Lee Chapin Leaves Mikuni American Corp.

LeeChapinCyrilHuzeBlogAfter 24 years with the company, Lee Chapin, lately Vice President of the carburetors division of Mikuni American Corp, has accepted an early retirement package and left the company.  Lee is interested in securing another position within the motorsports industry.

Mikuni provides aftermarket carburetors, related parts and tuning components to manufacturers and distributors in the motorcycle, ATV, watercraft and snowmobile industries. Mikuni American has recently downsized its operations and reduced its workforce, and for now will not replace Chapin’s position. Steve Webb will manage distributor and dealer relations. .

11 Responses to “Lee Chapin Leaves Mikuni American Corp.”


  1. 1 Jeff Nicklus Jan 8th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Lee is the face of Mikuni as much as Nick Messer was the face of Big Dog! Mikuni won’t be the same without Lee. Lee would be an asset to any company who may choose to employ him whether that may be in this “Industry” or not. Good Luck Lee !

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  2. 2 Pitbull Jan 8th, 2010 at 5:59 pm

    I wish Lee the best! Lee helped me when I first started in this industry, hes a pretty cool man that I’m privileged to know.

  3. 3 Lenny Sinnet Jan 8th, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    Lee we really need you in the industry it is hard too find someone in the industry as dedicated as yourself.

    Best of luck hope we will continue too see you and here from u in the industry…

  4. 4 Jim Jan 9th, 2010 at 9:48 am

    For those of you who have not met Lee, you have missed the chance to talk with an extremely nice, down-to-earth, professional man that is all-knowing about Mikuni Carbs. He has always been a great help when I had questions. I am saddened by this notice and wish Lee the very best in the future. I hope he will stay in this industry and I echo what Jeff said.
    Take care Lee and thank you very much for all your help over the years!

    Jim

  5. 5 Darin Maltsberger-Instructor@MTI Jan 9th, 2010 at 11:49 am

    I am very disappointed to hear this news. Lee helped MTI with a carb and jets for the bike the students are building to go to Bonneville this year. He also gave me a lot of advice on teaching fuel systems and tuning that I took to heart and incorporated into my classes. Lee has probably forgotten more about Mikuni carbs than most of us will ever know.

    Lee,
    Please stay in touch, and if you get the chance to be at Bonneville, come see the students. They would enjoy it. All of us here at the Mitchell Technical Institute Powersports Program wish you all the best. I hope to see you stay in the industry. Take care.

    -Darin

  6. 6 Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles Jan 9th, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Lee is a true gentleman of our industry and is a shame to hear of him leaving Mikuni. He is Mr Mikuni

  7. 7 James Simonelli BAKER Drivetrain Jan 10th, 2010 at 10:40 pm

    I have known Lee since I first started working for NEMPCO in 1993. He has always been cordial and kind to me; a perfect getleman despite our sometimes competitive employment. He has been a great help on my latest project “145 HEMI”. I will really miss seeing Lee on the trade show and rally circuit, but wish him the best. Thanks for all of your support Lee, and God Bless.

    James

  8. 8 Rinke Jan 11th, 2010 at 6:22 am

    We first met Lee in 2007 and experienced him as a true professional and a warm personality. He will be missed and we wish him all the best .

  9. 9 Bigalyts Jan 11th, 2010 at 7:51 am

    Lee, you are an inspiration and true represenative of a Class guy in this Industry, filled with Scumbags, Liars, Unqualified Builders and Mechanics, wannabee BackYard Builders, but the problem is DYNOSAURS are EXTINCT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. 10 Howard Kelly Jan 11th, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Lee is one of the best guys this industry has ever seen. Best of luck to you Lee in whatever you do now–even if it is just chill out in Cali!
    Howard

  11. 11 Lee Chapin Jan 11th, 2010 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks everyone for the kind words. This was the most difficult decision of my career. I enjoyed every moment representing Mikuni, mostly because of the people, friends, in this industry of ours’.
    The offer was one time, last time take it or leave it, similar to other Japanese companies. In light of my past year’s circumstances, with the loss of my wife and now my son’s brain tumor, I decided to scale back a bit for now. I will be at Cincy and Indy for the trade shows and will touch base with many of you there.
    Thanks Cyril for a great place to stay in touch. Great fun at Bonneville last year.
    Bye for now.
    Lee

Comments are currently closed.
Cyril Huze