Which fork springs for a Bandit?

[nzspokes]

Spokes

I've dealt with Dale personally and he stands behind everything he sells as have a number of Aus and other Kiwi Bandit owners. I have a few of his parts on my baby and a few more lined up after it comes out of warranty.

Not sure if you've had a good look at his site check out his project bandit, have a link to another of their teams sites somewhere. Dales a former racer and rider and really knows his shit and does not bull shit.

http://www.holeshot.com/

Yeah ive read through what hes done and has for the Bandits. Ive only read good things about him. Mainly wanted to know if Progressive branded springs were better than Racetech or the other way around.

What do you think of the fork brace? Ive read good things about them. Think a stage 2 pod kit is in the future from him.

[nzspokes]

Maybe a good time to check steering head bearings as well, repack or replace, Mr Suzuki was a bit stingy in that dept.

Good point on that. Will probably order some new ones at the same time. Cant be that hard to do.

[Robert Taylor]

Good point on that. Will probably order some new ones at the same time. Cant be that hard to do.

Are you personally in an industry ( ANY industry of many ) that is exposed to trying to compete with offshore internet purchases that so often get through without clearance and gst charges?
More to the point do you actually care?

[Morcs]

Are you personally in an industry ( ANY industry of many ) that is exposed to trying to compete with offshore internet purchases that so often get through without clearance and gst charges?
More to the point do you actually care?

Its ok Robert, one day when most of the bike shops have closed, theyll be no local bike shops for these people to go to when their bike is broken, or they want to call and ask stupid questions before buying online.

[nzspokes]

Are you personally in an industry ( ANY industry of many ) that is exposed to trying to compete with offshore internet purchases that so often get through without clearance and gst charges?
More to the point do you actually care?

Yes my industry did go through it a few years back and the weak didn't make it.

[hayd3n]

at $250 for upgraded springs why would you buy over seas?? sounds pretty cheap to me (especially since you get local help and will swap them if you dont like them

[Madness]

Yes my industry did go through it a few years back and the weak didn't make it.

In other words the market for bicycles and associated equipment shrunk and some players with less capital went out of business. It's not a matter of weakness, it's the rapid decline of small business in New Zealand resulting in job losses, less choice in the local marketplace and ultimately increased fragility as a local economy and greater exposure to the global financial markets.

In answer to the second part of Roberts question I'd say no, you obviously don't give a fuck. I think with some of your posts like this one it's more a case of thinking you're having a good troll when in actuality you tend to make yourself look like a bit of a knob.

Enjoy your springs.

[wasiler]

Yes my industry did go through it a few years back and the weak didn't make it.

I have an idea, I will order these springs from the U.S. and put a mark up on them of 15%. I will then sell them to the guy that lives next to me and he will put a % mark up on them. I will instruct each individual to pass it door to door so each Kiwi in NZ can put a mark up on them and we will be helping everyone stay employed in NZ....Makes perfect sense. We will be helping all of NZ and probably be honored.

A lot of people don't understand the law of supply and demand. If the demand is not there, drop your price. If you can't compete, look for another business. By inflating the price so high you are actually hurting the NZ economy in the long run by not letting the currency be exchanged.

Why don't you just save yourself some time and mark it up to a million dollars than you can retire and not worry about it any more.

[Madness]

I have an idea, I will order these springs from the U.S. and put a mark up on them of 15%. I will then sell them to the guy that lives next to me and he will put a % mark up on them. I will instruct each individual to pass it door to door so each Kiwi in NZ can put a mark up on them and we will be helping everyone stay employed in NZ....Makes perfect sense. We will be helping all of NZ and probably be honored.

A lot of people don't understand the law of supply and demand. If the demand is not there, drop your price. If you can't compete, look for another business. By inflating the price so high you are actually hurting the NZ economy in the long run by not letting the currency be exchanged.

Why don't you just save yourself some time and mark it up to a million dollars than you can retire and not worry about it any more.

A lot of people don't understand economies of scale either. A lot of immigrants also haven't been here in recent times to see the decline in small town life in N.Z and the almost eradication of local, family-owned businesses in certain sectors of the market. However, quite obviously, in the eight months since emigrating from the U.S you've become an expert in small business in this country and perhaps we should all "honor" you for sharing your incredibly intelligent insights with us.

[Kickaha]

at $250 for upgraded springs why would you buy over seas?? sounds pretty cheap to me (especially since you get local help and will swap them if you dont like them

Because a lot of people are dumb and look at nothing but the dollar figure

[wasiler]

A lot of people don't understand economies of scale either. A lot of immigrants also haven't been here in recent times to see the decline in small town life in N.Z and the almost eradication of local, family-owned businesses in certain sectors of the market. However, quite obviously, in the eight months since emigrating from the U.S you've become an expert in small business in this country and perhaps we should all "honor" you for sharing your incredibly intelligent insights with us.

No expert in small business and I have not seen the decline in small business here. Just reciting what I thought was obvious. Some people can't seem to understand why small business is declining. I see you appear to have to correct idea on how to run a business. Yes, paying more for the same exact part makes perfect sense to me (sarcasm). Some people are dumb and just look at the dollar sign and ignore that the person buying the part worked long hard hours to get that dollar. Forget the fact that person buying that part may have a family, rent, car, payment, bills, pets etc. We must forget about that and think only about supporting a small business so you can continue providing a service that is not in demand. I guess we should all be "honored" for supporting your business at the expense of our work.

Why don't you open up a company selling pet rocks. It will be a small business and I'm sure there are others out there that will buy your pet rocks just so they can support small business. I can pick up a rock off the ground but, supporting you with my hard earned money is much more important because it is a small business. I give you my money and you give me something worth a lot less. hahahaha You wonder why the decline in small town life?????? It is called progress.

In the end, you are hurting the NZ economy by providing a service that is not really needed. If you can't compete, close up shop or look for other ways you can. Overcharging is always bad business. The truth hurts but, times are changing and you can't stop progress.

Oh, one more bit of advice. One unsatisfied customer will drive away 10 more. When I have dealt with a local company and later found out I was charged double the price, I feel like I am be taken advantage of. Therefore, unless I need the part right then and there, I will go out of my way to buy elsewhere. If that means overseas, so be it.

[Madness]

No expert in small business and I have not seen the decline in small business here, therefore the rest of my post was actually pointless drivel spouted from a point of ignorance.

Now you're just being silly.

The point is that if someone wants to import a pair of springs for a bike at a cost of $180, subjecting themselves to possible additional costs and potential issues if the order is supplied incorrectly, compared to buying them locally for $250 complete with the ability to exchange at no extra cost and supporting a local business who specialises and supports local motorcycling - all for the sake of $70 - then some might think they're dumb.

If they can't afford the extra $70 then that's sad and I take my hat off to them for being able to maintain a road bike in this country whilst being so miserably poor. The cost of doing this is steadily increasing by the way as the retailers struggle to keep the doors open due partly to a lot of accessories (and springs too, it seems) now being imported privately, but that's quite obvioulsy their fault, innit?

Then there's the issue of importation of more worthless shit from the united states of america, such as Starbucks amongst other things (what next - pet rocks?). We don't need it and got along quite nicely without it, thanks.

[wasiler]

Now you're just being silly.

The point is that if someone wants to import a pair of springs for a bike at a cost of $180, subjecting themselves to possible additional costs and potential issues if the order is supplied incorrectly, compared to buying them locally for $250 complete with the ability to exchange at no extra cost and supporting a local business who specialises and supports local motorcycling - all for the sake of $70 - then some might think they're dumb.

If they can't afford the extra $70 then that's sad and I take my hat off for them being able to maintain a road bike in this country whilst being so miserably poor. The cost of doing this is steadily increasing by the way as the retailers struggle to keep the doors open due partly to a lot of accessories (and springs too, it seems) now being imported privately, but that's quite obvioulsy their fault, innit?

Then there's the issue of importation of more worthless shit from the united states of america, such as Starbucks and amongst other things (what next - pet rocks?). We don't need it and got along quite nicely without it, thanks.

Now you are being silly.
It is up to the buyer to decide if it is dumb or not to buy overseas. Some people on this site believe they should make that decision for other people. I am sure if they have lived in NZ long enough, they are well aware of the cost difference.

$250-$180 = $70 savings. Will you give me $70 since you can afford it. Otherwise, that is sad you are asking others to give it up but, you are not willing yourself.

If the person is looking to replace their springs, I would think they would have done their homework and understand what they are doing. If they make a mistake, then they can sell them on trademe for the price they purchased it. If they were dishonest, they could even get more because of the massive local mark-ups.

The local companies should support the motorcycling community by keeping their prices competitive. The lower the prices, the more motorcycles on the road. Also, the more profit. Everyone wins. When I see something I buy at retail on the other side of the earth for 50-70% of the local price, that is really messed up. Also makes it difficult for the motorcycling community

The only issue I see is the time frame. If I have the time and can order something from the other side of the earth for less, why not. You just need to do your homework before buying. So far, I have been happy with everything I have bought over seas and literally have saved thousands of dollars. When I go to visit the U.S., I am going to pack lite and bring back a bunch of goodies like a mule.

The shit value is up to the individual. I think Starbucks has better coffee than some of the local shops. I have also seen local coffee better than Starbucks. That is hit or miss. If NZ could produce competitive shit, then there would be no need to import. Instead, it seems the business is buying overseas and selling at a markup. Something anyone can do with the invention of the internet. In the U.S. they have a ton of stuff imported from China...why because they are producing it for less. Again, it is the law and supply curve. Where they intersect, you maximize profits with the least amount of work. The supply has increased due to the internet yet the NZ prices have remained high. No wonder nothing is being bought or sold.

[Madness]

Blah, blah, blah. Will you give me $70 since you can afford it.

No, fuck off you jewish cunt.

You really have no clue at all, do you? Still, your posts have reinforced my opinion of Americans as self-centred twats so thanks for that, if nothing else.

Brace yerself New Zealand. It won't be long with fuckwits like these around & there'll probably be only one or two bike shops in each of the main centres, offering a limited choice of biking related merchandise. Still, the Yanks will get richer, eh?

[wasiler]

No, fuck off you jewish cunt.

You really have no clue at all, do you? Still, your posts have reinforced my opinion of Americans as self-centred twats so thanks for that, if nothing else.

Brace yerself New Zealand. It won't be long with fuckwits tike these around & there'll probably be only one or two bike shops in each of the main centres, offering a limited choice of biking related merchandise. Still, the Yanks will get richer, eh?

WOW! an anti Semitic remark. Shows the caliber of person you are and your hatred toward others. Also, look who is the one moaning about someone else buying overseas. It is their choice, not yours. If you want to buy local, go for it. If the original poster wants to buy overseas, it is their choice. It appears you are the one that has no clue.

Well, good to see you are not self centered and willing to send me $70 since you are so generous and giving. I will even make you a deal, I will take your $70 and pass it along to the original poster (or send it directly to him) just to show how generous I am. I bet if you did that, he would buy the springs in NZ. I know I would. I love this business model.

Yes, New Zealand and the entire world is changing. It is probably a re-balancing of economic classes. This is mainly to the Chinese flooding the market with low priced goods. There is nothing you can do about it yet some people put their head in the sand thinking things will always be the same. I don't like it anymore than you do but, money talks. The faster NZ will change, the better off they will be in the long run. When you have these stubborn dummies that want to continue the same losing business model, you hurt the NZ economy in the long run. BE COMPETITIVE OR GET OUT.

There will always be motorbike shops in NZ. Probably just not as many and the ones that do survive will be streamlined and be competitive with world prices. You can face reality and adjust or you can continue down your path wondering why people are buying overseas . Just don't moan when others buy from overseas because it is quite clear the reason. I bought a set of leathers from Germany. Literally on the other side of the earth and save literally over $550-$600 dollars on one purchase. If I would have ran into you earlier, you could have given me the difference and I would have bought local NZ since you are not being self-centered and are so generous. Come on man, I'm in NZ now. Help me out, and send me a couple hundred. I promise I will use it only to buy local.