2008 J.D. Power Motorcycle Surveys Confusing?

[Admin]

Two new owner surveys say that dealers have problems and motorcycles cost too much. Or maybe not...

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[ready2goriding]

Interesting reading. I'm glad that I did not "escape"!

 

[wrightme43]

1000$ cash deposit to test ride. Crash, scratch or damage the bike and its gone. That covers the insurance, the sales guy, and the looky loo. GPS device on bike, and copy of drivers lic, and keys to the vehicle they arrive in. That covers the thief.

Or no test ridey ridey.

I mean the number of wrecks that happen right out side a bike shop, kinda says no test rides, idiots have ruined it for everyone else.

 

[Bruce McCrary]

That survey can be easily dismissed when you really look into it. They polled motorcycle buyers during September and October. That's ATV season in the powersports industry, so that lack of motorcycles to choose from just means the dealerships did their jobs and weren't carrying units into the winter months. People were upset over financing options during a credit crisis. Go figure.

The poll itself was questionable from what I understand in that it was multiple choice and not one where the respondents could answer freely. Therefore answers had to be pigeon holed into specific categories. I mean, it gives you some idea of what consumers are thinking, but you have to wonder how much they were led by the questions, you know?

As for the test ride issue... Well, if a person stops and thinks about it for a bit they can easily understand why test rides by tire kickers just can't be allowed. I'd be glad to list enough reasons to fill a book, but whats the point? I've been in the industry for more than twelve years. In that time I've worked at four dealerships under eight different owners. Believe me when I tell you that I have worked for some great people as well as some idiots. But none of them, not one, ever refused to let someone that was serious about buying, was qualified to ride and could be financed, take a bike for a spin before they bought it, or at least refused to work something out with a customer shortly after delivery if the customer wasn't satisfied. Not one. Not ever. Not the first time.

It does however amaze me how some folks can come to the dealership with no riding gear, little to no experience, not want to prove they have the financial ability to buy a pack of gum, and then get upset because the dealership doesn't welcome the financial and personal liability of letting them leave the premises unaccompanied with a $10k or better motor vehicle that can kill or maim and be stolen and dismantled in a very short time.

That would be like turning a monkey lose with a machine gun, yet they look upon us badly for trying to simply make responsible decisions.

Bruce

 

[rider1a]

It does however amaze me how some folks can come to the dealership with no riding gear, little to no experience, not want to prove they have the financial ability to buy a pack of gum, and then get upset because the dealership doesn't welcome the financial and personal liability of letting them leave the premises unaccompanied with a $10k or better motor vehicle that can kill or maim and be stolen and dismantled in a very short time.

That would be like turning a monkey lose with a machine gun, yet they look upon us badly for trying to simply make responsible decisions.

Bruce

+1 Bruce....

However, car dealerships allow prospects to test cars but usually with the sales-person sitting next to them

I guess having an MSF card might help plus leaving car keys and wallet as a deposit. I think showing up riding a bike (that is bigger than the test motorcycle) might help too.

I remember one time, I was considering the FJR and the bike had to be specially ordered. The service manager at a local dealership let me take his FJR for a spin since I had used them for various services related issues on other bikes.

Bob

 

[The Toecutter]

about the test ride issue.say the buyer was allowed to ride and doesnt buy! the bike now has miles on the odo.99% of the bike buying population would consider it used and would expect a bike to be assembled fresh out of the box for full sticker price.ive seen people get heated over this and things like scuffs and scratches from people sitting on the bike in the showroom are also deal breakers.

 

[MisterX]

Before I could test ride my most recent bike, I had to sign a form that stated that if I wrecked the bike, I would be responsible for all repairs, or purchase the bike as is for the sticker price. They also had the salesman that I was dealing with ride on another bike along with me. Overall, it was a pain-free and no problem experience.