Alpha Motorcycles

**R6_kid:Me** · 14th May 2009, 12:20

Originally Posted by AllanB

Crap - another gone in NZ. What's that 8-9 shops this year?

This was a 'startup' so I'd say it's different to the long-timers folding.

As much as I know the crew there were nice people, I'd have to say they chose the wrong time to start a company selling expensive money holes.

**Chrislost** · 14th May 2009, 12:33

Pity that it didn't work as Phill knows his stuff when it comes to sorting people out with what they wanted.

**R6_kid:Me** · 14th May 2009, 12:48

What were they selling other than Moto Morinis and gear?

**Brian d marge** · 14th May 2009, 13:30

I ll tell yaa the bike shop business model is dead in the water, apart from one or two where the over forties can view their new toy , and the farmers quad bike nees a tune ,,,
She be an expensive hobby ...( unless you own an Enfield !!! )

Stephen

**vgcspares** · 14th May 2009, 14:28

Originally Posted by Brian d'marge

I ll tell yaa the bike shop business model is dead in the water, apart from one or two where the over forties can view their new toy , and the farmers quad bike nees a tune ,,,
She be an expensive hobby ...( unless you own an Enfield !!! )

Stephen

but that's the prob with your premis (unless you own something like you've got) : the modern kit isn't user serviceable without the right gear and knowledge

**Brian d marge** · 14th May 2009, 15:20

Originally Posted by vgcspares

but that's the prob with your premis (unless you own something like you've got) : the modern kit isn't user serviceable without the right gear and knowledge

inst the Honda first service at 24 000 km? that leaves oil and tyres , and crash damage .....

More money in the entertainment side of it .

**nosebleed** · 14th May 2009, 15:49

Bugger. Yeah nice guys (and girls). They all went out of their way to help out. Damn shame

**Phurrball** · 15th May 2009, 00:08

Gutted about this.

I was going in to purchase gloves...

...as all the stock was being loaded into a truck.

Great bunch of people and a good atmosphere - a real shame it didn't take off.

Bad timing I guess.

**SARGE** · 15th May 2009, 16:46

Originally Posted by vgcspares

but that's the prob with your premis (unless you own something like you've got) : The modern kit isn't user serviceable without the right gear and knowledge

and tools .. Dont forget tools ...

Phil is a good guy.. i dont think we've seen the last of that crew though ...wouldnt surprise me if Phil is working on an internet thing right now .. would really make sense.. maybe if he did that he could stock Simpson Helmets ( hint hint)

not that theres any foundation to that rumor..

but it would be nice ..

**SARGE** · 15th May 2009, 16:52

Originally Posted by Brian d'marge

tyres , and crash damage .....

.

thats why it pays to service Suzukis ...

**Brian d marge** · 15th May 2009, 19:28

I don't know but I've been in this business long enough to see the writing on the wall. Wages alone should kill it assuming the work is comming in
I am tapping this out on phone so it's brief .
Anyway bike shops are customer service shops which means we assist the customer to go about their business. Which is riding bikes
I left that open because my station is next and I want to see how people read into this
Stephen

**Crasherfromwayback** · 17th May 2009, 14:04

Originally Posted by Brian d'marge

I don't know but I've been in this business long enough to see the writing on the wall. Wages alone should kill it assuming the work is comming in
I am tapping this out on phone so it's brief .
Anyway bike shops are customer service shops which means we assist the customer to go about their business. Which is riding bikes
I left that open because my station is next and I want to see how people read into this
Stephen

The bike industry is actually pretty healthy here still Stephen. I've been in the industry for around 23 years now...and while it has (and always will have) it's ups and downs...the established players that do most things right will always survive.

Pete

**cs363** · 17th May 2009, 14:46

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

The bike industry is actually pretty healthy here despite the fact that I've been in the industry for around 23 years now...and while it has (and always will have) it's ups and downs...the established players that do most things right will always survive.

Pete

edited for a dash of humour, but agree totally with your sentiments