 Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Mar 2005
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OP
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CalMoto European Motorcycles dealership in the Califoria Bay area announced starting January 24, 2017 Triumph motorcycles will no longer be available at Mountain View and Livermore dealerships. Due to announced multifaceted changes, business hours, staffing, inventory levels and capitol requirements. 
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
 Sad
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Triumph seems to be selling bikes, so they must be doing something to alienate dealers. I think Triumph wants "stand alone boutiques"like the big boys, as opposed to sharing floor space with other brands.
Tin Man 2
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Sep 2015
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
We just had our Yamaha dealer close this past week. I do not understand this stuff. Triumph pulled their dealership in town here last year. I cannot blame them. The dealer has focused so hard on Indians. Triumphs sat there in the room off the main show room.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I think it's a trend....multi franchise dealers aren't popular with manufacturers.
Triumph have a further problem in that they don't just make cruisers.....so that it's hard for them to make a shop which will appeal to such disparate buyers as classic fans, sports bike fans and cruiser fans.
Also I'm aware that I tend to know more about the bikes the shop is selling than do most of the children they employ in their shops...this is not confidence inspiring
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Another reason some dealerships have closed or stopped selling the Triumph brand would be the reason one of the most successful Triumph dealerships in the country just a few years back and for a time a big supplier of big bore kits made for the air-cooled Bonneville line, South Bay Triumph in Lomita CA, would tell Triumph headquaters a couple of years ago to stick it up their, well, you know what.
Matt Capri, the owner of the shop and now just selling Nortons and Royal Infields and performing service on all brand of motorcycles, has told me that Triumph headquarters continued attempting to pressure him to take in many more units and much more spares inventory than what he knew would ultimately just sit for a very long time in his showroom and back in his parts and accessory department.
(...yep, seems the latest Triumph management is playing hardball with their dealerships, and this is spurring many of these closures)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Btw Bob, while I know reports of these closures are never nice to hear, seeing as how I believe there still are a number of Triumph dealerships in operation within a hundred or so mile radius from your house there in Chowchilla, you and Amy Lee should still consider yourselves somewhat lucky, ya know.
(...and considering that many people in this country only have one Triumph dealership in all their state, and often hundreds and hundreds of miles from their home)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I think it's a trend....multi franchise dealers aren't popular with manufacturers.
Triumph have a further problem in that they don't just make cruisers.....so that it's hard for them to make a shop which will appeal to such disparate buyers as classic fans, sports bike fans and cruiser fans.
Also I'm aware that I tend to know more about the bikes the shop is selling than do most of the children they employ in their shops...this is not confidence inspiring
The local [80kms] Dealer gave Triumph up.Then they split the business with Honda,HD going one way and they reintroduced Triumph with their Suzuki?Yamaha? section.So that's good news.The next dealer is 200kms away, that's the main one for the state.I get my local shop to do my work anyway and they are great but it's nice to have a dealer if necessary and the more dealers the better.
I was in the local Kawasaki shop in Thailand inquiring about a 650cc Vulcan.I knew more than the couple of young sales staff about the bike.After them riffling through papers for 15 minutes trying to find out about factory crash bars,I did my best Arnie impression and said "I'll be back"
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
My local Triumph dealer, only 50 miles away, carries Yamaha also. The Yamahas are in the front glass showroom and the Triumphs are in the back. Now, I like the Yamahas also, but there are actually more Triumphs to look at. Still, in the back room. Additionally, I never did understand Triumphs marketing methods. No tv commercials, hardly any ads, almost nothing. Mostly word of mouth and reputation and history. The comment about the kids made me chuckle. I've found that this is true ACROSS THE BOARD, with every bike company salesmen knowing less than I do if I do just the minimal of research.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
I think it's a trend....multi franchise dealers aren't popular with manufacturers.
Triumph have a further problem in that they don't just make cruisers.....so that it's hard for them to make a shop which will appeal to such disparate buyers as classic fans, sports bike fans and cruiser fans.
Also I'm aware that I tend to know more about the bikes the shop is selling than do most of the children they employ in their shops...this is not confidence inspiring
The local [80kms] Dealer gave Triumph up.Then they split the business with Honda,HD going one way and they reintroduced Triumph with their Suzuki?Yamaha? section.So that's good news.The next dealer is 200kms away, that's the main one for the state.I get my local shop to do my work anyway and they are great but it's nice to have a dealer if necessary and the more dealers the better.
I was in the local Kawasaki shop in Thailand inquiring about a 650cc Vulcan.I knew more than the couple of young sales staff about the bike.After them riffling through papers for 15 minutes trying to find out about factory crash bars,I did my best Arnie impression and said "I'll be back"
It's always been very common to walk into almost any kind of vehicle dealership, and if you possess a passion in the subject of motor vehicles(as do most of us about here), you'll find yourself knowing more about their product than the salesman.
I've run into this sort of thing many times. Ask the salesman something you already know, say, if the engine in this vehicle is single or double overhead cam, and half the time you'll get that deer-in-the-headlights look from 'em.
(...that is of course if they even know what the difference between the two is!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
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Yes Dwight, we do consider ourselves Lucky to still be near local Triumph dealers. Herwaldt Motorsports 45 miles to the southeast of Fresno and in Modesto 60 miles North to Cycle Specialties. We just hope they will still be there as we continue to ride and maintain our Triumphs.  Happy Trails and here is to a short Winter. 
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
"and half the time you'll get that deer-in-the-headlights look from 'em." Perfect description Dwight! 
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
My local Triumph dealer, only 50 miles away, carries Yamaha also. The Yamahas are in the front glass showroom and the Triumphs are in the back. Now, I like the Yamahas also, but there are actually more Triumphs to look at. Still, in the back room. Additionally, I never did understand Triumphs marketing methods. No tv commercials, hardly any ads, almost nothing. Mostly word of mouth and reputation and history. The comment about the kids made me chuckle. I've found that this is true ACROSS THE BOARD, with every bike company salesmen knowing less than I do if I do just the minimal of research.
Some of the young fellas at the Triumph dealer near where I stay in Thailand are pretty good.I ordered a valve cover rubber gasket and we went through the computer parts and diagrams together to come up with the correct one for carb.models.The language barrier is a bit of a problem but not too much. They are pretty passionate about the bikes they sell.They don't have the America or Speedmaster but have the full Bonneville range.No Rockets or T-birds but the bobber is coming they say.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I guess we're spoilt for choice for Triumph dealers in the UofK.
Even so, the level of knowledge amongst staff isn't good.
In my locality the company which owns the HD dealership also owns a multi franchise which includes Triumph.
I noticed a worrying tendency to come across the same people behind the desk in both shops.....whereas those from the HD shop know their HD stuff, they don't know about other bikes.
So far I haven met any ' other brand's staff in the HD shop.
It's also far easier to take a test ride on a Harley than on most other bikes.....when I bought my then v low mileage switchback a year ago I bought from a dealer in Wales....walked in and asked if I could take it for a spin.....' No problem. just prove you're you and we'll have it out front in 10 minutes'....take as long as you need on it.'
I'd also been interested in a Suzuki C1500T but they wanted me to wait 6 weeks for a demo ride...and then only if it wasn't raining!
I'll be test riding a T100 soon...again not much problem in arranging this. But it's still more complicated than HD...et Illneedtobookit in advance and leave them one of my kidneys as a deposit in case I run off with it.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I guess the point of the above ramble is to suggest that the fewer obstacles you place in the customers path, the more motorcycles you'll probably sell them.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I feel blessed, the Triumph dealer I've dealt with since the 1960s is six mile away.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
Hermy is an hour from me, been dealibng with him since I have been riding Triumphs, maybe 30 or so years.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Never heard anything but good about Hermy.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,225 Likes: 62 |
Great people to deal with, the current owner Hermy Jr has it now. I used to deal with his mom and dad when they ran the place and jr was working on bikes in the shop.Hermy Sr did the machine work such as boring cyl. or repairing the heads where exhaust spigots threaded in. Carol (Jrs mom) was best to deal with for parts since she never forgot anything and sr sometimes would write things down then leave them on the counter and forget them. I never minded since he never failed to help we over the phone if I had an issue I couldn't figure out. Very nice people, I can't say enough good about them. Unfortunately Carol passed years ago now.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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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 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I think it's a trend....multi franchise dealers aren't popular with manufacturers.
Triumph have a further problem in that they don't just make cruisers.....so that it's hard for them to make a shop which will appeal to such disparate buyers as classic fans, sports bike fans and cruiser fans.
Also I'm aware that I tend to know more about the bikes the shop is selling than do most of the children they employ in their shops...this is not confidence inspiring
The local [80kms] Dealer gave Triumph up.Then they split the business with Honda,HD going one way and they reintroduced Triumph with their Suzuki?Yamaha? section.So that's good news.The next dealer is 200kms away, that's the main one for the state.I get my local shop to do my work anyway and they are great but it's nice to have a dealer if necessary and the more dealers the better.
I was in the local Kawasaki shop in Thailand inquiring about a 650cc Vulcan.I knew more than the couple of young sales staff about the bike.After them riffling through papers for 15 minutes trying to find out about factory crash bars,I did my best Arnie impression and said "I'll be back"
It's always been very common to walk into almost any kind of vehicle dealership, and if you possess a passion in the subject of motor vehicles(as do most of us about here), you'll find yourself knowing more about their product than the salesman.
I've run into this sort of thing many times. Ask the salesman something you already know, say, if the engine in this vehicle is single or double overhead cam, and half the time you'll get that deer-in-the-headlights look from 'em.
(...that is of course if they even know what the difference between the two is!)
Honda's Goldwing navigation. Same thing with 'kids' albeit that kid was 30yr old. "Sure you can work the navigation while under way" No you can't says I. Five minutes later, after he finds the owners manual, and then only AFTER I take it from him, point out the paragraph, then hand it back to him, does he read the part about 'safety'. That dealership, Geoff Bodine's Honda, went of beewax a year or so ago. Salesmen are like mechanics, good, honest ones are hard to find.
And amazingly long, run on sentences in the 'dee white' vain are exhausting but full of colour. (had to toss in a superfluous 'u')
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Honda's Goldwing navigation. Same thing with 'kids' albeit that kid was 30yr old. "Sure you can work the navigation while under way" No you can't says I. Five minutes later, after he finds the owners manual, and then only AFTER I take it from him, point out the paragraph, then hand it back to him, does he read the part about 'safety'. That dealership, Geoff Bodine's Honda, went of beewax a year or so ago. Salesmen are like mechanics, good, honest ones are hard to find.
And amazingly long, run on sentences in the 'dee white' vain are exhausting but full of colour. (had to toss in a superfluous 'u')
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Another Dealership Dropping Triumph
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 386 |
When I bought my 02 America in 02 we had dealer in Orlando.Then Daytona got one. The closes dealer now is Ocalo. 74 miles away.They are dropping like flies.
They have a superior product. Super motors
I was so much older then, I am younger than that now (Wrote By Dylan Sung by the BYRDS,)
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