| FREE WHEELIN' |
Brian Rathjen
|
 |
.....Backroads has been around now for a decade and half and luckily for us we started this venture right when the motorcycle industry was on a huge upswing and we were able to ride this positive economic current to where we are now the largest and most read regional motorcycle publication in the USA.
.....Still what goes up must come down and we all know what has happened over the last few years.
I am no economist, although I do have an advanced BS Degree from the Learnstitute. So I am not here to lay blame on any one person, party or mind set, but I do have my own thoughts on this - but they are not for this column. Stop by Monkey With a Gun and I’ll edumacate you one evening.
.....Still, in all the years I have been in this industry I have never seen things ride so far south, so fast, as I have over the past two years.
.....The season of 2009 was a disaster, both economically and meteorologically for us in the northeast. Juneuary’s wet rains just added fire to the economic chaos and the tumbling markets and fear that ensued kept riders away from the dealers they once flocked to each weekend.
.....Too many dealerships and shops ended up shuttering the doors and the once incredible palaces that were these brand new Harley-Davidson Mega- Shops have become more like mega-mausoleums; some closing, some hoping for the best when this spring finally breaks.
.....This winter has been especially tough for these shops, but I do believe I see a light at the end of the tunnel. However, when we do get out of this tunnel, the motorcycle landscape will be a far different one than when we rode into this dark hole.
.....Like many other regions of economic business in the United States where bigger was once better, now lean and trim will be more common.
.....Some of the big shops might have to rethink their size and customer satisfaction and service will be key. We as customers must do our part too.
.....At this year’s NewYork Motorcycle Show we had incredible crowds. The Boat Show upstairs was lightly traveled at best. Unlike the “Boat Crowd” whose membership comes with a very hefty admission fee, we riders get away relatively cheap to enjoy the sport or lifestyle we call motorcycling.
.....The money we spend this spring and summer to continue this endeavor should be done wisely.When was the last time you stopped by your friendly neighborhood motorcycle shop?
.....Do it now. If you picked up this copy of Backroads at a shop and are sitting with a cup of coffee and reading these words, go find something you need or can use and buy it. Our dealerships can only survive if we help them do so.
.....Years ago shops were smaller, cozier places. Establishments where riders gathered during the days to talk bull, peruse the shelves and spend some cash now and again.
In the last decade some shops have become cold places where you went to only as a last resort - they just weren’t fun any more.
.....The advent of shopping on the internet has not helped much either. Not that I’m against getting specific farkles, that your dealer can not get, from web-based suppliers, but I do think my iMac will never replace all the good times I had at Circle Cycle or AMOL BMW in Bergen county years ago.
.....Okay, there is this one site....
.....Still, today I am writing this when the big winter storm is upon us. We already have half a foot outside the office and it is supposed to snow all day and this night as well.
.....Yesterday it was sunny and in the low 40’s. With things to do I took my GS out for some errands and ending up taking the long way home.
.....After this winter of discontent it was exactly what I needed. I felt rejuvenated and I know that the first decent weekend will find thousands of riders back on the road, riding for breakfast, riding for the scenery, some just going for a freakin’ ride and many discovering the new motorcycle landscape we are left with.
.....I only hope one of their stops is their local shop. Stop in. Maybe have some coffee. Let them know they are still appreciated.
.....And, to all you shop owners - it’s time to remember how your establishments were “back in the day.” Time to make them more customer-friendly. Now is the time you need to remember that bigger isn’t always better and your family of customers are just that - your family.
.....Here’s to a full and profitable 2010 riding season!
|
