Dealer Perspective

Manufacturers hate to terminate dealerships. It’s a real hassle for all parties concerned and it raises questions about the brands involved. Prior to terminating an authorized dealer, a manufacturer will almost always try to help the dealer resolve its problems so they can remain a dealer for the brand. In …

After the first few teaser days of the coming riding season, some folks are thinking about a new bike. Perhaps interest began after an NYC visit to see all the shiny objects at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show extravaganza. Or maybe a winter of reading every bike magazine you could …

You know the feeling. Your bike needs repair or routine maintenance. You call your local dealer for an appointment and the voice on the other end of the line says something like, “Man, we’re really busy right now. We can’t look at your bike for two, maybe three, weeks.” How’s …

STONY BROOK, NY – Fans of vintage motorcycles will find a visit to the “Motorcycles and the Open Road” exhibition at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization here to be a worthwhile way to spend an hour or two. And you can’t beat the $5 admission for providing a fun glimpse …

LITTLE NECK, NY – So, you want to sell me a bike today? Surveys have concluded that visiting the dentist is something people would rather do than car shop. If it weren’t for the fact that we actually like motorcycles, I suspect folks would feel the same way about

BROOKLYN – The 3rd annual Split’n Lanes Dodgin’ Gutters Classic Motorcycle Show held at the Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday was inspired by a unique – and some might say, slightly wacky, event.

A Facebook post this week by a Connecticut dealership that showed a happy customer sitting on his first motorcycle – a high-power, 2016 model-year sport bike with a $12,299 MSRP – got me to thinking about dealer responsibility. How responsible is the dealership for selling the “right” motorcycle to a …

LITTLE NECK, NY – Even though the first month of the new year is just about in the rearview mirror, it’s not too late to take a shot at guessing what the motorcycle industry will look like after all 12 months of 2016 have zoomed by and to make some …

A trip Friday up the Hudson River to visit the good folks at Hudson Valley Motorcycles in Ossining, NY. Second generation owner Rich Alexander and his team are hosting the

If the service person at your local BMW dealer is smiling just a little less these days, there’s a good reason. That’s because BMW’s recent recall announcement will likely cause a host of headaches for both dealers and riders in the weeks to come. The 43,426 bikes recalled in the …

In a previous column, I reviewed the various ways that dealers can grow their businesses. One way is by offering more and different products for sale, and manufacturers are starting to help in this area.

Just like any business, motorcycle dealerships are constantly looking at ways to boost sales.  New revenue can help fuel expansion or simply replace monies lost over time as customers change their buying habits.

Many folks are preparing to visit the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at New York’s Javits Center next weekend. Most attend to get a break from the cold weather and to get a fix for their motorcycle addiction, but some attend with the serious objective of “pre-shopping” for their next bike. …

Looking to buy a new bike and planning to spend $10,000, $15,000, or more?More people are answering “yes” to this question. Sales are up modestly in most street bike categories this year, despite the fact those shoppers often hear the same thing from dealership sales persons when asking for a …

In previous columns, we’ve had a look at how the sales and service departments affect the financial health of motorcycle dealerships. They are two legs of the “three legged stool” of dealership success. The third critical business area for successful dealerships is the revenue (and profits) generated from the sale …