Don’t Jump Yet: The Credit Crunch Takes a Bite out of the Motorcycle Industry
The housing market is in the tank. Gas prices are at all-time highs. Banks are reluctant to hand out loans. The economy is slow, and Americans are carrying record levels of consumer debt. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know this means that sales of luxury items like motorcycles are going to
The Virtual Biker Bar: Online Networks to Build Your Brand
Taking cues from the ongoing, phenomenal success of social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, motorcycle dealers are creating their own online communities, where they can glean valuable feedback from customers, promote their brand and keep an eye out for future staff amid the online message posts. “It’s a good time to become a niche
Devils and Dealers: How to be an Employer of Choice
Is letting your people explore other employers really the realm of the devil’s playground?
Euros From Tourers
Cash in on the Adventure Tourism Boom
Buggies Light Fire to the Off-Road Market
Unlike the scooter industry, which I often write about, there is a lack of information on buggies. There is no DOT, consumer safety board or even a consumer reports magazine testing these units in the United States. It’s caveat emptor for the dealers when they are doing research on a particular brand they wish to carry.
Strategic Tools Diagnostic Scan Tool
Strategic’s Motorcycle Diagnostic Scan Tool can diagnose faults on motorcycles from virtually all manufacturers. All the cables necessary to connect to these bikes are included in the kit, and once connected it can provide you with a wealth of data from the ECU. The tool also helps perform other functions, such as unlocking the immobilizer,
Lifestyle of Longevity … Powered by the People
Chad and Dean take a closer look at some of the major players in the industry that have been playing the game for many decades and are sure to have staying power for years to come.
Five Steps to Improve Everything
Whether your improvement initiative is large or small, the key is to start doing something fast.
V-Twin Vixens
Meet the Bombshell, a custom-painted H-D dressed up with four of old Hollywood’s most famous beauties created by renowned artist Monte Moore and Blacktop Choppers, both of Denver, Colorado. The highly intricate paint job on the bike features six detailed illustrations of the four different bombshells. The tank features two portraits each of Marilyn Monroe
Destination Dealership: Preowned Powerhouse
American Cycles, Chattanooga
Man vs. Machine: Can NASCAR’s Racing Philosophies Translate to Motorcycle Racing?
NASCAR lives and dies by close racing. Keeping the pack on track tight was the primary goal of the autocratic founder, Bill France Sr., and it carried on to his equally iron-fisted descendents. Team advantages are negated with rules changes. New technology is adopted slowly and carefully. The result is a race series that everyone
Crime Stoppers: Get a Lock On Motorcycle Security
In the U.S., a motorcycle is stolen every 7.5 minutes. In 2005, 70,613 bikes were stolen, according to figures released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In financial terms, motorcycle owners and insurance companies burdened a loss of $434 million in stolen motorcycles and components. Just as you take loss prevention precautions in your store,
How to Do Test Rides … Right!
Getting a prospect on a bike and in the wind can be the best tool to help a customer make the right purchase decision.
Finance & Insurance Numbers
F&I should be one of the most profitable areas of your business.
Do you know anyone else who wants one?
How to ask for referrals without sounding like a jerk. (Part 2: The Process)
Multiples of Twelve
Defining the key target-ages of the American male as it applies to our business.