- This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 7 months ago by smokeizfire.
Bike shopping… WTF?
-
AuthorPosts
-
September 10, 2008 at 7:49 pm #2067ReindeerParticipant
OK, so I had the opportunity to go the “local” dealer (read 100 miles away) with the intent of sitting on some bikes and trying to get some information. While some good did come of it, the overall experience is making me start to hate bike dealers worse than car dealers.
So my first stop for the day was Coos ATV and Cycle in Coos Bay. Dropped by in the early afternoon, and there was not a SINGLE customer on the property. Hmmm… Walk in the door, and the first thing I notice is that there were two salesmen that… how should I put it… were very preoccupied with the (admittedly good looking) cashier and strutting around the shop like a couple of roosters. Well, to make a long story short, I was basically ignored.
One of the sales people did eventually come over, and I told them that I was a new rider who is going to be taking their MSF class shortly, that I was in the market for a bike, and that if i could get some help and guidance, I would really appreciate it. Basic response I got was along the lines of “These are sport bikes, and these are cruisers. Bigger is better because smaller displacement engines (meaning anything less than 650cc) are not powerful enough for the highway.”. Oy Vei… LOL! I mean WTF is with this “kiss my ass” attitude? Is my money no good to them? Or is it a case that because I am a big guy that I couldn’t possibly be serious about riding a motorcycle?
At any rate, I’m going to send the link of this post over to the owner of that shop. Maybe that way he’ll get a clue as to what is going on.
Another thing I noticed is that they had only one bike that I would even begin to consider to be beginner friendly… the Kawasaki Versys. Reason I say this is because the HP, power curve, and other numbers are very similar to the Suzuki SV650. Everything else appeared to be large displacement sportbikes or cruisers.
The good part is that I was left alone so that I was able to sit on a bunch of bikes, and was able to form my own opinions as to what will work.
1. I can pretty much rule out sportbikes. Legs are too long and they are just too cramped.
2. Kawasaki Versys is pretty comfortable for taller people with long legs. I could still plant both feet on the ground. Overall fit pretty good… I would say an 8/10. It’s a noticeably taller bike than anything else they had, but for someone of my proportions, that’s OK. Definitely on the list of possibilities. The only real knock I have against the Versys is that it is so new on the U.S. market that getting accessories might be problematic. Also might be a little difficult to find one used.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 fit me like a glove… I mean 10/10 perfect. In fact, it was so comfortable I would be tempted to park it in the living room to watch TV! ROFL! Not only that, but I didn’t feel like a dork getting on it either. Weight didn’t feel too bad from the sense of being able to tip it in either direction or move it around. Shame that 900cc’s is too much for a beginner as I REALLY liked that bike. Yes, I was able to sit on some other cruisers, namely the Suzuki Boulevard and later in the day a HD Sportster, but none fit quite as well as the Vulcan did.
Anyway, I then went over to the Harley Davidson dealer which was only a couple of miles away… wanted to see how a Buell Blast and Sportster 883 would feel. Can’t really say I got a warm reception there either, but in this case it was a little more understandable as they actually were pretty busy. Did get a pretty good case of sticker shock though! LOL! Unfortunately they didn’t have the Sportster 883 or any Buells in stock. Did sit on Sportster 1200 and a couple of other bikes while I was at it, but again, nothing fit as well as the Vulcan for me.
So overall the day was a mixed bag. While I did get the main objective accomplished of trying out new bikes, I can’t say I was at all impressed with how I was treated at the dealerships. Definitely going to be taking my business over to Medford once I finish my MSF class.
Has anybody else had this kind of experience?
September 10, 2008 at 11:10 pm #11932MunchParticipantI have had only one place near my homestead that was different. THAT’S where I got my Vulcan 500. For some reason most shops I have been to walk around like there is an air of exclusivity and unless you look the part you get ignored. The dealer I bought from went beyond that, they were very friendly and on the ball…. gave me the service that you always read about and end up saying “wtf , where was that when I was there”. The guys were very friendly and informative. Not to mention they busted their tails getting the 500 in for me and gave me a call as soon as it hit their pre delivery warehouse. LOL, I had the thing insured before it was even officially in their inventory.
The HD dealership…. 1 of 6 people actually talked to me… no surprise it was a technician. Growing up where I did in the south though and around the guys I did, I felt uneasy about sitting on a HD, though really wanted to . I was brought up that a mans bike is second only to his wife, sit on it and you might as well sleep with his wife. Unfortunately that’s ingrained in me and never sat on em. The Honda dealers here…forget about it…. you might as well be a hillbilly in a doctors convention.Of course I I always wonder what would have been different if I hadn’t cut my hair. …. hmm… give it 6 months and I may find out.
Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h
September 11, 2008 at 1:17 am #11945LokiParticipantSounds like a bad day. I went to a couple of dealerships and told them im not buying anything buy might buy later. They all treated me good. Not kiss ass good, just human friendly good.
September 11, 2008 at 1:40 am #11950kirkParticipantMr. Motorcycle in El Paso, TX has great service. I’ve purchased two bikes from them and I will continue to take my business to them. The salespeople seem to take the time to explain things to you and they don’t look at you like you are some dork when you ask questions.
Other shops in town though have the service described in this post. Getting a salesperson to help you is harder than asking for their firstborn.September 11, 2008 at 1:55 am #11951dcJohnParticipantI’ve been visiting several dealerships in the DC area, and at all but one I’ve had the exact same experience you are describing… lots of apathy and what little advice they offer is vague and off-base for beginners. Fortunately, I found at least one dealer that was fantastic. A friend and I are both getting into riding, and they spent a ton of time with us talking about bikes, encouraging us to sit on lots of the bikes as they pointed out what to look for in finding a bike that’s comfortable, fits our skill level, and matches the kind of riding we’re interested in doing.
They also were incredibly helpful with picking out helmets–explaining head shape differences of the manufacturers, safety features and stats, finding the right size and fit on different options. The same attention and information with jackets.
It was like the Holy Grail of dealership experiences. I bought my helmet and jacket from them, but sadly there’s a good chance I won’t be getting my first bike there, since my top three choices are Ninja 250, Vulcan 500, and Versys, and they only carry Buell, HD, Yamaha, and Ducati. But, at least it’s nice to know that a good experience with a dealer is possible.
September 11, 2008 at 2:12 am #11953RupmiscParticipantI live in MA and drove up into NH today to look at what might be a good second bike, post Nighthawk 250: one that might be a little more able to take a longer trip (say 200 miles in a day) some of which might need to be on an interstate.
I started with a Harley Dealer, where I had planned to rent a Sportster: but it wasn’t there. Sorry folks, I guess I just don’t get the cruiser thing-or the price thing with Harleys. But the salespeople were very nice and attentive, and the service dept. looked promising.
High point of the day was an impulsive visit to a Triumph and Ducati Dealer. Actually got to test ride a 2008 mini monster, and though considering the new Street Triple (not there) got to ride a Speed Triple. My salesperson suited up grabbed a bike and led the way (and kept himself to my, slower pace.It’s a long way from drum brakes to disk, but I thoroughly enjoyed both bikes. The mini monster is a little more forward and needs a little more throttle from a standing start. But each were nice. This is the second Triumph dealer I have visited, and must say that there is much to be said for the enthusiasm and friendliness here. I’d love to know what people think about the mini monster, and any of the Triumphs (I am still looking for reliable reviews).
Finally, I went to look at what I thought would be promising-the new BMW 650 GS (chain, ABS, heated grips, trip computer). On the phone they talked test drive and items in stock. When I arrived, there were 4 employees in the showroom, at least two were sales people. I asked for the one I spoke to. The guy sat and read a newspaper, didn’t offer to help, didn’t ask questions. The only 650 in stock was one with a low suspension. When I went to ask about luggage available for the bike, the guy almost ignored me. He essentially told me that he didn’t want to waste time with me. The bike looks promising, but I’ll be damned if I buy anything from this dealership. And yes, I do look like I can afford to buy a bike on the spot if I want to.
As much as the idea of a fun naked bike, with some luggage carrying capability, comfort for a 6 foot person (yes, I like the fit of the Versys too), and ABS, I would be very happy to hear somebody give me a reason to buy any Triumph or Ducati, and avoid BMW.
September 12, 2008 at 7:11 am #12045smokeizfireParticipantI was invisible at the Harley Dealer, and a couple of Kawaski’s. And, the Vulcan I must agree, even as height challenged as I am, what a sight to behold. With the eyes and between the legs. It wasn’t quite as a perfect fit for me as is the Shadow Aero. Now that’s a vision of perfection.
HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.