North Harbour Yamaha gone

[Bender]

I just had a call from North Harbour Yamaha to advise that the shop is shutting today.

My bike's in the workshop so they called to let me know the arrangements for moving it out.

[Maha]

Really?....bit shocked at that, maybe the move closer to the competition wasn't such a good one?
Bought my FZ8 off them just on a year go, one of the better bike shopping experience I have had, Paul was great to deal with.

[Phantom Limb]

Thats a shame, last time I went in there for new gaskets and spark plugs the guys were great to deal with and we had a laugh. What a bloody shame.

[Bender]

Huge shame, I found them good too.

[jamov13]

These guys used to be Henderson Yamaha right? Man it's a shame to see them shut. I recall they were the only guys that would help me with my Honda NSR when I first got into riding and wanted a small service done... Bontany Honda wouldn't even walk out their door to look at it. I think the guys name was Paul at Yamaha... what a good bunch of blokes.

[Maha]

These guys used to be Henderson Yamaha right? Man it's a shame to see them shut. I recall they were the only guys that would help me with my Honda NSR when I first got into riding and wanted a small service done... Bontany Honda wouldn't even walk out their door to look at it. I think the guys name was Paul at Yamaha... what a good bunch of blokes.

Paul Wheeler, they were at Wairau road (Currys Lane) before moving to Barrys Point Road, Henderson before that.

[JimO]

you shouldn't be surprised, every man and his dog buys shit on ebay now, bike shops cant compete

[Gremlin]

Go get your bike.

Now.

[\m/]

With all these Yamaha dealerships closing/changing brands it looks like Yamaha just doesn't give a fuck about the NZ market anymore.

[bluebird]

you shouldn't be surprised, every man and his dog buys shit on ebay now, bike shops cant compete

I just bought K&N airfilters for my M109 for $148 with post, half the price of the inferior factory ones from a dealer, so no surprise there.

[JimO]

I just bought K&N airfilters for my M109 for $148 with post, half the price of the inferior factory ones from a dealer, so no surprise there.
no problem but dont moan when your local dealer disappears

[BAD DAD]

I miss having a bike shop in Henderson and I hate going to VTNZ for warrants. When I first started riding, there were bike shops in Henderson, New Lynn and even Glen Eden would you believe. The best bike wrecker was also in Henderson. Now I feel like an old git getting all nostalgic for what once was and what will never be. Does anyone know what sort of back-up manufacturers give to dealers in general ?

[Hitcher]

With all these Yamaha dealerships closing/changing brands it looks like Yamaha just doesn't give a fuck about the NZ market anymore.

It has been a while since Yamaha showed any real interest in selling new motorcycles. This has been demonstrated by their pricing points, compared with similar models from other manufacturers; their complete unwillingness to show their full range of bikes on their web site; and also no interest in listing recommended retail price information online as other manufacturers have no issues with. Amongst other things.

[Hitcher]

you shouldn't be surprised, every man and his dog buys shit on ebay now, bike shops cant compete

It's hard to buy a completely assembled new motorcycle on Ebay and considerably harder to get it serviced through that online channel. That said, if motorcycle shops are dependent on their parts and accessories departments for their financial viability, then they should be seriously examining their business model.

[Gremlin]

Does anyone know what sort of back-up manufacturers give to dealers in general ?
It's the importers generally, depending on what you're talking about. The importer handles stock allocation, bringing bikes and parts in etc. Warranty claims are usually manufacturer not importer? I think anyway...

As for actual service, completely depends on the brand. Some are excellent and some are utter shite. There's also a bunch in the middle, would you believe.

[Digitdion]

It's hard to buy a completely assembled new motorcycle on Ebay and considerably harder to get it serviced through that online channel. That said, if motorcycle shops are dependent on their parts and accessories departments for their financial viability, then they should be seriously examining their business model.

Very well said. And SO TRUE!

[Metal Doctor]

if they are closing down, a new one would have to open somewhere. i cant imagine a major brand like Yamaha not having a main dealer? Maybe the current owners had a falling out with Yam or something?

[BMWST?]

if they are closing down, a new one would have to open somewhere. i cant imagine a major brand like Yamaha not having a main dealer? Maybe the current owners had a falling out with Yam or something?

Beleive it.Wellington has had very poor Yamaha representation for years.

[Damantis]

Waikato Yamaha closed earlier this year too.

[mossy1200]

Waikato Yamaha closed earlier this year too.

Know of a small town yamaha dealership that droped yamaha because his main market was quads and they told him he needed stock 4 new road bikes at all times.

[gammaguy]

It has been a while since Yamaha showed any real interest in selling new motorcycles. This has been demonstrated by their pricing points, compared with similar models from other manufacturers; their complete unwillingness to show their full range of bikes on their web site; and also no interest in listing recommended retail price information online as other manufacturers have no issues with. Amongst other things.

yamaha australia own the distribution rights into NZ.

think they care much?

[JimO]

if they are closing down, a new one would have to open somewhere. i cant imagine a major brand like Yamaha not having a main dealer? Maybe the current owners had a falling out with Yam or something?
Dunedin hasnt had a Honda dealer for years

[nzspokes]

If only they had opened Sundays......:bleh:

[Kickaha]

If only they had opened Sundays......:bleh:

Then they could have closed up for good months ago

[ktm84mxc]

Come on Spokey get over the opening on Sunday will be the salvation of bike shops .
Yamaha NZ is run from Australia and our market would equate to Tasmania's and we all know what the Aussi's think of that state. I understand Peter Payne is returning to Auss soon and Olli Sharpe will be coming on board as a sales/marketing manager.
Yamaha's road bike presence in NZ is tiny they make more turn over on the farm/quad and off road market.
Sorry to see Nth Harbour Yamaha go , it appears a stand alone franchise will struggle in NZ esp a Yamaha or Kawasaki, multi brands seems the way to go. Remember a shop in East Ham London had Suzi,Honda,Kawa,Yam and Ducati what a choice/selection.

[Bender]

yamaha australia own the distribution rights into NZ.

think they care much?

Nail/Head...

[Ocean1]

yamaha australia own the distribution rights into NZ.

think they care much?

Yes, Australian direction of NZ businesses has represented a huge cost to the NZ economy and workforce over the years.

And, having crippled or closed businesses here they'd been known to have the balls to blame the lack of NZ turnover for subsequent losses at home.

[Hitcher]

Remember a shop in East Ham London had Suzi,Honda,Kawa,Yam and Ducati what a choice/selection.

Such multi-franchise arrangements are the norm in the USA. New bike shops are generally either exclusively Harley-Davidson (sometimes with Ducati or Triumph hidden away in a back corner) or Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha combined, often with Polaris thrown in as well.

[Metal Doctor]

when i brought my blade from a honda dealership i had to take it back a few months later for a recall job, they would not honour it a said they will not be doing hondas anymore, there was alot of shouting and arm waving going on as you can imagine, had to take it to another dealer to be sorted.

turns out honda had dropped them as a dealer because they werent operating as honda wanted them to!

as for yam, i dont know if they are so strickt on there dealers, but it seems fuckin stoopid not to have a major dealer in NZ! i've always liked Yams even had a few myself, i think they pump alot of money into R+D and would need high sales to meet targets.

[SPman]

Such multi-franchise arrangements are the norm in the USA. New bike shops are generally either exclusively Harley-Davidson (sometimes with Ducati or Triumph hidden away in a back corner) or Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha combined, often with Polaris thrown in as well.
In Perth just go to the Causeway - the same overall owners have a Kawaski shop, with Aprilia & Moto Guzzi, (used to also have Bimota and Benelli, until the Aus distributorship changed), walk through the hole in the wall to the Ducati/KTM/MV dealership...stroll next door to Victory, then again to the Yamaha shop, then to the next shop (seperate owners) with lots of second hand and the Hyosung etc, dealership, then another 10m to the Honda shop. Walk 100 m the other way to a Harley shop..........
If you want a Suzuki - tough - you'll have to go 3 k up the road! Triumph - 6k the other way!

[Digitdion]

In Perth just go to the Causeway - the same overall owners have a Kawaski shop, with Aprilia & Moto Guzzi, (used to also have Bimota and Benelli, until the Aus distributorship changed), walk through the hole in the wall to the Ducati/KTM/MV dealership...stroll next door to Victory, then again to the Yamaha shop, then to the next shop (seperate owners) with lots of second hand and the Hyosung etc, dealership, then another 10m to the Honda shop. Walk 100 m the other way to a Harley shop..........
If you want a Suzuki - tough - you'll have to go 3 k up the road! Triumph - 6k the other way!

Not far from Auckland!

[Chad_Bell]

It's a bloody sham they have closed! Went there for everything. Luke the mechanic there was great. He has given me permission to give his phone number out as he will still work from home if anyone is interested, 0211377911. I think he lives on the hibiscus coast. I would still go to him. He's a lot cheaper from home. Just trying to help him out since they closed so suddenly.

[Bytor]

if they are closing down, a new one would have to open somewhere. i cant imagine a major brand like Yamaha not having a main dealer? Maybe the current owners had a falling out with Yam or something?

Red Baron and TMG do Yamaha in Auckland

[Metal Doctor]

Red Baron and TMG do Yamaha in Auckland

do they do the road and off road range there?

[Gremlin]

do they do the road and off road range there?
Website says so... but whether stock is available in store... they are a relatively new appointment to the Yamaha brand.

[ktm84mxc]

TMG have both the road and dirt range plus farm quads and ags , easy to find take the Takanini off ramp and head south down Gt South rd to Papakura it's beside the Z/Shell servo with the Burger King.

[Robert Taylor]

With all these Yamaha dealerships closing/changing brands it looks like Yamaha just doesn't give a fuck about the NZ market anymore.

100% wrong, theres just no money in being a dealer.

[NordieBoy]

Know of a small town yamaha dealership that droped yamaha because his main market was quads and they told him he needed stock 4 new road bikes at all times.

Yep, that was an issue in Nelson with KTM. Having to stock the road bikes while only selling dirt bikes.

[Raelaslol]

That's a shame, bought my bike there and Luke looked after all of my upgrades / servicing

[GrayWolf]

no problem but dont moan when your local dealer disappears

My Local dealer TSS, has one advantage over online purchases... Well two if you take into account Andrew who runs the clothing/spares section. I can always try on any prospective purchase, and be confident if it doesnt fit correctly I am safe and not left with a return postage to pay, or a shoddy online dealer who doesnt want to accept it's wrong. And importantly I will always go see Andrew and he willl always see if he can get it, or similar for me... Im happy to pay even the bit extra to keep that level of service and confidence when buying.

[GrayWolf]

when i brought my blade from a honda dealership i had to take it back a few months later for a recall job, they would not honour it a said they will not be doing hondas anymore, there was alot of shouting and arm waving going on as you can imagine, had to take it to another dealer to be sorted.

turns out honda had dropped them as a dealer because they werent operating as honda wanted them to!

as for yam, i dont know if they are so strickt on there dealers, but it seems fuckin stoopid not to have a major dealer in NZ! i've always liked Yams even had a few myself, i think they pump alot of money into R+D and would need high sales to meet targets.

seems Yamaha DO want to dictate how dealers sell products.. I have no doubt there is more than just 'that' in the background, but I understood from Stuart (TSS) Yamaha wanted a 'separation screen/wall from other bikes' and a dedicated Yamaha only sales person.

[White trash]

Yep, that was an issue in Nelson with KTM. Having to stock the road bikes while only selling dirt bikes.

That doesn't sound right actually. KTM dealers make a very clear choice as to whether they wish to be an LC8 dealer or not. We've also never been pressured into taking on a model we didn't want.

[Harry up]

It's a bloody sham they have closed! Went there for everything. Luke the mechanic there was great. He has given me permission to give his phone number out as he will still work from home if anyone is interested, 0211377911. I think he lives on the hibiscus coast. I would still go to him. He's a lot cheaper from home. Just trying to help him out since they closed so suddenly.

Shit, just brought a brand new R1 from them 3 months ago, had the first service done so I guess it's over the bridge for the rest to maintain warranty.
Paul was great to deal with as was Luke, agree.

Sad for them, pain in the arse for me.

[Harry up]

BTW, I used to work for a Honda dealer, you'd be amazed at the hoops they make you jump through to have 'their badge', most justified to not devalue the brand.
Ever notice that AMPS had multi brands - Honda wanted a presence in the city, they had no bar of us trying to have 2 brands back then!

Also, Tony Rees now Honda after many years as Yammy dealer - wonder why....................

[theseekerfinds]

In Perth just go to the Causeway - the same overall owners have a Kawaski shop, with Aprilia & Moto Guzzi, (used to also have Bimota and Benelli, until the Aus distributorship changed), walk through the hole in the wall to the Ducati/KTM/MV dealership...stroll next door to Victory, then again to the Yamaha shop, then to the next shop (seperate owners) with lots of second hand and the Hyosung etc, dealership, then another 10m to the Honda shop. Walk 100 m the other way to a Harley shop..........
If you want a Suzuki - tough - you'll have to go 3 k up the road! Triumph - 6k the other way!

Causeway used to be three solo dealers; Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha, and one second hand dealer in the middle the franchises wouldn't allow multi franchise agreements so they put their heads together and put doorways in the walls. I spent many a Saturday at Causeway, Albany Highway had a thriving bike scene back then with a Guzzi/Gillera dealer at the other end with Total Motorcycle Accessories as a near neighbour and a couple of dedicated second hand dealers in between them and Causeway.

I used to deal with Kawasaki Northside and remember they had strong arrangements with their franchise about what they HAD to carry including road, dirt, quads and Mules etc. There were plenty of shops back then, Kawasaki and Honda had three shops at least, Suzuki and Yamaha weren't as well represented while Harley had a massive former car yard as their sole showroom while Ducati/Bimota were located out in Bayswater so you could while an entire day away doing the bike shop crawl. Here in Wellington we have TSS, Boyles, Motorad, Wellington MC, Motomart, Macs and Scooterazzi with all of them multi franchises except Mac and Boyles I think.. long since gone are Sawyers and MC City amongst others.. the Wellington shop scene is shrinking slowly and that's a real shame..

[Crasherfromwayback]

My Local dealer TSS, has one advantage over online purchases... Well two if you take into account Andrew who runs the clothing/spares section.

Hard to find a more knowledgeable fellow than Andrew Lawrence that's for sure. Nice guy to boot. Pretty handy on a motorsickle too.

[Akane]

Just called TMG Yamaha in Takanini, they're closing end of this month as well.

I might as well have a go at servicing this bike myself.

[Gremlin]

Just called TMG Yamaha in Takanini, they're closing end of this month as well.

I might as well have a go at servicing this bike myself.
Woah... another bites the dust. Looks like only Red Baron is left in Auckland for Yamaha...

[Disco Dan]

Woah... another bites the dust. Looks like only Red Baron is left in Auckland for Yamaha...

So only option if you own a Yamaha is to get arse raped by the idiots at Red Baron? Terrific....

[Maha]

Anyone can/will service any make/model.

[Flip]

Oh another jap bike shop goes bust....................

[gloplg]

Oh another jap bike shop goes bust....................

You giving us jap riders a hard time again Flip????????:whistle::whistle::whistle::whistle:

[98tls]

Oh another jap bike shop goes bust....................

Stop being so flippant....

[Zedder]

You giving us jap riders a hard time again Flip????????:whistle::whistle::whistle::whistle:

Well he's harley going to support something that's not from the USA.

[actungbaby]

I just had a call from North Harbour Yamaha to advise that the shop is shutting today.

My bike's in the workshop so they called to let me know the arrangements for moving it out.

Sad we havent even got yamaha dealership in palmerston north

Support your local Bike shops , i went into mine today and had

Susension bearings i needed in stock so no waiting around over the net.

[pete-blen]

yamaha australia own the distribution rights into NZ.

think they care much?


Yer that sounds about right..:yes:.... EVERY dam part I have ordered has to come from Austraila
that includes a bloody front brake lever...:angry: I would say very little stock is held in NZ..

[Flip]

Well he's harley going to support something that's not from the USA.

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. I find some pleasure, ok almost delight nowdays that the preverbial boot is on the other foot.

Recently I busted a headlight on the roadking. Went to the local HD dealer, they asked is it a jeweled, patterned or smoke lense, I said was a clear one, which was the jeweled one. They went out back got a new one in a box and all it cost me was $70 which included a new bulb and plug.

I wonder how much one is for a FZRRRRRRR and if there is even one in NZ?

[Kickaha]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle market.
You must mean what the British did to themselves when they were unable to emulate Harley by selling outdated crap at exorbitant prices

[Akane]

So only option if you own a Yamaha is to get arse raped by the idiots at Red Baron? Terrific....

I've booked a service with them, was it a bad idea?

[BigAl]

I wonder how much one is for a FZRRRRRRR and if there is even one in NZ?

$39.64. :oi-grr:

[gammaguy]

Hard to find a more knowledgeable fellow than Andrew Lawrence that's for sure. Nice guy to boot. Pretty handy on a motorsickle too.

and has a lovely kwaka triple

[Harry up]

Just called TMG Yamaha in Takanini, they're closing end of this month as well.

I might as well have a go at servicing this bike myself.

For f$&?s sake, what's going on Yamaha!

[Harry up]

Anyone can/will service any make/model.

And still cover the new bike warranty....?

[Zedder]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. I find some pleasure, ok almost delight nowdays that the preverbial boot is on the other foot.

Recently I busted a headlight on the roadking. Went to the local HD dealer, they asked is it a jeweled, patterned or smoke lense, I said was a clear one, which was the jeweled one. They went out back got a new one in a box and all it cost me was $70 which included a new bulb and plug.

I wonder how much one is for a FZRRRRRRR and if there is even one in NZ?

Yeah, but it wasn't just the Japs doing though. Lack of support from the British Government, post WW2 conditions, petrol rationing plus poor management and production systems etc didn't help.

I always remember being a bit bemused about HDs being built under license in Japan from 1929-1958. Hard case.

[gloplg]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry.

When I worked at Whiting and Waltho in the early 1970's EVERY British bike in the showroom had at least one drip tray under it. NONE of the Hondas etc needed a drip tray because the machining tolerances of the Japanese bikes was so much better that they didn't leak.

The British were using clapped out production machinery to make motorcycles which dated from the 1930's. They shot themselves in the foot by not updating either their machinery or the bikes themselves. The Japanese produced far better bikes with good performance at a good price.

In 1971 a cb350 cost just under $1000.00 wofed, regd, with a full tank of petrol. A cb750 was just under $2k.

Sorry Phil but the Brits did it to themselves.

[Maha]

And still cover the new bike warranty....?

Yip, I bought my bike from North Harbour Yamaha, but got the first service done here where I live, I did ask the question before doing so.

[Crasherfromwayback]

and has a lovely kwaka triple

Didn't know he was into them. Which model? I'm guessing an H2?

[Robert Taylor]

For f$&?s sake, what's going on Yamaha!

I think people have to just get used to the fact that there actually need to be a lot less motorcycle dealers because as has been particularly evident ( with Yamahas example but not confined to them ) operating costs and razor thin margins on many products ARE UNSUSTAINABLE.
With a lot fewer dealers there would be a lot more business for each dealer, making it sustainable.
One of the biggest dealers in Christchurch had his annual premises premium rise from 15k per annum to 30k, that has to be reflected in what he charges. Too many people have no conception of what it costs just to open the doors...
When I see emotive comments about being ''arse raped'' by the dealer I think well, lets scrutinise the industries that the accusers work in...

[Edbear]

I think people have to just get used to the fact that there actually need to be a lot less motorcycle dealers because as has been particularly evident ( with Yamahas example but not confined to them ) operating costs and razor thin margins on many products ARE UNSUSTAINABLE.
With a lot fewer dealers there would be a lot more business for each dealer, making it sustainable.
One of the biggest dealers in Christchurch had his annual premises premium rise from 15k per annum to 30k, that has to be reflected in what he charges. Too many people have no conception of what it costs just to open the doors...
When I see emotive comments about being ''arse raped'' by the dealer I think well, lets scrutinise the industries that the accusers work in...

Yebbut that would spoil a good rant, wouldn't it? ;)

[actungbaby]

[QUOTE=Flip;1130460944]Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. I find some pleasure, ok almost delight nowdays that the preverbial boot is on the other foot.

The british bike industry well the bike brands themselves didnt
Re invest enough money back into new models
And new production plants
The japenses took o ring tech and turned the bikes from

Beiing oil leakers and made affordable motrobikes and turned bikes main stream transport .

People scoffed at early honda bikes at the island man tt
they didnt few years later

am not biased mind you never owned anything but jap
Bikes i like new truimphs think there great.
My understanding kawaski hleped with engine design on first truimph tripples
And the supply brakes and susension parts so dont think there any nasty
attitudes on behave japenses industry to the west, mind dont think too keen
On the koren indusrty
But unfortunly the bristish car industry went same way in the 80s

[Crasherfromwayback]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. ?

The Poms didn't nead any help fucking themselves. All the 'Japs' did was teach every other cunt how to make reliable motorcycles that didn't leak oil.

[merv]

Flip seems to have forgotten it took a while for Harley Davidson to discover the secrets of "total quality management" as practised by the Japs with a little help from the Merikans after WWII (Demming).

[Zedder]

Flip seems to have forgotten it took a while for Harley Davidson to discover the secrets of "total quality management" as practised by the Japs with a little help from the Merikans after WWII (Demming).

Bizarrely enough, Demming wasn't listened to in the USA initially but the Japs idolised him.

[ktm84mxc]

The Japs might not have invented the motorcycle but sure as hell made it better and reliable for the masses.
That's the Japanese strength to take an idea and improve it every cycle.

[GrayWolf]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. I find some pleasure, ok almost delight nowdays that the preverbial boot is on the other foot.

Recently I busted a headlight on the roadking. Went to the local HD dealer, they asked is it a jeweled, patterned or smoke lense, I said was a clear one, which was the jeweled one. They went out back got a new one in a box and all it cost me was $70 which included a new bulb and plug.

I wonder how much one is for a FZRRRRRRR and if there is even one in NZ?

Mate I started my biking career in the mid 70's in the UK. I owned 4 brit bikes (Tiger Cub sport, James Captain and 2x 1960's Bonneville's. Then I 'got wise' :gob: and went to a Kwaka H1 :nya:
My trade was a Toolmaker (means I made the complex one off's rather than production stuff) my 2nd Bonny had a morgo 750 hop up, guy who owned it was mid 30's and a Trumpy 'nut' I took the casings and covers to work and machined them. Side covers were distorted noticably (either constant overtightening to stop oil leaks, poor original machining, or, both... engine case mating sirfaces were not 'true' either) After this the Trumpy only leaked an odd drip BUT still effin leaked.
The Japs didnt 'do it' to the Brit bike Industry. Poor management did... proir to NVT Norton had been conglomerated and was the 'money maker' of the group, so it's profits were syphoned to support it's 'ailing brethren'..NVT>? The Trident was ALMOST equal to the Nonda 750/4 but too expensive and still needed modifying (no electric start etc). By the time the T160 was in production it was too late, and if the 900 triple or the Quadrant could have saved the industry is an arguable point. Management made the stupid decision for 'financial reasons' to stay with the Bonny..... The 350 fury/bandit was rushed into prototype/ pre-production and was almost ready, management 'canned it' and it WOULD have competed with the Jap 350/400's of the day "Launched in 1971 the 5-speed, 349cc double overhead cam twin cylinder Triumph Bandit delivered 34bhp and could reach 110mph. Essentially the same motorcycle as the BSA Fury, the Bandit represented the factory's last attempt to compete against Japanese imports." There was also the Norton Wulf 500 2T, yes you read that right a Norton 2T, canned with only 1 or 2 pre production bikes made... Dont blame the Jap's. Blame the piss poor management, coz there were guys with some really shit hot ideas in the Brit bike industry.

the rest is History

[Harry up]

Yip, I bought my bike from North Harbour Yamaha, but got the first service done here where I live, I did ask the question before doing so.

Well that's good to know, I got mine from NH Yamaha too and don't really want to take it to Red Baron, had bad experience there in the past.

[Harry up]

I think people have to just get used to the fact that there actually need to be a lot less motorcycle dealers because as has been particularly evident ( with Yamahas example but not confined to them ) operating costs and razor thin margins on many products ARE UNSUSTAINABLE.
With a lot fewer dealers there would be a lot more business for each dealer, making it sustainable.
One of the biggest dealers in Christchurch had his annual premises premium rise from 15k per annum to 30k, that has to be reflected in what he charges. Too many people have no conception of what it costs just to open the doors...
When I see emotive comments about being ''arse raped'' by the dealer I think well, lets scrutinise the industries that the accusers work in...

Actually couldn't agree more, I have 20 staff so understand the economics.
Unfortunately the Internet is here to stay and most people have NO understanding of overhead recovery, so the 'arse raping' perception continues.

My point is Yamaha specific, I've shopped with Warkworth Yamaha, Motoworld Albany, Northshore Yamaha, & Waikato Yamaha - all now closed, just industry readjusting?

[Maha]

Well that's good to know, I got mine from NH Yamaha too and don't really want to take it to Red Baron, had bad experience there in the past.

Got my service done at Warkworth Motorcycles..at the time, Tim even drove me home so I didn't have to walk.
Don't get that service in the City.

[Gremlin]

Tim even drove me home so I didn't have to walk.
Don't get that service in the City.
Get that whenever required, granted, the office is <5km from Botany Honda, but there you go. Normally it's a loaner (same with Experience Motorcycles).

[Robert Taylor]

Actually couldn't agree more, I have 20 staff so understand the economics.
Unfortunately the Internet is here to stay and most people have NO understanding of overhead recovery, so the 'arse raping' perception continues.

My point is Yamaha specific, I've shopped with Warkworth Yamaha, Motoworld Albany, Northshore Yamaha, & Waikato Yamaha - all now closed, just industry readjusting?

Yes, there is a distressing big picture thing happening here that people dont take time to think of or simply dont care about. That is until the rug is completely pulled out from under our collective feet. The reality is that the more and more we collectively substitute our buying practices from NZ businesses ( for myriad reasons justified and unjustified ) and buy offshore the more people it puts out of work here and there certainly isnt an abundance of viable alternative career paths. It not only puts people out of work but it also keeps real wage rates down as the returns are just not there to pay people more. And Im talking here about all sorts of goods and services apart from our own little world of motorcycles.
So with real wage rates continuously suppressed it then encourages people further to seek lower pricing from offshore, exacerbating the whole vicious circle even further. Remember that our strong dollar against a weak $US makes this attractive at present, aided and abetted by US companies operating on very very slender margins that are only workable with huge volume turnover. Something NZ companies can only dream of when we have but 4 million people with half on welfare. Do these US companies put money back into our economy or even care about the future of our economy? I think not.....
Governments ( any Governments ) need to get real and recognise this problem for what it really is and start accruing clerance charges and gst on EVERYTHING purchased offshore, so that at least one of the very big inequities crippling NZ business is removed.

Yamaha is a fantastic product but they struggle to compete on price given there are some very aggressive competitors, that means their dealer margins are ultimately unsustainable and you can also no longer rely on accessory and parts sales to get your balance sheet into a comfort zone.

So all those grizzling about less dealers , having to travel further and being ''arse raped'' need to sit down and really really think about why this is happening.

OR APPLY TO BECOME YAMAHA DEALERS ( OR ANY OTHER FRANCHISED DEALERS ) AND BE IN FOR A RUDE AWAKENING. AFTER ALL SO MANY ON HERE HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS...............

[Edbear]

Got my service done at Warkworth Motorcycles..at the time, Tim even drove me home so I didn't have to walk.
Don't get that service in the City.

You got a real steep street to get up to your place! :sweatdrop


Yes, there is a distressing big picture thing happening here that people dont take time to think of or simply dont care about. That is until the rug is completely pulled out from under our collective feet. The reality is that the more and more we collectively substitute our buying practices from NZ businesses ( for myriad reasons justified and unjustified ) and buy offshore the more people it puts out of work here and there certainly isnt an abundance of viable alternative career paths. It not only puts people out of work but it also keeps real wage rates down as the returns are just not there to pay people more. And Im talking here about all sorts of goods and services apart from our own little world of motorcycles.
So with real wage rates continuously suppressed it then encourages people further to seek lower pricing from offshore, exacerbating the whole vicious circle even further. Remember that our strong dollar against a weak $US makes this attractive at present, aided and abetted by US companies operating on very very slender margins that are only workable with huge volume turnover. Something NZ companies can only dream of when we have but 4 million people with half on welfare. Do these US companies put money back into our economy or even care about the future of our economy? I think not.....
Governments ( any Governments ) need to get real and recognise this problem for what it really is and start accruing clerance charges and gst on EVERYTHING purchased offshore, so that at least one of the very big inequities crippling NZ business is removed.

Yamaha is a fantastic product but they struggle to compete on price given there are some very aggressive competitors, that means their dealer margins are ultimately unsustainable and you can also no longer rely on accessory and parts sales to get your balance sheet into a comfort zone.

So all those grizzling about less dealers , having to travel further and being ''arse raped'' need to sit down and really really think about why this is happening.

OR APPLY TO BECOME YAMAHA DEALERS ( OR ANY OTHER FRANCHISED DEALERS ) AND BE IN FOR A RUDE AWAKENING. AFTER ALL SO MANY ON HERE HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS...............

Ask Tony Rees why he switched to Honda. :yes:

[Maha]

You got a real steep street to get up to your place! :sweatdrop



Ok walking down, but on a hot day, its a killer walking up..ex owner Tim was good sort, never got to buy a bike from him though, Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer ya see :corn:
In saying that, who knows what my next choice of bike will be?...wouldn't mind going back to three cylinders.

[Edbear]

Ok walking down, but on a hot day, its a killer walking up..ex owner Tim was good sort, never got to buy a bike from him though, Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer ya see :corn:
In saying that, who knows what my next choice of bike will be?...wouldn't mind going back to three cylinders.

Hmm... Now which bikes have three cylinders..? :innocent:

http://www.triumph.co.uk/streettriple/streetTripleFlash.asp?lang=en-GB

[LankyBastard]

In saying that, who knows what my next choice of bike will be?...wouldn't mind going back to three cylinders.

Benelli TRE for you then is it?

[Maha]

Yes Ed, but get rid of those fugly lamps and Moi will be most pleased...The Tiger is on the list I will admit.

Benelli TRE?...not really Ash...they look great in black and could possibly very similar to the 1050, and Anne would like it if I went a decent 2up tourer way, but, dunno.

[Zedder]

Yes, there is a distressing big picture thing happening here that people dont take time to think of or simply dont care about. That is until the rug is completely pulled out from under our collective feet. The reality is that the more and more we collectively substitute our buying practices from NZ businesses ( for myriad reasons justified and unjustified ) and buy offshore the more people it puts out of work here and there certainly isnt an abundance of viable alternative career paths. It not only puts people out of work but it also keeps real wage rates down as the returns are just not there to pay people more. And Im talking here about all sorts of goods and services apart from our own little world of motorcycles.
So with real wage rates continuously suppressed it then encourages people further to seek lower pricing from offshore, exacerbating the whole vicious circle even further. Remember that our strong dollar against a weak $US makes this attractive at present, aided and abetted by US companies operating on very very slender margins that are only workable with huge volume turnover. Something NZ companies can only dream of when we have but 4 million people with half on welfare. Do these US companies put money back into our economy or even care about the future of our economy? I think not.....
Governments ( any Governments ) need to get real and recognise this problem for what it really is and start accruing clerance charges and gst on EVERYTHING purchased offshore, so that at least one of the very big inequities crippling NZ business is removed.

Yamaha is a fantastic product but they struggle to compete on price given there are some very aggressive competitors, that means their dealer margins are ultimately unsustainable and you can also no longer rely on accessory and parts sales to get your balance sheet into a comfort zone.

So all those grizzling about less dealers , having to travel further and being ''arse raped'' need to sit down and really really think about why this is happening.

OR APPLY TO BECOME YAMAHA DEALERS ( OR ANY OTHER FRANCHISED DEALERS ) AND BE IN FOR A RUDE AWAKENING. AFTER ALL SO MANY ON HERE HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS...............

It all sounds like normal business in todays world to me ie: Boom and bust cycles, competition causing restructuring, new techology becoming available, global markets etc.

Things have been chaging for many years and it's not just the buying of goods on the internet that has "caused problems".

Incidently for every 1 job lost, 2.6 are created by the Internet.

[bluninja]

So all those grizzling about less dealers , having to travel further and being ''arse raped'' need to sit down and really really think about why this is happening.


I don't think I'd want to sit down after being arse raped :no:

[nerrrd]

Incidently for every 1 job lost, 2.6 are created by the Internet.

Trouble is (for NZ, anyway) those jobs are more likely to be in India or the Philippines (for example) than here.

Or that's my anecdotal experience, anyway, and good luck to them, maybe it's their turn?

[Edbear]

If the pommy bikes were any good they would have done better against the jappers.

Like the new Triumph now, you mean? :yes:

[Zedder]

Trouble is (for NZ, anyway) those jobs are more likely to be in India or the Philippines (for example) than here.

Or that's my anecdotal experience, anyway, and good luck to them, maybe it's their turn?

If you're talking about call centres then there's more to it than that, but maybe it is their turn. Boom and bust, emerging economies etc.

One of the biggest markets for Jap manufacturers though is the emerging economies. Perhaps we just don't fit into their plans.

[Robert Taylor]

I don't think I'd want to sit down after being arse raped :no:

Your DL650 we finished today and I think it may have come in at slightly less than we estimated. Thankyou for dealing locally!

[Robert Taylor]

You got a real steep street to get up to your place! :sweatdrop



Ask Tony Rees why he switched to Honda. :yes:

Yep, already know.

[Robert Taylor]

It all sounds like normal business in todays world to me ie: Boom and bust cycles, competition causing restructuring, new techology becoming available, global markets etc.

Things have been chaging for many years and it's not just the buying of goods on the internet that has "caused problems".

Incidently for every 1 job lost, 2.6 are created by the Internet.




Please quote a long list of examples then, 10000 jobs lost, 26000 created..........................If 10000 jobs are lost here and 20000 of the supposed new jobs are created offshore and only 6000 here then there is a problem, a BIG problem.

BTW Im not complaining so much about the internet, its just that through traditional old world buying channels at your local shops the Government collected gst nearly 100% of the time. Now it is failing to do so with a huge volume of offshore purchases. That is a huge inequity that retailers are understandably very upset about.

[bluninja]

Your DL650 we finished today and I think it may have come in at slightly less than we estimated. Thankyou for dealing locally!

Woohoo on both counts. Will ring tomorrow morning to arrange coming in to pick up and pay (Will you set static sag whilst I'm there?). This will be the second bike you've done for me, last time I was in Auckland and you did the forks and sent me an Ohlins rear shock for my SV650 race bike.

[Zedder]

Please quote a long list of examples then, 10000 jobs lost, 26000 created..........................If 10000 jobs are lost here and 20000 of the supposed new jobs are created offshore and only 6000 here then there is a problem, a BIG problem.

BTW Im not complaining so much about the internet, its just that through traditional old world buying channels at your local shops the Government collected gst nearly 100% of the time. Now it is failing to do so with a huge volume of offshore purchases. That is a huge inequity that retailers are understandably very upset about.

You clearly referred to far too many purchases going offshore in the second line of your post Robert. It's done via the Internet these days.

[Robert Taylor]

You clearly referred to far too many purchases going offshore in the second line of your post Robert. It's done via the Internet these days.

Yes and I purchase a number of items online myself, but ALWAYS I support NZ businesses first and foremost because they reinvest in their local communities and employ our own people. If the price disparity is huge then at least Ive given them the opportunity first and foremost.

As far as those statistics go that you quote remember that statistics can always be manipulated to suit any viewpoint. Its what is not said that is the open to scrutiny

[Zedder]

Yes and I purchase a number of items online myself, but ALWAYS I support NZ businesses first and foremost because they reinvest in their local communities and employ our own people. If the price disparity is huge then at least Ive given them the opportunity first and foremost.

As far as those statistics go that you quote remember that statistics can always be manipulated to suit any viewpoint. Its what is not said that is the open to scrutiny

Good on you then. It's not only statistics but job vacancies that tell the tale.

[Digitdion]

BTW Im not complaining so much about the internet, its just that through traditional old world buying channels at your local shops the Government collected gst nearly 100% of the time. Now it is failing to do so with a huge volume of offshore purchases. That is a huge inequity that retailers are understandably very upset about.

What about all the extra gst the government get to collect from courier company's. The courier company's seem to be booming work wise.

[Robert Taylor]

What about all the extra gst the government get to collect from courier company's. The courier company's seem to be booming work wise.

Maybe, but that in no way justifies the inequity that I have made light of.

[Swoop]

When I worked at Whiting and Waltho in the early 1970's EVERY British bike in the showroom had at least one drip tray under it.
Yup. Those damn Japs did that to them. Bastards! Ruining British manufacturing quality like they did.:facepalm::killingme

[flyingcrocodile46]

Mr Taylor,

If a hundred people each spend $1500 buying imported products or parts for imported products online for half the price that the local distributor charges and they each save a grand each year. That is $150,000 sent off shore but $300,000 out of the cashflow of the distributor.

You have previously made the argument that local distributors often can't buy the goods at the same rates that Joe Public can get on ebay etc. If that is true the distributor probably would have had to send between $200,000 to $250,000 (say $225,000) off shore to buy the goods. Assuming the distributor had to lay of a staff member to offset the loss of business, a $40,000 to $60,000 kiwi job (that would otherwise be paid for by kiwi$) is likely lost.

Seems to me that if the goods are imported into NZ in exchange for Kiwi$ in either event (i.e not made in NZ) then the country is better off if we all buy online. As is illustrated in the above example the net result is that 100 kiwis have saved themselves $150,000 in total which they can spend on locally provided massages :msn-wink:, manicures, anal bleaching etc and down at the local cafe when they eat NZ made food that is cooked and served by newly employed staff who are earning wages similar to that lost by the unemployed parts person/people.

In situations where the products can only be obtained from overseas, not only is it probable that unemployment may actually decrease (at least a little), but the country's trade deficit would be $75,000 better off.

I know it doesn't all work like this, and that some of the saved money will be spent on other imported products, but it ain't all as bad for the country as you make out.

The point is that it is just as likely that the country would actually be better off by not supporting NZ distributors of imported goods (at least the ones who claim that they can't buy as cheap as Joe Public can). They either need to improve their buying and/or business model or move out of the way if they have the best interest of the country at heart.

BTW I don't lump your 'value added' business model in quite the same category as it can morph into setting up and servicing privately imported goods (when appropriate). Yes I know the issues you have raised in this respect, but the point is that your business has that option to survive ok. (unless you really do make a killing on the parts you import)

[Voltaire]

good post Mr Crok.
I have a van that I take to the same tyre shop whenever it needs tyres, they are friendly and helpful and their tyres are priced not too high. My wife took in a flat the other day, it was stuffed and they fitted a new one, she took in the van 1/2 expecting them to just say heres the tyre show me the money....but no....they fitted the tyre and put the spare back under the rear of the van. Thats whey I go there.

I had an Italian bike , took the wheel into them for a new tyre, they did not have the exact size in stock so fitted a 'slighty bigger' one " should be ok"......well it did not clear the hugger and I had to take it back....they then sent out and got the correct tyre..... I can now reccommend Drury Tyres ( and they are miles away) as I never go to that bike shop anymore ( 15 minutes away)

In fact I have poor service at bike shops in the 80's to thank for making me upskill to not need them.

I'd say over 60% of the contractors I use now are from overseas, so the Kiwis loosing jobs argument does not really stack up.....and I'm talking skilled trades jobs too.

[bluninja]

Mr Taylor,

If a hundred people each spend $1500 buying imported products or parts for imported products online for half the price that the local distributor charges and they each save a grand each year. That is $150,000 sent off shore but $300,000 out of the cashflow of the distributor. Wow! So are you really saying that the product markup for local NZ businesses is 100%. How disingenous of you. And what of the 15% GST? Is that included in the 100% markup? So there's also $1,750 in GST that's being missed gy the gummit, and you know they will balance thier books by taking extra tax elsewhere. (BTW that's the extra GST lost ...as at $1500 they would pay GST...unless they break it into sub $500 orders then the gummit would miss out on $3500).


You have previously made the argument that local distributors often can't buy the goods at the same rates that Joe Public can get on ebay etc. If that is true the distributor probably would have had to send between $200,000 to $250,000 (say $225,000) off shore to buy the goods.
I would dispute that local distributers cannot get rates comparable to retail rates over the internet, but your assumption that they will pay 30-65% more is really over egging things....but maybe I'm wrong.



I know it doesn't all work like this, and that some of the saved money will be spent on other imported products, but it ain't all as bad for the country as you make out.

Agree with this a bit, but your starting on such flaky foundations makes everything else suspect. Your presumption that Kiwis will spend their 'saved' money on local Kiwi services is also pretty dubious IMHO. It's just as likely those thatmade a saving from buying goodies on the internet are just as likely to buy more cheap good from the internet as buy local Kiwi servcies or Kiwi manufactured goods.



The point is that it is just as likely that the country would actually be better off by not supporting NZ distributors of imported goods (at least the ones who claim that they can't buy as cheap as Joe Public can). They either need to improve their buying and/or business model or move out of the way if they have the best interest of the country at heart.

BTW I don't lump your 'value added' business model in quite the same category as it can morph into setting up and servicing privately imported goods (when appropriate). Yes I know the issues you have raised in this respect, but the point is that your business has that option to survive ok. (unless you really do make a killing on the parts you import)

Iceland did really well producing next to nothing and relying on (banking) services to sustain their economy didn't they? Of course once the local distributers are gone and the GST isn't flowing fast enough the gummit will not have a problem increasing it's revenue stream, perhaps by GST on all imported goods, plus a border collection levy (following the user pays model) and then we get back to having imports at the same price to the consumer as buying local; but now the local people are flipping burgers and working in call centres, and the next generation can't get the training or experience.

I know business is cyclical, I know the job of a successful businessperson is to respond quickly to change (or even precipitate change), but if there was no national loyalty and businesses were transportable, then it would make sense to me for many NZ businesses to trade offshore and have agents to provide local value add.

[flyingcrocodile46]

=bluninja;1130463538]Wow! So are you really saying that the product markup for local NZ businesses is 100%. How disingenous of you. I didn't say that at all. You did. Which of course makes you the "disingenuous" one doesn't it?



And what of the 15% GST? Is that included in the 100% markup? So there's also $1,750 in GST that's being missed gy the gummit, and you know they will balance thier books by taking extra tax elsewhere. (BTW that's the extra GST lost ...as at $1500 they would pay GST...unless they break it into sub $500 orders then the gummit would miss out on $3500). Sorry dude but that 100% mark up is yours to justify, not mine. I'm sure you can work it out in your own time.



I would dispute that local distributers cannot get rates comparable to retail rates over the internet, but your assumption that they will pay 30-65% more is really over egging things....but maybe I'm wrong. Mr Taylor can explain it to you. Or you can search his old posts. But it is a fact that some distributor contracts can be disadvantageous in areas of pricng when someone else has negotiated a significantly better buying rate from the manufacturer based on volume and who then proceed to move their volume on fleabay and such. Nothing new there, it's a business risk that you need to consider when negotiating pricing and distributor contracts. Profit:Risk, Profit:Risk = Gamble = sometinmes you lose. Would you cry at a Casino if you gambled and lost?



Agree with this a bit, but your starting on such flaky foundations makes everything else suspect. Your presumption that Kiwis will spend their 'saved' money on local Kiwi services is also pretty dubious IMHO. It's just as likely those thatmade a saving from buying goodies on the internet are just as likely to buy more cheap good from the internet as buy local Kiwi servcies or Kiwi manufactured goods. Which is pretty much exactly what I said. Perhaps some of the "flakes" got in your eyes and resulted in a comprehension break down.

I'll ignore the rest as it's all a bit disjointed and pointless. I clearly stated that my example was only in respect to goods that had to be imported because they aren't made in NZ. We can call it even for you ignoring that and the benefits to our trading balance. ;)

What we are really talking about here is whether the potential profit or saving is in the pocket of the distributor or the pockets of multiple buyers. This is an opportunity to reverse the money flow a bit rather than continuing on the path that has resulted in 90+% of the worlds wealth residing with less than 10% of the population.

[bluninja]

I didn't say that at all. You did. Which of course makes you the "disingenuous" one doesn't it?
Yup, got me on that one. You stated the spend offshore versus your hypothetical double the price from local distributer. ....I filled in a margin that wasn't there. Apols.

Sorry dude but that 100% mark up is yours to justify, not mine. I'm sure you can work it out in your own time. The figures for GST based on those you presented are correct. The margin is made up by my miscomprehension.





Which is pretty much exactly what I said. Perhaps some of the "flakes" got in your eyes and resulted in a comprehension break down. Guilty again.....I thin I am being MARGINalised here


I'll ignore the rest as it's all a bit disjointed and pointless. I clearly stated that my example was only in respect to goods that had to be imported because they aren't made in NZ. We can call it even for you ignoring that and the benefits to our trading balance. ;) Fairy snuff...didn't even get to go into the cod wars either meh.


What we are really talking about here is whether the potential profit or saving is in the pocket of the distributor or the pockets of multiple buyers. This is an opportunity to reverse the money flow a bit rather than continuing on the path that has resulted in 90+% of the worlds wealth residing with less than 10% of the population. Ain't gonna change this...just better hope they keep spending it.

[AllanB]

Ha went to post something and forgot what the original post was about!!!!!

Yahahahahahahaha closing I think!

I wonder how Yamaha Japan rate NZ - very poorly i suspect.

[bluninja]

Ha went to post something and forgot what the original post was about!!!!!

Yahahahahahahaha closing I think!

I wonder how Yamaha Japan rate NZ - very poorly i suspect.
Can't even remember what the post I'm quoting is about...Yamaha are the root of all the local distributer failures in NZ and responsible for the internet being half the price .... I think

[flyingcrocodile46]

Guilty again.....I thin I am being MARGINalised here.

:clap::clap::clap: Nice sense of humour

[festus]

Does anyone know if this dealership kept the red keys for the bikes they sold ? I am trying to gget a spare key for an 09 R1 that was sold from this shop when new.........or any info I can try and contact frantise owner......

[Xsannz]

Does anyone know if this dealership kept the red keys for the bikes they sold ? I am trying to gget a spare key for an 09 R1 that was sold from this shop when new.........or any info I can try and contact frantise owner......

Why do you want the red key....

If i flash your ecu for you you wont need coded keys....

[festus]

Why do you want the red key....

If i flash your ecu for you you wont need coded keys....

Sweet.......cheers was not sure about that........

[Hacking]

So much better when the Moller brothers were running yamaha,better promotions,great race team and they didn't hand out dealerships to all the losers.

[ktm84mxc]

When Mollers were running the franchise in NZ the market was 50-60 thousand new bikes a year, things are a little different now.

[Crasherfromwayback]

So much better when the Moller brothers were running yamaha,better promotions,great race team and they didn't hand out dealerships to all the losers.


When Mollers were running the franchise in NZ the market was 50-60 thousand new bikes a year, things are a little different now.

I've had experience dealing with Yamaha when it was run by Mollers. It was fucking shit.

[liljegren]

Na, just don't like what the japs did to the british motorcycle industry. I find some pleasure, ok almost delight nowdays that the preverbial boot is on the other foot.

Recently I busted a headlight on the roadking. Went to the local HD dealer, they asked is it a jeweled, patterned or smoke lense, I said was a clear one, which was the jeweled one. They went out back got a new one in a box and all it cost me was $70 which included a new bulb and plug.

I wonder how much one is for a FZRRRRRRR and if there is even one in NZ?

I've been waiting for years to have the right excuse to buy a Harley. Now I have it THEY HAVE CHEAP HEADLIGHTS!!!!
I'm so gonna to buy one now, Yeah Right!

[nzspokes]

When Mollers were running the franchise in NZ the market was 50-60 thousand new bikes a year, things are a little different now.

Are they just selling that may KTMs now? Everytime I go for a trail ride all you see is a sea of Orange. And they all look new. Somebodys doing well.

[ktm84mxc]

Back in the day you'd be lucky to see a KTM in NZ , you'd have a bigger chance seeing a Montesa, Maico, Husky etc.
World wide KTM will be hitting 100,000 bikes per annum , there road bikes make up a fraction of this though building the Duke 125/200/390 should change this esp in India.