guys. I also emailed Blue Buffalo to acknowledge their involvement with our sport.
Thanks for taking the time to do that. Hopefully Blue Buffalo will become more involved if enough people stir things up.

BTW I bought Surf Detergent for years because of Jeff Glass's efforts.
8/14/2014 12:17am
This thread has jumped the shark.
enketchum
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8/14/2014 2:25am
hmm

C.Worthy
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8/14/2014 3:09am
slipdog wrote:
I see a funky looking logo with a diamond and the word "Blue", Other than that I can't tell from any of the pictures what it...
I see a funky looking logo with a diamond and the word "Blue", Other than that I can't tell from any of the pictures what it means. Blue Diamond walnuts? The Blue Angles, Blue Balls, Your my boy Blue....

I don't see a dog food logo though, if I didn't see this thread I wouldn't know what it was. I don't mean this as a knock on the skins, more of the company logo. Just an observation from the fence.
Today is the age of the internet and search engines. Take advantage and use it!

But on a real note I also didn't know what blue diamond was until I read it on here......guiltyGrinning
GuyB
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8/14/2014 7:06am
JA946 wrote:
How many times has this title changed?
Yeah. And in how many threads.
Cygnus
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8/14/2014 7:13am
Wish I could find the return email I received. I must have deleted it.
lemewinks
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8/14/2014 7:18am
slipdog wrote:
I see a funky looking logo with a diamond and the word "Blue", Other than that I can't tell from any of the pictures what it...
I see a funky looking logo with a diamond and the word "Blue", Other than that I can't tell from any of the pictures what it means. Blue Diamond walnuts? The Blue Angles, Blue Balls, Your my boy Blue....

I don't see a dog food logo though, if I didn't see this thread I wouldn't know what it was. I don't mean this as a knock on the skins, more of the company logo. Just an observation from the fence.
Haha "you're my boy blue".... But for real I thought the same thing. Good idea for the sponsors but I cant make out what "Blue" is. If I was outside the sport I'd say it was handlebars- the logo is right in that spot! Anyway props to Slater Skins and all involved for the effort and for the privateer effort of Ryan Zimmer.
The Rock
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10/15/2014 11:36am Edited Date/Time 10/15/2014 11:37am
MarkF wrote:
You know the old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well I applaud you guys. I also emailed...
You know the old saying about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Well I applaud you guys. I also emailed Blue Buffalo to acknowledge their involvement with our sport.
Last week upon my return from being away for three weeks I bought the large bag of Blue Buffalo cat food. To switch foods on a cat it is best to mix it in over time then increase the ratio of new to old which is what I am doing and so far Andy appears to like it. I didn't realize there was this high of quality of pet food available. It is not cheap but I don't look at my cat as a luxury item and am glad to spend what is required to get the best food for him.






Hopefully there will be some news about Blue Buffalo and an effort next year in 250 SX East in the near future.

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