Harley Davidson put hard word on AMPS

[Hillbilly]

I just got told that Harley Davidson have given the Auckland dealership Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports an unlimatum to discontinue carrying Triumph motorcycles and become and exclusive "Harley Only" one brand dealership! I think they sould drop Harley, keep Triumph and pick up the Polaris franchise which will add both the Victory and Indian brand brands. The attitude of Harley reminds me of how the Gibson Corporation treat their dealerships and customers, then wonder why they are losing customers to Gretsch/Guild/Fender all manucatured by FMIC - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

[Maha]

I understand also that, Hyosung are (or may already have been) arseholed out of the Cycletreds building?...being replaced by Yamaha?

[Crasherfromwayback]

I just got told that Harley Davidson have given the Auckland dealership Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports an unlimatum to discontinue carrying Triumph motorcycles and become and exclusive "Harley Only" one brand dealership! I think they sould drop Harley, keep Triumph and pick up the Polaris franchise which will add both the Victory and Indian brand brands. The attitude of Harley reminds me of how the Gibson Corporation treat their dealerships and customers, then wonder why they are losing customers to Gretsch/Guild/Fender all manucatured by FMIC - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

No HD dealers will be allowed Triumph in their showrrom. You'd be mad to ditch HD..it's still by far the best franchise to have.

[Maha]

Sweet, Holeshot might look to expand...infact, I was in there last week and there was some building crap going on down the back.

[skippa1]

No HD dealers will be allowed Triumph in their showrrom. You'd be mad to ditch HD..it's still by far the best franchise to have.

I gather the Triumph importer is looking at taking over Haldanes and the Victory agency. He may have to take the AMPs Triumphs there too

[skippa1]

I just got told that Harley Davidson have given the Auckland dealership Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports an unlimatum to discontinue carrying Triumph motorcycles and become and exclusive "Harley Only" one brand dealership! I think they sould drop Harley, keep Triumph and pick up the Polaris franchise which will add both the Victory and Indian brand brands. The attitude of Harley reminds me of how the Gibson Corporation treat their dealerships and customers, then wonder why they are losing customers to Gretsch/Guild/Fender all manucatured by FMIC - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

they told me that too

[awa355]

Dont Honda do the same thing?? " Thou shalt not sell any other brand"

[Coldrider]

Dont Honda do the same thing?? " Thou shalt not sell any other brand"same sex=ghey=honda, it figures.

[Digitdion]

I just got told that Harley Davidson have given the Auckland dealership Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports an unlimatum to discontinue carrying Triumph motorcycles and become and exclusive "Harley Only" one brand dealership! I think they sould drop Harley, keep Triumph and pick up the Polaris franchise which will add both the Victory and Indian brand brands. The attitude of Harley reminds me of how the Gibson Corporation treat their dealerships and customers, then wonder why they are losing customers to Gretsch/Guild/Fender all manucatured by FMIC - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

The same thing happened in Dunedin. Maciver and Veitch had to ditch Triumph.

[Grizzo]

Surely they can find an equivilent brand....
Like...ooo i dont know....john deere?

[Road kill]

Choice.

Any reason not to have to go anywhere near AMPS has to be good for you.

[AllanB]

Not an unusal business model, why encourage the competition?


The perfect dealer for the customer (who?) is a multi brand one provided the dealer is a good bastard. BUT not so good for the importers of each specific brand.

Maybe some evil bugger will ope na Triumph dealership over the road and steal the HD customers!


HArleys MUST surely be the new ghey by now?

[scumdog]

They did it just to bait non-Harley types.

And on KB at least it seems to have worked...:msn-wink:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Dont Honda do the same thing?? " Thou shalt not sell any other brand"
Crapsblots have Ducati and Honda

[HenryDorsetCase]

Not an unusal business model, why encourage the competition?


The perfect dealer for the customer (who?) is a multi brand one provided the dealer is a good bastard. BUT not so good for the importers of each specific brand.

Maybe some evil bugger will ope na Triumph dealership over the road and steal the HD customers!


HArleys MUST surely be the new ghey by now?



And the old ghey.

Meh i would have one. And they are #1 over 650cc in NZ?

[Jantar]

From this we can summise that:

Triumph are so sure of their product that they are quite happy for Triumphs to be displayed alonside other brands.
Harley Davidson are so sure of their products that they refuse to allow Harley Davidson to be displayed alondside other brands.


Hmmmm. I wonder which company produces the better bike. :rolleyes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

From this we can summise that:

Triumph are so sure of their product that they are quite happy for Triumphs to be displayed alonside other brands.
Harley Davidson are so sure of their products that they refuse to allow Harley Davidson to be displayed alondside other brands.


Hmmmm. I wonder which company produces the better bike. :rolleyes:


There is your problem. Harley Davidson dont make motorcycles: they make Harleys (TM)

[skippa1]

Hmmmm. I wonder which company produces the better bike. :rolleyes:

Victory.......you had to ask:rolleyes:

[ellipsis]

...i can ride my john deere, just about anywhere...just above the yank flys a union jack, and to the left a rising sun...when i'm touching up my honda racer, soichiro's little back shed where he started his great empire comes to mind, likewise when i'm scratching my head, wondering why a sane person would ever build a clutch like the velocette has, and the german bloke who changed his name to goodman when he fled germany for england, comes to mind, and his great british marque that came out of a small building in the midlands...I cant see what the issue is...free your nuts from the inhibiting factors of life...the anti feelings exhibited towards said marque, wont stack up empiracally if tested in that manner...beauty is in the eye of the beholder...the bonne' was/is the coolest thing with two wheels i could imagine but i've never owned one...funny old life full of many twists and turns and vagaries...life must be dull for some...:(


...this is only worth lower case...

[scumdog]

From this we can summise that:

Triumph are so sure of their product that they are quite happy for Triumphs to be displayed alonside other brands.
Harley Davidson are so sure of their products that they refuse to allow Harley Davidson to be displayed alondside other brands.


Hmmmm. I wonder which company produces the better bike. :rolleyes:

Dunno - but me'n'CB are happy with the brand we ride!:niceone:

[Zamiam]

May explain why there were Harleys parked in the spots where amps usually had Triumphs when I went in last week. Didn't notice any Triumphs but wasn't really looking

[Berries]

The same thing happened in Dunedin. Maciver and Veitch had to ditch Triumph.
I mean, what's the point? My next bike will probably be a Triumph. Could be something else but I know it won't be a Harley - no offence. Now I have to cross the road and all I think is that HD are wankers. If I want a Harley I will get one, if I want something else I'll get that instead. I don't actually see why they are running scared, does a 675 Daytona now come with chrome panniers and a fat chick on the back or has the Speed Triple now got a padded King and Queen seat with extra bandanas?

[ducatilover]

I mean, what's the point? My next bike will probably be a Triumph. Could be something else but I know it won't be a Harley - no offence. Now I have to cross the road and all I think is that HD are wankers. If I want a Harley I will get one, if I want something else I'll get that instead. I don't actually see why they are running scared, does a 675 Daytona now come with chrome panniers and a fat chick on the back or has the Speed Triple now got a padded King and Queen seat with extra bandanas?

No, but a Speed master actually looks cool and makes a sound that people without a penis complex and alpha male complex enjoy

[Berries]

Ok. So if they can make a decent bike like that why are they scared of Triumph?

[ducatilover]

Last time I turned my brian on, Triumph made the speedmaster thingy?

Oh they couldn't be scared of Triumph, only the Rocket 3 has a big penis extension

[Big Dave]

Last time I turned my brian on,

KB in a nutshell.

[trustme]

Oh yay, this will now descend into another lets slag each others bike shit fight.

[Big Dave]

Oh yay, this will now descend into another lets slag each others bike shit fight.

Not amongst the grown ups!

[BIG DOUG]

I don't see a problem myself with selling both,lets face it most people do the research and when they walk into a shop they know what bike they want to purchase 'Ooh I want a road king but wait that gsxr 1000 looks good I'll get that for touring instead" it ain't going to happen.

[Paul in NZ]

Meh! Some marketing genius in a large American super city is making brand decisions without considering the real world outside a city of 2 million plus. HD have always had 'conditions' around their franchises and some have been clever (like walking distance to the CBD etc) but I'm not so sure about this one. If the dealership can remain a commercial viability with just HD then fine BUT in this country hardly anyone can survive with just one brand and no dealer outside the main centers would survive without quads and farm bikes surely.

Surely Triumph are not really a threat to HD? Yes the market overlaps in some places and some people have purchased HD's because they could not get a bad boy thunderbike cruiser like the new Thunderbird but... Those folks we just as likely to buy some other euro brand anyway.

Sticking to an ideal like this could in some cases actually cost HD market share. How often do you wander in to (say) wgn m/cs for one of Petes coffees (never) or a consumable like tyres etc and see a new HD and think - actually thats not too shabby - I could live with that (this thought lasts until the next bank statement arrives)

[Swoop]

AMPS have been saying this for about a year now.

I was led to believe that the reason that the building had two distinct areas in the showroom (accessed via the hole in the wall) was to separate the brands.



Harley Davidson dont make motorcycles: they make Harleys

I thought they made "accessories" (bandannas, underwear, clothing, leatherware, fridge magnets...)

[cruza]

Crapsblots have Ducati and Honda

I guess being a low volume dealer it doesn't really matter.......:killingme

[Zedder]

Meh! Some marketing genius in a large American super city is making brand decisions without considering the real world outside a city of 2 million plus. HD have always had 'conditions' around their franchises and some have been clever (like walking distance to the CBD etc) but I'm not so sure about this one. If the dealership can remain a commercial viability with just HD then fine BUT in this country hardly anyone can survive with just one brand and no dealer outside the main centers would survive without quads and farm bikes surely.

Surely Triumph are not really a threat to HD? Yes the market overlaps in some places and some people have purchased HD's because they could not get a bad boy thunderbike cruiser like the new Thunderbird but... Those folks we just as likely to buy some other euro brand anyway.

Sticking to an ideal like this could in some cases actually cost HD market share. How often do you wander in to (say) wgn m/cs for one of Petes coffees (never) or a consumable like tyres etc and see a new HD and think - actually thats not too shabby - I could live with that (this thought lasts until the next bank statement arrives)

If the potential customer has to worry about the next bank statement, they're probably not in the Harley-D target market.

[Paul in NZ]

If the potential customer has to worry about the next bank statement, they're probably not in the Harley-D target market.

Which is why Petes given up trying to sell me one.... I'd have to sell one or both of my 'old worthies' and that wouldnt be on at all....

[ckai]

BMW said the same thing to Hamilton Motorcycles, although it was along the lines of "get rid of Triumph". So they got rid of BMW :bleh:

[Zedder]

Which is why Petes given up trying to sell me one.... I'd have to sell one or both of my 'old worthies' and that wouldnt be on at all....

Selling "old worthies" is not the way to go. Only under very extreme circumstances should that even be considered.

It's interesting about Harleys and the AMPS scenario though. They aren't my thing (and I have ridden them) just like some cars aren't my thing. However, if others own them it's all good, they're still motorbikes.

[p.dath]

I just got told that Harley Davidson have given the Auckland dealership Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports an unlimatum to discontinue carrying Triumph motorcycles and become and exclusive "Harley Only" one brand dealership! I think they sould drop Harley, keep Triumph and pick up the Polaris franchise which will add both the Victory and Indian brand brands. The attitude of Harley reminds me of how the Gibson Corporation treat their dealerships and customers, then wonder why they are losing customers to Gretsch/Guild/Fender all manucatured by FMIC - Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

It just means they'll have to put the other brands in a separate show room, such as across the road, down the road, etc.

[Paul in NZ]

Selling "old worthies" is not the way to go. Only under very extreme circumstances should that even be considered.

I agree - I have told Vicki that adding more old chargers is the only possible compromise I'm willing to make ;-)

[Big Dave]

It just means they'll have to put the other brands in a separate show room

Agree.

Seems they are trying to get the best return on the money they (H-D) spend on attracting customers to their showroom. More opportunity to close the sale on the spot.

The argument against this in the NZ marketplace is that there is more 'quid pro quo' to that end with other brands - than in other markets perhaps.

But it's a common automotive industry model. You don't go to a Mercedes dealer to look at a new BMW?

[Big Dave]

There is your problem. Harley Davidson dont make motorcycles: they make Harleys (TM)


Hey brains, :-P

Harley-Davidson is always hyphenated.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Selling "old worthies" is not the way to go. Only under very extreme circumstances should that even be considered.

It's interesting about Harleys and the AMPS scenario though. They aren't my thing (and I have ridden them) just like some cars aren't my thing. However, if others own them it's all good, they're still motorbikes.

absolutely. I just can't afford two bikes at present otherwise I'd have one.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hey brains, :-P

Harley-Davidson is always hyphenated.

I do in fact look just like this

[HenryDorsetCase]

Agree.

Seems they are trying to get the best return on the money they (H-D) spend on attracting customers to their showroom. More opportunity to close the sale on the spot.

The argument against this in the NZ marketplace is that there is more 'quid pro quo' to that end with other brands - than in other markets perhaps.

But it's a common automotive industry model. You don't go to a Mercedes dealer to look at a new BMW?

Yeah, even if the back end (oooh errr) is the same the showrooms are separate: At Rick Armstrongs in town they have Subaru, Peugeot and SssSSssSssangYonnnnnnnng on the one lot but three different areas with three different sales teams. They also do Mercedes hyphen Benz (see what I did there) and Chrysler out of another site.

[GrayWolf]

very simple to resolve really, with one observation

Lets see if Wellington M/c's is told to ditch Suzuki and ONLY sell HD..... then see if they can survive? That isnt a 'dig' Pete, its a simple look at population/customer base vs possible sales, and Welly is a pretty reasonable size by NZ standards, as well as being very accessible from either Island.
As for comparing Car sales to bike dealers? it's hardly a fair comparison, when you look at the number of cars sold by any brand in a year, then compare to bike sales? Even the top selling brands (outside of Asia) wont come near the figures for even a 'minor player' in the car market. This is a simple exercise in 'Corporatisation'. All jokes about sci fi aside, because of the worldwide financial climate, corporates ARE starting to fall, we recently had the collapse of one of NZ's major building corporate's. What is likely is that brands we thought un-assailable will fall, it's already happened in the UK, there are NO actual English car firms left in the 'mass market', only Ford and Vauxhall (GM). Rover was the last and it's tooling was bought by a Chinese company. Big Corporates do not look at the small market, to HD I would guess that NZ is not even a percent point in sales figures, so they will demand the same ideals as seen in the US/Europe, and not give a rats arse about how it affects their dealers. This could be a good chance for brands like Guzzi, Triumph etc to form a 'group dealership' and have some real opposition to HD, the new California 1400, Thunderbird, Rocket3, Speedmaster etc.. would make a highly attractive opposition package if placed on dealer floors together.....
And dont forget HD's own financial 'mission statement' was to focus on worldwide sales as the market to produce 'growth/maintain profit.. the US is saturated!

[HenryDorsetCase]

And dont forget HD's own financial 'mission statement' was to focus on worldwide sales as the market to produce 'growth/maintain profit.. the US is saturated!

HD shares were $7 just after the GFC: latest I have seen is north of $50. If I was a stockholder (which after all is who companies are accountable to, not their customers) I would be happy with that. I tried to buy some stock but it is pretty hard to do that in NZ directly into a US company. I could be Al Quaida or something - or worse: Japanese...........

[Crasherfromwayback]

very simple to resolve really, with one observation

Lets see if Wellington M/c's is told to ditch Suzuki and ONLY sell HD..... then see if they can survive? That isnt a 'dig' Pete, its a simple look at population/customer base vs possible sales, and Welly is a pretty reasonable size by NZ standards, as well as being very accessible from either Island.


They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

[HenryDorsetCase]

They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

So its the "lifestyle" brands they are concerned about: BMW and Triumph. Meh, good for them

[Eddieb]

From outside appearances Road and Sport in Hamilton who dropped Suzuki and went H-D only appear to be doing ok.

[GrayWolf]

They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

this is sooooo reminiscent of the TSR2 fighter/bomber fiasco in the UK......

For those who dont remember or too young... TSR2 was the most advanced military aircraft designed in the 1960's, 2 flying examples were made.... as in so advanced, Maggie's govt actually looked at resurrecting it in the 80's... but it was realised by then other aircraft could do what TSR2 could, but not in 'one package' as it had been designed.......
The project was 'canned' by a Labout Govt, quoting costs, limited sales, high maintenance etc... and they bought American, so did the rest of Europe.

Some 25-30 yrs after the fact, it was finally uncovered Lockheed/General Dynamics had bribed UK/European politicians to vote against TSR2 and to vote for buying yank planes............

Once again a superior English product threatens the Yanks......
just like their world beating F104 Starfighter? Was slower, climbed slower and didnt reach the altitudes of the 'old' English Electric Lightning..... and that was the plane the Germans bought instead of TSR2 :lol:
Interestingly enough, the look at resurrecting TSR2, it was found 16 yrs later to still perform on par/better than the Tornado, but by the time it would have been redeveloped, retooled, etc etc...... and well as for the F-111 that GD sold the rest of Europe?? TSR2's performance figures vastly out classed that hunk of junk.

America land of the free, home of the bribing lying bastards..:bleh:

[Zedder]

I agree - I have told Vicki that adding more old chargers is the only possible compromise I'm willing to make ;-)

Love it man!

[Zedder]

They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

Interestingly enough, around 10,000 H-Ds get sold per year in Japan so could be they don't see any Jap bike as a threat.

[ducatilover]

So is it really Triumph being a threat? I thought most potential Harley owners would be after a Harley.
I'm sure Pete would know if it's common for a potential Harley buyer to walk in a showroom and decide to buy a completely different bike? (that makes prettier noises). I wouldn't have thought it'd really be a problem, all the Harley owners I know seem to be very brand faithful, regardless of the product.

[Headbanger]

There are plenty of Harley owners who aren't in it for the costumes, and who have owned multiple "brands"

I know a number of people that have switched back and forth from HD to Triumph.

Damn things are just bikes, Not as if you fuck em.

[Swoop]

this is sooooo reminiscent of the TSR2 <STRIKE>fighter</STRIKE>/bomber fiasco in the UK......

An interesting comparison can be made with the forced amalgamation of companies then and now... "do it OUR way or goodbye" approach.
Labour, lying through their teeth, saying "your jobs are safe with us" while sharpening the axe. Bastards.
Have you read Damien Burke's book?

[Edbear]

It's a conspiracy, doncha know..? :msn-wink:

[Big Dave]

I know a number of people that have switched back and forth from HD to Triumph.

Damn things are just bikes, Not as if you fuck em.


Wot he said.

Although I did fuck a SR500 Yamaha once. Blew it up big time and then botched the repair.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Wot he said.

Although I did fuck a SR500 Yamaha once. Blew it up big time and then botched the repair.

If you've still got it in the shed I will give you a couple hundy for it. Provided its in nice condition other than the blown motor.

[Zedder]

There are plenty of Harley owners who aren't in it for the costumes, and who have owned multiple "brands"

I know a number of people that have switched back and forth from HD to Triumph.

Damn things are just bikes, Not as if you fuck em.

Damn things are just bikes? WtF? Mods! Ban this person, he's an evil and demented individual.

[Headbanger]

Damn things are just bikes? WtF? Mods! Ban this person, he's an evil and demented individual.

...I don't even have a bike....

[Zedder]

...I don't even have a bike....

It's ok, I saw your location and I've dealt with people going troppo before. Everything is going to be alright...

[MD]

I can understand the manufacturers reasons for wanting a sole franchise for their brand.
Unfortunately the reality is the struggling motorcycle industry, both worldwide and especially in NZ with only 4m peps, wont support this luxury. The bikes must sell themselves on their merits. Our shops need every tool in their belt just to survive.

I think H-D are wrong if they believe seeing another bike in a showroom might lose sales. Sometimes it will. But H-D are assuming that someone looking to spend $10k, $20k or $40k on a bike wont actually bother to shop around, do some comparisons, check out the choices and decide on what suits them best. If they are a Harley fan, they will only buy a Harley so who's in the showroom is irrevelant. If unsure what they want they will shop around and compare anyway. Putting more choices in one showroom may actually help by the shop becoming a 'go-to' place. That's how supermarkets came into being, mega hardware stores etc.

This just worries me because we need every shop to survive.

[GrayWolf]

I can understand the manufacturers reasons for wanting a sole franchise for their brand.
Unfortunately the reality is the struggling motorcycle industry, both worldwide and especially in NZ with only 4m peps, wont support this luxury. The bikes must sell themselves on their merits. Our shops need every tool in their belt just to survive.

I think H-D are wrong if they believe seeing another bike in a showroom might lose sales. Sometimes it will. But H-D are assuming that someone looking to spend $10k, $20k or $40k on a bike wont actually bother to shop around, do some comparisons, check out the choices and decide on what suits them best. If they are a Harley fan, they will only buy a Harley so who's in the showroom is irrevelant. If unsure what they want they will shop around and compare anyway. Putting more choices in one showroom may actually help by the shop becoming a 'go-to' place. That's how supermarkets came into being, mega hardware stores etc.

This just worries me because we need every shop to survive.

or we need the dealers to tell HD to 'rack off'...once they start to lose dealer numbers?? The message will get through.... As I said, have Triumph, Guzzi, etc instead.

[Road kill]

Oh yay, this will now descend into another lets slag each others bike shit fight.

No it won't.

I like both Harley and Triumph.

I just don't like AMPS is all.

[Road kill]

There are plenty of Harley owners who aren't in it for the costumes, and who have owned multiple "brands"

I know a number of people that have switched back and forth from HD to Triumph.

Damn things are just bikes, Not as if you fuck em.

6 Triumphs 2 Harleys.

If I had money I'd have both.

[boman]

This seems to be more than a rumor. Both Rob, upstairs, and Shane downstairs, told me this when I was in there on Friday.

I guess my Triumph business will go to the very helpful Hamilton Motorcycles, rather than the very unhelpful Holeshots.

[Drew]

They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

Which is funny to me. The M109r is a fuckin fantastic bike, and although some people Will not stray from HD, others I'm sure are easily tempted by the significant financial advantage of the Suzuki. Not even considering the capabilities of the two brands machinery.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Which is funny to me. The M109r is a fuckin fantastic bike, and although some people Will not stray from HD, others I'm sure are easily tempted by the significant financial advantage of the Suzuki. Not even considering the capabilities of the two brands machinery.

Mate...an M109R IS an awesome bike. But at 22 odd grand...vs an HD at 23500.00 (with factory alarm, two years roadside assist, cheap insurance, better resale etc etc)..that argument is no longer valid.

[Road kill]

Which is funny to me. The M109r is a fuckin fantastic bike, and although some people Will not stray from HD, others I'm sure are easily tempted by the significant financial advantage of the Suzuki. Not even considering the capabilities of the two brands machinery.

Some people would get it but you'll have to work it out for yourself,,,unless your Asian I guess.

[Drew]

Mate...an M109R IS an awesome bike. But at 22 odd grand...vs an HD at 23500.00 (with factory alarm, two years roadside assist, cheap insurance, better resale etc etc)..that argument is no longer valid.
Hmmm, well that certainly does make them a lot closer financially.

[SMOKEU]

Ok. So if they can make a decent bike like that why are they scared of Triumph?

For the same reason Apple tries to sue any competition.

[jafar]

They've always been 'keen' to see their dealers being only HD. But whilst they've gotten heavy handed with Triumph, they've never with Suzuki. Guess they don't see Suzuki as a direct threat.

Triumph in NZ is a small family company & doesn't carry any weight in the multinational corporate world. Suzuki in NZ on the other hand is owned by Suzuki Japan, they do carry a lot of weight & arn't afraid to use it. HD would be buying into a much bigger fight with Suzuki NZ than with Triumph NZ.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Triumph in NZ is a small family company & doesn't carry any weight in the multinational corporate world. Suzuki in NZ on the other hand is owned by Suzuki Japan, they do carry a lot of weight & arn't afraid to use it. HD would be buying into a much bigger fight with Suzuki NZ than with Triumph NZ.

It's got nothing at all to do with that mate trust me.

[jafar]

It's got nothing at all to do with that mate trust me.

I'm sure your right pete, but it is interesting that HD seem to be having a go @ the (relatively) small player in the NZ market & backing away from taking on the likes of Suzuki.:msn-wink:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm sure your right pete, but it is interesting that HD seem to be having a go @ the (relatively) small player in the NZ market & backing away from taking on the likes of Suzuki.:msn-wink:

Well the thing is mate...Triumph in NZ is near neck and neck in sales with HD for new sales of 650cc plus motorsickles. Suzuki nowhere near it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Hmmm, well that certainly does make them a lot closer financially.

the rort in the Harley Hyphen Davidson range is the sportsters. They are too expensive here and too close in price to the base big twins. they need to be priced closer to their US prices.

MHO

[HenryDorsetCase]

Well the thing is mate...Triumph in NZ is near neck and neck in sales with HD for new sales of 650cc plus motorsickles. Suzuki nowhere near it.

are those stats published anywhere?

[Crasherfromwayback]

are those stats published anywhere?

Not sure about to the general public. But as licenced motor vehicle dealers we all get 'em.

[Drew]

Mate...an M109R IS an awesome bike. But at 22 odd grand...vs an HD at 23500.00 (with factory alarm, two years roadside assist, cheap insurance, better resale etc etc)..that argument is no longer valid.

Out of interest, what model Harley specifically?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Out of interest, what model Harley specifically?

FXDB. Dyna Streetbob.

[Drew]

the rort in the Harley Hyphen Davidson range is the sportsters. They are too expensive here and too close in price to the base big twins. they need to be priced closer to their US prices.

MHO

I actually thought that the XR1200 is quite well priced. Might be thinking of a limited time price, but it's a fuckin horny lookin bike for fifteen grand.

[Drew]

FXDB. Dyna Streetbob.

I dunno fuck all about Harley's. Is the bike comparable, or does another model better suit head to head comparison?

[ducatilover]

I actually thought that the XR1200 is quite well priced. Might be thinking of a limited time price, but it's a fuckin horny lookin bike for fifteen grand.

I'll 'ave an orange one thanks. Only modern HarleyDerpson I like. So much prettyness

[trustme]

Gee I wonder why HD don't want Triumph in the same showroom

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10865664

No I am not picking sides. I am sure HD will see Triumph as their closest competitor, in many instances the ranges don't compliment they compete. I can understand HD & I have sympathy for Ray , stuck between a rock & a hard place.

[jafar]

Well the thing is mate...Triumph in NZ is near neck and neck in sales with HD for new sales of 650cc plus motorsickles. Suzuki nowhere near it.

I didn't know that, well done Triumph !! :niceone:

So your in effect saying that HD is now starting to look @ Triumph as a serious threat in the NZ market & are taking steps to slow their growth?

Or is this more of a worldwide move by HD to get their dealerships into line??

Also your missing the point about who owns who, HD won't want to pick a fight with Suzuki, Suzuki worldwide is a much harder organisation to bully around than a small locally owned distributor so they are having a go @ the up & coming brand (trumpy):devil2:

[sugilite]

Watching the Suzuki vs Harley ratio in regards to show room space favour Harley more and more over the (many) years at Wellington Motorcycles. The only reason for that would be sales related, so I dare say they could easily survive with out Suzuki. Interesting to hear Triumph and HD are neck and neck above 650. Personally, I like Triumphs more and more as they evolve. Though I'm sure HD is evolving as well, there is a lot less visual evidence of that imho. I do get why HD would not want to risk changing an obviously winning strategy, but I do feel shutting Buell down was a needless knee jerk reaction. They never seemed to have as much zest marketing those as they did for their bread and butter cruisers.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I actually thought that the XR1200 is quite well priced. Might be thinking of a limited time price, but it's a fuckin horny lookin bike for fifteen grand.

For 15k it would have to be second hand: New they were $18k and they have dropped it from the range i think

[GrayWolf]

For 15k it would have to be second hand: New they were $18k and they have dropped it from the range i think

yes the one HD that you could honestly say was serious/better competition for most of the triumph range (bonnies & t/bird) they stop importing it, then show triumph the door? in dual dealerships....

As I posted earlier, not the first time the English have threatened the poor american 'supermachine'

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'll 'ave an orange one thanks. Only modern HarleyDerpson I like. So much prettyness

There were a couple on the trackday I was at a couple weeks ago. One in particular had Vance and Hines pipes (also Ohlins shocks and racetech stickers on the forks) and sounded FANTASTIC bombing down the main straight at Ruapuna. Sounded kind of like a Spitfire. Not really but very satisfying to hear. Looked fairly quick through the turny bits on the infield too.