BikeBandit

BikeBandit

File:BikeBandit logo.png
Company type	Private
Industry	Retail
Founded	San Diego, California, United States (1999)
Defunct	2022-02-07
Headquarters	Spring Valley, CA , United States
Key people	Robert “Rosie” Rosenberg (Owner)
Products	Motorcycle parts, apparel, and accessories
Revenue	$0M USD Filed Chapter 7 (Liquidation) 2022
Number of employees	0
Website	www.bikebandit.com

BikeBandit was established in 1999 by entrepreneur Ken Wahlster as a retailer specializing in motorcycle parts. Wahlster grew the enterprise to generate nearly $65 million in annual sales, placing it at number 326 on the Internet Retailer Top 500 list before gradually transferring ownership to Affinity Development Group between 2013 and 2015. In 2017, Affinity Development Group sold the company to Vey's Bandit LLC (doing business as Vey's Powersports). The business maintained a large distribution center, dispatching over 10,000 products daily across 27 countries and serving an estimated customer base of 700,000. Post-acquisition by Vey's Powersports, operations were relocated to a more compact facility measuring 30,000 square feet in Spring Valley, California.

Overview

Focused on e-commerce sales of motorcycle components, clothing, and accessories for various vehicles including street bikes, cruisers, ATVs, and snowmobiles, BikeBandit was founded by CEO Ken Wahlster. What began as a home-based venture evolved into a significant online retailer with extensive global reach and a diverse inventory.

On February 7, 2022, Vey's Bandit LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in San Diego and ceased operations at its premises. Owner Robert "Rosie" Rosenberg is accused of misappropriating more than $670,000 in customer funds. Numerous legal actions and Better Business Bureau complaints have been lodged against Rosenberg and Vey's Bandit LLC. The bankruptcy trustee uncovered serious discrepancies such as failure to disclose certain creditors during bankruptcy proceedings and continuing business activities despite insolvency. Additionally, allegations include accepting online orders and credit card payments without fulfilling shipments or forwarding collected sales tax revenues.

This event marked the termination of BikeBandit's role as a prominent online distributor of motorcycle parts.

Operations

BikeBandit's main office was situated in Otay Mesa, in the southern region of San Diego, California, benefiting from incentives offered through the San Diego Regional Enterprise Zone program. In 2013, U-T San Diego featured BikeBandit among seven local companies ranked within the Top 500 Internet Retailers. At its height, the firm employed over 100 staff members and reported annual revenues surpassing $65 million. By 2015, according to Inc. Magazine, the workforce numbered approximately 70 with revenues around $35 million yearly. Under Wahlster’s leadership, BikeBandit appeared consistently on the Internet Retailer Top 500 list between 2007 and 2014. The company also enhanced its digital footprint by launching a mobile application for the iPhone platform in early 2010.

Products

BikeBandit offered a wide selection of OEM and aftermarket components, apparel, accessories, and tires designed for motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

• Served as the primary sponsor for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in 2013 and 2014, held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, significantly boosting brand recognition within the motorcycle sector.
• Supported the 2014 AMA Go Ride Safely! Week, contributing to rider safety programs organized by the American Motorcyclist Association.
• Collaborated with Cycle World Magazine to organize Project Re-Cycle, a philanthropic initiative aiding the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), highlighting a commitment to corporate social responsibility.