What makes a sportbike store?

sheepofblue · 09-22-2005, 10:37 AM

When you walk into a bike shop what kind of items indicate to you it is a shop that supports sportbikes?

My brother has a shop and while he does all kinds (cruiser, dirt, sport) his lowest segment is sportbikes. He is thinking of adding some stock and wondering what? I told him frame sliders and maybe some wind sheilds in addition to apparel. Thanks for input and ideas

phobiaphobe · 09-22-2005, 10:51 AM

The biggest thing is sales staff that know what they're talking about.

phobiaphobe · 09-22-2005, 10:52 AM

and naked ladies

sheepofblue · 09-22-2005, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

The biggest thing is sales staff that know what they're talking about.

True and he is decent on that, more what kind of stock makes you start to ask?

Purpdust · 09-22-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

and naked ladies

The problem with the naked Ladies is they attract the Harley guys as well, but then that may not be all bad cause they tend to spend more on their bike that we do

phobiaphobe · 09-22-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

True and he is decent on that, more what kind of stock makes you start to ask?

Sponsor amateur racers and hang out at the track on sundays with a van plastered with your name.

Baketech · 09-22-2005, 11:00 AM

There's only about 3 geographic locations that can viably support a "sportbike" gear shop...and you ain't in one of em...

Seen this a million times...retailer wants to cater to the sportbike crowd, buys a bunch of shite gear, and after a year of slow sales, they get disillusioned and go back to their core business that makes them money...

SJ96F3 · 09-22-2005, 11:06 AM

get a rack of stunt videos... and have them playing on the TVs.

sheepofblue · 09-22-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

There's only about 3 geographic locations that can viably support a "sportbike" gear shop...and you ain't in one of em...

Seen this a million times...retailer wants to cater to the sportbike crowd, buys a bunch of shite gear, and after a year of slow sales, they get disillusioned and go back to their core business that makes them money...

He does not want to cater just pick up some. His core is the cruisers followed by dirt. His goal is to be rounded in all phases. As far as going to the track on Sunday he is open (

means he cannot come and ride with me).

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 11:18 AM

Organizing rides that appeal to sportbikers from the shop is a pretty good one.

Hiring a local "hot shot" racer, that knows about bikes and wrenching helps too, it will have his friends dropping in.

A dyno. (and power commanders)

As far as what to carry?

Good synthetic oils, Motul brake fluid (RBF 500), brake pads, aftermarket brake lines, frame sliders, gearing, swingarm spools, front and rear stands. Maybe slip-ons for the more popular models among his clientele.

Also, helmets and maybe some leather. Though lots of people buy this stuff online, I've bought both locally as I like the service of trying stuff on. Like phobe said, it takes good staff to sell this stuff.

Baketech · 09-22-2005, 11:24 AM

You can't effectively retail crap like spools and sliders in today's market.

You can't afford to stock everything, so you end up being a "catalog" store...and that puts you right in the crosshairs of the internet stores that are already doing a great job of selling stuff like that...

Save for a few select geographic areas, it's a niche market, and that doesn't fit into the retail sales model...

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 11:25 AM

Thought of a couple more. K&N air filters (we can debate if they work, but people love them) and short stalk turn signals.

Also, if he doesn't already, keep the Parts Unlimited book handy and out where customers can drool.

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

You can't effectively retail crap like spools and sliders in today's market.

We'll have to agree to disagree there.

I know several sportbike owners down here in SoCal that had them both installed before they left the dealer.

A good salesguy, and reasonable price, should have no problem working them into the deal. I'll probably ask if they have them at the dealer when I pick up the R6. You can stock a few sets of swingarm spools for less than $100 in inventory. Stock a couple sets of sliders for models on the floor.

Ah, also, Motul Chain lube is tough to find, and my favorite.

Maybe some race fuel. (I always run it in my dirtbike too, means I don't have to muck around with the jetting every new batch of fuel)

Baketech · 09-22-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

We'll have to agree to disagree there.

I know several sportbike owners down here in SoCal that had them both installed before they left the dealer.

You must have blown completely by my "geography" caveat....your opinion means nil here, as you live in one of them...

phobiaphobe · 09-22-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

... You can stock a few sets of swingarm spools for less than $100 in inventory. Stock a couple sets of sliders for models on the floor.

...

Good point but that's not how I'd approach it. I'd have the business manager push the sliders as a sort of cheap insurance. The business office pays parts $60 for the set, service $50 for the installation, and keeps a $100 gross for themselves.

"This bike doesn't come with any protection for the fairings if you drop it. I can add a set of <insert brand name> sliders for only four dollars a month on your payment."

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 11:49 AM

Naw, this is the sportbike Mecca I know it. Trying buying a bike here and you'll get it.

BUT, these are mostly sportbike newbies, 18 YO marines fresh out of boot, and they know to buy sliders.

Scout · 09-22-2005, 11:53 AM

Decent suggestions, all.

I'd have to agree, not just attract the riders, but to also move the merchandise, go with items people have to try on:

Jackets
Boots
Helmets
Pants
Gloves

...and I've heard "leather" items are a bit expensive, so maybe not the 1 pieces right off the bat...

phobiaphobe · 09-22-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

...

Hiring a local "hot shot" racer, that knows about bikes and wrenching helps too, it will have his friends dropping in.
....

One of the smaller shops here has a racer working in the parts department. He organizes track days and schools so they've got that market pretty much wrapped up.

CBR929RE · 09-22-2005, 12:13 PM

this might sound a little corny but how about big stickers on the windows. Companies such as Micron, 2Bros, A*, Shoei. Pretty much giant stickers of well known companies that make sportbike or sportbike related products that he's actually going to carry or be able to order (if he's a Parts Unlimited, Tucker Rocky or Sullivan's dealer he'll be able to get most stuff people want)

luvtolean · 09-22-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Good point but that's not how I'd approach it. I'd have the business manager push the sliders as a sort of cheap insurance. The business office pays parts $60 for the set, service $50 for the installation, and keeps a $100 gross for themselves.

"This bike doesn't come with any protection for the fairings if you drop it. I can add a set of <insert brand name> sliders for only four dollars a month on your payment."

Yeah, no difference in approach. I'm just pointing out how little ca$h outlay is necessary to stock that stuff. What you're mentioning is how a "good salesman" would pimp the stuff.

tigerblade · 09-22-2005, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvtolean

...when I pick up the R6.

You bastid. I'm hope I can convert "if" to "when"...