Roger W. Marshall, the entrepreneur who built Marshall Distributing into one of the powersports industry’s leading aftermarket parts and accessories distributors before selling the company to Western Power Sports (WPS) in 2014, died July 12 at his home in Sand Point, Michigan. He was 88.
Marshall founded what would become Marshall Distributing after recognizing the growing demand for snowmobile parts during the sport’s rapid expansion in the late 1960s. According to his obituary, he and his father purchased a John Deere farm equipment dealership in Cass City, Michigan, in 1964. Four years later, they established Marshall Plastic Company, manufacturing snowmobile windshields, tracks and other components from a small building behind the dealership.
The company issued its first catalog to snowmobile dealers in 1969 and steadily expanded alongside the powersports industry. Motorcycle parts and accessories were added in 1973, followed by ATV products in 1982 and personal watercraft parts and accessories in 1988. Over the following decades, Marshall Distributing grew into a major dealer‑direct distributor with more than 100,000 aftermarket part numbers serving powersports dealerships across North America.
To support its growth, the company opened an East Coast distribution center in Clifton Park, New York, in 2004, followed by a Sparks, Nevada, warehouse in 2009, allowing it to provide faster delivery to dealers nationwide.
In November 2014, Powersports Business reported that WPS had acquired Marshall Distributing, creating one of the industry’s largest aftermarket distribution networks. At the time, WPS President Craig Shoemaker said the acquisition would strengthen the company’s ability to serve dealers by expanding product availability, geographic reach and distribution capabilities. Marshall remained widely respected for building a family‑owned business that earned the loyalty of dealers throughout the powersports industry.
Over the following decades, Marshall Distributing grew into a major dealer‑direct distributor with more than 100,000 aftermarket part numbers serving powersports dealerships across North America. The company was acquired by WPS in 2014.
Born July 13, 1937, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Marshall graduated from Cass City High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1966 and was an accomplished pilot, flying actively for nearly three decades.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Marshall was deeply involved in his community. He served with the Cass City Rotary Club, was named Cass City Citizen of the Year in 2001, chaired the board of Hills & Dales General Hospital, and supported numerous local organizations. He was also an avid snowmobile racer, motorcyclist, boater and lifelong Michigan State athletics supporter.
Marshall is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda; daughters Jeanne Huddleston and Kathy Sims; five grandchildren; three great‑grandchildren; and several extended family members.
Funeral services took place on July 16 at Cass City United Methodist Church. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Cass City Promise in lieu of flowers.
Motorcycle GPS app Rever announced the return of its annual Million Mile Challenge benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) and the national Ride for Kids program, reinforcing a multiyear commitment across the Comoto Family of Brands to support children and families affected by brain tumors.
Running through Ride for Kids Day on Sept. 13, the Million Mile Challenge invites riders across the country to track their miles in the Rever app to support pediatric brain tumor research and family assistance programs.
This year’s campaign is presented by Alpinestars, which is pledging $1.25 per mile recorded in the challenge, with a total contribution of up to $15,000. In addition to serving as the presenting sponsor, Alpinestars will rally additional industry support, with Biltwell committing $5,000 through a 50‑cent‑per‑mile donation structure and both Cardo Systems and Pirelli contributing an additional $5,000 each toward the initiative.
“The Million Mile Challenge is built around the simple idea that riders already love to ride, so we’re giving every mile a greater purpose,” says Bjorn Bredeson, director of marketing and mobile applications at Rever.
As part of its broader commitment, the Comoto Family of Brands, the parent company of Rever, RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and Common Tread, says it will donate up to $100,000 in sales proceeds while also activating grassroots fundraising efforts.
Participation in the Rever Million Mile Challenge is free and open to all riders. Participants can join and track their miles through the Rever app. For more information about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, visit curethekids.org.
Turn 14 Distribution is expanding its powersports sales team with the appointment of Garrett Comer as outside territory manager for Arizona and California, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in the powersports aftermarket.
Comer brings decades of personal riding experience and an extensive background in dealership operations to the role. A lifelong off‑road enthusiast who has been riding since age five, he will work directly with dealers across Arizona and California to strengthen relationships and support business growth. He will share responsibility for the Southwest territory with fellow outside territory manager Brenden Gill.
Before joining Turn 14, Comer served as a general manager and parts specialist for a large Arizona dealership group. According to the company, he consistently exceeded business goals, doubling projected performance while earning recognition for customer service and dealer support. His experience provides firsthand knowledge of dealership operations and the challenges dealers face in today’s marketplace.
Comer said he is excited to help grow Turn 14’s powersports business and build stronger partnerships with dealers throughout the region.
“My goal is to help dealers navigate challenges and provide practical solutions that help their businesses succeed,” Comer notes.
Matt Bean, Turn 14 Distribution’s outside territory director, said Comer’s combination of industry experience and dealer knowledge made him a strong fit for the company’s expanding powersports division.
“Garrett Comer brings both the experience and the enthusiasm to further distinguish Turn 14 in the powersports sphere,” Bean says. “His fluency with powersports, combined with his deep understanding of the dealer‑distributor relationship, makes him an extremely valuable asset to the company.”
Turn 14 Distribution has continued to grow its presence in the powersports aftermarket as part of its broader wholesale distribution business. The company supplies aftermarket automotive and powersports parts to dealers nationwide and offers proprietary technology designed to streamline ordering, inventory management and cash flow.
Cortech Scrapper 2.0 Gloves
The second‑generation Cortech Scrapper 2.0 gloves are classic cafe‑style leather gloves that feature an updated construction. They’re made of perforated goatskin leather with diamond‑stitched detailing across the top of the hand. Reinforced palm overlays and flexible knuckle armor with a low‑profile design add protection. The gloves also feature accordion stretch panels, touchscreen‑compatible fingertips, and a hook‑and‑loop wrist closure, as well as embossed logo details on the top of the hand and the palm. Available in Black/Red or Tan/Tobacco in sizes S‑3XL for $59.99.
Quick‑connect Braided Upper Clutch Cables
Replace the OEM upper clutch cable with a quick‑connect upper braided cable from Drag Specialties. The cable connects to the lower clutch cable section to reduce installation time — no need to drain the transmission fluid. Cables also come pre‑lubricated, and the OEM cable cover and housing can be reused. Available with black/black cable housing and fittings in stock cable lengths for 24‑26 FLHX and 23‑26 FLHXSE models. Replaces OEM# 37200574A and for 24‑26 FLTRX and 23‑25 FLTRXSE models, replacing OEM# 37200592. MSRP: $95.35 - $117.6.
Freedom Touring Seat w/ Backrest Option
The Freedom Touring seat features a 5 ¾-inch tall driver support with unique styling and is covered in automotive‑grade vinyl. The seating area is contoured for maximum comfort and is narrow up front for better leg clearance. This seat also works with Drag’s EZ Glide frame‑mounted receiver mechanism to accept EZ Glide backrests. It will also work with Harley‑Davidson and OEM frame‑mounted backrest mechanisms and backrest pads.
Available in Double diamond stitch with black or silver thread for 15‑25 FLRT and 23‑25 FLTRT models. All mounting hardware is included. MSRP: $570.89.
Lower Rear Belt Guard
Save your belt from unwanted elements with a Rear Belt Guard from Drag Specialties. Made of high‑quality stamped steel with simple bolt‑on installation. Available for 09‑26 FLHT/FLHX/FLHR/FLTR models (covers OEM guard); replacing OEM# 60408‑09. MSRP: $91.97
Alpinestars Supertech R7 Helmet
The Alpinestars Supertech R7 helmet is designed for use on both the track and the road. Its multicomposite shell construction with layers of carbon, aramid fiber, and fiberglass delivers top‑tier protection and low weight. Inside is a multidensity EPS liner with seven pieces in six densities for optimal impact absorption. For ventilation, the helmet includes six intake ports and four exhaust ports. For the perfect fit, it’s equipped with the A‑Head system, which allows riders to adjust the helmet’s height and angle. Available in sizes SX‑2XL for $679.95.
Gilles Adjustable Heel/Toe Shifter Kits
These adjustable shifter levers are constructed from CNC‑milled 6082 T6 aluminum and allow shorter shifting motions. The spline axle features aggressive teeth flanks for added bite. Front and rear pegs are double eccentric, with the front having 360‑degree adjustment and the rear adjustable in angle. The shift arm is adjustable in 3 ratios. Available in either black or black/gold finishes for 99‑25 FLHT/FLHX/FLTRX/FLTRU/FLTRK, 09‑25 H‑D FL Trike and 00‑17 FLST models. The suggested retail price is $356.93 - $400.22.