In the modern era of high output, performance based motorcycles, there are a few companies that stand out from the rest. Horsepower, Inc (HPi) is one of them. The HPi headquarters is based in Indianapolis and is known for being an American performance-based company with roots in the industry going back over 40 years. Started as part of the family business in the early 2000’s by Mary Jo Light, Eric Henderson, Jimmy and Laura Light, HPi has evolved into what has become the industry standard: performance upgrades for your V-twin motorcycle.

HPi is known for making American made performance products such as throttle bodies, air, cleaners, exhaust systems, fuel injectors, and anything related to high-performance Harley-Davidson bikes. In addition to managing all the aforementioned parts, somehow the 2nd generation owner, Jimmy Light, manages to be able to be one of the most sought after dyno specialists around.

I recently had some time to sit down with Jimmy and talk to him about how HPi got to where it’s at, what he’s doing and where he’s going. When asked where he came from, Jimmy replies:

“Well dude, at a young age I was obsessed with dirt bikes and begged my parents for one.  I finally got one and would ride it everywhere, then as I got older, my obsession turned into dirt open wheel racing, which is very expensive, so I knew if I wanted to be involved with anything with wheels, I better get a job. Luckily for me, my family owned a machine shop so in high school I did the co-op program and was able to work at the family business part of the day.  I was top of my class in tech school but really not interested in normal school.  My Principal once told me I would end up where my Grandma worked, which happened to be the prison, so I guess I proved him wrong so far lol. I raced dirt midgets and sprint cars in my twenties while still being involved in the family business, then in my thirties I guess I figured it was time to be more involved and we started developing more parts, going to more events, meeting more people in the industry and HPi started to become a real brand.”

Moving ahead in time to the present HPi’s approach is to make the best performing, highest quality American parts they can make. When asked about the current market and what sells best, and what the most popular components that HPI makes, Jimmy says that right now it would be M8 units and exhaust systems. Both are seemingly required upgrades on any Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Part of being an industry leader, and innovative company, does come with a price. People will always try to take your idea and make it theirs. When asked how HPi combats this, the answer is simple: Keep your heads down do what you do. The fact is companies that have been doing their own thing for 50+ years all know each other, work with each other, and don’t step on each other’s toes. We share our knowledge and industry and work together to keep it improving. It’s a deeper old-school relationship on another level of respect and we can just leave it at that.

One thing we can be certain of Horsepower, Inc is built on a solid foundation of integrity, leaving little room for compromise. Jimmy can be found, cruising around the streets of Indianapolis on his 2004 FXDXI that somehow he managed to rack up about 14,000 miles on. Knowing all you need to do to these to have a nice, fun performance bike is bolt in a cam, exhaust, throttle body, air cleaner, and a good tune, HPi has it all.

The crew at HPi would like to thank their employees for busting their asses to get the parts out. The door made correctly, and in a timely fashion, and their customers and friends in this industry, for choosing to use them and support them. When I asked Jimmy if he’s glad that Hot Bike is back, his answer was simple
“I think it’s very important that Hot Bike is back. It’s a big part of the history in this industry. It is also important that these companies stay alive and they should be appreciated.

Thanks for your time Jimbo.

By Chip Kastelnik from San Diego Customs