fbpx

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

A funny thing happened at the bike shop one day. We were all hanging out in the back, telling lies like a bunch of dirt bikers do, when a guy came up to the back door pushing his bike. He had a tire over one arm while he pushed his XS650 Yamaha into the shop.

“Time for new rubber,” he said, “Ed’s bringing the front.”

Ed was the owner of the shop. We could hear him bustling around in the back finding a tire that would fit and hurrying out to make the sale. Ed, like most shop owners, was eager to sell this customer a set of tires. It was just amazing that it took him this long to do it.

I walked around the back of the XS, and could see four distinct bands of nylon cord showing, maybe five if I looked really hard. “You got your money’s worth out of this one,” I said, knowing that the joke was a dry one — the customer was proud of his frugality.

“Yep,” he said, his rejoinder a classic case of one-up manship, “I was ready to let it go ‘til fall, but my girlfriend said she won’t ride on the back unless I get a new one.”

By this time I had made my usual 360 around the bike, stopped at the front, where the tire was merely bald, but not showing any cords. “This one’s still got plenty of life in it.”

“I know,” the customer said, plainly disappointed. “She wants me to change that one, too.”

By this time Ed had made his appearance and was barking orders around the shop, things we’d of course already started in motion. The job at hand was getting the tires on while the customer waited, get the sale paid for and the job out the door, and then we could get back to whatever it was we were doing before the XS was rolled into the shop.

The question roiling around in anyone’s mind might be, “Why did the customer wait so long to get new tires?” The answer could be simple, considering where we lived. Northern New England is the home of some of the proudest, cheapest people you’ll ever meet, and riding up with a completely skinned tire is a point of pride for some. Hard to say if they realized exactly how bad a safety hazard a bald tire is on a two-wheeler, especially one that’s being wailed around on local streets in unpredictable weather. Nobody really goes out intending to risk their life on a motorcycle, but without a doubt, riding on worn out tires is a great way to do it.

The second great question would be, why did Ed wait so long to sell this guy a set of tires? Easy. I’ve watched Ed and his team of mechanics work for quite some time. Their modus operandi was simple: wait inside, at the counter or in the shop, until somebody comes in needing something.

This kind of thinking is great for keeping you out of the weather, but does it bring in extra sales?

Here’s a better approach that would work in any bike shop. When a customer comes in for parts, why not have your parts guys go out and check their VIN number, just to make sure they’re ordering the right one?  While they’re writing down the all-important VIN, they could take a quick walk around the bike, and possibly spot any number of potential sales. “Hey, this tire’s getting a little thin, did you know we have some special deals going on tires this month?” Or how about, “You know, that taillight lens is pretty cloudy, we can fix you up with a new one.”

It’s also a great time to suggest accessories. If you customer has a bag of groceries lashed down to the passenger seat, you might suggest they look at the tailbags you have in stock, or maybe they want a set of saddlebags that’ll get the job done in style.

You’re all familiar with the customer who rides down to the shop on a nice Saturday morning just to hang out with some other motorcycle guys. You know they have their bike, they wouldn’t be carrying a bug-covered helmet otherwise. This creates the perfect opportunity to say something like, “Hey, you’ve got your bike here? Let’s go take a look at it, I need to get outside…” Customers love to show off their bikes, and love to talk about them. Why not steer the conversation toward possible upgrades as well as new parts that might be needed?

If you want to get scientific, have your salesmen carry a tire tread gauge in their pocket and get right down and check customers’ tires. “You know, that tire won’t pass inspection next time, you might think about something new on there.”
Tires have a lot of other potential problems other than wear. Your service and salespeople should be trained to be able to spot dry rot, odd tire wear patterns as well as tread depth, and even look for nails in the tire. I’ve seen a number of customers come in carrying nails, and they never had a clue.

The bottom line is this: Your customers come in because they’re interested and enthusiastic about the product you’re selling. Go outside and look at their ride; show a little enthusiasm in return, and you might also find that you’re opening up a new avenue for sales while you’re at it. 

You May Also Like

Proper Motorcycle Tire Maintenance and Care

Maintaining proper tire pressure is a common maintenance issue.

motorcycle tires, maintenance, tire pressure, tire pressure monitor

In my last article on how tire makeup affects performance, I claimed tires blend into the background when customers look at bikes. Furthermore, they tend to take a backseat on the maintenance list for owners as well. In fact, if there’s one area in which motorcycle riders fall short in terms of motorcycle maintenance, it would be maintaining the proper air pressure in tires.

Pre-Season Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

After sitting all winter, bikes need an inspection before hitting the road.

motorcycle maintenance
Two-Stroke Engine Tech Has a Future

As hybrid vehicles continue to be on the rise, the two-stroke engine might have a comeback.

two-stroke engine
Powersports Belt Maintenance Tips

Dayco’s new line of CVT belts are impressive, but you still need to know how to properly maintain them.

Motorcycle Sales and Technology Trends for 2022

Supply shortages mean less tech, although motorcycles still have plenty of new features.

motorcycle, technology

Other Posts

Important Maintenance Checks for Motorcycle Storage

From the fuel and lube to the battery and tires, learn how you can keep your bike from corroding during the cold season.

battery, battery charger, maintenance
How to Properly Dispose of Motor Oil

Did you know that one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water if poured into a storm drain?

oil, motor oil, quick lube
Prepping Your Snowmobile for the Season

Get your snowmobile in shape this fall before hitting the trails.

snowmobile
Should You Change PWC Oil Before Winter Storage or After?

While the oil filter works hard all season, changing the oil is the only way to remove residual acids and moisture left in the crankcase.