Flying Tiger Motorcycles, St. Louis
Planning is Overrated Some businesses follow a well-defined, meticulously detailed plan, taking measured steps that lead to expected goals. Flying Tiger Motorcycles in the St. Louis suburb of Maplewood, isn’t one of them. But success has followed anyway and that’s impressive for an independent motorcycle shop born on a whim in 2010 and sustained on
Just My Perspective
My first motorcycle industry trade show experience was in February 1979 at the Dealer Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio. Most of you have heard the story how I headed out to Cincy with a 10’x10’ display full of nothing but bungee cords. The Cincinnati Dealer Expo was the show back then! I was thrilled to be
Powersport Engine Rebuilding
If you do a good job for your customers you will build a local customer base and get referrals. You’ll have another revenue stream, and you’ll have loyal customers.
Can You Hear Me Now? Selling Communications Systems Takes Patience
Riding motorcycles for the most part is a solitary endeavor. But more and more, riders are breaking the silence with new technologies available.
Evolution of a Customer: High On ‘Game-I-Fiction’
People literally get “high” on games. Endorphins flow into the brain when you complete or win a silly game whether it comes free on your smartphone or involves $100 million in the lotto. Digital, video, casino, computer, TV – games are everywhere. Warcraft and Call of Duty sales surpass book sales around the globe. I
The Traditional Wind Down Period
Bottoming Out August and September traditionally mark the bottom of the wholesale market as dealers wind down their selling season and new models are introduced. This year is right on track with the norm as Average Wholesale Prices (AWP) fell once again in August from the prior three-month average. Cruisers fell ~6% from the prior
Strong Growth Reported in ATV/UTV Segment
Our latest survey of powersports dealers indicates that the off-road vehicle market saw strong UTV and ATV growth in the end of July, although the rest of the month saw lackluster demand, it appears the demand has carried over into August. Indeed, dealers noted that aggressive pricing is the primary driver of new unit sales
Shifting Gears: Printing All The News That Fits (Sep.)
After 15 years Vance & Hines VP John Potts has shifted gears. “It has been a great ride, but it is time to change my road,” said Potts. “It has been an incredible life experience working with the team at Vance & Hines. From Japan to Australia, this is truly one of the best brands
Gearing Up: MIC Offering Online Training Courses
We got a call from the MIC about our coverage of Textile Street Apparel this month. They told us that they will be offering free Gear Up University online courses that will teach you how quality motorcycling gear can not only save a life but enhance your customers’ riding experiences so they can ride through
Celebrating Motorcycling’s Vintage Style and Heritage
Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, the 2.4-mile road course nestled in the gently rolling hills of Lexington, Ohio, about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, has been a traditional stop for top road racers on both two and four wheels for decades. But for the past few years, it has played the perfect host for one of the
Exhaust System Service
Exhaust systems often need to be removed for vehicle service. The components of the exhaust system may be few and simple, but installing and removing them can be frustrating. Use these tips gained from years of experience to make it easier for the technician and a better experience for the customers. 1. Be prepared for
UTV Market Still Being Driven by Innovation
In our opinion, the intensity of promotions across the UTV universe has caused the UTV/ATV price gap to narrow to never-before-seen levels, which is driving incremental cannibalization to the UTV market.
