Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: leafman60 on November 15, 2015, 09:01:53 AM
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Why no noteworthy Guzzi dealer in San Francisco?
I'm out there from time to time and Munroe Motors is basically a DINA (Dealer In Name Only).
They are packed out with Triumph and Ducati bikes but Guzzi is poorly represented. Last week, I found only a lonely Griso side-by-side with a single V7 stashed in a back corner next to the repair shop.
I chatted for a while with one of the salesmen and he basically said the Guzzi line up was a wonkish type bike for a "certain" type rider. He laughed as he recounted the Guzzi riders they see come around. They're cheap.
He said the Triumph line "kicks ass" and he said everybody was pumped up about the new Classics. He also said the budget-priced Ducati Scrambler flies off the showroom floor.
I brought the topic back to Guzzi and, again, he just chuckled. He also said that MGNA stayed irritated at them because they won't stock but one or two bikes. But, they just will not sell.
My question is this. San Francisco is full of weird, wonkish people. If that is what buys Guzzi, why is there not a dealer that stocks at least most of the bikes made by Guzzi?
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With the new California and the new V9 it appears Piaggio is bending the Guzzi brand more towards the cruiser market.
Not a bad strategy. But not sure if it fits well with the SF market.
How many Triumph cruisers did the local dealer have on the floor?
M
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They are right, read this forum and cheap is the sense you get from someone wanting a small accessory to major services, cheap.
Here is the thing though, I use Munroe Motors and they have always done me right, every time. They have went out of their way to help, provide advice and sometimes are able to do what many others say can't be done or claim it takes a miracle involving my wallet.
The reason they had only one Griso there was because they sold what they had. This isn't selling season you know. Why would a bike dealer stock slow moving inventory at the slow season? Would you?
Last start of summer they had quite a few Guzzi for sale brand new. Someone bought them, obviously.
What do we hear on this forum ad nauseum? Don't go to a dealer for that initial service, be cheap, do it yourself, help for a beer. Same with just about everything else. The dealer was right, most Guzzi riders are cheap and don't really support their dealers if this place is representative of the typical Guzzi owner.
Bike dealers need to make money. Every other bike manufacturer figured it out except Moto Guzzi. Put out some exciting bikes instead of the same old worn over remakes to satisfy the stuck in yesteryear and then maybe someone will carry the line up front.
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Every other bike manufacturer figured it out except Moto Guzzi. Put out some exciting bikes instead of the same old worn over remakes to satisfy the stuck in yesteryear and then maybe someone will carry the line up front.
right on.
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"Don't go to a dealer for that initial service, be cheap, do it yourself, help for a beer."
If I lived close to a MG dealer that had a competent mechanic that personally liked the brand I would take my bike there for servicing. But I don't, so I do it myself.
The last time I was in Monroe, they had one Guzzi tucked in the corner so it's nice to read that they have doubled their inventory.
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What do we hear on this forum ad nauseum? Don't go to a dealer for that initial service, be cheap, do it yourself, help for a beer. Same with just about everything else. The dealer was right, most Guzzi riders are cheap and don't really support their dealers if this place is representative of the typical Guzzi owner.
Bike dealers need to make money. Every other bike manufacturer figured it out except Moto Guzzi. Put out some exciting bikes instead of the same old worn over remakes to satisfy the stuck in yesteryear and then maybe someone will carry the line up front.
Best comment I read in years. Amen ....
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Meanwhile in Portland the Guzzi dealer is thriving and ready to move into a larger shop. All they sell is Guzzi, (mostly to a younger crowd) but still service many brands. The V7's and California's do very well here. I remember the Triumph ,Ducati, Guzzi dealer in Anchorage had salesmen that would seem
Like they were annoyed to talk Guzzi. They dropped them after a couple of years and MI picked up the slack.
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Meanwhile in Portland the Guzzi dealer is thriving and ready to move into a larger shop. All they sell is Guzzi, (mostly to a younger crowd) but still service many brands. The V7's and California's do very well here. I remember the Triumph ,Ducati, Guzzi dealer in Anchorage had salesmen that would seem
Like they were annoyed to talk Guzzi. They dropped them after a couple of years and MI picked up the slack.
Yeah, well the Guzzi dealer in Beaverton gave up and that's how your current Guzzi dealer got the franchise. Until the newer V7s showed up Guzzi sales have been dismal for most dealers for decades. Your current dealer started out servicing all brands so he is trading up to being a dealership and has his servicing income to keep him afloat. He's in a good situation.
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Meanwhile in Portland the Guzzi dealer is thriving and ready to move into a larger shop. All they sell is Guzzi, (mostly to a younger crowd) but still service many brands.
They survive because of fly and ride, not because the local market generates enough business. They are one of few shops that can make it selling only Guzzi, name 10 more. They don't exist because the model lineup for Guzzi is tired and they milk the same cow over and over.
MI and a very few others are an anomoly, not the standard.
MG should stop playing follow the leader and lead. Sure it costs money but so does making the same thing year after year. The market doesn't want yet another V7 do over, just the people that want more power and that isn't enough.
MI's success can't be replicated with single digit exceptions or others would follow their example. Sadly, dealers with MG sitting in back like some scorned step child are the norm. For riders, motorcycles are a passion but to dealers they must be a business first.
MG could make a motorcycle that sets the market on fire. The Roamer? A roamer is something without a direction, no purpose, no distinct character and something forgotten as soon as it passes through.
MG can do much better.
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San Francisco is full of weird, wonkish people.
My thought is they don't want new bikes, no matter what make. They want something from the 1970's or 1980's.
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The Roamer? A roamer is something without a direction, no purpose, no distinct character and something forgotten as soon as it passes through.
MG can do much better.
That's good!
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We have like only ONE Yamaha dealer in the Mpls/ Saint Paul area now.
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The latest census puts NYC population at 8,491,079. There is one Moto Guzzi dealer and the sign over the door reads "Vespa".
When I dropped in to price a new Griso back in '09 I let the salesman tell me all about the bike. After 10 minutes of misinformation I stopped him. I bought my Griso elsewhere. I gave them a try for servicing and later discovered some shade tree techniques were used.
The retail motorcycle business here is as slimy as can be. Dealers are fighting to fleece the new generation of squids that appears with the crocuses every Spring. Lying to, stealing from, and bullying customers is routine.
I don't know anything about S.F. but people run businesses to make money. Moto Int., MG Cycle, AF1 Racing and MPH Cycle go beyond that to provide service and honest value. I would fly to them to buy a new bike as well.
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The Roamer? A roamer is something without a direction, no purpose, no distinct character and something forgotten as soon as it passes through.
For an olde d00de, you really don't "get it", do you?
(http://www.thencamebronson.com/images/box003.jpg)
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For an olde d00de, you really don't "get it", do you?
(http://www.thencamebronson.com/images/box003.jpg)
Not everyone from my generation was counterculture Mike :laugh: And some have forgotten that they were :rolleyes:
Dusty
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How many "good dealers" can a brand which sells 700 bikes per year in The USA support ?
The Harley dealer in my podunk metro of 500,000 sells that many bikes per year.
Like it, or not, Guzzi is an exotic brand and will never have a dealer at every exit down every interstate like Honda and Harley do.
Think of it as an Alfa Romeo or Maserati. Would you expect a dealer for those brands on every corner? Surely not.
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Last time I was at Munroe two years ago they had several Guzzi's on the floor but the employees were tattooed, pierced, and wearing ratty clothing (torn jeans and black t-shirts). Knowledgable and passionate about motorcycles perhaps, but unprofessional in appearance. Not sure how that resonates with the intended customer, but I was unimpressed.
Walk down any street and into most stores, it's how they dress. SF is a very strange place. Vist the Haight and you'll see upscale attire. Gone are the hippies, replaced by money seeking (nothing wrong with that) stores who shoo away anyone who looks remotely like they don't have $500 in their pockets.
I came from a ramrod straight background so their tats and general attire put me off at first. Their having taken care of my Trophy and Norge make it worthwhile.
Never judge a mechanic by their appearance but by the quality of their tools and skills. They treat me like gold, I pay in kind. :evil:
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Vist the Haight and you'll see upscale attire. Gone are the hippies, replaced by money seeking (nothing wrong with that) stores who shoo away anyone who looks remotely like they don't have $500 in their pockets.
We were down there more than once. Even had pizza one afternoon near H&A. Still plennnty of hippy-types and grunge-type kids sprawled out on the sidewalk corners with their dogs etc.
Lots of old hippes too. The smell of pot is pervasive and floats in the air like LA smog.
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We were down there more than once. Even had pizza one afternoon near H&A. Still plennnty of hippy-types and grunge-type kids sprawled out on the sidewalk corners with their dogs etc.
Lots of old hippes too. The smell of pot is pervasive and floats in the air like LA smog.
Looks are deceiving. All over SF the homeless appearing abound, not all that look so are. POT is big money so you're smelling it. The new hippie types are flush with coin, most are not sleeping in communes or under bridges or in park benches. Within blocks a single bedroom apartment goes for over $3500 a month and it isn't anything special.
You ask some of them what they do and a typical answer might be " software engineer for ------". He rides the latest Ducati and never touches it, pays someone.
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"You ask some of them what they do and a typical answer might be " software engineer for ------". He rides the latest Ducati and never touches it, pays someone." Norge Pilot.
Calling this out, as complete, pulled out of butt BS! You haven't asked any of them have you? But you think you know exactly where they are at, my guess is you are way, way off.
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Sigh , Winter is coming early this year . Keep it civil fellas , thanks .
Dusty
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Bad Chad, chances are that anyone in the Bay Area who has money to spend on what essentially is a toy, is a software engineer or a pot farmer. You can't generalize. ;)
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Bad Chad, chances are that anyone in the Bay Area who has money to spend on what essentially is a toy, is a software engineer or a pot farmer. You can't generalize. ;)
Or a horticulturist :laugh:
Dusty
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What part of pot farmer don't you understand? :laugh:
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What part of pot farmer don't you understand? :laugh:
That was supposed to be the joke , horticulturist as pot engineer :laugh:
Dusty
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"You ask some of them what they do and a typical answer might be " software engineer for ------". He rides the latest Ducati and never touches it, pays someone." Norge Pilot.
Calling this out, as complete, pulled out of butt BS! You haven't asked any of them have you? But you think you know exactly where they are at, my guess is you are way, way off.
Lighten up, or better yet light up. You're taking this way too seriously.
I did say "might" and that has some meaning in context as is could be, perhaps, possible.
And you are just guessing right?
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I've been to Munroe Motors many times. I took my 2012 Stelvio there for it's 800 mile service. They are one of the smallest shops I've been in. They don't have a lot of floor space and the showroom is filled with Ducatis and Triumphs. That's what sells. They have been friendly and treated me OK. MG is a niche brand. They stock what moves. Their mechanic is a trained MG mechanic.
Norge... have you been to Elk Grove Powersports. They have a number of MG's on the floor. It's a lot bigger space than Munroe. I had them replace the suspension link on my NTX. They are a good shop.
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Seems my Jackal was sold new from Munroe Motors , and then traded in and resold used from there also . Have never been in Munroe , but the Jackal has .
Dusty
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I called Munroe a few weeks ago and their Guzzi technician was knowledgeable. I'm planning a trip out there and wanted to get a feel about them first.
No signs of drug/alcohol abuse from voice on phone and they didn't sound like a stressed dealer that is short on patience.
Use zoom button to do a rough inventory of Munroe from month old Street View image>
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7662739,-122.4220344,3a,90y,237.14h,83.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEcEXL5FXRJ6bPBnVQ uGRdA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1 (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7662739,-122.4220344,3a,90y,237.14h,83.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEcEXL5FXRJ6bPBnVQuGRdA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1)
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The money is in the service department. And used bikes.
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When in SF, I always try to visit Munro Motors. Like a great deli, the shop is a visual feast. Yup, Guzzi is in back-just a couple of bikes. But in their market, that is what it is. Until MG gets with the program, they are a back row machine, especially with the younger, able to buy crowd. This is a real frustration as we know how great they can be. This Roamer thing?, an embarrassment. Just look at Triumph's new Classic line, and media rollout-complete with great looking jackets etc. It just may be that MG/Piagio is just a bunch of nimrods.
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I've been to Munroe Motors many times. I took my 2012 Stelvio there for it's 800 mile service. They are one of the smallest shops I've been in. They don't have a lot of floor space and the showroom is filled with Ducatis and Triumphs. That's what sells. They have been friendly and treated me OK. MG is a niche brand. They stock what moves. Their mechanic is a trained MG mechanic.
Norge... have you been to Elk Grove Powersports. They have a number of MG's on the floor. It's a lot bigger space than Munroe. I had them replace the suspension link on my NTX. They are a good shop.
Bought my Norge in Elk Grove. Story goes, I hit up Munroe for a Norge, they had none and weren't getting any, they turned me on to Elk Grove.
Both shops are tops in my book, my Norge was set up about as perfectly as could be. It was not an uncrate send it out affair, attention to detail was evident and the deal was fantastic. I would refer anyone to either shop.
Munroe is quirky but they are representative of the city in which the operate. They do sell a lit if Ducatis and Triumphs.
If anyone visits them, you gotta walk south on 14th to Valencia and grab some goodies at Belgian Fritz. The food is great and the menu varied. The crêpes though are really good as are the fritz.
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There are hordes of worn-out V50s in San Francisco. That's what the real cheap hipsters ride. :grin: into the ground...
Munroe went through the usual hassles over warranty work and etc with Guzzi a few years ago but that's been fixed. Triumph and Ducati are much bigger now, it's no longer the 1980s.
Hey, I was once a software engineer with a Ducati. Darmah, bought used from TT Motors in Berkeley. If you think Munroe is a "hippie" bike shop, Not. Even. TT was um, an experience. And a wonderful one at that. I did most of my own maintenance.
cr
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You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.
Hmmm.
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You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.
Hmmm.
Ya mean a bunch of young/old hippies have joined Wildguzzi? First it was BMW riders, now them? Jeezus :popcorn:
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Ya mean a bunch of young/old hippies have joined Wildguzzi? First it was BMW riders, now them? Jeezus :popcorn:
We are everywhere Wayne :laugh:
Dusty
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What do we hear on this forum ad nauseum? Don't go to a dealer for that initial service, be cheap, do it yourself, help for a beer. Same with just about everything else. The dealer was right, most Guzzi riders are cheap and don't really support their dealers if this place is representative of the typical Guzzi owner.
Norge, I'll be the first to admit I'm "cheap", but I think the reason the above advice is given so often is that Guzzis can be worked on by most home mechanics. I don't call an electrician to change a light bulb because I can do it myself. While that's a bit of hyperbole, Guzzis are much more amenable to "mechanic" jamokes like me than most other brands. Also, the easy accessibility of Guzzi engines is an invite to jump right in. It's also my unsubstantiated opinion that most Guzzi owners are more involved in their bikes than many other brands and only too eager to "see what's wrong with it" instead of calling the dealer with minor problems or annoyances. Is this tough on dealers?, no doubt about it but I don't think that makes Guzzi owners "bad customers". Going back to the "cheap part", with labor costs around the $100/hr rate, I'd just as soon spend some money on the required tools, learn how to do it, have the tools (tools, TOols, TOOLS!!!!!) for future use and have the money in my pocket. Power to the People!
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You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.
Hmmm.
You would think so. I see plenty of V7's in NYC but maybe SF is more main stream when it comes to motorcycles.
Of course if Monroe only keeps two bikes in the showroom, that doesn't exactly help the brand. I mean, who would want to buy an MG if the dealer doesn't even like the brand enough to commit to a full showing and then word gets out that if you want a Guzzi, just go to another dealer. Jeez, why even call yourself a dealer?
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I agree, but I'm cheap on the tools too(mostly HF), except for the MC lift. :smiley:
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I think I know the Munroe Motors salesman that is being referred to in the first post -- big guy, clean cut, sandy blonde/brown hair. He seems to hate Guzzi's but, I think it's a personal thing, not a Munroe Motors thing. I was in there several months ago and he was brazenly mocking my interest in them. It was poor salesmanship, but on the other hand, this guy knows that Ducati and Triumph is the big majority of their business, Guzzi just the fringe.
Munroe has techs who really know Guzzi's. I would buy my next MG at Elk Grove, but wouldn't hesitate to bring to Munroe for service.
Why even discuss hippies. San Francisco of 2015 is nothing like it was in 1967. I see a lot of vintage BMW airheads, so if I had to generalize, that's where the lower income types -- the artists and the start up wannabees -- are putting their money. But there's more than a few old Guzzi's around.
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Adan , in the 90's SF was full of working class folks riding airheads , old Brits , single cam Hondas , and other interesting stuff . Damn , I loved my last visit there , got an old GF's R60/5 running the first day , rode all over the Bay Area .
Dusty
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Norge, I'll be the first to admit I'm "cheap", but I think the reason the above advice is given so often is that Guzzis can be worked on by most home mechanics. I don't call an electrician to change a light bulb because I can do it myself. While that's a bit of hyperbole, Guzzis are much more amenable to "mechanic" jamokes like me than most other brands. Also, the easy accessibility of Guzzi engines is an invite to jump right in. It's also my unsubstantiated opinion that most Guzzi owners are more involved in their bikes than many other brands and only too eager to "see what's wrong with it" instead of calling the dealer with minor problems or annoyances. Is this tough on dealers?, no doubt about it but I don't think that makes Guzzi owners "bad customers". Going back to the "cheap part", with labor costs around the $100/hr rate, I'd just as soon spend some money on the required tools, learn how to do it, have the tools (tools, TOols, TOOLS!!!!!) for future use and have the money in my pocket. Power to the People!
Wait until you start in on a Norge. After getting the plastics off your done for the day. Its the same with any plastics bike so I can definitely see where wrenching in something like a V7 is simple.
When I had the old Honda 750F SOHC I did the valves and all that too, it was as simple as you get.
I just try to put myself in the dealers shoes once in a while. There they are, especially with Moto Guzzi, spending money to maintain their techs, the mandated software, some parts inventory and then they sit on bikes that don't really sell well compared to everything else. To top it off, they then don't get much revenue from service so how can any of us expect more than a bare handful of dealers spread regionally that are worth much?
How many of us would throw money at representing a brand that doesn't sell a lot? Marketing and ads don't sell, good and great bikes sell and MG keeps pumping out the SOS every year. The V7 is only a good seller compared to the Edsel.
One reason some dealers don't really say much about Guzzi is because there isn't much to say. People come as do the groupie thing but buy little, talk a lot. Then they complain about no parts but they forget what it costs to inventory parts that few people buy.
Then someone comes in and wants to see the newest Moto Guzzi and what is there but the same V7, California or something that maybe 1 in 10 million people want.
If there was money in selling Moto Guzzi then there would be a lot more dealers selling them. There is no way to compare the single digit in number dealers who get the online business from all over or the one per 10 state dealers who sell a majority if the MG bikes.
I agree and support the idea if self reliance. With that comes not having a good dealer network, can't have both. Either sales and service support more dealers or they don't and it takes paying customers, not talk forums, the once in a decade parts needs or the riders who buy online because a few bucks and maybe a longer wait from the dealer isn't fast or cheap enough.
You have limited floor space and that floor space costs a lot of money. Every bike out front needs to sell and earnnits floor space. Sorry but Guzzi costs floor space. Instead of one Guzzi sitting there for months, they can get a dozen Triumphs, a few Ducatis and even good used bikes sold in the same time. What would you do?
Sorry for the rants but this comes upbince in a while.
Now imagine you are a dealer and some poor slob comes in wanting to trade a 2012 Norge with flat tappets in on a new bike. It has maybe 10k miles on it and all MG will do is supply some parts if he pays his techs to tear it apart to check it and then just how is he going to sell it? Money loser or the customer walks and bad mouths MG and the dealer for not giving a decent trade.
MG hurts its own brand. Like I said, everyone else but MG has figured it out. MG is like bad parents, you see the potential in the kids, know they could amount to great people but the parents do only enough to survive and know that some of the neighbors will take up the slack.
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Wait until you start in on a Norge. After getting the plastics off your done for the day. Its the same with any plastics bike so I can definitely see where wrenching in something like a V7 is simple.
When I had the old Honda 750F SOHC I did the valves and all that too, it was as simple as you get.
I just try to put myself in the dealers shoes once in a while. There they are, especially with Moto Guzzi, spending money to maintain their techs, the mandated software, some parts inventory and then they sit on bikes that don't really sell well compared to everything else. To top it off, they then don't get much revenue from service so how can any of us expect more than a bare handful of dealers spread regionally that are worth much?
How many of us would throw money at representing a brand that doesn't sell a lot? Marketing and ads don't sell, good and great bikes sell and MG keeps pumping out the SOS every year. The V7 is only a good seller compared to the Edsel.
One reason some dealers don't really say much about Guzzi is because there isn't much to say. People come as do the groupie thing but buy little, talk a lot. Then they complain about no parts but they forget what it costs to inventory parts that few people buy.
Then someone comes in and wants to see the newest Moto Guzzi and what is there but the same V7, California or something that maybe 1 in 10 million people want.
If there was money in selling Moto Guzzi then there would be a lot more dealers selling them. There is no way to compare the single digit in number dealers who get the online business from all over or the one per 10 state dealers who sell a majority if the MG bikes.
I agree and support the idea if self reliance. With that comes not having a good dealer network, can't have both. Either sales and service support more dealers or they don't and it takes paying customers, not talk forums, the once in a decade parts needs or the riders who buy online because a few bucks and maybe a longer wait from the dealer isn't fast or cheap enough.
You have limited floor space and that floor space costs a lot of money. Every bike out front needs to sell and earnnits floor space. Sorry but Guzzi costs floor space. Instead of one Guzzi sitting there for months, they can get a dozen Triumphs, a few Ducatis and even good used bikes sold in the same time. What would you do?
Sorry for the rants but this comes upbince in a while.
Now imagine you are a dealer and some poor slob comes in wanting to trade a 2012 Norge with flat tappets in on a new bike. It has maybe 10k miles on it and all MG will do is supply some parts if he pays his techs to tear it apart to check it and then just how is he going to sell it? Money loser or the customer walks and bad mouths MG and the dealer for not giving a decent trade.
MG hurts its own brand. Like I said, everyone else but MG has figured it out. MG is like bad parents, you see the potential in the kids, know they could amount to great people but the parents do only enough to survive and know that some of the neighbors will take up the slack.
Sometimes I read your posts and wonder why you ride Moto Guzzi and hang out on a Marque-specific forum, like Wildguzzi.
:Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
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Yeah...I don't get the complaint nature here...why bitch and moan about the few dealers that ARE in existence, why not support them as best as possible, if they provide good service. Seems like a virtual circle...we support dealers, they keep selling and servicing, and around it goes. I suppose if we don't support them, or the dealer doesn't want to put much attention to it, then just buy the commodity and do self service and / or find someone else able to generate that revenue. It's not really the client's job to train the dealer to do good service, the good ones like MPH do that automatically, and that keeps customers like me coming back. I honestly don't mind paying for the regular maintenance, why not, it's not outrageous, sometimes there are items discovered that I am not aware of, and it's always fun to come and see the new and old stuff in the shop. Now if the dealership at hand is not very Guzzi friendly, doesn't enjoy or want to work on them, I can see why people would not get their work done there.
Now...if some $$'s come in, I'm hoping a Stelvio makes into my garage later this year to keep my Norge company... :)
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Sometimes I read your posts and wonder why you ride Moto Guzzi and hang out on a Marque-specific forum, like Wildguzzi.
:Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
Yeah, me, too. :smiley: We're fully aware of the dumpster fire that is Guzzi management, here. Always has been, in my memory. :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu When Mark at Moto Guzzi Classics finally dropped them after getting royally screwed over again, he said, "I *love* the machines, but *hate* the company." Didn't blame him, and still don't.
So.
I *love* the machines. Don't have to deal with the company.. :smiley: :boozing:
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<SIGH> . Well dangit , I kinda see NP's point , if the mothership doesn't care about its dealers and customers , then the brand will not survive . Look how much heat the new Triumph Bonnies are generating , how much of that is due to the fact that Triumph supports their dealers and makes sure the customer can get parts . Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit :laugh:
Dusty
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Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit :laugh:
Dusty
And flameproof underwear?
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And flameproof underwear?
Everyday wear , just in case :grin:
Dusty
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<SIGH> . Well dangit , I kinda see NP's point , if the mothership doesn't care about its dealers and customers , then the brand will not survive . Look how much heat the new Triumph Bonnies are generating , how much of that is due to the fact that Triumph supports their dealers and makes sure the customer can get parts . Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit :laugh:
Dusty
Here I come! :laugh: :laugh: I'm not at all certain that the mothership has cared much about its dealers or customers, ever, and they have made it this long! Although I agree that the market is perhaps the most competitive it has ever been, and perhaps their old business model needs some tweaking! :laugh:
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Norge, I can't argue with your post, all very valid points. My Guzzi experience is limited to old non-plasticy models. The V7 Special and Stone interest me and I was close to pulling the trigger on one earlier this year but I just can't get excited by mediocre engine performance. With all there is to point fingers at Guzzi (Piaggio), I can understand and appreciate your Guzzi ownership, they do offer an experience like no other and legions of other Guzzi owners to commiserate with. Sigh, whatcha gonna do?
ps, the new Thruxton is certainly something to get excited about but my cheap old a$$ is looking at used ones and checking on performance parts.
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I think I know the Munroe Motors salesman that is being referred to in the first post -- big guy, clean cut, sandy blonde/brown hair. He seems to hate Guzzi's but, I think it's a personal thing, not a Munroe Motors thing. I was in there several months ago and he was brazenly mocking my interest in them. It was poor salesmanship, but on the other hand, this guy knows that Ducati and Triumph is the big majority of their business, Guzzi just the fringe.
Nope, it wasn't that guy.
He was not hostile about the Guzzi but chuckled affectionately about them and the people who ride them.
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Is it a common assumption that motorcycle dealers in the US are drug or piss fucked??? Jesus! I'll have to be a bit more careful! No wonder that mob of numpties in Utah couldn't change a tyre on my Cali! :shocked:
Pete
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Why do the valves need checking/ adjustment so much on the Guzzi's?
Newbie here.....
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Is it a common assumption that motorcycle dealers in the US are drug or piss fucked??? Jesus! I'll have to be a bit more careful! No wonder that mob of numpties in Utah couldn't change a tyre on my Cali! :shocked:
Pete
Not really Pete , most dealerships here are populated by sober competent folks . Well , I say that having no real first hand experience except with the now defunct Euro brand dealer in Tulsa . Most dealers wouldn't touch my old beaters if I DID take them in for something :laugh:
Dusty
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Not really Pete , most dealerships here are populated by sober competent folks . Well , I say that having no real first hand experience except with the now defunct Euro brand dealer in Tulsa . Most dealers wouldn't touch my old beaters if I DID take them in for something :laugh:
Dusty
RE: the defunct Tulsa dealer.
My favorite is walking in, asking for a pan gasket for my '96 Sport 1100 carb.
They spend 10 minutes on the parts fiche, go to the back to retrieve the part, then return with a gasket for a broad sump.
I tell them it's the wrong gasket and they argue with me. Then I point out that they used the Sport 1100i parts fiche, and they argue some more.
Finally, they get me the standard big block sump gasket I need, and tell me no returns if it's wrong!!!
What a mess! And they'd been in business for 40-years. I still can't believe they needed a parts fiche to get me a sump gasket!
I'm glad they're gone.
My experiences with the new dealer, Brookside/Kinetic Playground, have been much more positive than any I ever had at Atlas.
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RE: the defunct Tulsa dealer.
My favorite is walking in, asking for a pan gasket for my '96 Sport 1100 carb.
They spend 10 minutes on the parts fiche, go to the back to retrieve the part, then return with a gasket for a broad sump.
I tell them it's the wrong gasket and they argue with me. Then I point out that they used the Sport 1100i parts fiche, and they argue some more.
Finally, they get me the standard big block sump gasket I need, and tell me no returns if it's wrong!!!
What a mess! And they'd been in business for 40-years. I still can't believe they needed a parts fiche to get me a sump gasket!
I'm glad they're gone.
My experiences with the new dealer, Brookside/Kinetic Playground, have been much more positive than any I ever had at Atlas.
That must have been after Nancy Carol left , they never were able to replace her , although the Englishman named Tony was good with BMW parts . In defense of Atlas , they did stock everything for older MG's and beemers .
Dusty
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Dunn's imports in WI is a new dealer who went to bat for me whenMG balked on acouple of warrenty claims for my Stelvio.Real MC people there!