Comments on: Deal With It : Motorcycle Dealer Crisis

By: juggernaught

juggernaught — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 05:11:02 +0000

I’m 45 and have been happily ordering parts/accessories online for well over 15 years. I know riders in their mid sixties who also order online. If I could buy manufacture direct, I would. We all eagerly pay an entry to go to the yearly bike show, and its packed for 4 days straight accessing the “product”. Yet, attending the local dealer to do the same thing is free. I think there is a large ratio of riders (including the older and savvy cash in hand types) ready to buy direct if given the chance.

By: gma and gdad

gma and gdad — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 23:02:18 +0000

Woe be the day when I can’t find a local dealer where can kick tires and sit on bikes! But I hate Honda Powerhouses…

Wendell

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:42:11 +0000

I would have to agree with this analysis and possible direction for the future. Having showroom retail locations similar to the Tesla models will be the future. i worked in the Premium auto industry for over 10 years in sales and eliminating the sales person and sales process at a dealership will not only enhance a “no pressure” selling atmosphere but also eliminate the “haggling” over price where the sales person and dealer are only interested in their profit on the sale and not focused on providing the client with a authentic buying experience of the brand. The manufacturers have amazing marketing programs. If they eliminate the dealership structure involving sales people and managers, they will add profit to their bottom line. Most people know what they want when they are about to purchase a product, no matter what it is. This concept of online purchasing with a delivery at your home or office with a delivery specialist is the wave of the future. Say good bye to the dealer. It is a dinosaur.

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:04:19 +0000

In reply to Gordon L Belyea.

Yeah, George is the dealer everybody wished they had. I’ve been around the sport for 35, competed and worked in it as well, and he’s been the best I’ve seen for understanding his customers.

He’s so much fun to watch, too. Like he’s permanently wired on a triple espresso…

By: Gordon L Belyea

Gordon L Belyea — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:00:30 +0000

In reply to Mark Thompson.

Similarly, for recall work on my Scarabeo, I’ve made the 1 hr trek to Toronto’s excellent Corsa Meccanica. George still handles Aprilia, as well as other Italian marques. I may need to do this for the bike’s valves, which require specialized tools for their adjustment.

By: Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 02:08:05 +0000

In reply to Gordon L Belyea.

Your Vespa-AF1 experience is essentially what I did with an Aprilia Tuono a few years ago. I bought the bike by phone from a dealer in Ohio ($4k off list for a brand new, 1 yr old model), had it shipped to me in rural southern Illinois, and bought parts from AF1.

There was an Aprilia shop (Moto Italia in Edwardsville) about an hour away who handled a warranty repair one time, but they dropped the Aprilia franchise shortly afterward to concentrate on Moto Guzzi(!). They still had the Aprilia manuals and an experienced tech a couple years later when a valve adjustment was due, and did a nice job for me.

I think CSC may be onto something as far as using independent shops for warranty work, especially for scooters and simple/cheaper bikes. Not sure it’s entirely feasible for high end and complex bikes.

By: Gordon L Belyea

Gordon L Belyea — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 17:32:15 +0000

I really appreciated the insights in your article, even if the prognosis seems a little depressing. My own experience with our Honda Powersports dealership is mixed. The sales staff were excellent – experienced motorcyclists; the product was excellent; the warranty coverage was superb – the two ‘Honda’ accessories that had minor defects were completely replaced by the dealer, with no squabbling.

It was the service that drove me back to our town’s local mechanic. After having one of the plastic covers broken during service, and finally, the fuel petcock left off on my final visit, which I only discovered after the bike stalled out at a stop sign (I should’ve checked, I know!), I’ve taken my bikes to Clarington Cycle here in town. I now ride an Aprilia scooter – I downloaded the manual & parts catalogue from AF1 online, from whom I order my parts. The AF1 forum provides technical advice from other riders. If I’m unable to do the work myself, the local shop will install the parts. I don’t know if this hybrid approach is becoming more the norm as well, but it’s worked for me so far.

Keep the great articles coming!

Gordon L Belyea

By: Cam Stuart

Cam Stuart — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 03:59:41 +0000

Good discussion as always at CMG. I recently purchased a new jacket and helmet in Calgary. I looked online both in Canada and the US. At the end of the day I was able to look at and try on the equipment at the dealer and the price for both was cheaper than any online option. So I got service and the best price at the dealer. I do take all my service now to a smaller independent shop in Turner Valley. Best service I have had in 35 years of riding. Best service and good prices are still available and I sure love going to the dealer in the depths of winter to satisfy my fix. Hope they last.