"Reprinted from Thunder Press"

Article: "Merch Motorworkz Forms in Canada"

The collapse of Merch Performance a few months ago left a gaping hole in the
Canadian as well as the American V-Twin industry. Filling the void, and in no way affiliated with the now defunct company, is the newly formed Merch Motorworkz, located in Red Deer, Alberta.

"When Gerry Merchant and I created Merch Motorcycles our intention was to use Merch Performance engines in our motorcycles. Although a great engine, the only fault I could see was that the company wasn't looking to the future of the V-twin engine, meaning MP didn't have a research and development programme," said Bob Burton, co-owner of Merch Motorcycles.

"Looking to stay ahead of the competition, I wanted our motorcycles to have the latest V-twin technology, so I formed Merch Motorworkz, which is a separate company from Merch Motorcycles, I started an on-going engine R&D program"

At the time Merch Performance's demise the fledgling Merch Motorworkz initiated a couple of things. First and foremost, under an exclusive contract, was the hiring of Gerry Merchant, original creator of the Merch engine and co-owner of Merch Motorcycles, as an operations and engineering consultant.

Leaving Merch Performance two years previously to start Merch Motorcycles, Merchant takes his 30 years of engine-building experience to the newly formed Merch Motorworkz. With the innovative mind that brought to life creations such as bulleted crankcase/cylinder studs, an oil cooler/filter combination, cylinder base O-rings, and a dozen other patented designs, Merchant is a much-valued addition to the new company.

"Gerry is a true man of integrity that is rarely seen in today's business world", said Burton. "Before he would even consider joining our team I had to meet two conditions regarding the now defunct Merch Performance. Even though Gerry left Merch Performance two years ago, and is not accountable or responsible for any of Merch Performance's problems, he insisted that Merch Motorworkz continue to manufacture replacement parts and offer after market assistance to anyone owning an MP engine."

"Secondly, he insisted that anyone who had given a deposit to MP for an engine or transmission, and upon proof of a receipt, could purchase the same from Merch Motorworkz at manufacturer's cost," said Burton.

With the closure of Merch Performance, Merch Motorworkz had to implement a program to increase production capabilities. In a quick move, Merch motorworkz purchased most of the machinery that was auctioned from MP.

'We've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars purchasing new equipment as well as those from MP and have brought up our capability of producing hand-assembled engines to a point where we can easily meet demands," said Burton.

"Before we continue, I want to warn riders that a buyer from Texas purchased all the manufacturing and warranty rejects at the MP auction. These items were supposed to be destroyed and not put on the market. Merch Motorworkz has most of the serial numbers of these items and will give them out to those who wish to know. (Enquire through this website).

Continuing, Burton relayed facts regarding infrastructure and quality. "The intention of the new company is to provide power plants for our own motorcycles and to sell our engines to the riding public THROUGH DEALERS ONLY. We are not connected in any way to MP, but when I started the engine company I basically went to the same foundries and suppliers that were outfitting MP to ensure a reputation of high quality, reliable, high powered V-twin engines," said Burton.

"Another item regarding customer service, other than our new warranty program, is a financial program set up through a bank, which allows quick and easy financing for dealers/customers wanting to buy our product."

When asked what his company had planned for the near future Burton replied," At present Merch Motorworkz is producing the 100 c.i. Fatso and reintroducing a new version of the 120 c.i. big block family. Shortly, we will be producing a 125 and a 131 c.i. big bore, but more exciting than that is our new Millennium engine. It is still under wraps.

"Also, this engine will have a fully programmable fuel injection system, meaning the customer can re-tune the fuel system with no expensive re-chipping required. Here at Merch Motorworkz we believe that 150 HP is not going to be a problem with this motor. Actually, the engine is being tested in the U.S. as we speak.

The Merch name has been synonymous with horsepower and reliability. With the integrity and glowing history of engineering consultant Gerry Merchant, along with the entrepreneurial spirit of Bob Burton, the new company is bound to cut a niche in the after-market V-twin industry