We had a profound experience yesterday. We ran a 2012 KTM Factory (Dungey) Edition on our dyno. 52.5 horsepower at the rear wheel. What was so profound about that?
First off, that is a lot of power. Real wheel horsepower. That is what happens when you twist the throttle and it translates to displacing dirt. Yee-haw, get going, power. And, linear, too.
Plus, we compared it to a ported CR450. The power was virtually the same, but the Honda was more abrupt. Stock bike to modified bike. Just think of the possibilities.
Oh, then there is one other thing. Our dyno is up and running. We are offering dyno services on your bike. Want to know what kind of horsepower your machine has? Your ATV? We can do that. We can check it with a new pipe or ignition. Then you can go, Yee-haw!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Service
Service is an interesting word. In our case, it means a couple of things.
One is doing work on your machine. The other meaning is supplying customer support for questions, information, getting the right item, or doing something for you before, during, and after a purchase. Hopefully, we are doing a good job for you in our service department(s.)
Another is doing you a service. In talking with a customer the other day, he noted he had called some other dealerships on pricing of machines. Some places gave initially lower prices than what we have. But, and there typically is always a disclaimer, extra fees were going to be added. At that point, the price was more than ours. And, you can imagine other little charges may be tacked on or someone may try to persuade you to buy this and that to the point the machine is much higher in price.
Doing you a service may be implied as doing you justice. A good explanation of the aspects of the machine. Questions about what you want to achieve. Knowledge of riding. A chance for you to decide without being hounded into a deal.
That, to us, is good service.
One is doing work on your machine. The other meaning is supplying customer support for questions, information, getting the right item, or doing something for you before, during, and after a purchase. Hopefully, we are doing a good job for you in our service department(s.)
Another is doing you a service. In talking with a customer the other day, he noted he had called some other dealerships on pricing of machines. Some places gave initially lower prices than what we have. But, and there typically is always a disclaimer, extra fees were going to be added. At that point, the price was more than ours. And, you can imagine other little charges may be tacked on or someone may try to persuade you to buy this and that to the point the machine is much higher in price.
Doing you a service may be implied as doing you justice. A good explanation of the aspects of the machine. Questions about what you want to achieve. Knowledge of riding. A chance for you to decide without being hounded into a deal.
That, to us, is good service.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Common
How attached are you to your mobile phone? GPS? Other electronic gizmos? Many of us silver haired geezers will wax philosophically about rotary dial phones, smoke signals, cans attached with strings, and trudging through seven feet of snow walking to school; all to the dismay of younger people.
Vintage bikes get similar responses. Someone rode that "thing!" is a usual response. Yes indeedy! In fact, I rode it so fast that it tore the hair off my head and that is why I have this bald spot, you see....
Actually, today's machines are marvels in comparison, just like many of the items we now take for granted. My first "laptop" weighed 40 pounds and sported two 5 1/4 disc drives (look them up whippersnappers.) Now, my phone has more computing power than the first space capsules and my bike has more horsepower with less weight, better brakes, handling, well, everything.
We all get to the point where we consider what we have as common. Yet, the technology and advancement isn't common at all. Our bikes and ATVs are significantly better, faster, while getting even better fuel economy. We think our mobile phone is a crapper, when just a few years ago they were flip phones, before that the size of toasters, and before that, well, they were wired to the wall.
One of the things I like about riding is the fact that I cannot take a call. I like the phone off, letting my riding do the talking. Yes, I still carry it with me, for the potential emergency, GPS, or call home. But, it is also great to close off the distractions, focus on the moment, and enjoy that someone can't get ahold of me. And that, I guess, is old school, but uncommon. Which is why we ride.
Vintage bikes get similar responses. Someone rode that "thing!" is a usual response. Yes indeedy! In fact, I rode it so fast that it tore the hair off my head and that is why I have this bald spot, you see....
Actually, today's machines are marvels in comparison, just like many of the items we now take for granted. My first "laptop" weighed 40 pounds and sported two 5 1/4 disc drives (look them up whippersnappers.) Now, my phone has more computing power than the first space capsules and my bike has more horsepower with less weight, better brakes, handling, well, everything.
We all get to the point where we consider what we have as common. Yet, the technology and advancement isn't common at all. Our bikes and ATVs are significantly better, faster, while getting even better fuel economy. We think our mobile phone is a crapper, when just a few years ago they were flip phones, before that the size of toasters, and before that, well, they were wired to the wall.
One of the things I like about riding is the fact that I cannot take a call. I like the phone off, letting my riding do the talking. Yes, I still carry it with me, for the potential emergency, GPS, or call home. But, it is also great to close off the distractions, focus on the moment, and enjoy that someone can't get ahold of me. And that, I guess, is old school, but uncommon. Which is why we ride.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Preparation
Some friends just came in and bought two rain suits. Why, you say, would anyone be doing buying rain suits when it is 90 degrees in July?! Preparation, my friends, preparation.
They are going riding on the Washington Coast. The area is a rain forest. Even in the summer, it's strange how it rains in a rain forest. These are some smart friends. We've had others in, discussing some big rides coming up. Some of the questions include what to take on a long ride.
Well, first off, is your bike tuned and ready? Tires fresh, cables lubed, airfilter clean, oil changed? Are you ready for changes in weather, road conditions, or bad fuel?
Preparation is what keeps a good ride just that; good. We can help you get ready. It's better to stop here and see friends versus making a call to get picked up on the side of the road someplace where you don't know anyone! Or, perhaps you are planning a trip to Alaska and you just now realize that bears do in fact eat people.
We do not have bear repellent, but we do have some portable fuel conditioners, Plexus for your visor or goggles, small chain lubes, tank bags for extra storage, emergency tire repair kits (or better yet, get some new tires instead of those thread bare ones on your bike now,) and more. Or, even a rain suit. You never know what the dress code will be.
They are going riding on the Washington Coast. The area is a rain forest. Even in the summer, it's strange how it rains in a rain forest. These are some smart friends. We've had others in, discussing some big rides coming up. Some of the questions include what to take on a long ride.
Well, first off, is your bike tuned and ready? Tires fresh, cables lubed, airfilter clean, oil changed? Are you ready for changes in weather, road conditions, or bad fuel?
Preparation is what keeps a good ride just that; good. We can help you get ready. It's better to stop here and see friends versus making a call to get picked up on the side of the road someplace where you don't know anyone! Or, perhaps you are planning a trip to Alaska and you just now realize that bears do in fact eat people.
We do not have bear repellent, but we do have some portable fuel conditioners, Plexus for your visor or goggles, small chain lubes, tank bags for extra storage, emergency tire repair kits (or better yet, get some new tires instead of those thread bare ones on your bike now,) and more. Or, even a rain suit. You never know what the dress code will be.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Supreme Court Decision
The United States Supreme Court ruled today that all citizens, and even those that are not citizens, and those that do not have a photo ID, must buy a motorcycle by the end of 2012.
In a ruling that cheered motorcycle dealers everywhere, the court ruled that since everyone will have health care forced down their throat, they may as well go out and "take a spin." Chief Justice Roberts, whose flowing robes looked cool while riding up on a Ninja 250, noted he was a "lane changer" and frequently cut off most vehicles while veering to the left.
Justice Elena Kagan, already known for her riding around with President Obama, was firmly behind the ruling. She noted "our country has been going downhill fast so you may as well get on a R1 and go for it."
Motorcycle Dealers are thrilled with the ruling. Many had noted they had no idea how "Obamacare" would effect their business expenses but anticipated costs for health care and related expenses would be driven up. With people now required to purchase a motorcycle, dealers, like the health care system, can offer less services for more money, while generally ignoring what the majority of people actually want.
The remaining justices were split on whether to mandate sport bikes, off road, or cruisers. In a united ruling, four justices wrote there should be no specification of which type of motorcycle you ride "as long as you put something exciting between your legs." Dissenting justices felt that the citizens would be best served by just getting scooters; which provide gas savings. It was also noted they felt more comfortable with the look of a scooter and like the country, they are "getting no where otherwise."
Funding for the program will be determined by various levels. The middle class, with income up to $120,000 will have to spend their own money on a new motorcycle. Also, they, through a payroll tax, will assist millionaires in purchasing exotic motorcycles and high end cruisers. Those who do not have a photo ID will automatically be given a naked sport bike so they may ride it freely across the border into another country. The Federal Reserve and Department of Justice will administer the lack of ID program.
In a ruling that cheered motorcycle dealers everywhere, the court ruled that since everyone will have health care forced down their throat, they may as well go out and "take a spin." Chief Justice Roberts, whose flowing robes looked cool while riding up on a Ninja 250, noted he was a "lane changer" and frequently cut off most vehicles while veering to the left.
Justice Elena Kagan, already known for her riding around with President Obama, was firmly behind the ruling. She noted "our country has been going downhill fast so you may as well get on a R1 and go for it."
Motorcycle Dealers are thrilled with the ruling. Many had noted they had no idea how "Obamacare" would effect their business expenses but anticipated costs for health care and related expenses would be driven up. With people now required to purchase a motorcycle, dealers, like the health care system, can offer less services for more money, while generally ignoring what the majority of people actually want.
The remaining justices were split on whether to mandate sport bikes, off road, or cruisers. In a united ruling, four justices wrote there should be no specification of which type of motorcycle you ride "as long as you put something exciting between your legs." Dissenting justices felt that the citizens would be best served by just getting scooters; which provide gas savings. It was also noted they felt more comfortable with the look of a scooter and like the country, they are "getting no where otherwise."
Funding for the program will be determined by various levels. The middle class, with income up to $120,000 will have to spend their own money on a new motorcycle. Also, they, through a payroll tax, will assist millionaires in purchasing exotic motorcycles and high end cruisers. Those who do not have a photo ID will automatically be given a naked sport bike so they may ride it freely across the border into another country. The Federal Reserve and Department of Justice will administer the lack of ID program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)