 Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jun 2007
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OP
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Posts: 170 |
Thats two close together. WTF over? Not a good sign. 
Today is Thank a Soldier Day. Please celebrate all day long.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,302 |
Triumph dealers? Were they decent places ?
mike
2006 neon blue speedmaster
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Two? Triumph of North Georgia and who else?
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Performance Powersports of Chattanooga is the other in our region to go away. They sold Victory as well.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
Lynchburg VA also no longer has a Triumph dealer. 
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
It's a tough economy right now, but according to Motorcycle Consumer News, August 2008, Triumph had the highest sales growth(32.21%) year over year (2008 over 2007 of all the other brands.) BMW was next at 31.14%, Buell at 26.77, Ducati at 20.50 and everyone else lost business. The problem is those 4 brands together only have 4.85% of the market.
Who knows what the future holds? You think these numbers are bad check out the automakers. Frankly with what has happened to my IRA this year, I would not buy a bike-good thing I own one.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
It is strange. There are six Triumph dealers in the State of Washington. Two of them are six months old and carry Triumph only. One has been carrying Triumph for only two month but carries Victory as well.
Times are tough, so maybe some of the dealer owners that are getting tired are looking at the tough economic times as the last straw to throw in the towel.
Soren
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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who are the 6 in WA.?
Scott
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
I know of:
Champion (Bellingham)
I90 (Issaquah)
Cycle Barn (Lynwood)
Lakewood (Lakewood)
where are the other two?
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Plus...
Thunder Alley (Kennewick)
Empire Cycle (Spokane)
Condotta's (Wenatchee)
So, I miscounted that's seven (I keep forgetting about Wenatchee)
Soren
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Could be a regional thing. When the economy slides it hits somplaces harder. CT still has only 2 dealers, As far as I know. And judgeing form the recent sightings I've had, sales for at least one of them must be ok.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
That was the second dealership in Chattanooga that flopped. It may be a brand thing rather than the economy, the local Yamaha dealer is covered up with business.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,457 |
Ct has 3 dealers even though I barely count Branchville Motors as a dealer. Also ther is Libby's in New Haven and Gengras in Hartford.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
That was the second dealership in Chattanooga that flopped. It may be a brand thing rather than the economy, the local Yamaha dealer is covered up with business.
Thats probably true. I brought my TBA from Triumph of Chattanooga in 2003. Since then i have only seen a handful of Triumphs in the area.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
MillerBuilt Engine Company, Inc. is no longer selling trumpets? Dang. All lawnmowers now eh?
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
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Quote:
Ct has 3 dealers even though I barely count Branchville Motors as a dealer. Also ther is Libby's in New Haven and Gengras in Hartford.
Thats right,,I forgot about Branchville.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
That all sux guys. We actually have a newer dealer that opened here to replace the old Triumph dealer in buffalo, NY. Bucks is a great place, very similar to the NH dealer (Southwind) we went to at last year's rally. Hopefully not a trend but I see more and more Triumphs around this area all the time. Getting so we're not so unique anymore. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
ahhhh, no. You'll always be unique.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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 Re: Closing Dealerships? Whats up
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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Quote:
ahhhh, no. You'll always be unique.
A line from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer":
"Why don't we be Independent, together?" 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Ed when did the Chattanooga dealer go under? I had not heard that, bought lots of parts there.
The low cost leader was their slogan if I remember.
Dang
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
Could be a regional thing. When the economy slides it hits somplaces harder. CT still has only 2 dealers, As far as I know. And judgeing form the recent sightings I've had, sales for at least one of them must be ok.
3 dealers:
Branchville Motors
Gengras
and Libby's
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Ed when did the Chattanooga dealer go under? I had not heard that, bought lots of parts there.
The low cost leader was their slogan if I remember.
Dang
At the beginning of last month they had a big sale and put out the business closed sign. I have to find a new parts source since I'm not real keen on Bogarts in B'ham...not that I've had bad dealings there but my first impression wasn't encouraging.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
I have heard, through the grapevine, but don't remember where I heard it, that we are to have a couple more dealerships opening up in GA. One in Stone Mountain, one down Newnan way, but I cannot confirm those rumors.
Being a small business man myself, I can relate to the ups and downs and how they affect the bottom line (where you live). No sure what kind of run rate a dealership needs to keep afloat, but I would think it has to be pretty high.
Last I talked to the sales guy at N. GA, they were moving a lot of bike inventory, but I think the margins there are lower than on parts, accessories and service and I am not sure how that was going.
At any rate, I will be there Saturday morning bright and early, thinking of picking up another bike. I have put 6000 miles on my BA since December and I have a brief window here before kids start college.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
At the beginning of last month they had a big sale and put out the business closed sign. I have to find a new parts source since I'm not real keen on Bogarts in B'ham...
There is a Triumph dealer in Nashville and another one in Knoxville. Dont know anything about either.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
At any rate, I will be there Saturday morning bright and early, thinking of picking up another bike. I have put 6000 miles on my BA since December and I have a brief window here before kids start college.
Oooh Oooh. Get a Rockett III, Tom. It looked like they had several. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10 |
Destination Motorcycles is in Lenoir City, near Knoxville. I bought my bike from them. Great folks. I enjoyed dealing with them. My first service was with Castle Powersports in Madison (Nashville). I felt well treated in their service department. Some time back I read some negative things about Castle from another forum, but it appeared to be a single poster. My experience with them was good and I'll be returning since they're closer (45 minutes) to me than Destination (4 hours)
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Quote:
Quote:
At any rate, I will be there Saturday morning bright and early, thinking of picking up another bike. I have put 6000 miles on my BA since December and I have a brief window here before kids start college.
Oooh Oooh. Get a Rockett III, Tom. It looked like they had several.
A little bigger than I was thinking... I am really hoping to pick up that last T100, but a Scrambler is looking good too. I love them all and want a run about to go with my BA.
I have emailed them to ask what is left on the floor since they had a green and white T100 that I love, but it may already be gone.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 977 Likes: 1
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
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"I am really hoping to pick up that last T100, but a Scrambler is looking good too. I love them all and want a run about to go with my BA.
I have emailed them to ask what is left on the floor since they had a green and white T100 that I love, but it may already be gone."
Thom, okay, its official, I hate you :-). I really wanted a Sprint ST and they have the blue one I loved. However, I bought a new fuel efficient car instead and now work has slowed down so there is no extra money left in the kitty..... dagnabit!!!. I might still take a ride up on Saturday to look around though..... ride safe... Gordon
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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The dealer is LUCKY to make 500 bucks clear for himself after all the expences assoc. with selling a Bonnie sized bike. It is NOT easy-more so when half your customers buy over the web and only go to the dealer when they "need" to-and then expect the dealer to be "happy" they spend a few bucks with them. No, I'm not one but my good buddie is and it's no walk on the beach-I'll tell you that.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Destination Motorcycles is in Lenoir City, near Knoxville
I have not been there. But i may have to pay them a visit. Are they a mutli brand dealer? Im sure there is a Ducati and Guzzi dealer in Lenoir City. Are they one and the same?
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 16 |
Quote:
My first service was with Castle Powersports in Madison (Nashville). I felt well treated in their service department.
You probably made a smart decision on the service end. 
Mike
Last edited by mikemm03; 07/09/2008 5:21 PM.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 56
Member
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Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 56 |
+1 on destination motorcycles. Thats where I bought my speedy. They also carry 'guzi, bmw, piagio scooters and duc's. Good service and Great people.
I understood that because of the internet pricing and whatnot, the folks down in Chattanooga were not real popular with the dealers. (the phrase I heard used was "predatory dealer" infact) I wonder if that had any part of it...
"She's torn up plenty, but she'll fly true" - Zoe Washburn
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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So anyone here goes to Atlanta Triumph/Ducati? It is the closest shop to me...
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10 |
Quote:
the folks down in Chattanooga were not real popular with the dealers. (the phrase I heard used was "predatory dealer" infact)
That's really interesting to hear. When I was price shopping last year, they and Destination were the two in the running. Destination had a blue & white America, which is the one my wife liked, and won out. The rest is history.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 977 Likes: 1
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
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Angel, I bought my bike at ATD about five years ago, At that time they were awesome. Had a mechanic that went by the name of "devil Bob", he was great with Triumphs and Ducs. Well, fast forward a few years, Bob is gone as well as all the people that I knew, the owners/ partners split and I don't know anyone who has good things to say about them. Maybe Chy would like to do some "freelance mechanicin' "..... ride safe... Gordon
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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They seem to cater more to the sport bike crowd anyway... I also thought of contacting Chy for future repairs/service etc. Maybe he'll be up for it. The warranty will expire soon so it won't matter if someone other than an authorized dealer works on it, and I like Chy, he's a great guy.
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
I got a cool Russian Import Triumph shirt there, lots of sport bikes, had me lusting after a Ducatis.... (but don't fit so well on them) Everyone seemed nice, it was the grand re-opening.... 
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 3,466 Likes: 3 |
Back when this thread was active, I was happy to see that we had a second Triumph dealer in Jacksonville. Today, not so happy. I went by my dealer (Cycle Accessories West) today and found an empty building. No "moved to" sign or anything. I'd been buying parts from them for 20+ years - not enough, I guess. Anyway, a quick trip to the new Triumph dealer (Orange Park Powersports) and I'm less than impressed. They share Triumph and Ducati with Suzuki and are no longer carrying the Ural line that they had last year. Triumph seems to be an afterthought. Of course they were closed on Monday, but the HD boutique right next door was open and doing a brisk business, so maybe there'll be some crossover sales if they make an effort to market the product (The HD salesbabe said; "Yeah, I think I saw a Triumph over there"). Oh well, they look undercapitalized, so I'm not real confident they'll survive. Probably just sell the current inventory (one America, one Speedmaster, two Rockets and drop the line.
BUMMER!
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Re: Closing Dealerships? Consider this
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
KOF,
You are right on the money. My dealer repairs and restores the older Triumphs and was hesitant to take on the Hinckley bikes when they came out. But he had to if he wanted to keep his franchise. We are part of the problem. This website included. We found these bikes relatively easy to work on and we freely share tips and info to allow owners to do their own service and maintenance on their rides....
While we may save some money here and there, and it is actually a good thing to get intimate with the workings of your ride, the dealers really make their money on parts and service, not bike sales.
Yeah, it can be expensive. But it is usually warranted or guaranteed to some extent. Self-serve is not. The parts guy and the mechanics want to make a living wage, just like the rest of us.
So if you have a good dealership that takes care of you, you need to support them - even if it is a little painful to your purse. And tell the world. I hand out my dealer's business cards when someone engages me in one of "those" conversations in a parking lot. I bet I've sold a few bikes for them, just with my enthusiasm for how they treat their customers. I will do everything I can to "talk them up".
I want them to be there for a loooong time.
Support your local dealer.
More flags
More fun!
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