Sage Tailoring’s story is one of passion, ingenuity, and the pursuit of excellence in a unique niche: motorcycle racing apparel. What began as a personal journey into the world of racing has grown into a business that’s reshaping the industry. Our mission is to provide top-tier tailoring, alterations, and customizations for racing gear—all with a focus on quality, innovation, and the community we’ve grown to love.
Where It All Began
The seed for Sage Tailoring was planted nearly 20 years ago when I attended my first AMA Pro Racing event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. That day changed everything for me. I was instantly obsessed with the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled sport of motorcycle racing. It wasn’t long before I converted my street bike into a race bike and began doing track days, which quickly escalated into club road racing.
Through racing, my wife Kimberly and I discovered not only a shared love for the sport but also a deep appreciation for the tight-knit, supportive community that comes with it. While
I focused on competing, Kimberly—who had many years of experience as a seamstress in various industries ranging from upholstery to formal wear—began modifying and repairing my racing gear.
The Challenges That Sparked a Business
As a larger rider, I struggled to find racing gear that fit me well off the rack. Racing accidents often left my gear in need of repairs, and Kimberly stepped up to the challenge with the basic home sewing equipment we had at the time. Her skill and ingenuity turned these small repairs into a growing passion.
Fast forward to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted industries across the board, including Kimberly’s job at a company that produced camping gear. With factories shutting down, we made a pivotal decision: we purchased our first pieces of industrial sewing equipment. We realized there was a pressing need in the motorcycle racing community for
professional alterations and repairs—work that required specialized machinery and expertise. Thus, Sage Tailoring was born.
Building Our Business, One Stitch at a Time
Knowing the potential of this idea, we started reaching out to apparel brands in the motorcycle racing industry. That’s when we connected with Robert and Tosha Lackey, the owners of Bison, a young and dynamic company specializing in custom motorcycle racing gear. Bison shared our philosophy: to meet the needs of racers by operating trackside, and providing real-time solutions.
This partnership was a game-changer. As Bison’s alteration and repair partner, Sage Tailoring became a trusted presence at racetracks across the country. By supporting Bison’s sponsored riders, we quickly found ourselves providing services on the largest motorcycle road racing stage in the U.S.—the MotoAmerica racing series. This positioned us as trackside support for both professional racers and amateur competitors. Not only did we service Bison’s sponsored riders, but we also extended our services to all competitors and the apparel brands that support them.
What Sets Sage Tailoring Apart
Four years later, Sage Tailoring has become the preferred choice for alterations, tailoring, and customization in the U.S. motorcycle racing community. What sets us apart is our unique ability to operate remotely, trackside, at professional and club-level racing events across the country. This mobility allows us to respond quickly to the needs of riders, offering same-day solutions for alterations, gear repairs, and customizations.
Our work is defined by precision and passion. We understand the importance of well-fitted, high-performance gear—not just for comfort but for safety. Every repair or customization is handled with care, ensuring racers can get back on the track with confidence.
Looking Ahead
Sage Tailoring isn’t just about stitching racing gear; it’s about stitching together a community. From the riders who trust us with their gear to the brands we partner with, our mission remains the same: to support and elevate the sport of motorcycle racing.
As we look to the future, we’re committed to expanding our reach, improving our processes, and continuing to deliver exceptional service both on and off the track. Sage Tailoring wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of the racers, teams, and partners who believe in what we do.
Thank You
To our customers and the motorcycle racing community: thank you for trusting us with your gear, your safety, and your racing dreams. Whether you’re a professional racer or a weekend warrior, we’re here to make sure your gear works as hard as you do.
Sage Tailoring’s journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where the road—or track—takes us next.
Visit us at sagetailoring.com or follow us on social media at Sage Tailoring to stay connected.
Michael’s Summary and Conclusions: The Story of Sage Tailoring
In the many decades I have been involved in the motorcycle apparel business, one of the biggest challenges has been finding reliable people or companies to perform alterations and repairs on our garments.
We offer a wide range of products, and many of the more expensive AGVSPORT race suits were made by high-end Italian companies like Vircos (now Tailortech), Gimoto, Giudici, Texport, and Corner. It is essential to have a very competent and skilled craftsman to repair leathers of this quality and price level.
Not only is it difficult to find a skilled source, but oftentimes, they lack a background in motorcycling or easy access to the components necessary to perform proper repairs or modifications.
I am aware of only two such companies operating today—there may be others, but I am not familiar with them. Sage Tailoring in Ohio and Anthony’s Leather Works in California are the only two professional companies with a motorcycle background that we confidently refer our customers to.
On a personal note, I can say that when I first emailed Sage Tailoring, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I received a reply from Grover. I was able to speak with him on the phone shortly after, and he was very knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. It was clear from our conversation that he is deeply committed to and passionate about his business.
I would certainly and highly recommend their services.
Michael Parrotte
Founder, AGV Sports Group
