US bikes for sale

[krasher]

Hello. I am looking at importing a couple bikes from the US. There are a couple good sales on here.

Seems I might be able to bring in a couple brand new, still dry, crf250's for round 10k. Would anyone be interested in buying one?

I could also possibly get 2 brand new 08 fireblades for $12-15k depending on shipping.

Let me know if ur interested. If I can pre-sell them I can possibly do a better price as there will be less risk. I am just trying to see what they are worth - to you and what I may be able to get for em on trademe.

[B0000M]

you can buy new crfs in nz for well under 11 allready though

[Taz]

Wont they be left hand drive?? Will I need a permit?

[johannvr]

Yep - watch out for US roadbikes - some story about the headlight lens pattern reflecting light to the left instead of the right - to VIN/Rego & WOF them you may have to change headlights first?

No probs with the crf's tho, unless they are restricted in some way, which is common for US bikes - eg for emission purposes & so forth?

[FlangMasterJ]

you can buy new crfs in nz for well under 11 allready though

He means 10K for two CRF's.

[B0000M]

OH.
:shutup:

mean then!

[barty5]

He means 10K for two CRF's.

yeah thats how i read it Find me an early release injected yz450f

[Taz]

NZD $6000 - 7500 for a new 08 fireblade sounds good.

[ManDownUnder]

NZD $6000 - 7500 for a new 08 fireblade sounds good.

Does dunnit! Reflector will need replacing but that could easily be done out the savings... (EASILY be done!)

[krasher]

Ok, I need to clarify obviously.

I have more details coming, but they had some good specials on the road bikes. Looks like the dirt bikes are similar prices.

The fireblades are new 08's and would need new reflectors and on road stuff sorted and are about 4k USD$ plus shipping plus some coin for me for mucking round with it. Seems pretty cheap to me.

[Reckless]

Does dunnit! Reflector will need replacing but that could easily be done out the savings... (EASILY be done!)

On my VTR1000 I had. I cut the lugs off the bulb and turned it so the pattern was correct. Dunno if it works for all bikes but it was ok for me.

[MB1]

Hey Krasher, just be a little careful on the road bikes.

I work in freight forwarding and used to have customers that imported bikes from time to time while living in London. You have to make sure you have the bill of sale/proof of ownership and registration in your name for each of the bikes otherwise you won't be able to get them out of the US.

Also if they're arranging shipping, they will usually get the bikes to the port/depot at destination only then you will have to pay all the local charges including GST, Port charges, Customs clearance, MAF inspection etc etc. Just be aware of those when doing any costings.

[CRF119]

CR500 could be nice........... In a CRF Frame........... :scooter:

[Robert Taylor]

Better still leave it to the legitimate distributors who provide full and proper infrastructure and warranty backup.
If a warranty issue occurs with any of these bikes no Honda dealer in NZ will cover it, and nor should they.
Parrallell importing is parasitic.

[dammad1]

CR500 could be nice........... In a CRF Frame........... :scooter:

Now your talking!

[98tls]

Better still leave it to the legitimate distributors who provide full and proper infrastructure and warranty backup.
If a warranty issue occurs with any of these bikes no Honda dealer in NZ will cover it, and nor should they.
Parrallell importing is parasitic. Define parallel importing RT,not having a crack at your comments just dont see how theres anything wrong with what this blokes doing,buyer beware and at there on risk i guess,not my cup a tea but hey if they were would be hard to pass up if as quoted factory built bikes blah blah.Not that hard to give one its first or any other service in your own shed and all things considered its not like late model Jappas are unreliable eh.

[Assasin]

Better still leave it to the legitimate distributors who provide full and proper infrastructure and warranty backup.
If a warranty issue occurs with any of these bikes no Honda dealer in NZ will cover it, and nor should they.
Parrallell importing is parasitic.

The only parasites in the industry are the wholesalers "Not All But Most" that rip people off. And everybody knows it.

[krasher]

I just saw some on special - not looking to undercut people over here or anything. About 3k US off retail price. Bringing a Fireblade 1000 '08 brand new down to 3.5KUSD+Shipping. I though I could probably make some coin and give somebody a pretty hot deal by bringing it over. It's just old stock. What other way do we get cheap old stock in NZ? The don't bring it over officially do they? We miss out on heaps of stuff over here cos we are small.

[barty5]

I just saw some on special - not looking to undercut people over here or anything. About 3k US off retail price. Bringing a Fireblade 1000 '08 brand new down to 3.5KUSD+Shipping. I though I could probably make some coin and give somebody a pretty hot deal by bringing it over. It's just old stock. What other way do we get cheap old stock in NZ? The don't bring it over officially do they? We miss out on heaps of stuff over here cos we are small.

Some thing that may be of interest i read a few years back that a lot of the jap road bikes are de tuned compared to what we get here and in aussie. Dont know what truth there is to it but that what the write up said.

[TK3]

Ok, I need to clarify obviously.

I have more details coming, but they had some good specials on the road bikes. Looks like the dirt bikes are similar prices.

The fireblades are new 08's and would need new reflectors and on road stuff sorted and are about 4k USD$ plus shipping plus some coin for me for mucking round with it. Seems pretty cheap to me.

Are they through a motorbike shop? Just be careful I looked doing the same thing about years ago but they were a set up no bikes, I went to the USA to pick them up and pay for them and never heard from the guy again.

[Robert Taylor]

The only parasites in the industry are the wholesalers "Not All But Most" that rip people off. And everybody knows it.

So I take it then that you have worked for a motorcycle / accessory wholesaler and therefore are abundantly aware of the cost of such an operation and the cost of holding stock? Cost of infrastructure, cost of advertising etc.
I happen to know that at least one of the motorcycle distributors has run at a loss for at least the first 6 months of the year.
Sorry but your emotive statement smacks of ignorance of the realities.

[Robert Taylor]

Define parallel importing RT,not having a crack at your comments just dont see how theres anything wrong with what this blokes doing,buyer beware and at there on risk i guess,not my cup a tea but hey if they were would be hard to pass up if as quoted factory built bikes blah blah.Not that hard to give one its first or any other service in your own shed and all things considered its not like late model Jappas are unreliable eh.

Among other things parallell importers are effectively subsidised by the advertising / market presence of the legitimate distributors. They pick the eyes out of what they percieve as being able to make a quick buck from and are not in a position where they carry a huge inventory of models, parts and backup infrastructure to service the market.
Tinsheds versus big holding warehouses.
I beg to differ about the reliability of Japanese bikes. One of the current 1000cc model bikes has an oil consumption issue that I dont believe is yet fully fixed. Its a long way to the US to get your bike fixed under warranty....
Parasites, most certainly YES.

[krasher]

Are they through a motorbike shop? Just be careful I looked doing the same thing about years ago but they were a set up no bikes, I went to the USA to pick them up and pay for them and never heard from the guy again.
Yeah, I actually met the guy, saw the bikes, visited the shop and he is looking into sorting shipping for me.

It's a risk - but $ v's risk payoff isn't bad. You could buy two at that price and still be ahead.

[Robert Taylor]

Its kind of ironic that there is not a level playing field when it comes to dealing with the yanks. Bollocks Obama has recently introduced protectionist measures for his agricultural sector and that is really screwing our primary producers bigtime. But its okay for other sectors in the US to dump product here.
I am guessing that this ''part time'' importer does not have motorcycles as a primary source of income? If so then why is he doing this? Answer, to make a quick buck out of brazen self interest. And not having to provide any credible form of support structure.
The motorcycle industry here ( the legitimate full time one ) provides employment for thousands of people. In these times I would count retention of jobs uppermost, much more so than those picking the eyes out of it to suit their own pockets.
Fulltime legitimate importers do not so much have the luxury of choosing to import when the currency is strong as they are tied to the production schedules of the factories. Part timers will only do so when the currency is strong. Leaches.

[Tony.OK]

The US Blades have a different ECU than ours, it has a built in retardation at 10k rpm I think, giving it upto 15 less hp than Euro models, alot of moaning went on from US buyers at the time. There is a quick fix made by Bazazz called a Z Bomb which gets rid of it.
They also don't have the HISS imobilser if I remember correctly.

[YellowDog]

I bought my Tiger from LA. Kiwishipping.co.nz charged US$500 to bring it over.

The USA model Tiger has synchronous beams, so it is OK for left and right hand drive countries (you need to check).

BUT the NZ$ US$ was over 80c when I did it.

IMO - It's not worth it unless you are saving heaps, which I did ;)

[Assasin]

So I take it then that you have worked for a motorcycle / accessory wholesaler and therefore are abundantly aware of the cost of such an operation and the cost of holding stock? Cost of infrastructure, cost of advertising etc.
I happen to know that at least one of the motorcycle distributors has run at a loss for at least the first 6 months of the year.
Sorry but your emotive statement smacks of ignorance of the realities.

Blah Blah Your outfit is famous for shafting us bikers.

[flyingcr250]

Blah Blah Your outfit is famous for shafting us bikers.

:corn: :jerry:

[Robert Taylor]

Blah Blah Your outfit is famous for shafting us bikers.

Please then embellish your emotive statement at length, if man enough....

[tommorth]

waiting to hear this

[flyingcr250]

Please then embellish your emotive statement at length, if man enough....

hardly the place for it.:Offtopic:

[krasher]

I am guessing that this ''part time'' importer does not have motorcycles as a primary source of income? If so then why is he doing this? Answer, to make a quick buck out of brazen self interest. And not having to provide any credible form of support structure.
The motorcycle industry here ( the legitimate full time one ) provides employment for thousands of people. In these times I would count retention of jobs uppermost, much more so than those picking the eyes out of it to suit their own pockets.
Fulltime legitimate importers do not so much have the luxury of choosing to import when the currency is strong as they are tied to the production schedules of the factories. Part timers will only do so when the currency is strong. Leaches.
This part time importer sees a quick honest buck that could mean that he could make coin in hard times as well as giving somebody else a good deal.

It is the parallel importers that keep the full time importers honest IMO. Too many middle men sometimes. For some products that is a good thing. It means support and warranties and all that. Sometimes it just means you pay more and the importer middle man still knows jack about the product and still takes months to get you parts at still exorbitant prices. Not saying this is you...just saying it is some importers...ones that I have had plenty of experience with in the electronics industry at least.

Dunno if I am going to bring the bikes in or not, but it is buyer beware - and what is wrong with that if its done fair and honestly? Most second hand cars are sold as is where is. I have been honest about the source and I will do so when I sell them. If they sell, they are at the right price. If somebody buys them, then they consider price more important than support from an importer, but it will have to be cheap enough to make the difference. People do pay for security. It's a different market in my opinion. These will be competing with the second hand market not the new market.

[TK3]

Its kind of ironic that there is not a level playing field when it comes to dealing with the yanks. Bollocks Obama has recently introduced protectionist measures for his agricultural sector and that is really screwing our primary producers bigtime. But its okay for other sectors in the US to dump product here.
I am guessing that this ''part time'' importer does not have motorcycles as a primary source of income? If so then why is he doing this? Answer, to make a quick buck out of brazen self interest. And not having to provide any credible form of support structure.
The motorcycle industry here ( the legitimate full time one ) provides employment for thousands of people. In these times I would count retention of jobs uppermost, much more so than those picking the eyes out of it to suit their own pockets.
Fulltime legitimate importers do not so much have the luxury of choosing to import when the currency is strong as they are tied to the production schedules of the factories. Part timers will only do so when the currency is strong. Leaches.

You should be careful robert, as some of your good customers are these so called Leaches.

[Assasin]

Please then embellish your emotive statement at length, if man enough....

If man enough intresting. End of topic everyone knows what I'm on about so do you. Not going to drag this thread off topic anymore.

Two words (King Tax) very well known to us bikers.

[Robert Taylor]

If man enough intresting. End of topic everyone knows what I'm on about so do you. Not going to drag this thread off topic anymore.

Two words (King Tax) very well known to us bikers.

When people sling mud its better if they are actually in full command of the facts, rather than making blanket assumptions / judgements. CKT and CKE are two seperate companies and I have no financial interest whatsoever in CKE. But I do call the shots at CKT which is a solely suspension focused company with activities largely seperate to CKE. An apology from yourself would be appropriate but the relative anonymity of forums means that the embarrassment of your misdemeanours is somewhat diluted.
I stand resolutely by my comments about private imports, I dare say few actually care a toss about the implications on the industry.

[Robert Taylor]

This part time importer sees a quick honest buck that could mean that he could make coin in hard times as well as giving somebody else a good deal.

It is the parallel importers that keep the full time importers honest IMO. Too many middle men sometimes. For some products that is a good thing. It means support and warranties and all that. Sometimes it just means you pay more and the importer middle man still knows jack about the product and still takes months to get you parts at still exorbitant prices. Not saying this is you...just saying it is some importers...ones that I have had plenty of experience with in the electronics industry at least.

Dunno if I am going to bring the bikes in or not, but it is buyer beware - and what is wrong with that if its done fair and honestly? Most second hand cars are sold as is where is. I have been honest about the source and I will do so when I sell them. If they sell, they are at the right price. If somebody buys them, then they consider price more important than support from an importer, but it will have to be cheap enough to make the difference. People do pay for security. It's a different market in my opinion. These will be competing with the second hand market not the new market.

Dont see it that way at all, this is taking food out of the mouths who have long term investment and infrastructure. It mocks that.
And if you import new machinery it is also fair and moral that you attend to and back up any grief that occurs. No matter how you window dress it you are in effect feeding off the backs of those with investment.

[Robert Taylor]

You should be careful robert, as some of your good customers are these so called Leaches.

If they have legitimate full time enterprises in the motorcycle industry then they are not, I was fairly referring to those who are only picking the eyes out of it. Anyone importing new machinery should have a moral obligation to back it up. Given the horror stories that surface all the time I think that is an entirely reasonable viewpoint.

[Assasin]

When people sling mud its better if they are actually in full command of the facts, rather than making blanket assumptions / judgements. CKT and CKE are two seperate companies and I have no financial interest whatsoever in CKE. But I do call the shots at CKT which is a solely suspension focused company with activities largely seperate to CKE. An apology from yourself would be appropriate but the relative anonymity of forums means that the embarrassment of your misdemeanours is somewhat diluted.
I stand resolutely by my comments about private imports, I dare say few actually care a toss about the implications on the industry.

You ramble like a mad man. How can you say you dont work for the same company you have the same boss/founder.

[Robert Taylor]

You ramble like a mad man. How can you say you dont work for the same company you have the same boss/founder.

No, im just offering a different perspective re such one off imports / ''fly by nighters'' and furthermore I have the guts to do so and put my name to it. I am also iterating what many in the industry at all levels will be thinking.
I am the boss and we are talking about different companies, check the companies register.
BTW, if as you infer profits are huge with that other company then I dont see any evidence of marble entrance foyers etc. There is so much misconception and that has been the case in the 30 odd years that I have been in the industry. But believe what makes you comfortable.

[Assasin]

No, im just offering a different perspective re such one off imports / ''fly by nighters'' and furthermore I have the guts to do so and put my name to it. I am also iterating what many in the industry at all levels will be thinking.
I am the boss and we are talking about different companies, check the companies register.
BTW, if as you infer profits are huge with that other company then I dont see any evidence of marble entrance foyers etc. There is so much misconception and that has been the case in the 30 odd years that I have been in the industry. But believe what makes you comfortable.

My issue is with you calling people leeches and parasites because they don’t conform and want to undercut and make a buck. I know how much the big guys make and I’m sorry all the explanations under the sun don’t cut it with me. You can insult me as much as you want saying im deluded and all the other big words you use to try and come across far more superior than I. I’m just a dumb biker that rides bikes with my family and find it harder and harder to go for a ride due to the cost involved and all I see are the big guys getting fatter and fatter.

And I dont blame the dealers.

P.S You Google your boss you can see his mansion.

[barty5]

Wow guy offers to bring in a bike or 2 if someone keen and sell as second hand their risk as with most second hand sales, and it gets turned in to a moaning bitch fest on the whole topic. It happens with everything you can or want to buy these days grow the fuck up and get over it. What you going to do next have a moan at Ebay as well while your at it cause we all shop there too great deals on new stuff to be had. Ive got couple a mate who go up every year or so and bring back 2-3 KTMs ride them up there for couple a week doing off road tours and bring them back never had any problems with as for warantee it just the risk you take for getting it cheap.

[jt119]

my bike new had a 28day warantee if somone could of got me one 2k cheaper new id of jumped at it

[telliman]

Wow guy offers to bring in a bike or 2 if someone keen and sell as second hand their risk as with most second hand sales, and it gets turned in to a moaning bitch fest on the whole topic. It happens with everything you can or want to buy these days grow the fuck up and get over it. What you going to do next have a moan at Ebay as well while your at it cause we all shop there too great deals on new stuff to be had. Ive got couple a mate who go up every year or so and bring back 2-3 KTMs ride them up there for couple a week doing off road tours and bring them back never had any problems with as for warantee it just the risk you take for getting it cheap.

i dont think hes talking abt guys bringing one or two bikes for themselves or others, hes using that as an example for people bringing in big numbers or parralell(hate that word) importing with no support and under cutting the industry that supports not only the sale and parts side of things but also those same guys that put on and sponser events, teams, race series etc etc.
unfortunatly dirt biking or road biking can be expensive, as expensive as you want to make it really and as the technolodgy advances so dose the cost, fact of life,whilst everybody likes or wants the cheaper deals youve got to look at the bigger picture, without the mr motocycles, the proride suspension guys and so on and so on we'd be fucked!. im sure if cheap was all you wanted there a solid market out there for stolen bikes!
it is unfortunate though that we the consumer pay for all these wankers you see at race tracks with support teams and really give not much back!

[Robert Taylor]

My issue is with you calling people leeches and parasites because they don’t conform and want to undercut and make a buck. I know how much the big guys make and I’m sorry all the explanations under the sun don’t cut it with me. You can insult me as much as you want saying im deluded and all the other big words you use to try and come across far more superior than I. I’m just a dumb biker that rides bikes with my family and find it harder and harder to go for a ride due to the cost involved and all I see are the big guys getting fatter and fatter.

And I dont blame the dealers.

P.S You Google your boss you can see his mansion.

The politics of envy insinuates that all profit is filthy. Clearly there is scant understanding by many of what is involved to provide reputable infrastructure and the very cost of just keeping the doors open for business every day.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I object to fly by nighters who just grab the money and run.
No apologies for having a reasonable understanding of our base ( English )language and no intention to make debasing statements to anyone, it is individual choice to what level you wish to practice use of the language.
If a few readers of this post get the point of what I am saying ( they dont have to agree ) then my posts re this subject have been successful.
Clearly there are those of us who regard the welfare of NZ workers of higher importance than short term self gain. Its as simple as that.

[barty5]

my bike new had a 28day warantee if somone could of got me one 2k cheaper new id of jumped at it

Got a love that both a mine where the same think i got 6 month very limited for both for the 11g they cost each hence i did look at the states to start but couldnt get fr8 sorted they where only 7g and the dollar was like 80c at the time

[flyingcr250]

The politics of envy insinuates that all profit is filthy. Clearly there is scant understanding by many of what is involved to provide reputable infrastructure and the very cost of just keeping the doors open for business every day.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I object to fly by nighters who just grab the money and run.
No apologies for having a reasonable understanding of our base ( English )language and no intention to make debasing statements to anyone, it is individual choice to what level you wish to practice use of the language.
If a few readers of this post get the point of what I am saying ( they dont have to agree ) then my posts re this subject have been successful.
Clearly there are those of us who regard the welfare of NZ workers of higher importance than short term self gain. Its as simple as that.

what was this thread about again?? was it bikes or something??. thought this was kiwibiker not kiwi politics

[barty5]

it is unfortunate though that we the consumer pay for all these wankers you see at race tracks with support teams and really give not much back!

I guess this the part that most of us hate there we are spending shit loads on what these guys promote and they (selected few ) put stuff all back in to it hence i now have my own accounts with most of there suppliers. Not going to support them if they wont give something back.

[Reckless]

I just bought fox armour from the USA for 99.99USD = $148-00 NZD if you split the $50=00 freight over the four items I bought you add $12-00 so thats $160-00 NZD. Best quote here was $280-00 NZD special. God knows what the retail is poss $320-00??? Goods where here in 4 days!

Secondly just bought some Axo boots. Large Auckland retailer was selling for $499-99 retail, best deal I could get was $465-00. Found some on trade me in another bike shop selling for $300. Rang the guy and he looked up his purchase price, when I asked for his best deal, and he looked up his buy price on his computer and said I'm only making a little bit at $300 so can't include the freight! So he still had profit in the $300 price!

I can only estimate from the above boot exercise the retail markup on boots is $200 or so bucks on one pair of boots. The importer is probably making the same! I'd guess those boots cost no more than $100-150NZD to land here! If you want us to buy NZ fix this!

Very similar with the Fox Armour purchase!

So that's an overseas and NZ purchase all within the last month. I can only assume from the above scenario's that dock to retail margins in NZ are still very large.

I'll leave it to you if you think this fair or not.

PS I will support the NZ retailer if the price is fair or even a bit more but if I'm paying double or Near 100% more for the same goods for the sake of waiting 4 days, they can get stuffed!
I support my local Ktm dealer as much as I can and buy my tyres, parts and most accessories off him but the importer (in my opinion) is loosing him my business by making some items so expensive I have little choice but to go overseas! The $285-00 or more saved over only 2 purchases will pay for quite a few ride days for my children!!
My 2c I don't give a shit if its agreed with or not!!!

[telliman]

what was this thread about again?? was it bikes or something??. thought this was kiwibiker not kiwi politics

wat do you maen, this has everything to do with this thread!
are you trying to make it something else?

[Moki]

I just bought fox armour from the USA for 99.99USD = $148-00 NZD if you split the $50=00 freight over the four items I bought you add $12-00 so thats $160-00 NZD. Best quote here was $280-00 NZD special. God knows what the retail is poss $320-00??? Goods where here in 4 days!

Secondly just bought some Axo boots. Large Auckland retailer was selling for $499-99 retail, best deal I could get was $465-00. Found some on trade me in another bike shop selling for $300. Rang the guy and he looked up his purchase price, when I asked for his best deal, and he looked up his buy price on his computer and said I'm only making a little bit at $300 so can't include the freight! So he still had profit in the $300 price!

I can only estimate from the above boot exercise the retail markup on boots is $200 or so bucks on one pair of boots. The importer is probably making the same! I'd guess those boots cost no more than $100-150NZD to land here! If you want us to buy NZ fix this!

Very similar with the Fox Armour purchase!

So that's an overseas and NZ purchase all within the last month. I can only assume from the above scenario's that dock to retail margins in NZ are still very large.

I'll leave it to you if you think this fair or not.

PS I will support the NZ retailer if the price is fair or even a bit more but if I'm paying double or Near 100% more for the same goods for the sake of waiting 4 days, they can get stuffed!
I support my local Ktm dealer as much as I can and buy my tyres, parts and most accessories off him but the importer (in my opinion) is loosing him my business by making some items so expensive I have little choice but to go overseas! The $285-00 or more saved over only 2 purchases will pay for quite a few ride days for my children!!
My 2c I don't give a shit if its agreed with or not!!!

Agree. Husaberg spark plugs in NZ $26. In the US they're $5 (~NZ $7). Now, if only we could get tyres here for what they pay there!

[telliman]

I just bought fox armour from the USA for 99.99USD = $148-00 NZD if you split the $50=00 freight over the four items I bought you add $12-00 so thats $160-00 NZD. Best quote here was $280-00 NZD special. God knows what the retail is poss $320-00??? Goods where here in 4 days!

Secondly just bought some Axo boots. Large Auckland retailer was selling for $499-99 retail, best deal I could get was $465-00. Found some on trade me in another bike shop selling for $300. Rang the guy and he looked up his purchase price, when I asked for his best deal, and he looked up his buy price on his computer and said I'm only making a little bit at $300 so can't include the freight! So he still had profit in the $300 price!

I can only estimate from the above boot exercise the retail markup on boots is $200 or so bucks on one pair of boots. The importer is probably making the same! I'd guess those boots cost no more than $100-150NZD to land here! If you want us to buy NZ fix this!

Very similar with the Fox Armour purchase!

So that's an overseas and NZ purchase all within the last month. I can only assume from the above scenario's that dock to retail margins in NZ are still very large.

I'll leave it to you if you think this fair or not.

PS I will support the NZ retailer if the price is fair or even a bit more but if I'm paying double or Near 100% more for the same goods for the sake of waiting 4 days, they can get stuffed!
I support my local Ktm dealer as much as I can and buy my tyres, parts and most accessories off him but the importer (in my opinion) is loosing him my business by making some items so expensive I have little choice but to go overseas! The $285-00 or more saved over only 2 purchases will pay for quite a few ride days for my children!!
My 2c I don't give a shit if its agreed with or not!!!

and thats fair enough rick, but if you were the importer and bought in 300 pair of thos boots you'd want to cover you investment, you might not sell all of tose boots and then when the new model comes in you sell them at clearnce prices which you see alot of, remember you buying something you;ve never seen or checked and if there was a problem or a defect in those boots you cant just pop down your local and swap them for a new pair, it could take months of heart ake,your right we are being takin for a ride with the prices we pay but thats the same in everthing you buy as a comsumer in this part of the world! iv never owned brand new riding gear or bikes because they all just get abused anyway, the deals are out there!

[barty5]

I just bought fox armour from the USA for 99.99USD = $148-00 NZD if you split the $50=00 freight over the four items I bought you add $12-00 so thats $160-00 NZD. Best quote here was $280-00 NZD special. God knows what the retail is poss $320-00??? Goods where here in 4 days!

Secondly just bought some Axo boots. Large Auckland retailer was selling for $499-99 retail, best deal I could get was $465-00. Found some on trade me in another bike shop selling for $300. Rang the guy and he looked up his purchase price, when I asked for his best deal, and he looked up his buy price on his computer and said I'm only making a little bit at $300 so can't include the freight! So he still had profit in the $300 price!

I can only estimate from the above boot exercise the retail markup on boots is $200 or so bucks on one pair of boots. The importer is probably making the same! I'd guess those boots cost no more than $100-150NZD to land here! If you want us to buy NZ fix this!

Very similar with the Fox Armour purchase!

So that's an overseas and NZ purchase all within the last month. I can only assume from the above scenario's that dock to retail margins in NZ are still very large.

I'll leave it to you if you think this fair or not.

PS I will support the NZ retailer if the price is fair or even a bit more but if I'm paying double or Near 100% more for the same goods for the sake of waiting 4 days, they can get stuffed!
I support my local Ktm dealer as much as I can and buy my tyres, parts and most accessories off him but the importer (in my opinion) is loosing him my business by making some items so expensive I have little choice but to go overseas! The $285-00 or more saved over only 2 purchases will pay for quite a few ride days for my children!!
My 2c I don't give a shit if its agreed with or not!!!

Could be a bit like the wankers (bike shops as well) who sell CRF sparkplugs for $56 ok i get trade and they cost me $17 even ther retail is nothing like $56 and at $17 they make money so at $56 they are makin a good $40 a plug who is rippin who off.

To late now which Axo boots did you get out of interest

[Assasin]

Could be a bit like the wankers (bike shops as well) who sell CRF sparkplugs for $56 ok i get trade and they cost me $17 even ther retail is nothing like $56 and at $17 they make money so at $56 they are makin a good $40 a plug who is rippin who off.

To late now which Axo boots did you get out of interest

Do you find that some wholesalers are more money hungry than the others?

[A&R]

Got a love that both a mine where the same think i got 6 month very limited for both for the 11g they cost each hence i did look at the states to start but couldnt get fr8 sorted they where only 7g and the dollar was like 80c at the time

'bout the same time I was looking at thie allwheel drive christini's. They kept on offering me one for NZD$10,000 including importation. Should have took it up really. I note Cave Weta got one now and Dafydd? I must go and see what there like sometime.:Offtopic:

[dafydd roberts]

'bout the same time I was looking at thie allwheel drive christini's. They kept on offering me one for NZD$10,000 including importation. Should have took it up really. I note Cave Weta got one now and Dafydd? I must go and see what there like sometime.:Offtopic:

The ones that were going for $10,000 were x-demos if the same as we got offered had a few hours. Brand new you are looking at around $18,000 or $8000 for a kit, but there is a frame exchange that’s were the cost is involved.

If you want to see one in action you can find me most weekends at the wires :shifty:

[barty5]

Do you find that some wholesalers are more money hungry than the others?

its not so must the wholesalers in most cases it more the retailers that just mark up to stupid amounts and the sad thing is those that dont know pay it.

[Assasin]

its not so must the wholesalers in most cases it more the retailers that just mark up to stupid amounts and the sad thing is those that dont know pay it.


But don’t the wholesalers control the RRP?

[barty5]

But don’t the wholesalers control the RRP?

no i can buy from them and sell it for what i want and i do

[scott411]

i should know better and stay out of this, but here is my 2 cents,

everything is cheaper in the USA, houses, food, , petrol, electronics and motor vehicles, there is going to be some bargins coming out of there because the recesson alot worse than us here, so a lot of shops are overstocked and in the shit,

as for bringing them in, i personally believe you should have to back up anything you bring in and sell, incl parts supply, but that time has gone and you can dump anything you want in this country, (chinese bikes are a prime example),

the motorcycle industry is made up of a whole lot of people that mostly still enjoy riding and promote and sponsor most events in nz, have a look at any trail ride or race poster at the sponsors and it is mostly made up of shops and accessory wholesalers, (have yet to see an overseas based company sponsor any local events here)

Barty, i don't see what the issue is with sponsoring race teams, if it was not for these company's guys like BT, Whibley and Birch would have had a shit load harder time taking the next step in racing overseas. Racing and promoting motorcycles have always gone hand in hand.

if you want year old gear there is a heap of specials to be had, esp at this time of year when the new gear is just about here, alot of guys on here deal with me and i normally have something to go,

Assassin, you seem like you have a couple of issues with a few people, can i ask what you do for a job?, do you think there is a problem with people making a profit in your industry as well?

[chop]

I just bought fox armour from the USA for 99.99USD = $148-00 NZD if you split the $50=00 freight over the four items I bought you add $12-00 so thats $160-00 NZD. Best quote here was $280-00 NZD special. God knows what the retail is poss $320-00??? Goods where here in 4 days!

Secondly just bought some Axo boots. Large Auckland retailer was selling for $499-99 retail, best deal I could get was $465-00. Found some on trade me in another bike shop selling for $300. Rang the guy and he looked up his purchase price, when I asked for his best deal, and he looked up his buy price on his computer and said I'm only making a little bit at $300 so can't include the freight! So he still had profit in the $300 price!

I can only estimate from the above boot exercise the retail markup on boots is $200 or so bucks on one pair of boots. The importer is probably making the same! I'd guess those boots cost no more than $100-150NZD to land here! If you want us to buy NZ fix this!

Very similar with the Fox Armour purchase!

So that's an overseas and NZ purchase all within the last month. I can only assume from the above scenario's that dock to retail margins in NZ are still very large.

I'll leave it to you if you think this fair or not.

PS I will support the NZ retailer if the price is fair or even a bit more but if I'm paying double or Near 100% more for the same goods for the sake of waiting 4 days, they can get stuffed!
I support my local Ktm dealer as much as I can and buy my tyres, parts and most accessories off him but the importer (in my opinion) is loosing him my business by making some items so expensive I have little choice but to go overseas! The $285-00 or more saved over only 2 purchases will pay for quite a few ride days for my children!!
My 2c I don't give a shit if its agreed with or not!!!

At $300 they ARE only making a LITTLE bit on those boots we talked about. At that sort of money there was nothing in it thats why i was supprised they were so cheap.

[cheese]

Some people have warped view on what RRP and trade should be etc.

Internet direct sellers like trade me whores rape the shit out of the industry. Have you noticed that alot of smaller shops and stuff these days have closed their doors? Toy shops are a real prime example of this.

US gear is cheaper mainly due to volume. You get a country that big buying that much gear gets cheaper. The volumes they buy in are huge. we buy in 10 - 100. They buy in 1000 - 100,000

Next time you moan about how much retailers charge take this into consideration.

Rent, power, insurance etc for your shop. Not cheap bills.
The initial outlay costs for stock. You walk into most shops and I bet you look around and most shops think about how much outlay they have forked out.
Staff to run the shops - that gets more expensive every year.

I try to supports shops where I can.

[MB1]

Just to throw my 2c worth in as well.

I'm not wanting to get drawn into the differing views of RT and Assasin just want to put my opinion and first hand experience across.

I worked for a motorcycle parts and accessories importer while in the UK and I can tell you first hand that the brands you are representing make it clear that you must carry all of their lines each and every season and with in reason all these items must be in stock at all times. They also would not offer credit so the importer would have to pay for all of the stock up front.

To give you an idea of the outlay involved, one of the brands was Fly, and they came out with 208, 805 and 303 race gear in the same season. Each of these lines came in kids (5 sizes) and adults (5 sizes) and each line had 6 colur options (black, blue, red etc etc). Thats a hell of a lot of stock to carry to service a dealer network. On top of that you of corse had helmets, boots, gloves etc etc not to mention the w/house, staff, advertising etc etc. It was a hell of a lot of money to be paying out each and every season.

Only the importers here would know their terms with each supplier but I wouldn't imagine it would be much different. You also have to remember that we are a small country with only 4 million people so as a nation we just don't get the buying power of other larger countries. All of this has an effect on what things cost down here.

SoCal has the largest population of off road riders in the world so of corse gear, parts and accessories are going to be so much cheaper, its simply supply and demand.

Due to my line of work I have the ability to import at very competive pricing from all over the world but for me personally I like to support local dealers. I work hard and am careful where I spend my money, I don't care what car I drive or the brand of jeans I wear, but if I want a particular set of riding gear or part for my bike and I've saved the money then I will go and support my local dealer. If the dealer and the importer have a bit of money to keep going then I've done my bit to keep the sport going here in NZ.

As for sweeping statements that all factory riders in NZ are pricks (or words to that effect), I couldn't comment as I have been away for some time but certainly going to the GP's in Europe, BT and JC were 2 of the most likable and respected riders on the circuit.

This is only my opinion and my experience and for that matter situation at the moment. I can certainly understand the financial strain having a couple of kids would bring and the need to cut costs where ever possible and hopefully I will find out in a few years!!!!

[Reckless]

At $300 they ARE only making a LITTLE bit on those boots we talked about. At that sort of money there was nothing in it thats why i was supprised they were so cheap.

To be honest chop I don't really know the real figures, I can only go by what he said on the phone, they are on the way here as we speak! I just got a bit annoyed with the "we should be paying more to support the infrastructure scenario" I don't see why! I'm certainly not going to walk into a shop with my $285-00 savings cheque and say here, have this for free, my kids can stay home for the next two or three ride days.
I get excellent service from Steve @ Triple X for my Ktm's and I just bought some Thor force Knee guards from Scott for my sons birthday. But some items are so much more expensive than overseas I just can't justify it, so I take the risk on the overseas purchase. Its only $20-30 bucks to send it back and they will freight the replacement item back again for free, so I still save heaps. And no, I don't go in and waste the shops time trying things on and then ordering overseas, I take that risk as well! We'll have 6 bikes in the family at home here if the wife will let me buy another road bike so we are buying a fair bit of shit every year!

I can only say as the market buys more overseas, we get more confident at it, we set up relashionships with those companies, we start to trust them, have their staffs email addresses on file, it becomes very easy for us and that doesn't look good for our guys. In my humble opinion they should be putting a lot more pressure on the importers margin as he doesn't have retail shop rents, staff, time waisting customers etc to screw up his profit margin. Maybe its the double take in the items that is the problem! There's been a lot more talk about importing bikes lately and the dollar is only .67c if to gets back up to .80c. Well i suppose the market will decide with its feet.
I dunno its not my industry, its up to them to meet the market but the car industry hasn't gone bust over the last few years with Jap imports here have they?
Which brings us right back around on topic to Krashers invite for others to join him and import bikes, The force is to strong Obi Wan, the market is deciding!:scooter:

[Reckless]

.

Rent, power, insurance etc for your shop. Not cheap bills.
The initial outlay costs for stock. You walk into most shops and I bet you look around and most shops think about how much outlay they have forked out.
Staff to run the shops - that gets more expensive every year.

I try to supports shops where I can.

I try to buy local as well cheese but just a point here, we are not buying at wholesale overseas we are buying at retail! So their Rent, power, insurance etc is already in the price so I don't agree with this argument! We are buying USA as well, not third world or China, so I would imagine their wages etc would be similar, they have a similar standard of living don't they. Sorry mate mute point in my opinion. The volume thing has credibility but the rest I'm not so sure.

Gotta get back to work now as I wasted to much on my $285 on this thread!! LOL!! bloody Kiwibiker!! LOL!!

[green machine]

i should know better and stay out of this, but here is my 2 cents,

everything is cheaper in the USA, houses, food, , petrol, electronics and motor vehicles, there is going to be some bargins coming out of there because the recesson alot worse than us here, so a lot of shops are overstocked and in the shit,

as for bringing them in, i personally believe you should have to back up anything you bring in and sell, incl parts supply, but that time has gone and you can dump anything you want in this country, (chinese bikes are a prime example),

the motorcycle industry is made up of a whole lot of people that mostly still enjoy riding and promote and sponsor most events in nz, have a look at any trail ride or race poster at the sponsors and it is mostly made up of shops and accessory wholesalers, (have yet to see an overseas based company sponsor any local events here)

Barty, i don't see what the issue is with sponsoring race teams, if it was not for these company's guys like BT, Whibley and Birch would have had a shit load harder time taking the next step in racing overseas. Racing and promoting motorcycles have always gone hand in hand.

if you want year old gear there is a heap of specials to be had, esp at this time of year when the new gear is just about here, alot of guys on here deal with me and i normally have something to go,

Assassin, you seem like you have a couple of issues with a few people, can i ask what you do for a job?, do you think there is a problem with people making a profit in your industry as well?

I always get top deals from Scott......that's why they are the only shop i buy from,they often have lots on sale,have awesome customer service and back up ....and always take time to listen to me talk crap....i've thought about getting stuff from USA but i think if it's not right i'm stuffed,where as Mr Motorcycles exchange or refund with no dramas....i dread to think how much of my hard earned dollars ivé put over that counter but hey....when your out ripping it up you soon forget about it.
Disclaimer......................Scott did not pay me to say this,hahaha

[Robert Taylor]

I try to buy local as well cheese but just a point here, we are not buying at wholesale overseas we are buying at retail! So their Rent, power, insurance etc is already in the price so I don't agree with this argument! We are buying USA as well, not third world or China, so I would imagine their wages etc would be similar, they have a similar standard of living don't they. Sorry mate mute point in my opinion. The volume thing has credibility but the rest I'm not so sure.

Gotta get back to work now as I wasted to much on my $285 on this thread!! LOL!! bloody Kiwibiker!! LOL!!

Heres just one example, Scotts in the USA used to order 10,000 steering dampers a year from Ohlins ( before the contract expired a couple of years back ) We did not of course order anything like that amount as we lack people to remotely even dream of such volume.

Who got the way way better buy price?

[tommorth]

I buy stuff localy if possible and its not stupidly over priced but also buy stuff on closeouts from the states because its so much cheaper

massive mark ups arn't unique to bike parts we recently found that we were getting a minimal discount on gib screws from placemakers for work after a phone call to the rep to see if they could do a better price we are now getting them for around a quarter of the retail price and the are still makeing money on it.

[clmintie]

I buy stuff localy if possible and its not stupidly over priced but also buy stuff on closeouts from the states because its so much cheaper

massive mark ups arn't unique to bike parts we recently found that we were getting a minimal discount on gib screws from placemakers for work after a phone call to the rep to see if they could do a better price we are now getting them for around a quarter of the retail price and the are still makeing money on it.

Same with Bunnings, we usually buy at less than half the retail price, interestingly though, it's usually the locally made stuff that has the big discounts...

[B0000M]

so if its so tough for nz dealers and the stuff is costing them so much, why dont the nz shops just buy retail from the USA then sell it for a bit more here. no stock levels needed, no minimum purchase


also if they are buying a fair bit of it - eg a buying group, they could probably get some pretty sharp deals from the place in the usa they are getting it from.

[takitimu]

Just to throw my 2c worth in as well.
I worked for a motorcycle parts and accessories importer while in the UK and I can tell you first hand that the brands you are representing make it clear that you must carry all of their lines each and every season and with in reason all these items must be in stock at all times. They also would not offer credit so the importer would have to pay for all of the stock up front.

To give you an idea of the outlay involved, one of the brands was Fly, and they came out with 208, 805 and 303 race gear in the same season. Each of these lines came in kids (5 sizes) and adults (5 sizes) and each line had 6 colur options (black, blue, red etc etc). Thats a hell of a lot of stock to carry to service a dealer network. On top of that you of corse had helmets, boots, gloves etc etc not to mention the w/house, staff, advertising etc etc. It was a hell of a lot of money to be paying out each and every season.

( I snipped a fair bit )
Bling awarded, to my simple mind you've hit to the core of the issue, it's not the retailers I blame it's the brands themselves & sometimes distributors, often they are stuck in some 1980/90's distribution model, we are in 2009 & just in time delivery should be the answer.
To give a real example, if you order say a monitor from an online computer retailer in NZ, odds are the retailer will never see the monitor, it'll be shipped from the distributor/manufacturer direct & the retailer gets a cut.
Until we get to that model of delivery for dirt bike support & accessories, the retailers will be piggy in the middle, the way things are structured now, we either have real support or sharp prices, it's rare to see both ( Scott might be able to explain why thor stands out as delivering both ).
P.S. I actually think NZ retailers who've survived are impressive, Scott's prices when given a chance are really sharp, for instance he has thor knee pads which excluding sales tax are cheaper here than the US, sure there are things like Renthall bars, Leatts & some others where it's stark, but I don't see any evidence the NZ retailers are at fault.
P.P.S. Found the same thing with OEM YZF250 headers, price in NZ was no cheaper 4 months ago than in the US, an FMF header on the other hand was alot cheaper in the US & I bought one back for that reason.

[boomer]

Its kind of ironic that there is not a level playing field when it comes to dealing with the yanks. Bollocks Obama has recently introduced protectionist measures for his agricultural sector and that is really screwing our primary producers bigtime. But its okay for other sectors in the US to dump product here.
I am guessing that this ''part time'' importer does not have motorcycles as a primary source of income? If so then why is he doing this? Answer, to make a quick buck out of brazen self interest. And not having to provide any credible form of support structure.
The motorcycle industry here ( the legitimate full time one ) provides employment for thousands of people. In these times I would count retention of jobs uppermost, much more so than those picking the eyes out of it to suit their own pockets.
Fulltime legitimate importers do not so much have the luxury of choosing to import when the currency is strong as they are tied to the production schedules of the factories. Part timers will only do so when the currency is strong. Leaches.

Times change unfortunately, and if businesses don't/can't see that change then they will suffer. Business models change; those who invested heavily without foresight will pay...

It's a fact; let the consumer decide.

[Robert Taylor]

so if its so tough for nz dealers and the stuff is costing them so much, why dont the nz shops just buy retail from the USA then sell it for a bit more here. no stock levels needed, no minimum purchase


also if they are buying a fair bit of it - eg a buying group, they could probably get some pretty sharp deals from the place in the usa they are getting it from.

Please define ''a bit more'' ??? If a dealer cant make 30% at minimum then likely they will run at a loss or very very marginal profit when you factor in a whole raft of day to day overheads. Many significant increases in overheads occured over the last 9 years with extra levies ( taxes ) local Government hikes ( taxes on taxes ) and 4 weeks paid holidays etc. And margins on bikes have been continually squeezed downwards.

No direspect but an idea like ''Buying off US retailers'' made me think '' did the guy come down in the last shower''

Not all goods are produced in the USA, and thank god for that.

I have stated this before in other threads and am at pains to point it out again.....commercial operators will pay a whole raft of clearance charges, gst on those charges and gst on the LEGITIMATE value of the FOB ( free on board ) value of the goods.

It is not a level playing field that Mr Consumer can do a one off order from overseas companies and all too often land the goods with no gst, no clearance charges and no gst on those charges etc. And very often will convince the seller to fraudulently undervalue the goods.

Bear in mind that there are many consumers who will absolutely go for the lowest price come hell or high water.

The Government could create many extra jobs in one swoop ( customs officers )plus a whole load more gst derived revenue by firmly closing that loophole. Might have a talk to John Key on that one, would be great for employment.

Also bear in mind that manufacturers dont produce or have on hand stocks of all lines at all times and that they onsell to appointed distributors, that is and continues to be the standard business model.

[Robert Taylor]

( I snipped a fair bit )
Bling awarded, to my simple mind you've hit to the core of the issue, it's not the retailers I blame it's the brands themselves & sometimes distributors, often they are stuck in some 1980/90's distribution model, we are in 2009 & just in time delivery should be the answer.
To give a real example, if you order say a monitor from an online computer retailer in NZ, odds are the retailer will never see the monitor, it'll be shipped from the distributor/manufacturer direct & the retailer gets a cut.
Until we get to that model of delivery for dirt bike support & accessories, the retailers will be piggy in the middle, the way things are structured now, we either have real support or sharp prices, it's rare to see both ( Scott might be able to explain why thor stands out as delivering both ).
P.S. I actually think NZ retailers who've survived are impressive, Scott's prices when given a chance are really sharp, for instance he has thor knee pads which excluding sales tax are cheaper here than the US, sure there are things like Renthall bars, Leatts & some others where it's stark, but I don't see any evidence the NZ retailers are at fault.
P.P.S. Found the same thing with OEM YZF250 headers, price in NZ was no cheaper 4 months ago than in the US, an FMF header on the other hand was alot cheaper in the US & I bought one back for that reason.

''Just in time'' only works if someone somewhere has huge inventory, and the intestinal fortitude to do so. With a population of 4 million that is never going to happen here.
What is overlooked is that many or most manufacturers have lead times and you have to often commit to numbers of lines well in advance. You may be required to place your firm committment in say week 14 of that year, with production slated for say week 32 and delivery by surface would add another 4 to 5 weeks. Such an example is very typical.Manufacturers do not have limitless production capacity! And the ideal scenario is to slightly underproduce so you dont impact negatively on your nett profit by having run out specials. And they get their distributors to commit so that the very highest percentage of each production run is committed to sale. Smart economics.
The problem is that there is now no respect from especially US companies about relative distributors appointed territory. Many are seemingly oblivious to stop and think how this is impacting on their own long term security of employment.

[Robert Taylor]

Some people have warped view on what RRP and trade should be etc.

Internet direct sellers like trade me whores rape the shit out of the industry. Have you noticed that alot of smaller shops and stuff these days have closed their doors? Toy shops are a real prime example of this.

US gear is cheaper mainly due to volume. You get a country that big buying that much gear gets cheaper. The volumes they buy in are huge. we buy in 10 - 100. They buy in 1000 - 100,000

Next time you moan about how much retailers charge take this into consideration.

Rent, power, insurance etc for your shop. Not cheap bills.
The initial outlay costs for stock. You walk into most shops and I bet you look around and most shops think about how much outlay they have forked out.
Staff to run the shops - that gets more expensive every year.

I try to supports shops where I can.

Im sure that many think that shops have a secure room where huge bundles of cash are hoarded. Never found such a room in any building that Ive worked in, only in banks.

[camchain]

Been following this thread with interest. It's good for us to always keep in mind that our buying decisions have more significance than just the dollar 'price' we pay.

But the issue of how 'legitimate' any particuar deal might be is really due to government regulation or lack of it. That's what creates these situations. Stupid global economy. Principle of deregulating the hell out of everything has led to a lot of benefits but maybe even more failures (eg the sheer madness of ridiculous leaking buildings). It's such a dog eat dog world now.

Not every cloud has a silver lining but at least anyone tempted in buying one of these US bikes will still be buying plenty of local parts, tyres etc & may have saved enough to afford some suspension tuning?

[B0000M]

Please define ''a bit more'' ???

im meaning in the cases where we can get things for less than half what the local shops are selling it for by means of buying from another shop - also with overheads in a different city or country.

and often you will hear those shops say 'shit thats less than we pay for it'.... well perhaps local shops could look into getting better suppliers if joe average can get better deals than them.

i still agree that supporting your local is a good idea, but there comes a time when for financial reasons you just cant justify it. eg for me i dont shop at the local bike shops, as they have offered poor service and extremely high prices in comparison to mr motorcycles

[Robert Taylor]

im meaning in the cases where we can get things for less than half what the local shops are selling it for by means of buying from another shop - also with overheads in a different city or country.

and often you will hear those shops say 'shit thats less than we pay for it'.... well perhaps local shops could look into getting better suppliers if joe average can get better deals than them.

i still agree that supporting your local is a good idea, but there comes a time when for financial reasons you just cant justify it. eg for me i dont shop at the local bike shops, as they have offered poor service and extremely high prices in comparison to mr motorcycles

If it were really as simple as that.....If you owned a motorcycle shop you would have a much better appreciation of the complexities.

[YellowDog]

If it were really as simple as that.....If you owned a motorcycle shop you would have a much better appreciation of the complexities.
I don't know what you sell and how you go about it; however you should by now know the profile of your potential clients.

I would hope that they are not those who would prefer to save a few $ by importing, rather than enjoying personal and local services.

Such people were never going to be your clients and I would suggest that you should stop concerning yourself. You are not loosing their business as they would not have ever bought from you at the NZ retail price.

If you want to attract these sort of guys I suggest that you create a 'Value' line so at least they will be able to choose between value and quality. You probably do this already.

I don't know your business and would not look to tell you how you should run it. The NZ retail marketplace is going through some quite dramatic changes. These changes have already occurred elsewhere in the world and you would do well to research such changes and look at how best to survive and benefit from these.

I am highly aware of how tough it is being in business. If you stand still, you will dissapear. You need to be able to respond to and anticipate the market. Easier said than done however I wish the the best with your endeavours.

EDIT: Just seen your signature. I have had exclusive distributorships before. My experience was that they can be overly restrictive.

[boomer]

And there lies the problem, with complexities comes costs. Make things simple and pass on the costs; thats what internet sellers have done.

[Robert Taylor]

I don't know what you sell and how you go about it; however you should by now know the profile of your potential clients.

I would hope that they are not those who would prefer to save a few $ by importing, rather than enjoying personal and local services.

Such people were never going to be your clients and I would suggest that you should stop concerning yourself. You are not loosing their business as they would not have ever bought from you at the NZ retail price.

If you want to attract these sort of guys I suggest that you create a 'Value' line so at least they will be able to choose between value and quality. You probably do this already.

I don't know your business and would not look to tell you how you should run it. The NZ retail marketplace is going through some quite dramatic changes. These changes have already occurred elsewhere in the world and you would do well to research such changes and look at how best to survive and benefit from these.

I am highly aware of how tough it is being in business. If you stand still, you will dissapear. You need to be able to respond to and anticipate the market. Easier said than done however I wish the the best with your endeavours.

EDIT: Just seen your signature. I have had exclusive distributorships before. My experience was that they can be overly restrictive.

I can assure you I am very attuned to what is happening. And in dealing with a complex product there are often complex solutions in deference to some of the blanket statements made.
What I do find objectionable is the simplistic mindset of ''being a motorcycle dealer is a license to print money and they are ripping us off'' My posts have tried to illustrate that the reality is in fact quite different and that there are in fact two sides to the story.
AND I WILL SAY IT HERE AND NOW, IF YOU FIND A VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICE OFFSHORE RE THE PRODUCT I PREDOMINANTLY SELL, LET ME KNOW AND I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO. Already of course we provide service and backup that an overseas seller or parallell importer cannot match. Parallell importers ( or those that aspire to be ) do not have direct access to the factory ( nor are they allowed it ) and are therefore not privy to the full amount of ongoing update information available. They only get filtered through a percentage of it.

[YellowDog]

I can assure you I am very attuned to what is happening. And in dealing with a complex product there are often complex solutions in deference to some of the blanket statements made.
What I do find objectionable is the simplistic mindset of ''being a motorcycle dealer is a license to print money and they are ripping us off'' My posts have tried to illustrate that the reality is in fact quite different and that there are in fact two sides to the story.
AND I WILL SAY IT HERE AND NOW, IF YOU FIND A VERY ATTRACTIVE PRICE OFFSHORE RE THE PRODUCT I PREDOMINANTLY SELL, LET ME KNOW AND I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO. Already of course we provide service and backup that an overseas seller or parallell importer cannot match. Parallell importers ( or those that aspire to be ) do not have direct access to the factory ( nor are they allowed it ) and are therefore not privy to the full amount of ongoing update information available. They only get filtered through a percentage of it.


Of course there are some things that you just can't get in NZ and if you want them via the correct channels the lead time is unrealistic.

I must say that you appear to have a have a very realistic attitude. Most I have met don't and will not help.

For large price sensitive deals I used to get my suppliers to get 'Special Bids' from the manufacturers to help match/beat imported prices.

All I would say that anyone who did not go to you and ask for a better deal before importing would be a fool.

As I have said many time, I would prefer to pay more in NZ to get the assurance of contact and service rather than take the chance on an import. This is my personal opinion. Many don't share it and seem content to spend $100 to save $110; with the courier companies being the main beneficiaries.

[krasher]

Worth getting...?

[kezzafish]

ahhhhhhh, what model is it? ... 250, 450, X, R, 07, 08 ?

[krasher]

I'll have to double check. It was an 08 250R from memory.

[B0000M]

looks like an 08 250r to me

[Reckless]

Worth getting...?

Well mate if you are spending that much money you should be able to do the math BUT

5K USD is about 7400-00NZD plus GST = $8437-00NZD plus freight say $500-1000NZD plus any customs charges cleaning etc! Say $9500ish NZD. Very rough figures of coarse!!

I'm not sure what they are worth here but for a grand or 2 extra, I'd definatly support the NZ retailer (bit different from my Armour etc where the savings where over 100%)

Others may no the prices or CRF250r's for a better idea!

[B0000M]

thats pretty much it. works out about the same price as buying one locally - but with a huge risk factor tacked on

[krasher]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Its the CBR1000 for 3.5k US that had my attention. They are dry so wouldn't need cleaning.

The dirt bikes get no warranty anyway (not over there anyway). Well, hugely limited, so the risk isn't huge. Buying one is a risk period.

What warranty do u get here on a brand spanking new dirt bike?

[B0000M]

nah i was meaning the risk as in the risk that you pay the money and recieve a whole lot of no bike, or a different bike than pictured or something along those lines

[krasher]

Oh yep. I see.

[Robert Taylor]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Its the CBR1000 for 3.5k US that had my attention. They are dry so wouldn't need cleaning.

The dirt bikes get no warranty anyway (not over there anyway). Well, hugely limited, so the risk isn't huge. Buying one is a risk period.

What warranty do u get here on a brand spanking new dirt bike?

With the 1000 the known ( and expensive ) issue wont likely have been fixed and no NZ dealer would touch it with a bargepole without charging the true time and at their hourly rate. They wont have had a profit on the sale to offset the poor reimbursement rates for warranty.
Competition bikes usually only have a very limited parts warranty nor should they have anything more liberal given that they are highly stressed competition machines. But sometimes a fault may occur that reasonably is a manufacturing defect. If you dont buy locally ( and support your locals ) and something expensive happens then you are up the creek without a paddle.

[krasher]

I appreciate your one sided perspective, but as a consumer who has spent local on mountain bikes, had them break, then had no support, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and manage the risk myself - and while at it, offer others the same opportunities.

Every shop/industry is different. But one thing is always the same...its all about managed risk. You pay more because you are paying for support/backup etc. If you don't need/want or believe this will happen, then stuff paying for it. That is being polite. I am sick of being ripped off by companies who sell stuff to stupid prices that are not justified by the backup that they supply.

[tommorth]

warrantys on dirt bikes are usually crap but they are classed as race machines. but somehow husky manages to offer a 2year warranty on there bikes if I was buying new thats where I would be spending , and looking around at the toad seemed like a few others thought the same.

[Robert Taylor]

I appreciate your one sided perspective, but as a consumer who has spent local on mountain bikes, had them break, then had no support, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and manage the risk myself - and while at it, offer others the same opportunities.

Every shop/industry is different. But one thing is always the same...its all about managed risk. You pay more because you are paying for support/backup etc. If you don't need/want or believe this will happen, then stuff paying for it. That is being polite. I am sick of being ripped off by companies who sell stuff to stupid prices that are not justified by the backup that they supply.

''RIPPED OFF'' is a term too freely and emotively used and is so often wide of the mark. The balance sheets of those you point the finger at would most often more accurately reflect that they are ripping themselves off, when you look at the net profit. But I dont expect you will understand that.

[oldskool]

I appreciate your one sided perspective, but as a consumer who has spent local on mountain bikes, had them break, then had no support, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and manage the risk myself - and while at it, offer others the same opportunities.

Every shop/industry is different. But one thing is always the same...its all about managed risk. You pay more because you are paying for support/backup etc. If you don't need/want or believe this will happen, then stuff paying for it. That is being polite. I am sick of being ripped off by companies who sell stuff to stupid prices that are not justified by the backup that they supply.


Well said!

There is always 2 sides to the coin toss isn't there. In this case, a peace of mind insurance buying a local bike or playing the speculation game and importing one yourself.

A good fallback Plan B for the speculator, and using the corporate pirate model as a good example, and assuming the worst case - mechanically the bike fails, you can always break it down and sell it off for parts. History shows you tend to make your money back with bonuses included, such as keeping other bits and pieces that came with it. This is how the corporate pirates rape and pillage big business. It's been a common business practice with NZ corporate for years and years. I remember the 80's well. Plenty of get rich quick fat cats who destroyed generations of kiwis then.

What I don't understand is this NZ 'loyalty' stigma that keeps being raised. Who or what are we, the plebs of NZ, supposed to be loyal to? NZ business? Old Money? Sounds like a brainwash to keep giving the business owner a lifestyle they've enjoyed in a protected 'Retail' market over the last 40 years. Time to give some others a break so others can enjoy a lavish lifestyle with multiple bathroom mansions and 3 cars, a boat and a bach all paid off.

In terms of economy what you are doing is ensuring money is being circulated at the lower end of the food chain, which has got to be good for the economy! This way the money makes it's way up to the rich in new cycles.

Good on yah krasher, you have my support!

[krasher]

warrantys on dirt bikes are usually crap but they are classed as race machines. but somehow husky manages to offer a 2year warranty on there bikes if I was buying new thats where I would be spending , and looking around at the toad seemed like a few others thought the same.
Wow, can't argue with that. I asked the shop in the states about warranties when I was researching importing and he said it was pretty much irrelivent on dirt bikes due to them being made for racing.

[Robert Taylor]

Well said!

There is always 2 sides to the coin toss isn't there. In this case, a peace of mind insurance buying a local bike or playing the speculation game and importing one yourself.

A good fallback Plan B for the speculator, and using the corporate pirate model as a good example, and assuming the worst case - mechanically the bike fails, you can always break it down and sell it off for parts. History shows you tend to make your money back with bonuses included, such as keeping other bits and pieces that came with it. This is how the corporate pirates rape and pillage big business. It's been a common business practice with NZ corporate for years and years. I remember the 80's well. Plenty of get rich quick fat cats who destroyed generations of kiwis then.

What I don't understand is this NZ 'loyalty' stigma that keeps being raised. Who or what are we, the plebs of NZ, supposed to be loyal to? NZ business? Old Money? Sounds like a brainwash to keep giving the business owner a lifestyle they've enjoyed in a protected 'Retail' market over the last 40 years. Time to give some others a break so others can enjoy a lavish lifestyle with multiple bathroom mansions and 3 cars, a boat and a bach all paid off.

In terms of economy what you are doing is ensuring money is being circulated at the lower end of the food chain, which has got to be good for the economy! This way the money makes it's way up to the rich in new cycles.

Good on yah krasher, you have my support!

The peoples flag is not brightest red and you are tarring all NZ business with one brush it seems.
You get out of the lower end of the food chain by hard work and ambition, dont knock those who have been successful without callously treading on peoples toes to get there. And where does the biggest tax base and employment come from, BUSINESS.

[oldskool]

The peoples flag is not brightest red and you are tarring all NZ business with one brush it seems.
You get out of the lower end of the food chain by hard work and ambition, dont knock those who have been successful without callously treading on peoples toes to get there. And where does the biggest tax base and employment come from, BUSINESS.

And what is Krasher trying to do? It is 'you' trying to squash his attempt at getting out of the lower end of the food chain. 'You' and 'your' pointed finger accusations. What is wrong with a new kid on the block, or is this not allowed?
Me thinks it is 'you' who is the one getting personal in this thread.

[Ktmboy]

At the end of the day you guys are not looking at the big picture.

Is $1,500 profit too much to ask on a $12,000 bike when there are all the other expenses attached that joe bloggs, the non business owner, has no idea about that come attached with owning a business.
I bet you are not paying tax on your little importing idea. Quote "The fireblades are new 08's and would need new reflectors and on road stuff sorted and are about 4k USD$ plus shipping plus some coin for me for mucking round with it."
So add the GST/Tax/Insurances/ Wages on top and see what the true value is. Its just under valuing the product and undermining an economy.

Bottom feeding for want of a better word!!. Do you all like cheap Chinese imports? Well IMO thats really very similar.

Do it for yourself thats fine. But when you go touting for business that is legally wrong(if you aren't paying the dues like others) then thats a different kettle of fish and you cannot then compare apples with apples on price because you don't have the same overheads. You then then make it hard for dealers to survive and they go out of business.

"Oh dear its a day before race day and you need a piston". Sorry buddie stiff bics. Are you getting the picture now.

Heres a similarity.Well sort of.
I run a bike park as most know, part time. Yes I still need the day job. We have huge over heads(the tractor clunked last week so 45k for a replacement).
For a couple of months we have been in discussion with another private forestry block owner on South head. Best riding in the whole of Woodhill.

Well a few fuckwits from Silverdale have been illegally riding rather than paying like 99.9% of others do to ride. Well the second round of the two man has changed location because the land owner told us to go and get fucked because offroad motorbike riders are all dick heads. A few buggered it for the rest.

Not really the same but its similar. So do it for yourself but don't go stuffing up an economy because that affects a far greater population and peoples lively hoods.

End of rant

[Max Preload]

"Oh dear its a day before race day and you need a piston". Sorry buddie stiff bics. Are you getting the picture now.

You're talking about local dealers now, aren't you? "That (insert consumable part here) will be 6 weeks ex-japan".

[Robert Taylor]

And what is Krasher trying to do? It is 'you' trying to squash his attempt at getting out of the lower end of the food chain. 'You' and 'your' pointed finger accusations. What is wrong with a new kid on the block, or is this not allowed?
Me thinks it is 'you' who is the one getting personal in this thread.

Not at all, I subscribe to the etiquette of doing business properly and respecting that there are those with huge investment and long term committment to do so. This guy is just picking the eyes out of it and he knows it.

[jt119]

You're talking about local dealers now, aren't you? "That (insert consumable part here) will be 6 weeks ex-japan". (or ginga Rodney cops...) lol

[Ktmboy]

You're talking about local dealers now, aren't you? "That (insert consumable part here) will be 6 weeks ex-japan".

Yes I am. It goes hand in hand with stock and the cost of holding product. The warehouse rent, marketing, promotions,staff etc etc.
If we diminish the infrasturue we become a banana republic. Zimbabwe, Fiji.

I see what Krasher is doing and if he wants to do this for himself then its up to him.

But when he is openly touting to be the middle man then there must be a cost associated with this other wise the industry becomes disjointed.

[oldskool]

Not at all, I subscribe to the etiquette of doing business properly and respecting that there are those with huge investment and long term committment to do so. This guy is just picking the eyes out of it and he knows it.

Oh, okay, I stand corrected! :msn-wink: :apint:

[Ktmboy]

Oh, okay, I stand corrected! :msn-wink: :apint:

I think I'll join you:drinkup:

[krasher]

Classic.:nono:

[Robert Taylor]

Classic.:nono:

No, just respect for etiquette and leaving those to do it who will do it more properly than you are totally unprepared to do.

[Max Preload]

Yes I am. It goes hand in hand with stock and the cost of holding product. The warehouse rent, marketing, promotions,staff etc etc.
If we diminish the infrasturue we become a banana republic. Zimbabwe, Fiji.

I see what Krasher is doing and if he wants to do this for himself then its up to him.

But when he is openly touting to be the middle man then there must be a cost associated with this other wise the industry becomes disjointed.

And yet the absence of service and stock is an enduring scenario pre-dating the internet and parallel-importing. Dealers aren't owed a living - if they lift their game they have nothing to fear. That's why they are so fearful.

[scott411]

Heres a similarity.Well sort of.
I run a bike park as most know, part time. Yes I still need the day job. We have huge over heads(the tractor clunked last week so 45k for a replacement).
For a couple of months we have been in discussion with another private forestry block owner on South head. Best riding in the whole of Woodhill.

Well a few fuckwits from Silverdale have been illegally riding rather than paying like 99.9% of others do to ride. Well the second round of the two man has changed location because the land owner told us to go and get fucked because offroad motorbike riders are all dick heads. A few buggered it for the rest.


that really sucks, if you know who they are let me know, i will ban them from the facilties i help run as well, anyone that does this really effects all of us that enjoy riding off road

[B0000M]

And yet the absence of service and stock is an enduring scenario pre-dating the internet and parallel-importing. Dealers aren't owed a living - if they lift their game they have nothing to fear. That's why they are so fearful.


that hits the nail on the head!

[Robert Taylor]

And yet the absence of service and stock is an enduring scenario pre-dating the internet and parallel-importing. Dealers aren't owed a living - if they lift their game they have nothing to fear. That's why they are so fearful.

But that statement is tarring all dealers with the same brush! Those that are doing it well ( eg Mr Motorcycles ) are getting stronger. No-one disagrees that if they are not doing it well that they shouldnt reap the consequences. But parallell importing allows people to also not do it well and attracts fly by nighters.

[Max Preload]

But that statement is tarring all dealers with the same brush! Those that are doing it well ( eg Mr Motorcycles ) are getting stronger. No-one disagrees that if they are not doing it well that they shouldnt reap the consequences. But parallell importing allows people to also not do it well and attracts fly by nighters.

So they're doing well and have nothing to fear... seems like a win-win then. What was the complaint, again?

[krasher]

No, just respect for etiquette and leaving those to do it who will do it more properly than you are totally unprepared to do.
Mate, you're attitude stinks. I was just asking questions about all this and your getting all fired up. You don't even know how 'properly' I would do it. It's a different market. I am working in the second hand market here. It just so happens that the bikes are new.

I can either brush it off and say it's classic or tell you to GTFO of my thread because you obviously don't want a bike that I am looking to sell. Take your pick.

[takitimu]

Not really the same but its similar. So do it for yourself but don't go stuffing up an economy because that affects a far greater population and peoples lively hoods.

End of rant

That's no rant mate, it's a damn serious issue ( not just here, but globally ).

I've been thinking of doing a "rant" in our newsletter up here about illegal riding, in fact, I think I might have to make it a permanent message.

Skipping back to the issue at hand, my read is how much extra is it reasonable to pay in NZ for support etc, for me it's 25% ( give or take ), but I really struggle with paying 2-3 times for a product like say Renthall bars or FMF headers or Leatt, it's those sorts of extreme differentials that put people off & make NZ dealers look bad.

The way I see it if you look at a site/shop & know something like that is occurring on one product how do you know you can trust the prices on other products, I can see the variations now, but it's tough to escape the feeling that there are companies/distributers who are rorting NZ consumers & giving the ones who are trying to balance a good deal for consumer & supplier a bad name.

Skipping back to Robert Taylors reply to me earlier, maybe I'm being simplistic, if having a NZ warehouse means you struggle to explain your overheads ( ie. margin ), then maybe the idea of a NZ warehouse for those products is flawed, have one in OZ & distribute to NZ just as you would WA/Qld/NT/SA.

I just don't see the internet going away anytime soon, or overseas retailers stopping shipping to NZ, so I figure you either need to work out how to streamline your distribution path to be price competitive or offer a specialist service where that service ( eg. skilled suspension work ) provides enough value to make the additional cost worthwhile for consumers, but even there, I'd suggest there is no free lunch, if you supply product that costs you more, that differential is lost profit, now maybe there is no way around that, but I'd be looking if it was me.

Regarding fly by nighters, it'll always happen, whether it's cheap speakers off the back of a truck, tardme chinese importers here today gone tomorrow, whatever, but if your product offers value for money consistently & service, then you'll do ok, just look at eastwood hifi in Sydney, they are doing damn well against Harvey Norman & the fly by nighters & I'd argue their market is tougher than MX retail ( the undercutters are around the corner, nor overseas ).

[Robert Taylor]

Mate, you're attitude stinks. I was just asking questions about all this and your getting all fired up. You don't even know how 'properly' I would do it. It's a different market. I am working in the second hand market here. It just so happens that the bikes are new.

I can either brush it off and say it's classic or tell you to GTFO of my thread because you obviously don't want a bike that I am looking to sell. Take your pick.

No, Im just pointing out the pitfalls and defending too many emotive assumptions about established dealers that often do it well. Its too easy for fly by nighters and those who just choose to pick the eyes out of everything. My viewpoint is different to yours and devoid of the emotion you have just exhibited. Learn to take heat.

[Reckless]

That's no rant mate, it's a damn serious issue ( not just here, but globally ).

I've been thinking of doing a "rant" in our newsletter up here about illegal riding, in fact, I think I might have to make it a permanent message.

Skipping back to the issue at hand, my read is how much extra is it reasonable to pay in NZ for support etc, for me it's 25% ( give or take ), but I really struggle with paying 2-3 times for a product like say Renthall bars or FMF headers or Leatt, it's those sorts of extreme differentials that put people off & make NZ dealers look bad.

The way I see it if you look at a site/shop & know something like that is occurring on one product how do you know you can trust the prices on other products, I can see the variations now, but it's tough to escape the feeling that there are companies/distributers who are rorting NZ consumers & giving the ones who are trying to balance a good deal for consumer & supplier a bad name.
Skipping back to Robert Taylors reply to me earlier, maybe I'm being simplistic, if having a NZ warehouse means you struggle to explain your overheads ( ie. margin ), then maybe the idea of a NZ warehouse for those products is flawed, have one in OZ & distribute to NZ just as you would WA/Qld/NT/SA.

I just don't see the internet going away anytime soon, or overseas retailers stopping shipping to NZ, so I figure you either need to work out how to streamline your distribution path to be price competitive or offer a specialist service where that service ( eg. skilled suspension work ) provides enough value to make the additional cost worthwhile for consumers, but even there, I'd suggest there is no free lunch, if you supply product that costs you more, that differential is lost profit, now maybe there is no way around that, but I'd be looking if it was me.

Regarding fly by nighters, it'll always happen, whether it's cheap speakers off the back of a truck, tardme chinese importers here today gone tomorrow, whatever, but if your product offers value for money consistently & service, then you'll do ok, just look at eastwood hifi in Sydney, they are doing damn well against Harvey Norman & the fly by nighters & I'd argue their market is tougher than MX retail ( the undercutters are around the corner, nor overseas ).

I wasn't going to post again! I'd said my piece but to me that's balanced and pretty much perfect in every word from the illegal riders to NZ pricing an importing thing! I don't know anyone on here that owns a Chinese bike either. We are serious riders that want good quality goods and service, are prepared to pay for it, but are sick of the NZ captive market margin added! We don't want things to cost so much we have to choose another sport for our kids and us. As said a few times over the last few days we think its the double margin that's putting things over the top!
I would suggest that all of us prefer to support the NZ retailer a std retail margin used to be 30%. As takitimu says we would be happy to pay say 25-30% or so over USA retail but the 100%+ we see sometimes makes things look simply stupid! And we don't like being ripped.
I know (as takitimu says) Robert gives high quality service and loads of free advice and time to his clientele and motor-sport in general, always has, even in my karting days years ago! I can see why he's passionate about this! BUT there is a few in your industry that do not represent you well and I think you wholesalers/retailers need to clean up your own shop first, and not try and bully or guilt us to support your infrastructure??? Because we never will, get real!
Scott appears to be a case in point, maybe he is dealing with the importers that are not loading things up. Thor and Evs seem to be good. Maybe he's not dealing with the importers that make is shop look over the top and not stocking their lines, I dunno but he seems to have cracked it. NZ is simply Not a captive market anymore! Internet and freight technology has seen to that. Surly our importers are befitting from this as well, they just want to cling into their 100%+ margin. Costs bugger all to get a set of bars sent here, so we do! Its you retailers at the coal face, with the retail rents and time lost customer servicing etc that are losing credibility and money!
Just my 2c

[barty5]

[QUOTE=Reckless;1129360546
Just my 2c[/QUOTE]

By my count thats 12c keep going you'll be at a whole $1 soon hahahaha

[Reckless]

By my count thats 12c keep going you'll be at a whole $1 soon hahahaha

yeh LOL!!!! good one! that gave me a smile cheers!!!

[Shorty_925]

You have to pick and choose what to purchase from overseas, and same with trademe. I wanted to support a local shop, but paying $23 for 1 oil filter that should last all of 5 hours had me almost lost for words and thinking I need to find a new sport. Other shops around NZ have great prices, and so do shops on trademe. I got AXO boots for $300 from a shop, sell out price as model replaced, price fits my budget, and its the boot I want, being a run out doesnt bother me either.

Attitudes of some shops and wholesalers are questionable at best, I tried to get a new sole for a certain brand boot I had, asking for it to be sent in time for the weekend so I could go riding, to which the guy on the other end said dont we all. I would much rather walk over hot coals instead of buying that brand again.

[AllanB]

Assassin, you seem like you have a couple of issues with a few people, can i ask what you do for a job?, do you think there is a problem with people making a profit in your industry as well?

I like this. I'm in printing and publishing. I often quote on custom jobs and sometimes get people bitching about the price, wanting to know how much I am paying for the printing and what my profit is.

I politely tell them that is the price, our profit is our business, and they are welcome to find another provider. Often they return after realising it was indeed a 'good' price.

Others just rant - I usually politely ask what their profit margins are ..... this does not usually go down very well.


Having said the above, I know someone who priced a replacement battery for a CB1300 today - $400 bucks in NZ, he checked the net and they are US$80 in America for the identical item :no: He's not happy.

[AllanB]

Re anyone's comment about local dealers being 'rip-off artists' there have been 10 or more go out of business in the last 10 or so months.


Always sad to see your local disappear.

[Reckless]

I know someone who priced a replacement battery for a CB1300 today - $400 bucks in NZ, he checked the net and they are US$80 in America for the identical item :no: He's not happy.

And if it was a freight-able item????


Re anyone's comment about local dealers being 'rip-off artists' there have been 10 or more go out of business in the last 10 or so months.
Always sad to see your local disappear.

Re the above! I wonder why? wouldn't it be better to sell 10 batteries at say $200 than go bust. Point proven the mark ups are to big, the market is deciding with their feet! And sourcing other batteries that will do the job in NZ or buying overseas!

BTW: I don't think businesses closing are a good thing at all, very very bad in fact! but don't blame the purchaser for not wanting to pay an extra 300 bucks odd for his battery to support the infrastructure. You guys have to fix your own industry! No one here can believe that sort of mark up is justified by volume or extra NZ holding costs. You might consider it for Robert Taylors technical knowledge and on going advice that goes with his suspension service bit not for a flipping battery. I think our case is proven!
Rant over I'm not logging on for a week now!! LOL!!

[flyingcr250]

And if it was a freight-able item????



Re the above! I wonder why? wouldn't it be better to sell 10 batteries at say $200 than go bust. Point proven the mark ups are to big, the market is deciding with their feet! And sourcing other batteries that will do the job in NZ or buying overseas!

BTW: I don't think businesses closing are a good thing at all, very very bad in fact! but don't blame the purchaser for not wanting to pay an extra 300 bucks odd for his battery to support the infrastructure. You guys have to fix your own industry! No one here can believe that sort of mark up is justified by volume or extra NZ holding costs. You might consider it for Robert Taylors technical knowledge and on going advice that goes with his suspension service bit not for a flipping battery. I think our case is proven!
Rant over I'm not logging on for a week now!! LOL!!

ha ha ha i thought this thread would have been moved by now:jerry:

[avgas]

Yeah, I actually met the guy, saw the bikes, visited the shop and he is looking into sorting shipping for me.

It's a risk - but $ v's risk payoff isn't bad. You could buy two at that price and still be ahead.
He didn't used to sell Lamborghini's did he????? (google if you don't know what I'm talking about)