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Don Graves, Trailblazer

According to motorcycle industry historian, former Dealernews publisher and long-time friend Don Emde, Don Graves, 89, was part of a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who helped get the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers established in the United States in the early-1960s. Don first became a sales rep in Texas for American Honda and in 1960 was making news with racing success on a little 50cc Honda. He rose up in the industry, moving to Suzuki, Yamaha and later Kawasaki, where in 1968 he became their National Sales Manager. The U.S. motorcycle aftermarket was also in need of people with business experience to run their companies. Graves eventually left the OEMs and took on numerous positions through the years with companies including S&W shocks, Interpart, K&N, LeMans Corporation (Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties) and others.

Don always stayed busy. Based in the San Diego area, he was a partner for many years with Baja legend Ron Bishop in a Husqvarna dealership. He also managed the Accessories Pavillion at the annual IMS consumer shows and in his later years worked with his good friend Rob Hassay representing aftermarket manufacturers at the big rallies such as Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

“I can add personally that I will always remember Don as one of the founding fathers of the modern motorcycle industry in the United States,” says Emde. “He and fellow pioneers such as Paul Collins, Everett Brashear, Don Brown, Gary Bryson, Blaine Birchfield, Gene Trobaugh, Jack McCormack and others had their fingerprints on some or all four of the Japanese manufacturers in their careers. They also were great mentors to many of the next generation, including myself. They showed us how to make things happen and I am thankful that Don Graves and the others let me in their circle through the years.

“As President of the Trailblazers, let me say that we will miss Don Graves greatly. He was a long time member and inducted many years ago into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame.”

Godspeed old friend. — Don Emde

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