Bike ownership satisfaction up in 2009

[Administrator]

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Bike ownership satisfaction up in 2009

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[The_AirHawk]

I know MY satisfaction was up for '09 - 'specially since all of 'em are paid-off now.......

[sarnali2]

I'm satisfied I actually got to ride mine yesterday, between monsoon rain and 10 degree lows I've been trundeling along to work in my Explorer with the rest of the wage-slaves.

'O course it poured ass rain all day after I got here so I get a good swim home but the trusty 'stitch kept me warm and dry. Today I drove in because I got up late and it's supposed to be 50+ and dry......can't flippin win I tell ya!

[Neal]

The improved quality of bikes is obviously a factor, but I think dealer attitude is also a big player. i think the tight economy and slow sales have made dealers reevaluate their attitudes. The local multi marque japanese dealership is well known for the aloofness (is that a word?) of the sales staff ;but the last time I visited they were all smiles and "hellos" when I entered and ,while not pushy or aggressive, hovered within hailing difference- obviously ready to answer questions if necessary. The sales manager of the local HD dealership has always been standoffish (although the salesman are friendly),ignoring my nods when I enter and basically ignoring me--although I bought my Geezer Glide and 2 Buell Blasts from her in the past. Last time when I was looking at a Street Glide she came over, politely asked if she could help and answered several of my questions about availability of options without any pushiness. I dont like aggressive ,hovering salesmen but I do appreciate politeness and availability that indicates they appreciate your business. All in all much appreciated improvement at both places

[sarnali2]

That type of behavior cost the local Japanese bike mega dealer a sale also. Before I bought the bagger I was looking at options, one of which was to keep my Dyna and trade the Bandit and cash for a Vstrom. They had a shiny new '07 for $7500 which I would have bought on the spot, however the sales-dweeb was too busy drooling over the hottie Barrista at the in-store 'sspresso stand to give me the time of day. After about 15 minutes of obvious interest I figured f*ck you and walked out.

I can't blame the guy for drooling, the bint was a lot better looking than me but he was supposed to be a salesman and when you see a middle aged bald guy in a 'stitch looking at Vstroms you have to figure he's got money, only a man who didn't give a sh*t would try that combo.

[longride]

Well, that guy saved you a lot of eye strain Sarnali. You should go back there and shake his hand.

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

when you see a middle aged bald guy in a 'stitch looking at Vstroms you have to figure he's got money, only a man who didn't give a sh*t would try that combo.

Hey, I resemble that remark. Except the bald part that is...

LR, if you don't stop insulting the looks of my Vee I'm going to...to...well I'm going to do something.

[MOKE1K]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

That type of behavior cost the local Japanese bike mega dealer a sale also. Before I bought the bagger I was looking at options, one of which was to keep my Dyna and trade the Bandit and cash for a Vstrom. They had a shiny new '07 for $7500 which I would have bought on the spot, however the sales-dweeb was too busy drooling over the hottie Barrista at the in-store 'sspresso stand to give me the time of day. After about 15 minutes of obvious interest I figured f*ck you and walked out.

I can't blame the guy for drooling, the bint was a lot better looking than me but he was supposed to be a salesman and when you see a middle aged bald guy in a 'stitch looking at Vstroms you have to figure he's got money, only a man who didn't give a sh*t would try that combo.

My dealer can't seem to stop pointing the finger at us(the salesman) when it comes to the bikes not rolling out the door- never mind the sagging economy and the fact that the banks don't approve anyone below a 720 beacon score. I understand they obviously want to make every opportunity count-but telling your salesman to "follow the mother f-er into the f-in bathroom if you have to!" Isnt my idea of a bike salesman. Imo thats a car salesman, the bike industry is a different type of buyer, and hence carry a different type of attitude. I never bug the customer to death, dont want to, and that doesnt sit well with my bosses.

[longride]

Originally Posted by Kenneth_Moore

Hey, I resemble that remark. Except the bald part that is...

LR, if you don't stop insulting the looks of my Vee I'm going to...to...well I'm going to do something.

It's a nice enough bike that they made very ugly for no reason at all. Had pretty much the same motor in my TL 1000S and it is a good one, but I'm not sure why they had to make it an eyesore. Maybe there is a good reason, but I just can't find one.

[MOKE1K]

Originally Posted by longride

It's a nice enough bike that they made very ugly for no reason at all. Had pretty much the same motor in my TL 1000S and it is a good one, but I'm not sure why they had to make it an eyesore. Maybe there is a good reason, but I just can't find one.

Thats becuase its geared towards the Beemer crowd, they love ugly bikes. Their like trekies.