Yes, my dealership is closed (6 months after my purchase). Spokane, WA does still have two dealerships but they are multi-dealerships that sell Honda, Yamaha, and several others. Single dealerships may become a thing of the past.Several local Yamaha shops that I used to frequent are now empty buildings.A friend who works for Yamaha goes around the country and tends to closures of dealers and the disposition of their inventories -- a sad state of affairs, to be sure.
OTOH, "It's an ill wind that doesn't blow someone some good" -- there are really good prices on excess product.
Still..., unless the economy turns around -- it'll be 'tough sledding' for m/c dealers...
Yamaha Sales Predicted Down 20%
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madmike2
Shtirrenuppenmeister
Even in that heady atmosphere the market is narrow.I think many, if not most, BMW GSs (especially the newer 1200cc versions) are used for 'Sport-Touring' -- so much for "niche marketing"...? (admittedly it's sport touring with a "butch" slant...
And that's where future successful companies should focus their efforts.
Understanding the need to provide for that clientele is much different than creating and maintaining the image and product necessary.
Those who have arrived maintain that status. I think it would be difficult for most manufacturers to elevate to that status because of the amount of mid-level offerings in their product line. For example, it's much easier for BMW to offer the 650 GS and the 800 GS at a more affordable price than it would be for Honda or Yamaha to produce and model a motorcycle at a higher value, simply because their current reputation would limit their ability to market.
That being said, Toyota has achieved a success story with the Lexus line. However, "Star" doesn't seem to have the same "quality" feel.....
In the long run, perhaps the manufacturers insisting on single manufacturer dealerships may have hurt the survivability of those very outlets. A wider product line gives the customers and sales staff more options. OTH, the dealer must carry more inventory and better qualified, more diverse mechanics and manuals, etc.
One would think, at this particular economic time, that those dealerships who have focused on service and customer relations might fare better than those dealerships who simply sell the bike and then are less concerned about that customer.
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BanjoBoy
Well-known member
+3
Yamaha could make lots of money if they wanted, but apparently they don't want to.
As mentioned above, I don't understand why they keep raising the MSRP (Even though we know you can get them for lower) after they've paid for the tooling? They should under cut the competition, then FJRs would sell like hot cakes.
Yamaha should also do like BMW and built their own LEO version, and give police agencies an affordable alternative to BMW.
And while they're at it, Yamaha needs to put a usable gas tanks on their FZ1 & FZ8s. If they had a 200 mile range, then they'd be sell'in like hot cakes to. (If you have to stop for gas every 100 mi. you might as well be ride'in an R1 with all the poser appeal!)
I think Yamaha ran the price up way too high. Geeze the new ones are great but they are not that much different than the original 2003. But the $14,490 MSRP seems to indicate a radically improved machine. I just bought a pristine 2009 FJR for a bargain price, love it but don't think I'd love it so much at the MSRP. Oher than that the world economy is no doubt causing a huge decrease in sales...Can't blame Yami for that.
Bill
Potential
Well-known member
People never seem to understand how the economy works. Look at this. At one point in 2007 $1 = 124 yen. Now $1 = 87 yen. That means the dollar is only worth 70% of what it was worth three years ago, relative to the yen. So something that cost $10k in 2007 would have to caust $14300 for the same amount in yen.
GPRIDER
Well-known member
Damn weak *** dollar. Hey banjoboy. I've seen pictures of Police specific FJRs on this forum over the years. Don't know if they are available in the U.S. though.
GP
GP
blueman
blueman
The banks not lending money is why we are still in a recession. The lack of flow of money, basic economics. Its risk free for the banks to take the TARP MONEY "free Gov't money and buy U.S Treasury Bills. They were supposed to use the Tarp money for Lending "ha ha right" Its criminal if you ask me . The closer we get to Reelection the government will put pressure on the banks to lend money and the economy will pick up. Then the current administration will look like they saved the economy right before election time. Its all in the timing!! Life in a socialistic economy.
A
Anthony
Guest
The solution relies in gasoline that nears the supply adjusted price. Even Europeans have it cheap by supply and demand standards.
palerider
Well-known member
I can answer that. For all their bluster and macho bombast, HD is not a motorcycle company. They're a marketing company, a lifestyle company. They market a particular image, and their business model requires them to spend the least amount of money possible on hardware to create a product that people can buy that fits the image they sell. That's why they continue to simply rebundle old technology in different combinations, and it's why when the economy tanked, their sales dropped as much as they did, much more than the sales of other brands dropped: because no one buys an HD for any reason other than to fit into the Harley-lifestyle fantasy (well, a very small number of people buy Harleys for touring). But no one buys a Harley for sport-riding or dirt-riding or the joy of cutting-edge technoloty or simple, low-cost commuting or sport-touring.
Well, maybe so, but altho this downslide has hurt HD as well, they're doing better than the rest. Alot of us are scratching our heads at dumping Buell and MV, but I guess they just figured to cut costs and that was the easiest way. There are HD dealers everywhere, and around here, they have events all the time. Most weekends you can stop by and they've got food/drinks, a band/music, and something else going on that draws folks in, both the curious and the faithful. They may be just a marketing company, but isn't that what sells? HD has, afterall, been around since 1903 and have been through some tremendous ups and downs, but survived regardless, and are doing it now with decades old technology.
If you think about it, HD's are so simple from a manufacturing and servicing view. They basically only have 3 drivetrains - VRod, Sportster, and Big Twin. BT's are in 3 different chassis, and one chassis each for the other two. They snaz 'em up with paint, wheels, and other doodads, but basically there's not that many differences. Easy for a dealer in all aspects. And, their customers don't really demand big advances in technology like the other manufacturers do.
I like the small shops as many seem to be staffed by folks that really like bikes. The HD shops are - from what I've seen - big and "professional"; maybe the sales guys only jumped in for the $$ and "lifestyle", but the dealers have everything. My little Yam-Suz shop is limited (still don't have a '10 FJR on the floor) and some models have been there for an extended period. My '09A had been there for ~9 months I believe. Marketing is where it's at, esp in a slow market I'd think.
I guess it's like the local hardware store being put on hard times by the new Lowe's or Home Depot that opened in town; the big japanese motorcycle shops have an absolutely huge line of products they have to carry, and most have multiple brands. Down here, at the little shop I bought mine from, I think their mainstay are 4 wheelers; it's what keeps them in business.
I think we need to get the address for the FJR program manager and send some mail - the old fashioned type. Do 'em like you would a politician when they are considering some bill. Tell 'em that we know money is tight, but for minimum output they could improve the Gen 2 with a ground spider fix, a larger alternator, and standard or optional cruise. The extra trans gear would probably take "too much" development cash - who knows, but they could bump displacement pretty easy I'd think with either/both bore/stroke. You know, suggest things that cost little development money but would make some great changes for those of us that like 'em, and those that are shopping for the best bike/value. Maybe a better suspension they could adapt from the R1 - I don't know - but stuff like that.
Just a thought - always dangerous for me...
BanjoBoy
Well-known member
Well, I don't know much about economics, it just seems that if Honda & Kawasaki can come out with (brand new from the ground up) models for $15K +/- that an FJR that's basically been "tooled up" for, for about 8 years should be cheaper?
When I worked in a mill, people would come in wanting a custom piece of siding for their house;
Me; "OK that'll be $2,000"
Client; "What are you out of your mind?"
Me; "Well, we have to set up the jigs and all the equipment just to make a little 1x12 board."
A contractor comes in wanting the same (Or similar) siding for a whole house; "That'll be $6,000. "
Contractor; "Such a deal, I'll take it!"
Whatever the yen to dollar ratio, is irrelevant (In my twisted mind) it just seems an FJR should be
I know a lot of LEO agencies around the world use FJRs, but I think their LEO stuff is bolted on by a third party? I believe BMW has the only "factory"
LEO bikes which is more convenient foe LEO agencies.
phroenips
Pronounced "Free-nips"...it's just a
FJRWITHWINGS
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Several local Yamaha shops that I used to frequent are now empty buildings.A friend who works for Yamaha goes around the country and tends to closures of dealers and the disposition of their inventories -- a sad state of affairs, to be sure.
OTOH, "It's an ill wind that doesn't blow someone some good" -- there are really good prices on excess product.
Still..., unless the economy turns around -- it'll be 'tough sledding' for m/c dealers...
accessories4bikes.com has really good prices on all of Yamaha's OEM accessories...if your looking.
fuzzy1
Member
Many of you folks will remember the early 80's till about '87 when a similar thing occurred to the motorcycle industry for different reasons. Dealerships going under, tarriffs on stuff 750cc and over. Then, things turned around and we had the scenario another poster spoke of; HD charging over MSRP, waiting lists, etc.
Right now this is certianly bad news for motorcycle manufacturers and those in the industry. But there are some good bargains to be had.
So, my point is; this too will pass. In a couple of years we will be looking at a different economic landscape. (And hopefully a new and improved FJR to ride across it on!)
Right now this is certianly bad news for motorcycle manufacturers and those in the industry. But there are some good bargains to be had.
So, my point is; this too will pass. In a couple of years we will be looking at a different economic landscape. (And hopefully a new and improved FJR to ride across it on!)
Meltdown
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It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out.
There was a multi-brand mega dealership not too far from where I live which sold the Japanese big 4 as well as MV Augusta and Triumph. Had been in business next to forever. They are now closed. A fantastic Yammy only shop which had also been in biz forever dropped their franchise and is now just an Indy shop. The only Yammy dealer in Brevard county where I live is 40 miles north of me and they are suffering mightily. Very little stock because they are finding it difficult to move inventory, so they had to cut back on their floor plan to reduce expenses.
As far as upgrading the FJR is concerned, Kawi did fine for a number of years producing the Connie at a value pricepoint because the tooling had been paid off for years. The FJR as it sits is a very capable bike. An upgrade to the charging system would be nice, but even without that if they can find a way to lower the price, they'll continue to move.
There was a multi-brand mega dealership not too far from where I live which sold the Japanese big 4 as well as MV Augusta and Triumph. Had been in business next to forever. They are now closed. A fantastic Yammy only shop which had also been in biz forever dropped their franchise and is now just an Indy shop. The only Yammy dealer in Brevard county where I live is 40 miles north of me and they are suffering mightily. Very little stock because they are finding it difficult to move inventory, so they had to cut back on their floor plan to reduce expenses.
As far as upgrading the FJR is concerned, Kawi did fine for a number of years producing the Connie at a value pricepoint because the tooling had been paid off for years. The FJR as it sits is a very capable bike. An upgrade to the charging system would be nice, but even without that if they can find a way to lower the price, they'll continue to move.
zorkler
Ave U !!!!
Went to my local dealer . Not 1 goldwing on display guy alway had 4 at all times . The yard where they keep there crated bikes was empty not 1 bike in there .His yard used to be full a all times at least 40 bikes and some water jets guy has been in business for over 30 years it dont look good . Also he carrys susuki, honda, yamaha .The jap economy is in a big mess the hosing bubble is going to burst any day . You want to purchase a second house you need 50 percent up front want a 3rd house you need 100 percent . They have keep there intrest rates at zero for the last 10 years so they can buy treasurys . If is was not for them it would be very hard to sell our bonds .
capttwb
Well-known member
We can only hope our fortunes change soon. Business needs to recover and start hiring again.
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RadioHowie
I Miss Beemerdons!
Guideline #2 in THIS link needs to be read by you immediately, if not sooner.
Such postings are strictly frowned upon here.
Bad form. :nono:
capttwb
Well-known member
