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His TT500: Real patina with road approval
With 24Helmets.de, Daniel supplies the whole of Germany and Europe with individual motorcycle helmets, clothing and accessories via his online store. He and his team personally select every single item on offer and prioritize quality and service at 100%.
Indian Chief - Rickmann Honda
Daniel is not only a businessman and provider, he is also a motorcyclist through and through.
You can meet him in the saddle of his 1941 Indian Chief, or the 1975 Rickmann Honda, but also very often and especially soulfully on his 1979 Yamaha TT500. The TT is more or less his everyday vehicle and is also used at special events.
The country roads of Meck-Pom, the quarry or the MX track - Daniel likes to ride his machines often.
And that is also the connection to our company. His TT was revived and upgraded in our KEDO workshop. Out of the cellar and into the countryside. That's the way it should be and an old TT can do what it does best again: Happy.
The TT as a pure fun machine was a US import and was registered for the road for the first time with the help of KEDO.
What's it like with you and your motorcycles?
Daniel, tell me, what's it like when work and leisure time revolve around one thing - motorcycling?
Daniel Dimpker: "That's not always easy. The motorcycle hobby is very individual and of course our customers have their own ideas about taste and lifestyle. Sometimes I have to do some research online first because I don't have every customer's vehicle in front of me. But then we usually find the right - and safe - outfit for each individual customer."
Riding a motorcycle is also always wearing clothes. Not easy to decide, but Daniel will help you. 24Helmets is great. Not just for Hamburgers.
At some point it started - and quickly paid off
How long have you been supplying us all with helmets, boots and the like - how did the idea come about?
In 2024, we celebrated our 15th anniversary.
But back in 2009, we started as a "job creation measure" for my wife [she's not allowed to read this now].
The children were small and she wanted to work from home. I was looking for a helmet for myself at the time and couldn't find one, but there were brands in Italy that were still unknown here. My wife speaks Italian, I had already been working on the Internet for a few years, and so it all came together. We founded the company in her name and off we went.
First from the living room, then from the garage and cellar, and then everywhere in the house. Until we rented our first store in Hamburg-Rahlstedt. I'll never forget how our son dressed up as a cardboard box for carnival at elementary school. There were lots of cardboard boxes - everywhere in the house.
Which is your favorite motorcycle in your own fleet?
"My purchasing decisions are probably rather unusual. I've always bought motorcycles based on "image" only, without ever having ridden them before or even having any idea about them. And apart from my fleet, I've hardly ridden any other models.
The Indian was my very first motorcycle and will therefore never be given away. But on the favorite scale, the TT500 comes right after it! Last year I rode about 5000km on the TT, of course without any technical problems.
The Rickman is known to be the origin of all cafe racers and therefore has its justification."
Which motorcycle would go with it?
"I'm probably a candidate for a larger enduro bike as I get older. Simply riding long distances comfortably and without technical challenges. I feel I'll soon be ready."
What was your first machine?
"The Indian. I sold the building loan agreement and my T1 Samba bus for it. But I would have been better off keeping the bus."
Could you imagine a complete restoration? Screws to make the bike completely your own?
I confess, I have screws screwed. I just don't have the time or the knowledge. But yes, I would like to build a motorcycle myself.
How would you describe your style?
"My driving style is modest. I always get there, but sometimes it takes longer. And when it comes to enduro, normal requirements are enough for me. I started riding too late for that. When it comes to outfits, of course I make sure I wear stylish clothing that is still safe. That's the advantage of being at the source. However, I don't need everything new all the time."
What other goals are you pursuing with your business in the future?
"Concretely - we're moving soon. From September 2024, 24Helmets.de will be based in a new, fantastic location at Offakamp in Hamburg-Nord.
We want to establish the new location as the first port of call in Hamburg for motorcycle helmets and clothing as well as the matching lifestyle.
The challenge is great, but the conditions are good."
Photos:
Daniel Dimpker, Martin Hass, KEDO GmbH, Silke Schröer
What would your next motorcycle trip look like and where would it take you?
I was already in Bosnia this year at the Enduro-Sprit enduro school. It was really great and varied. A great country, very friendly people and unique routes. Rental bikes were provided.
I would like to go to Scotland again with the Indian. I've already been there twice with the Indian. And then, of course, only go there on the road, in a BnB or in a tent, just small luggage.
What is special about your TT500 - compared to your other machines?
"The TT is simply agile, light and fast. The sound is slightly aggressive, which I like. And even in Hamburg's road conditions, the lug profile and good suspension are a clear advantage."
