By Erika Icon
YNOT – When former police officer and motorcycle enthusiast Dave Hagan Jr. founded his company less than a year ago, the only thing he knew for sure was that he wanted to incorporate his love for big bikes somehow.
At launch, the company offered edgy games and apparel. Then Hagan added sexual lubricants.
Today, Biker Lube also offers a line of do-it-yourself floggers that allow consumers to select a handle, join and tail to create personalized playthings that bite.
How does an ex-cop become an adult novelties impresario, and where might Hagan and his company go next? We asked; he answered.
YNOT.com: How long have you and motorcycles had this “thing” going on? What kind of bike do you ride?
Dave Hagan Jr.: I have been riding since I was 8, but not Harleys. I normally ride a Fat Boy Custom, but I have had Dressers to V-rods and they’re all good. I love just getting out there and riding.
What gave you the idea to start Biker Lube?
Biker Lube was launched based on the memories I shared with some biker friends. I want to share some of those experiences with my son and make memories into reality — from college to biker events and the years of fun that many of our customers can relate to, and that hell-raiser mentality everyone has inside.
Are bikers your primary market?
They’re a big part of our market, but they’re not our only market. We were at Strurgis [Motorcycle Rally] last August and promoted our brand at One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon, The Buffalo Chip and other spots around town. That was our debut and the launch of our lube products. We have our own Biker Lube Rally, and we do events and conventions across the country.
But we also have every other walk of life using our products around the world. The response has been crazy and great, and we’re excited about the next step and the new products coming out.
We have some innovative packaging, including signature cigpaks and aluminum bottles that attract attention from all kinds of people.
What prompted you to start a line of floggers?
When we did Exxxotica in NJ, we met some really cool people in the fetish lifestyle. That encounter led us to cross old-school biker products with Medieval history, and that’s how our floggers were born.
You premiered the floggers at the AVN Novelty Expo in January. What kind of response did they get?
Fucking overwhelming! I was really taken aback by how many people loved the product and stopped by the booth. We also have a lot of interest from retailers and distributors — more than I ever could have imagined.
Professional dominatrix Julie Simone and Master Powder demonstrated the floggers in your booth during ANE. That must have been fun.
The level of professional talent using a brand-new-yet-old-school concept was flattering. For them to pick up the product and love the feel, weight and quality of our goods was stunning. I was very happy that everyone was ecstatic over their performances in the booth and how much positive response we’ve gotten.
What sets your floggers apart from other floggers?
No one else lets you build your own flogger. Our Heads & Tails Collection is like no other: The interchangeable heads and the high-quality leathers result in a different “feel.” Also, the colors are never the same. They’re close, but dye lots vary so no two are alike. There’s an appeal in owning one of a kind. Consumers seem to love the old-school police baton Bad Cop model and the brass-knuckles-inspired Knucklehead.
Any new products coming out anytime soon?
We are always looking for the next hell-raiser idea and plan to launch new products every six months.
