Ractech and a rotting stench

[scumdog]

Only niggers and filth discuss that crap, I'll leave it up to you.

So which are you???

[Headbanger]

So which are you???

I fall outside that spectrum, Hence my inability to talk P deals.

Which one are you?

[Headbanger]

I'm sorry Mr Headbanger, I'm not racist, I've got a colour telly and a Black cat so how can I be? but I see you're not happy with that sort of scenario, lets change it to party pills then if it makes you happy, you sound like you could be a party pill man, or at least someone who while no'ones looking whips an Enos tablet into his Berroca just to get that extra shot.-----The point remains you've singled out a particular product yet this really is about many products available in New Zealand from a supplier yet able to be purchased off the interweb for much less, do you have it in for this supplier or what?

Cool, You can read, Its your comprehension that is lacking, Mr Roberts himself inserted his company into the discussion as an example alongside his personal and professional views.

And your tugging your fat one if you think I'm going to get into a dumbfuck convo as presented by your posts.

[gatch]

Wowee what a read.

Viscount is clearly an accountant, robert taylor is a cunt, and the general public is having every last dollar squeezed out of them by profit driven supply/service tycoons.

I'm now going to grow a beard and live with the amish.

Goodbye.

[Headbanger]

I'm going to change my user name then ask Mr Taylor for some tips regarding the suspension on my Speed Triple.....


Muhahahahahahahaha

[Robert Taylor]

No need to change your name, you may have a differing opinion but that is not reason enough for me to do anything other than give you good advice.

[thepom]

Don,t bother as I tried but no joy,here,s a copy of the e mail he sent me on an overhaul of a rear shock for my blackbird and the reply from a guy in the UK I have bought all my bird stuff from,

Hello again Kenny and apologies for the delayed reply.



Having now researched it all further the rear shock on that bike is a nasty one to rebuild. The internal gas dividing piston is non removable as there is a restrictor base plate just above it that is peened in position through the side of the shock body. Whilst we can drill the bottom of the shock to install a gas charge nipple we cannot pull it completely apart to make sure that all drilling and tapping swarf is removed, nor can we check the integrity of the o ring and guiding piston ring on the floating gas piston. So its too risky and unless we have 100% confidence in the integrity of that area we would prefer to walk away from the job. You may find someone that is willing to do that but its not what I would call an acceptable and safe job, especially on a bike that can attain high speeds / loadings.



There is an Ohlins shock listing for that bike. It is a hose reservoir type with independent rebound and compression adjustment and a hydraulic spring preload adjuster ( due otherwise to access issues to adjust spring preload on that bike ) $2299.90 rec retail incl of gst. That’s a solid whack of money but there are many positive advantages as follows;



1) It is not once only dead money as Ohlins shocks have great residual value, if later on you change to a different bike there are 3 options: a) the shock can be respec’d to suit the new bike as they are very modular b) if there are too many parts involved we trade used Ohlins for new or c) they are in high demand secondhand if you wish to onsell privately



2) We always ensure that the shock is delivered personalized in spring rate and settings ( internally if necessary ) to your personal stats, most typical loading scenarios and application at no extra cost. This is VERY important and were you to purchase this shock offshore you get none of that nor are offshore sellers familiar with our often atrocious road conditions



3) Should the delivered spring rate not be entirely to your preference ( everyone has a different perception of what they want ) we exchange the spring at no further cost. Local service, local backup. No one else in NZ offers any of these 3 points.



4) Aside from all the above there are the benefits that only become abundantly apparent once you ride with this suspension i.e much much improved ride compliance but also much better ride height control, more mechanical grip and improved tyre life. More response to external adjustments and fully rebuildable ( 40000 ks on )



I suggest you call in and see our Christchurch / South Island agent, Peter Fenton at Triple R Superbike on St Asaph St. This is not a shock we regularly stock but we normally have at least one shipment every month. Our next shipment likely leaves Sweden late next week and arrives about 12 days thereafter. If you wish to place an order please let us / Peter know no later than Tuesday next week and we can likely have included.



Please also don’t hesitate to come back to us with any further questions

And here,s the reply from the Uk guy....

Errrr.. I think you need to find another suspension guy.. They are actually very easy to work on and being based on an upmarket unit once the issues are sorted out great shocks !

Needless to say I bought elsewhere......but business is business so no hard feeling,s....I know it,s hard to make a living here in Godsown
and we are on a Island a long way from anywhere so our location dictates prices.....





Kind regards,



Robert Taylor

[Owl]

I'm going to change my user name then ask Mr Taylor for some tips regarding the suspension on my Speed Triple.....


Muhahahahahahahaha

That's easy, it's crap!

[dipshit]

should a number of distributors consider going direct and eliminate the traditional wholesale / retail etiquette?

Hell yes!

Having been involved with bikes in the mid-80s to early 90s and even worked in a motorcycle shop for some time... then getting back into bikes 3 years ago... it seems the motorcycle industry in NZ has barely changed at all since back then! Motorcycle shops still seem stuck in the 80s with its out of touch, heavy reliance on distributors and "the system" horse shit. Motorcycle shops only seem to push and supply whatever their distributors happen to carry. However there is another whole world out there with goodies that your average NZ bike shop hasn't got the foggiest about. (Their distributor doesn't carry it )

Today's world is a lot smaller than it was in the 80s. The old boys network of manufacturer - exporter - importer - wholesaler - distributor - then retailer is fast becoming a thing of the past.

Many many smaller manufacturers are now selling directly to the end consumer thanks to the internet and those big jet planes in the sky. About half of my accessories lately have been brought straight from the manufacturer. Waterproof over gloves, radiator guards, bodywork protection, radar detector mounts etc etc. The silly old boys network of half a dozen other people getting a cut is unnecessary.

The very first negative by-product is that if all sales ( for in this example suspension ) are direct it completely cuts out the handful of dealers who would otherwise be proactive,

It you have a skill or point of difference to offer then market that skill or advantage! If consumers think your skill is worth paying for then they will happily pay for it!

Look at Dave Moss for example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfiQS...eature=channel

He sets up his tent at the tracks and charges for his suspension help. There appears to be usually a line of bikes waiting for his service. Why give it away for free then complain about putting food on the table..?


And if you can source components much more cheaply than through "official" channels... then why not? Ohlins weren't doing you any favours when they sold at much cheaper prices to big US retailers.

[Robert Taylor]

Don,t bother as I tried but no joy,here,s a copy of the e mail he sent me on an overhaul of a rear shock for my blackbird and the reply from a guy in the UK I have bought all my bird stuff from,

Hello again Kenny and apologies for the delayed reply.

Having now researched it all further the rear shock on that bike is a nasty one to rebuild. The internal gas dividing piston is non removable as there is a restrictor base plate just above it that is peened in position through the side of the shock body. Whilst we can drill the bottom of the shock to install a gas charge nipple we cannot pull it completely apart to make sure that all drilling and tapping swarf is removed, nor can we check the integrity of the o ring and guiding piston ring on the floating gas piston. So its too risky and unless we have 100% confidence in the integrity of that area we would prefer to walk away from the job. You may find someone that is willing to do that but its not what I would call an acceptable and safe job, especially on a bike that can attain high speeds / loadings.



There is an Ohlins shock listing for that bike. It is a hose reservoir type with independent rebound and compression adjustment and a hydraulic spring preload adjuster ( due otherwise to access issues to adjust spring preload on that bike ) $2299.90 rec retail incl of gst. That’s a solid whack of money but there are many positive advantages as follows;



1) It is not once only dead money as Ohlins shocks have great residual value, if later on you change to a different bike there are 3 options: a) the shock can be respec’d to suit the new bike as they are very modular b) if there are too many parts involved we trade used Ohlins for new or c) they are in high demand secondhand if you wish to onsell privately



2) We always ensure that the shock is delivered personalized in spring rate and settings ( internally if necessary ) to your personal stats, most typical loading scenarios and application at no extra cost. This is VERY important and were you to purchase this shock offshore you get none of that nor are offshore sellers familiar with our often atrocious road conditions



3) Should the delivered spring rate not be entirely to your preference ( everyone has a different perception of what they want ) we exchange the spring at no further cost. Local service, local backup. No one else in NZ offers any of these 3 points.



4) Aside from all the above there are the benefits that only become abundantly apparent once you ride with this suspension i.e much much improved ride compliance but also much better ride height control, more mechanical grip and improved tyre life. More response to external adjustments and fully rebuildable ( 40000 ks on )



I suggest you call in and see our Christchurch / South Island agent, Peter Fenton at Triple R Superbike on St Asaph St. This is not a shock we regularly stock but we normally have at least one shipment every month. Our next shipment likely leaves Sweden late next week and arrives about 12 days thereafter. If you wish to place an order please let us / Peter know no later than Tuesday next week and we can likely have included.



Please also don’t hesitate to come back to us with any further questions

And here,s the reply from the Uk guy....

Errrr.. I think you need to find another suspension guy.. They are actually very easy to work on and being based on an upmarket unit once the issues are sorted out great shocks !

Needless to say I bought elsewhere......but business is business so no hard feeling,s....I know it,s hard to make a living here in Godsown
and we are on a Island a long way from anywhere so our location dictates prices.....





Kind regards,



Robert Taylor

Ok, youve published on an open forum an e-mail communication document that was between you and me, thats bad form dont you think? If it were commercially sensitive Id have every reason to seek legal redress and Id win hands down. But in another way I thank you as it illustrates the trouble that I often go to.

Given the remarkable lack of detail from the guy in the UK your argument is thin, given the gas piston design in this the considerable detail I went into to explain this all to you stacks up. At this point I can only surmise that the guy in the UK is willing to take such a risk. It may also be that there is a slightly different specification in the UK, but many of the Honda / Showa shocks have this nasty encapsulated baseplate and gas piston design in them, I should know as Ive seen more than a few over the years.

[Robert Taylor]

Hell yes!

Having been involved with bikes in the mid-80s to early 90s and even worked in a motorcycle shop for some time... then getting back into bikes 3 years ago... it seems the motorcycle industry in NZ has barely changed at all since back then! Motorcycle shops still seems stuck in the 80s with it's out of touch, heavy reliance on distributors and "the system" horse shit. Motorcycle shops only seem to push and supply whatever their distributors happen to carry. However there is another whole world out there with goodies that your average NZ bike shop hasn't got the foggiest about. (Their distributor doesn't carry it )

Today's world is a lot smaller than it was in the 80s. The old boys network of manufacturer - exporter - importer - wholesaler - distributor - then retailer is fast becoming a thing of the past.

Many many smaller manufacturers are now selling directly to the end consumer thanks to the internet and those big jet planes in the sky. About half of my accessories lately have been brought straight from the manufacturer. Waterproof over gloves, radiator guards, bodywork protection, radar detect mounts etc etc. The silly old boys network of half a dozen other people getting a cut is unnecessary.




It you have a skill or point of difference to offer then market that skill or advantage! If consumers think your skill is worth paying for then they will happily pay for it!

Look at Dave Moss for example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfiQS...eature=channel

He sets up his tent at the tracks and charges for his suspension help. There appears to be usually a line of bikes waiting for his service. Why give it away for free then complain about putting food on the table..?


And if you can source components much more cheaply than through "official" channels... then why not? Ohlins weren't doing you any favours when they sold at much cheaper prices to big US retailers.

Thanks for your perspective

[dipshit]

The very first negative by-product is that if all sales ( for in this example suspension ) are direct it completely cuts out the handful of dealers who would otherwise be proactive,

Oh, and as far as some dealers going down the toilet... who cares.

Half of the bike mechanics down this way are next to useless anyhow... so no great loss. A GOOD mechanic will always be in demand. Look at the recommendations "George at Motorcycle Doctors" keeps getting in threads like this... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ecommendations He will probably do all right for himself even without selling accessories. Like any successful business - concentrate on what you are good at.

There will always be a demand for good mechanics and a supply of tyres and jackets and gloves etc (as people prefer to try gear on rather than purchasing over the internet) There will be a market for this in NZ as long as there are bikes on the road. Even if it means there are a few less dealers around filling those needs. Hopefully you will be left with the good guys and we just lose some of the dead wood.

[boomer]

Thanks for your perspective

Funny thing is Robert, he's right.

[Howie]

Heres an interesting point and I kind of eluded to it in a previous post,

With the pressure that is placed on accredited distributors from overseas resellers ( most particularly in the USA ) should a number of distributors consider going direct and eliminate the traditional wholesale / retail etiquette?

Note that this subject matter is not confined to NZ, it also affects Australia, Canada and a number of European countries. Bulk buying discounts, high volume sales, very low margins and a strong kiwi dollar against $US all conspire to create such a situation.

The very first negative by-product is that if all sales ( for in this example suspension ) are direct it completely cuts out the handful of dealers who would otherwise be proactive, as there would be no margin for them. And you cannot just scoot up to any motorcycle shop for suspension help as frankly the training institutions for motorcycle mechanics offers little more than when I was an apprentice back in the 70s. Its as rudimentary as it was then. That is not to say that there are some great mecahanics with good suspension set up knowledge dotted around the country in various shops, but thats because of their own motivation and interest.

The answer to this question lies within the Businesses concerned and is not Motorcycle product exclusive. If consumers are looking elsewhere to locate the goods/services they want be it due to supply(time for delivery), or price issues, and it is affecting a local/ or your Businesses bottom line. Then the Business model being used by the local business is not one that well succeed, so a smart Business operator would look at what he can change to remain competitive in a changing market place and retain or grow his market share.

I agree with your comments about technical training in NZ, but again is not purely a Motorcycle industry problem, and what is the answer. The training costs money and where does that money for training come from either from the people being trained or the industry concerned. What would your answer be to the lack of on going technical traing in New zealand be? A levy on employers? or making Apprentices/Trainnes take on more debt? or maybe regular on going upskilling courses to keep up with new technology? That of course leaves the issue of keeping up with the tooling to do the job as well.

As a side note from what I read here(if the interweb is to be believed) you provide an excellent service at a premium price at the top end of the market, but is that what Joe average wants for example if I have $5000 to spend on capital upgrades to my 5 year old ZXGSXCBYF600 track day/club race bike, and spend it all on your products I might gain a great suspension system, but the rest of the bike is lacking. Where as if I spend $2400 on a different Suspension system that gives me 80-90% of the benefit of yours, it leaves me another $2600 to spend on maybe a race exhaust and power commander/ or maybe some carbon fibre body work. Now which option is going to give me as a weekend warrior the best bang for buck within my budget.

[jellywrestler]

.



nipple

Hehehe, he said nipple...