ROAR Motorcycles incorporated in Florida on 11/28/2005. The company is based in Daytona Beach, Florida and was established with the purpose of designing, manufacturing, customizing, fitting and retailing motorcycles and accessories exclusively for women. The first fifteen months consisted of research and development resulting in demographics proving that even though the female market is the fastest growing segment of the motorcycle industry, it was virtually untapped. ROAR customized its first bike specifically for a woman in February 2007 and sold it within an hour of completion.

In July 2007 ROAR leased a brand new 5000 sq. ft. building to be used as showroom, corporate offices and shop. A Florida Dealer’s license was activated in September of the same year. The build-out was completed with city approval in January 2008. In February of 2008, the facility was fully equipped and opened for business with thirty-six motorcycles in stock and a full showroom of merchandise. The official Grand Opening was held during Daytona Bike Week in March 2008.

Throughout 2008 and 2009 ROAR continued to expand by attending dozens of events throughout the state of Florida. Through visitors to the dealership and event attendees ROAR has accumulated over 5,500 names on our mailing list. Recognized in several national publications, Dealer News, American Iron, Biker Alley, Thunder Press, Born To Ride, Road Bike along with exposure on the Martha Stewart Show, both on television and satellite radio, and being featured at www.womenridersnow.com by Genevieve Schmitt, ROAR is well on the way to becoming the leader in marketing motorcycles and related products to women by focusing on their unique product needs. The ROAR website is on the front page of Google, Yahoo and other search engines on the Internet.

In January of 2009, ROAR expanded by having a representation in the New England area. ROAR New England is sharing the ROAR concept, motorcycles and products through various indoor shows during the winter months and outdoor events during the rest of the year.

ROAR has developed a prototype production bike called the WildKaT which has numerous proprietary features from its uniquely designed frame to its modular sizing ability. The WildKaT is the first production bike designed and manufactured from the ground up for a woman. It features a 1200 Harley Davidson engine and can accommodate women riders from approximately 4’9” to 6’ tall by adjusting the suspension. The foot controls also adjust in two inch increments along the frame. The entire bike can be fitted to a different size rider in less than 45 minutes. Insiders in the motorcycle world have said that it has set new industry standards. The MSRP is $22,970. There will be a complete line of accessories that will accompany the bike such as bags, a deluxe seat, windshield, and highway bars.

The WildKaT was unveiled during Bike Week 2009 with rave reviews from both women and men. Within the first six days 26 orders were taken with $970 deposits holding their production number with a 6-9 month build-out. Individuals who have test ridden the bike describe it as one of the best handling bikes they have ever ridden, it is well-balanced and responsive, with plenty of speed and excellent cornering abilities.

Along with the WildKaT, ROAR has conceptualized the StreetKaT which is a sportier model built with the same power plant and frame as the WildKaT. Simple cosmetic changes will make it very easy to produce. Planning is now going into the Lioness Touring Bike which will be a luxury bike with a Big Twin engine. Future plans include the development of a trike called the MamaKaT, a bobber called the AlleyKaT, a sport bike called ZKaT and a scooter called the LadyBug. ROAR will continue to be a leader in the female niche market of the motorcycle industry.

The Windblown Cosmetic and Skin Care line was introduced in 2008 by ROAR. In 2009/2010 ROAR will begin to develop the Fit To Roar fitness and nutrition line, the EMPOWERED by KST clothing line and the Express Yourself jewelry and accessory line. There are also plans for a fragrance called EMPOWERED. Roar’s mission is to meet and exceed the needs and desires of today’s women riders. The President of ROAR, Kathleen Steele Tolleson explains it this way, “My goal is to be the Martha Stewart of the motorcycle industry.”

ROAR has also been featured on CBS Sunday Morning News and The Balancing Act in 2010.