The CB1100 Community Forum

One thing I found to be an enjoyable part of "The Motor Company" experience was the dealer network. Specifically the fact that the dealers, almost without exception, had merchandise out the wazoo. Bolt on accessories, apparel, trinkets, kitsch, souvenirs, chemicals, parts - oh, and even some nice motorcycles.

A few dealers even have full restaurants that even non-riders could enjoy. The extent that the MC goes to with branding means that you could always be assured that you would find a little something different at each dealer. Even specific to the locale.

I know guys that plan rides and trips around hitting the dealers along the way - they are just that good.

Does anyone have a Honda Dealer that fits that bill? As I travel, I admit that I enjoy stopping in where I know I'll be welcome as a rider, be able to take a break among fellow enthusiasts, shop for "stufff" and maybe find something "I can't live without" , kick tires and talk shop, etc etc.

The one that I can recommend to my fellow travelers is Niehaus Honda in Litchfield, Illinois. Litchfield is a very small town right off the highway about an hour north east of St Louis, Mo. Despite the small, out-of-the-way town, the Dealer is huge by metric bike standards (they carry Honda and Yamaha) with a very large, very well stocked showroom of new bikes and even a large free standing building across the parking lot that houses at least a hundred used motorcycles of every name and size. This is a destination dealer. They sell a lot of bikes throughout the region and have a very good reputation.

What really attracts a guy like me is the opportunity to sit down in a little mock cafe seating area, have a soda or coffee (free of charge - they only ask for any donation you might care to leave which goes to charity), use the restroom, and SHOP for STUFF! And they do have lots of it. A very broad assortment of apparel and riding gear that goes way beyond t-shirts and caps - this is the place if you need to replace the gear you left at home or try something that you thought was only available on-line. Accessories? OMG, from chrome to sound systems, especially if you're on a Wing. A must stop for sure.

Since they happen to sit on a portion of the old Route 66 road, they also have a wonderful assortment of souvenirs tailored to that experience. And if you like vintage bikes, the parameter of the room near the ceiling is a virtual museum of old rides sitting proudly on display.

Nope, I don't have any vested interest. I just really appreciate dealers like this - of any brand - and would love to know of others that I can enjoy during my travels.

Happy trails!

Nothing like that around here. Wish there was. My local dealer used to set out a few dozen doughnuts every Sat morning. A lot of us used to look forward to riding up there and share a donut, talk etc. His wife made him stop. Said it didn't promote a business atmosphere. It's probably true that we didn't buy a lot on Saturdays mornings, but thats not what we were there for then, it was for the camaraderie. We did our shopping there during the week. Now it's a ghost town on Saturday mornings, at least from an appearance aspect.

The guy had it right. Bring folks in for something (donuts in this case) and it attracts other folks. The place looks pre-approved. But you need inexpensive high profit items that move, medium priced stuff that does not move as much - and motorcycles. Play a bit with the formula to see what works in your area; and hire good people.

One of the best dealerships in the southeast IMO is in Dahlonega, GA. European Motorsports is located right at the start of some of the best riding in the US. They have a restaurant, tire store and a great service department. Visiting this dealer is a pleasure, a place to sit back, relax and converse with fellow motorcyclists.

http://www.europeanmotorsportsinc.com/

Stop in and see Rusty Palmers place in Honesdale, PA. Or Google it.

Destination Daytona, started when the HD dealer wanted to do a max upgrade on his downtown dealership and the city started to throw a bunch of obstacles in his way. So instead, he moved an exit or two north on I-95 and built a mega-dealership complex with hotel, restaurants and assorted accessories shops. Great place, my friends and I go there to visit at Bike Week even though we don't ride HD's.

Thanks guys. That's what I'm talking about!