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Roysbuell
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 05:01 pm: | 
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I do not know first hand but the I called the local Harley dealer asking about the nearest Buell dealer (138 miles away) and he said there used to be a Yamaha/Buell dealer in my area but they had closed down. As far as as the relationship between H-D and Buell the new campaign Buell is running kind of takes jabs at cruisers. Maybe Buell is trying to get H-D to release them from contract? |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 05:21 pm: |
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That is kinda what I was getting at, even if McD's sold tacos, I don't think they would do well, because why would someone go to McD's for a taco? They sell a lot of different American foods, then throw in a taco. That would be like Taco Bell adding a burger to their menu. Or Olive Garden selling an enchilada dinner. Buells need to be with other sportbikes.
The problem is that HD is the end progression of a buying process beginning with more "sporting, dual sport, dirt bike, touring, etc." motorcycles.
If there was a fear that the burger buying public was dying off and that you would be unable to sell burgers at the same level you are now but that you could get people who were taco buyers to convert to burgers later, you MIGHT offer tacos alongside your burgers in an effort to move a few taco buyers over to burgers that would normally not be interested. |
Tpoppa
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 05:51 pm: |
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Buell Dealers (even the better ones) just don't cater to the sportbike crowd as well as dealers for other brands. 2 examples:
Tires - You mean I can only buy OEM replacement tires and I can even pay full MSRP??? Sweet, sign me up! Really??? Many sportbike riders have tire preferences and HD/Buell shops just don't have what you want.
Gear - Last time I looked at riding gear at a Buell dealer they had 1 Buell jacket for $450 and not even in my size. Honda dealers carry Hondaline gear and many also have Joe Rocket, Teknic, Scorpion, etc. People like choices...
HD dealers would give more consideration to Buell if they made more $$. Buell $$ are limited in part by HD dealers. It's a catch 22. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 06:09 pm: |
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Agreed completely. The problem is traffic frequency. Carrying all that gear comes with the assumption that you will have the traffic to take it off your hands once you bring it into the store.
The bigger issue is what are HD dealers doing to draw sportbike traffic into the store? We know what to do with them once they get here, but how do we get them in the door.
We work track days and bike nights. We do Buell demo days and plan dyno days. We show up at WERA races.
We are starting to see results.
The cool thing is that the local Honda shop isn't doing this. Neither is the local Yamaha shop or the local Suzuki shop.
I think there is a HUGE opportunity to reshape the sportbike buying experience. How about an MV August buying experience at a Yamaha price?
How about a thorough and enthusiastic test ride with actual sportbike riders as your sales folks? I have test ridden Buells at 6 other dealerships. They were either "here are the keys have fun" which wasn't bad or they were plodding along behind a bagger with drag pipes which was awful.
Most sportbike people have to find the dealership, one that rarely appreciates them, beg for a test ride (most don't allow ANY test rides), and are sent on their way. I think Buell has a fantastic opportunity to change the buying experience and draw business away from the Big 4. |
Tpoppa
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 09:48 pm: |
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The bigger issue is what are HD dealers doing to draw sportbike traffic into the store? We know what to do with them once they get here, but how do we get them in the door.
We work track days and bike nights. We do Buell demo days and plan dyno days. We show up at WERA races.
We are starting to see results.
Good for you! You guys are leading the way. If my dealer was even aware of a track day I think my jaw would hit the floor.
Am I correct in saying that dealers make more from parts, service, merchandise than on the actual motorcycle sale?
The track day crowd is generally the most experienced/knowledgeable subset of the sportbike community. Those are the folks that want/need specific tire brands, gear, suspension expertise, tuning knowledge, etc. If/when you get these folks in the door and sell them a bike are you able to keep them coming back?
Also, are HD/Buell dealers contractually allowed to carry other brands...Michelin, Continental, Arai, Alpinestars? I've never seen them at my dealer, so I'm guessing the answer is no. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - 11:25 pm: |
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quote:Also, are HD/Buell dealers contractually allowed to carry other brands...Michelin, Continental, Arai, Alpinestars? I've never seen them at my dealer, so I'm guessing the answer is no.
My dealer has all the above except Arai. Also, most dealers are able to get parts from Parts Unlimited, who stocks many brands of tires, so they can order them that way too. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 12:03 am: |
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Am I correct in saying that dealers make more from parts, service, merchandise than on the actual motorcycle sale?
Each of those areas has a different profit margin.
As an example, most clothing is "keystoned". What a dealer sells for $30 cost them $15 and cost the manufacurer $7.50 to make.
There is note even close to that much margin on a bike. |
Crackhead
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 07:46 am: |
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You would sell more of everything, if you had a mega fast food store. Like the Tacobell, KFC, Pizza Hut, A&W, and Long John Silver restaurant.
They are great, the whole family eats there and can get everything they want. Dad gets the burger from A&W, The son gets Tacos from Tacobell, and the little kids can get pizza from Pizza Hut. All at 1 stop, and everyone wants to go back to that restaurant bc everyone in the family got what they wanted. |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 07:59 am: |
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I can't see it happening I wish it would but I can't see it you would have to sell something else as well as in winter what can you sell? if buell allowed a dealer to sell say can am and polaris or something like that with seedoo or whatever . Then you could sell sleds/boats/bikes and youd have a chance of survival |
Nobuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 01:57 pm: |
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I would love to buy accessories from my local dealer. The problem is there is no stock and cannot order sportbike stuff. Case in point. I am interested in Pro-taper bars. Stopped by the local HD/Buell shop with the required part #. They cannot oder it unless Drag Specialties has it. Their suppliers are HD specific. I can look on line and find many providers, I can stop by the local Yamakawasuki shop and they would be happy to order it.
I can live with the fact that accessories are not stocked, but they cannot even order it? Walked in the door with business only to be turned away. This last year I purchased 2 Joe Rocket Jackets and pants, 1 Buell mesh jacket. 2 AGV helmets, 2 pair of riding gloves, 1 pair of riding boots, spare visors all of which did not come from the HD/Buell dealer. Almost $2,000 in accessories
Talking about lost sales! |
Tpoppa
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 02:40 pm: |
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Nobuell,
Well said. My point exactly.
In the last 3 or 4 years I've purchased the following from places other than the local dealer:
-5 riding jackets
-4 Helmets
-4 pairs of gloves
-1 pair riding pants
-At least a dozen tires
During that time, I've spent a total of $5 at my local dealership, because they happened to have a spark plug wire in stock and I needed it that day.
Riding sportbikes isn't a cheap hobby. $$ are being spent, but the business model of many HD dealers just isn't setup to get those $$. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 03:21 pm: |
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Nobuell, part of the problem is similar to what I deal with at work, there is a little bit of red tape and paperwork involved with becoming a vendor from a distributor to sell those products. You pop in and want two AVG helmets, yet none of their suppliers carry them, so they would need to find another supplier that carries them, do the paperwork, establish credit and billing with them, then finally be able to order the helmets for you.
They might be able to order from them without doing all that stuff, but they wouldn't be able to get it at a discount, and would have to pay MSRP. The dealer wouldn't make any money on the sale unless they marked it up, and if they mark it up you would of been better off buying it on your own anyway.
It isn't hard to become a vendor for many sport-bike gear distributors, and you should voice your opinion to the parts manager and the general manager. |
Oddball
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 11:33 pm: |
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Umm Froggy, slight point to pick. The dealers have tax resale licenses don't they? With that they don't pay mrsp. They aren't going to get the lowest possible costs on orders of 1 or 2 pieces but still not retail level.
As for credit, seen that done before. A few hoops for the accountant which may not be seen as worth the effort if little volume is purchased. Nothing stopping them from paying upfront though. Gets one's foot in the door with distributors, build's credit that way and would likely get said distributors salesmen visiting to try and increase volume sold to you with better margins. |
Kdogshirow
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 11:39 pm: |
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There was a stand alone Buell dealer in my town of Modesto Ca. and it was really nice . It was financed by the Harley dealership in town though . It only lasted a few years because of problems with the Harley dealer , now its a Ducati dealer . I dont know if Buell riders could support a stand alone dealer . I wish it could be . |
Bikertrash05
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009 - 11:49 pm: |
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Gear - Last time I looked at riding gear at a Buell dealer they had 1 Buell jacket for $450 and not even in my size. Honda dealers carry Hondaline gear and many also have Joe Rocket, Teknic, Scorpion, etc. People like choices...
Exactly. I get my gear from local non-HD dealers or NewEnough.com. HD dealer only has HD stuff. I even got a SWEET deal on my Arai helmet at the Duc/MV/KTM/Aprilia/Suzuki shop. Will MV dealerships get to sell Buell now? |
Tpoppa
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 10:28 am: |
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I belong to a forum of about 3,200 riders in Ohio. It's 99% sportbikes with a handful of cruisers. These are people that Erik is building bikes for. Unfortunately, on that forum, there is a HUGE anti-HD bias, and a not-as-huge anti-Buell bias. The 1125 is gaining respect among riders, but most are still unlikely to set foot inside an HD dealer.
Eslick's title is getting attention, and Corey West will get noticed for doing great in the last AMA Superbike race. However, sportbike riders just don't seem to mix well with the 'Chrome and Leather' crowd.
Standalone isn't viable for the same reason you don't see standalone Aprilia, MV, or Aprilia dealers...volume doesn't support it. As a 'test' I would love to see a Buells sold along side Duc/Aprilia/Triumph. I'll bet Buell would do quite well, but I seriously doubt the mothership would allow it. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 06:55 pm: |
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We don't have a "stand alone" Buell shop, but we position our Buells so that folks wishing to see the Buells need not even walk past a Harley. They are right up in the front of the store.
What I find the biggest hurdle is walking from the parking lot into the store rather than any issue once folks are IN the store. Much of that is perception, but some of it is real.
There are always a$$hats, but I can't believe that someone who is REALLY interested in Buell would allow some goon in the parking lot to prevent them from enjoying one.
Now, I have gotten some comments when we have come and gone in leathers about our "power rangers" outfits. I usually retort back that at least ours has the ass still in them. They usually laugh and enjoy the jousting.
I think people take much of it WAY too seriously. |
Avc8130
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 07:43 pm: |
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I LOVE going to the local Harley/Buell dealer. Not because they stock ANYTHING Buell, or because they sales staff is knowledgable about Buell, but because it is an EXPERIENCE!
Every guy behind the counter has a pony tail and tattoos. The service center is always blasting metal, but the techs are great and so is the service writer.
The parts counter is a great experience too. No, they don't have a single part, not even a fender bolt, but the people there are amazing. The last time I was there a 300 pound guy in cut-off jeans was ordering parts for some old HD. He had a shaved head. On the back of his head, low, by the base of his skull he had a tattoo. It said "D.O.T.". I almost fell over.
I spoke to the sales staff. He told me the "o-10s" would be out soon. He gave me the HD secret to financial succes: Pick out the HD you like (not a "girlie sportster"). Put down about $7-9k. Take a 7 year loan! Trade it in after 2 years for 75% value. The mindset is amazing.
Seriously, none of you guys can appreciate the "experience" of Buell?
ac |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 08:55 pm: |
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A 7 year loan? Monthly payments must be less than lunch at Burger King. I need to see if I can get a 7 year on a $7k Ural.  |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 09:02 pm: |
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I enjoy meeting the people who come through. Every one has a story.
I talked to a guy last weekend who walked with a cane. He was a computer programmer/redneck that wanted to see if we would take in a 73 Ford van on trade.
He had smoked so much before he came in that I could still smell him in my nostrils the next day.
I spent about 35-40 minutes with him. He wants an Ultra Classic. He was appreciative of my time and said he would be sure to buy from me.
I got to sell a 2005 Fat Boy to a guy who had sold his last bike when he won sole custody of his son 22 years ago. He didn't want to put his son at risk and didn't have the money to ride, so he gave it up. We was unsure we could work a deal he could afford and approve his credit. We did both.
You should have seen the day he rode off on his bike. He nearly cried.
I saw him a couple of weeks later while he was picking up some oil. He couldn't stop talking about how much he enjoyed his bike and riding again.
Not all Harley folks are "ride to eat, eat to ride". Most are "riders" just like us. They just chose a different drug of choice. |
Iamarchangel
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 09:03 pm: |
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Did he include the part where you can borrow extra and put it towards your house? That will save you more than the purchase price of the bike over the life of the mortgage. That one had me scratching my head. |
Avc8130
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 09:14 pm: |
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He failed to mention that...he did mention they could roll in some accessories and even cover them under warranty if the service department installed them.
ac |
Rpm4x4
| | Posted on Thursday, September 10, 2009 - 09:39 pm: |
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Not all Harley folks are "ride to eat, eat to ride". Most are "riders" just like us. They just chose a different drug of choice.
I totally agree. I am good friends with several harley riders that ride often and ride hard. Very good people. My HD dealer is also pretty good people. } |
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