Who or what is Tulmo? That’s the big question we try to answer in this post. In a nutshell; Tulmo is a new brand that will provide innovative and configurable wheels for almost all motorcycles.
Who are we?
Tulmo is a startup company based in Raalte, the Netherlands. From the vision of our founder, we develop awesome and innovative motorcycle wheels.
The founder of Tulmo is Leon Tulling, a freelance mechanical engineer, with a passion for motorcycles and motorcycle engineering. Before Leon worked in engineering, he has gained a lot of experience with websites and marketing. This experience is now being applied to put Tulmo on the map.
The wheels
Image 1: 3D render of 2 configured wheels
In the spring of 2020, the idea emerged for the current motorcycle wheels concept; a modular base, allowing all parts to be combined with each other. As a result, the possibilities are endless, and we are able to fit the wheels in most motorcycles.
Imagine you want new wheels for your Yamaha MT-09 (why not?!). Through our future configurator you first select the dimensions of the desired wheels (this may differ from OEM), after which you can play around with the different options. Do you like spoke design ‘A’? Combine it with rim flange ‘E’ or ‘G’, and hub model ‘K’, ‘N’ or ‘Q’. Play with the possible colors, and finally choose which brake discs, sprockets, valves or other options you want with the new wheels.
This is basically the concept for our wheels. Of course, there will be more than enough designs to choose from. So if you want to modify a chopper, sport bike, cafe racer or supermotard, we will soon be able to offer this. We are also looking at different options in terms of finishes. For example, have you heard of Cerakote, instead of traditional anodizing or powder coating?
Development
Motorcycle wheels
Right now, most of the time goes into developing the wheels. Although the base is already there, a lot of detailing still needs to be worked out. The wheels still need to be analyzed using CAD simulations (FEM). When we are convinced of it’s theoretical specs, we will proceed to producing prototypes. These will be subjected to a field test in a Husqvarna Nuda 900.
Only when the wheels meet certain standards and safety regulations we can reliably offer the products. To meet these, the products have to be subjected to various tests and evaluations.
Image 2: Wheel development with Onshape CAD software
Tulmo brand
By the end of 2023, we have been busy designing our corporate identity. In the process, we have also already laid the foundation for our website.
To be ready to sell our products, the world needs to know we are here. That is why we are already busy announcing our presence. One way we are doing this is through various social media channels and this blog on our website.
The Tulmo brand stands for innovative, versatile products, as well as reliability, high quality and safety. We want to be known for providing excellent products and services at an attractive rate.
Future vision
Where are we going with Tulmo? What is the plan?
Right now we are still a startup, working out of an attic room in addition to a regular job. This is where we will lay the foundation for our business. Once there is sufficient production, we will move to a commercial building to work from. This will house an office, workshop for measuring and assembly, warehouse and a packing and shipping department.
The goal is to have a successful business within 5 years, to which we can dedicate ourselves full-time. It does not have to be big yet, but stable with potential for growth.
We are going to lay this groundwork with the development and production of motorcycle rims. When the time is right, we will also focus on developing other motorcycle-related products.
Online wheel builder (configurator)
Image 3: Tulmo’s interactive wheel builder (configurator) concept
Given the current digital world, and global market we will be targeting, our biggest sales tool will be an interactive wheel builder (configurator). Here the customer can build a motorcycle wheel step by step.
The configurator will include these features:
- 3D view, which is rotatable
- Each possible configuration will have a code, which can be saved for future use and reference, for example for our after-sales service.
- Documentation of the completed wheel can be downloaded in PDF. This include 3D drawings, a parts list and a manual.
- A configured wheel can be shared on social media, to create more reach.
- The user interface must be intuitive and appealing, in line with current web trends.
Dealer network
A follow-up to the configurator, will be a dealer network. In our vision, the dealer logs into our configurator and builds a wheel for the end user. Depending on the sales numbers of the dealer, he can get a discount on our products. This allows him to make a more interesting price for both him and the end customer.
The intention is to create a worldwide network and maintain close contacts with the dealers. Only in this way can we become a reliable supplier of high quality motorcycle parts.
Summary
Long story short; Tulmo is a start-up supplier of motorcycle parts, with a lot of ambition. Although there is still a long way to go, we are convinced of the potential of our product. Therefore, we are going to work hard to develop the wheels, put our brand on the map and make Tulmo a big success!
Want to know more about us, our products? Or do you want to wish us good luck? Leave a comment below,
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Tulmo: what is it, and who are we?