09-19-2014, 12:21 PM
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!
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!