Working The Numbers
The power of research
Back to the Future: How History Can Save Harley Davidson
As family farms turned to dust and Wall Street bankers pancaked on concrete, Tom Sifton was turning fast Harleys into black gold. The wunderkind tuner’s modified Harley engines were faster than the factory’s best in 1926, and he moved his shop to San Jose, Calif., to transform it into a full-line dealership in 1933. What
Sudco Mikuni Carburetor Kits
Along with the HSR42, Sudco offers the Mikuni HSR45 and HSR48 Carburetor Kits. The HSR45 is perfect for performance-modified big twins, while the huge HSR48 is for the really big dogs. Sure Sellers: • Offers the highest air flow possible while providing accurate metering, more power and Mikuni’s renowned precision throttle response • 8-roller bearing
The Women’s Evolution
Attract And Retain Today’s Booming Female Ridership
Moto Ramp
Give your customers another option for loading their bikes with Oigo’s StepUp Moto Ramp. Sure Sellers: • Transition platform allows one person alone to maneuver a bike on or off a truckbed — no more having to calculate runs and truckbed jumps • Made of durable aluminum • Folds for easy storage Retail Price: $149.99
Scooters Still Sell
While Q1 Sales Figures Are Down, The Scooter Segment Still Shows Potential.
Destination Dealerships: Selling To Dilbert
Kari Prager’s Cal BMW Triumph And Tri Valley Moto
Vintage Marketing: Old Bikes Build New Business
If you ride your restored bevel drive Ducati, Panhead Harley or Black Bomber Honda on a regular basis, you are probably used to being mobbed at gas station stops and motorcycle hangouts. A nice looking vintage bike just naturally stops traffic. “I was going to a military vehicle meet,” explains Robin Markey, partner in Bob’s
Ogio 9800 Tank Gear Bag
The supersized 9800 was made to move with oversized, off-road wheels and a retractable pullman handle. This rugged luggage has a soft side, too, with protected compartments that are appealing to anyone who travels hard and heavy. Sure Sellers: • Boasts a SLED (Structural Load Equalizing Deck) system • Mud Flap fold-out changing mat •
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
Duncan Racing DR Chrome Front Bumpers
DR Chrome Front Bumpers for the Kawasaki KFX 450 are hand-fabricated for premium quality. Each bumper is made from milled steel, heli-arc-welded and finished with polished triple-plated chrome. Available for most sport models, the $179 bumpers are supplied with all necessary hardware and are pre-fit before plating. For more info: Duncan Racing International 10734 Kenney
Destination Dealership: Preowned Powerhouse
American Cycles, Chattanooga
Latest News
Triumph’s 2009 North America Sales Top 10,000 . . . Yamaha Canada Names New President . . . Drag Names New Sales Rep
Inside the Industry
S&S to celebrate 50th . . . BMW buys Husky . . . Electric UTV
A Tribute To The Man From Dixie
Robin pays tribute to industry veteran and MPN lead columnist, John Wykoff.
Imitation?
Robin gets hyped for this year’s Dealer Expo and dishes on his EICMA experience.