If there's one constant that runs through the powersports world, it's that things are a bit testosterone-heavy. From motorcycle imagery right down to th
The AMA has placed its external communications functions with an outside consultant. Pete terHorst and his firm, SymPoint Communications, will be directing PR for
Over the next two years, Yamaha and its cruiser brand Star Motorcycles will double the number of aftermarket products they offer to consumers. The OEM joins Ducat
BRP and Piaggio are trying to sell consumers on the benefits of having two wheels in the front and a single drive wheel in the rear. But they're only two of
Ducati Motor Holding SpA wants to strengthen its position in the international premium sportbike segment through a number of initiatives revealed after the compan
Best wishes to Bob Ellis, who last month opened Empire Cycle & Powersports in Spokane Valley, Wash., after doing a $100K remodel of a 16,000 sq. ft. former us
For about 350 dealerships across the country, profit margins on motorcycles aren't what they used to be. RPM Group reports that vehicle margins for its netwo
Because of the Internet, more dealerships than ever are selling to customers in other countries. The strong euro makes European Union sales especially attractive.
THE EURO'S STRENGTH VERSUS THE DOLLAR is raising the prices of many of the products sourced from the European Union. Dealernews talked with a number of Europ
EVERY ASSOCIATE IN YOUR DEALERSHIP has a specific, assigned role, right? From the parts counter person to the service advisor, from your business manager to your
IN LATE DECEMBER the dealership I'd been mentoring had its launch meeting for 2008 (BTW: I hope you had yours already?) The theme of the meeting was "En
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BOTTOM LINE numbers, of course. So, tell me what you think of this: A direct mail/telemarketing campaign costing $5,000 to contact 1,500 c
NOTHING DRIVES DOWN PRICES of a product more substantially than a large number of used versions. Can you think of a powersports product that fits this bill? It su
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each fall for the last 10 years, J.D. Power and Associates has surveyed new-motorcycle owners to determine their satisfaction with their motor
Imagine an insurance company that points customers in your direction, guarantees your work for life, and approves most of your collision repairs using an online s
Oklahoma-based Ridley Motorcycle Co. is offering a "2 Year Plus" warranty for its 2008 automatic motorcycles. The program offers a 25-month standard war
NO RACER BACKS OFF ON THE LAST LAP, right? Then why do so service departments start strong but finish weak when repairs go longer than expected?
I had such an e
I'VE INTRODUCED THE IDEA of social networking on the Internet and have given you a brief overview of what social networking is all about and how it can play
The rapid pace of the world today means it's even more important to be remembered by your customers. "Every month hundreds of thousands of new companies
TAKE NOTICE OF OTHER RETAILERS during the 2008 calendar year. Every month proclaims a holiday, small or large, and many stores will take advantage of each holiday
√ Does your storefront make a simple, yet powerful statement? A quick glance should tell you what the merchandise is about, what type of merchandise you car
ONE OF THE SPECIAL joys of riding a motorcycle is finding a lonely road in the middle of nowhere. There’s no traffic, the towns are miles apart, and it&rsqu
DEAR GRANDMA and Grandpa, I hope things are going good up there in Heaven. Spring is here, and that’s always a good thing for us in the motorcycle industry.
WHAT DOES A motorcycle rider look like? Or an ATV enthusiast? Do they wear their hair a certain way? Do all men have mustaches? Do all women wear lots of dangling
