Is Papakura a good spot for a motorcycle workshop?

**rok-the-boat** · 29th January 2007, 12:09

In the UK, one out-of-town bike shop increased its customer base by creating a cafe. Bikers would stop in while travelling - rather than a pub - and catch a bite to eat. He concentrated on selling bikes and bike gear etc. and did quite well - his shop seemed to do rather well after that.

**HDTboy** · 29th January 2007, 12:13

Originally Posted by FROSTY

I think it totally depends on the sort of customer base you are aiming for.
Personally Id suggest you might want to think of a location near the soon to be -Hampton Downs complex.

I'd agree with that. Everyone knows where Possum Bourne Motorsport is.

**Leong** · 29th January 2007, 13:02

I think to be successful in business you need to concentrate on your strengths and separate yourself from potential competition. In your case you have your name and reputation, which you have already grown within the KB community, and a specialist knowledge that gives you an advantage. Perhaps you would limit your work to the stuff that your clients wouldn't trust the average bike shop to do.... and charge accordingly, so that you don't get too busy like the guy in Takanini. However, you would also do regular servicing work for those clients, but not market the fact to avoid the "off the street" clients as Ixion referred to above.

People from Auckland have travelled to you for specialist services in Inglewood..... Anywhere in Auckland would be closer for them and wherever you are in Auckland, there will be traffic issues for some of your clients. However, I think Manukau would be a good compromise. And if you really want to specialise I agree that moving to Hampton Downs in the future would be ideal!

**mansell** · 29th January 2007, 19:25

I was born in Papakura and have ridden there for years until moving south last january. Colin's shop is fantastic but he is always busy. I have used him for years.

Another place there might be a good idea but why not Manurewa it's probably a lot cheaper. There is also need of a decent shop somewhere south.

**crashe** · 29th January 2007, 20:17

Originally Posted by HDTboy

I'd agree with that. Everyone knows where Possum Bourne Motorsport is.

Sorry but I don't.........

So there may well be others who don't know either.

**crashe** · 29th January 2007, 20:27

Originally Posted by Speedie

It is on the main road that goes from Pukekohe township towards the racetrack, about 300 metres along from the round-a-bout on your left.

Now EVERYBODY knows

Why thank you young fella....... Much appreciated.

**blackkatana** · 29th January 2007, 20:30

Papakura/Takanini area would obviously suit me fine. I go to Colin, at Papakura Motorcycles and Paul and Phill at Motoextreme in Takanini and they are always busy.

**Sensei** · 29th January 2007, 21:45

Originally Posted by Speedie

I think Shaun's reputation was established many years before KB came along mate.!

Yes Speedie many know about him here & what he does . KB has been truely blissed as he has from them , lucky someone told him about it shit I think it was me . You guys may have missed out on a Weath of knowlegde otherwise . Auckland sounds a great Idea .

**iwilde** · 29th January 2007, 22:04

Originally Posted by Sensei

Yes Speedie many know about him here & what he does . KB has been truely blissed as he has from them , lucky someone told him about it shit I think it was me . You guys may have missed out on a Weath of knowlegde otherwise . Auckland sounds a great Idea .

Yep, pretty much siad it. Anywhere in Ak is better than where you are now. I live in Papakura but would be happy to go for a ride anywhere to get your wealth of expericience.

**Lou Girardin** · 30th January 2007, 05:55

Papkura is too far, especially with Auckland traffic. Try to get as close as you can to the CBD.
But, if you are good, AND give proper customer service, bikers will beat a path to your door.

**trev** · 30th January 2007, 10:42

Shaun, go to wherever you can find the best workshop set-up for the $$$$.
Being handy to a main motorway is a definite plus. Manukau is handy to the southern, Te Irirangi Drive ( access to Howick etc. ) & south western motorways.
No matter where you go you wont please everyone & traveltime is relevant. i.e. most times you can travel 20kms on a motorway quicker than 5 kms through the back streets.
Your business will initially grow on YOUR REPUTATION and success will depend on your service. You want the right customers not all the customers and anyone that is too niggly and tightarse to spend up to 30 minutes travelling to get quality service is not the customer you want.

**Shaun** · 30th January 2007, 10:47

My thoughts exactually Trev

**LilSel** · 30th January 2007, 10:57

Originally Posted by trev

Manukau is handy to the southern, Te Irirangi Drive ( access to Howick etc. ) & south western motorways.

thats what I was gonna say lol... East Tamaki/Manukau.... Mt Wellington even... close to motorways etc... and they are not hugely expensive area's, and not many bike shops that I know of out this kinda way

**Toast** · 30th January 2007, 11:20

I'd travel that far (I work most of the time in North Shore) to pay for suspension set-up by you, because your experience in racing and setting up bikes is well above what is available elsewhere, in my view.

I probably wouldn't go that far for other mechanical work though, as I'm sure that mechanics in shops nearer to me have a similar level of experience to you when it comes to engine work or maintenance checks on a bike.

If the mechanical work is to be your bread-and-butter business, then I don't think that your name will have as much pull for that kind of work, and you'd be better off close to the rest of the bike shops.