Shifting Gears (November): Printing All The News That Fits
New head wrangler in Texas as Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice names Eric Cagle President of the Fort Worth-based distribution giant. Cagle comes from Caterpillar Inc. and Neovia Logistics where he spent 25+ years. “The opportunity to join a recognized leader in such an exciting industry was very appealing to me,” Cagle says. “The relationship this company
Eye Opener
As we slide into the winter solstice, a bonus to this time of year is that tradeshow season has virtually come to an end – at least for most of us. Our biggest event in North America, AIMExpo 2016, is now in the books. It is the last show in Orlando (for now), and the
Lead Us Not In To Indecisiveness
It doesn’t matter if you are a dealer, a product manufacturer, a service provider or a distributor – Who is in charge of making the really big “decisions” in our industry, our businesses and our dealerships?
Back in the Saddle: The Latest in Motorcycle Seats
It wasn’t too long ago that motorcycle seats were more or less an afterthought on motorcycles. Riding around on a slab of plastic, metal or hard leather was the only option riders had. Today, that is the farthest thing from the truth. Motorcycle seats are now a big aspect of the bike and are built for rider comfort.
Alpinestars Is Hip
Retro Roll-Out For Oscar Line & #NiceBike Launch [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat’s old is new again, but what is truly cool is timeless! Alpinestars teamed up with motorcycle customizing visionary Gard Hollinger to host a re-launch of the Oscar by Alpinestars apparel line at Arch Motorcycles just before word broke that Alpinestars was expanding its cooperation with KTM
Retail Sales Environment Remained Sluggish in September
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the retail sales environment remained sluggish in September. The general theme from the market place is that consumers are being cautious with their spending and are often compelled to make a purchase only when heavy incentives are included. Perhaps the best example of this consumer behavior comes
Mechanical and Hydraulic Linked Brakes
Linked braking systems on motorcycles and scooters have become more common over the years. Hydraulic systems use proportioning valves, delay valves, and multiple master cylinders to combine the activation of the front and rear brakes in a smooth and logical fashion. Mechanical brake systems use equalizer junctions to link up the cables for the front
Answering the Industry’s Most Frequently Asked Question
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ow many unit sales should a dealership get from the traffic it saw last month? That question has been the single most difficult puzzle for dealership owners and general managers to solve in the motorcycle industry. Unfortunately for many, it remains a mystery, meaning dealerships are making critical business decisions, like staffing levels and unit
Detail Syndrome
Is it just you, or your employees too? As a shop owner, you’re probably very cognizant of many of the little things around your store. You see all of the little details that many others fail to see. I call this “Detail Syndrome.” How many times have you come to work and as you walk
Let the Fourth Quarter Begin!
My life is split into three different sections [dropcap]D[/dropcap]ear Ma, I hope you are doing good up there in Heaven, we are fine here in Dallas. Now that fall is here, things are cranking up. The 100-degree temps are gone and we are in the 80s every afternoon, so that is great for business! My
Who’s The Boss?
The difference between a boss and leader [dropcap]I[/dropcap] was recently called “boss” and I didn’t really care for it. It wasn’t the first time I have been called that, but it always feels weird hearing it. This time, it felt like lemon juice on a paper cut… maybe it was the tone or maybe the
Musselman Honda: Giving Customers What They Want for More Than 70 years
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you were showing visitors around town, how often would you take them to a bike shop? In Tucson, Arizona, Musselman Honda, in business selling motorcycles since the end of World War II, is a local landmark. Helen Musselman, half of the couple that started the business, is still at the shop every day. Generations