9½ Reasons Motorcycle Shops Are Closing That Have Nothing To Do With Sales

[Glenn/RZ500]

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If you can, catch the latest episode of El Camino on Rev TV. It goes into detail at behind the scene at a motorcycle dealership. GP Bikes in this profile. A lot of what we`ve discussed here and sometimes blind luck is a factor. They took on a number of Euro brands as the grew out of boutique status and became big and mainstream. GP has the bases covered for the ups and downs of the industry, Jerry looks like a guy that can think on his feet and work hard at the same time, he deserves his success.

 

[Dirty Frank]

I guess being a motorcycle mechanic does not pay enough? In the Durham area, if you want anything done. be prepared to wait a couple weeks at least. A number of shops have closed here in the last few years. If you need your bike worked on, be prepared to wait.

Considering the training and skills involved and adding to that a its a seasonable gig who in their right mind would want the job?

 

[nobbie48]

Staff costs are way up , running a shop where your employes would like basic dental /medical coverage , and workmans comp all adds up , then add rent, business insurance which is costed out based on risk (motorcycle) and everything else related to running the business and it becomes a very low return proposition. If you get a good tech on staff , if you dont pay them quite well and they are remotely presentable they will take a municipal job servicing lawn equipment for the city, with a pension.
Many of these industries are really struggling , motorcycle, marine, RV techs , simply because if you have any talent there are better jobs all over. The old addage , how do you end up with a million in the motorcycle trade? well you start with two million and work back certainly rings true.

Seasonal is a curse.

I was talking to a crusty old gent who ran a marina in fishing country.

The first day of fishing he'd arrive at the shop and see 20 boats parked along the road.

"The motor won't start. Can you fix it right away?"

"Nope"

"Can you tell me someone that can?"

"I don't hate anyone that bad."

Ditto motorcycles, snow blowers, lawn mowers, snow tires

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