AJ Sailing and Rene Vallieres started Podium Superbike in 2007 after deciding that they wanted to turn their mutual passion for motorcycles into a business. “We’re two track rats that live and breathe being at the race track and doing track days, working on motorcycles and riding them,” says AJ. “We wanted to do this for a living instead of just for a hobby.”
Podium Superbike is an online parts and accessories store located in Canton, Michigan. Initially, the shop catered to sportbike riders, particularly racers and track day riders. Today, though, Podium Superbike has customers who ride on the street, on the track, offroad and even a little bit of both.
AJ started riding street bikes thirteen years ago, but he got his start on a three-wheeler when he was a kid. AJ and Rene met through a mutual friend, and the two of them started doing track days on a regular basis. Since they are in Michigan, Grattan and Gingerman are the tracks they call home.
All of that track experience means that AJ and Rene can share their knowledge with customers, especially ones who are new to the sport. “I can give two perspectives: I do track riding and I do adventure touring on my V-Strom, so I can give comparisons of one over the other,” AJ says. “We have a lot of new track riders who are looking for advice about brake compounds. Galfer offers so many different products and so you get everybody: cruiser, offroad, track, street riders. You get a little bit of everything.”
Podium Superbike has been carrying Galfer brake components since the shop opened its virtual doors, and they pride themselves on providing quick turnaround time for customers. “If a customer wants a custom order or a brake line color that isn’t typically stocked, we get it in pretty quick: two, three days max, and we fire it off just as fast. That goes for international orders, too,” says AJ.
Those international orders come from all over the world. Now that the riding season is winding down in the U.S., it’s just starting up in Australia, where spring is in full force. In addition to Australian customers, Podium Superbike also has customers in places like Brazil, Russia, the United Kingdom and even Kazakhstan.
You can pick up Galfer brake components and plenty of track and tuning tips from Podium Superbike. Find them online at www.PodiumSuperbike.com.