06-15-2015, 04:13 AM
(06-14-2015, 02:42 AM)Olyrider_imp Wrote: Interesting questions, Ferret.
Honda rebated $1,000. "Costs" and "Profits" are very ambiguous, but measurable from unit to unit in the same store. The investment in CB1100's didn't pay off when
compared to many other units. VFRs, both 8's and 12's, are worse. Thankfully, we only have a single VFR 800. It sits forlornly on the floor. The F6B's have been a big hit for us, as well as the premium Goldwings, excluding the air baggers. We haven't ordered a "transformer Honda" and would only get one to fill an order. So far, that hasn't happened.
Did I miss anything?
Looks like I missed a couple.
DCT bikes are catching on. The release of the CRF1000L will include a DCT version. I'm predicting it will be quite popular. I plan on getting one, and my garage is full!
CTX1300's didn't catch on. We only ordered one. Honda seldom wins the design wars against Euro bikes. Same with the Valkyrie. Ordered two...sold two. Heck, we're starting to finally sell a few scooters, and paying closer attention to that market. And bothe the CBR300 & CB300 models are popular, along with the CBR500.
Interesting answers as well.
Maybe it's regional. I am good friends with my local dealer since he was 14 (40 years ago). He was one of the hangers around, when I worked at the shop. He grew up and bought the business and he's pretty forthright when it comes to answering my never ending questions about what's happening in the industry. Of the bikes you and I have talked about, the CB's are the only ones that he has sold at least 5 of in the last 2 years. I think he has sold 8 or 9 CB's. He has 2 left. VFR's, CTX's, anything DCT, CTX's, F6B's, Valkries ... he throws a party when he can sell 1 of any of those. He special ordered my ST 1300. Wouldn't carry those either. Sells mostly Honda cruisers, some sport bikes, quite a few scooters, and lots of atv's.
He also is a very successful Yamaha dealer, but the same lines sell well for that brand here too. I think he sold 15 FZ-09's , but not many FJR's.