Have you ever walked into a Harley Davidson dealer? I was in one recently (my buddy's KTM uses the same size shims as their V-rod, and only cost $2 vs $8) and saw a fitting gallery.. Basic bike. But on the wall to choose from were bars, seats, etc..
Being a network geek by trade, I've always said they should have you build your bike over the Internet, pay for it electronically, then after a suitable time (a week?) pick it up at my local dealer. He of course would 'maybe' have a couple of display models that would get sold at the end of the year at discount prices but wouldn't have to house a ton of bikes he may not be able to get rid of. Same with cars...etc. I hate that I have to pay extra to NOT get an ashtray or a stereo!
Haha yes, but the idea is still in motion.. Not a bad idea!! That would be a great way to get the buyer exactly what they want. But I do see a downside of not having as much dealer-customer interaction.. I like talking with dealers even when Im not buying anything. There's some really cool ones out there.
I don't want to talk to salesmen, that's why I prefer the Internet in making my purchases. No one to blame but myself for misinformation. Don't get me wrong, I like going to the bike shop and bench racing with the guys. However, I know walking through the front door that I am a customer first and a friend second.
Selling bikes over the Internet does not work. Highland tried it w/o success. GM tried selling cars over the Internet and pulled the program (probably because the dealers griped). Beta has an interesting program, BYOB, Build Your Own Bike, where you order it to your specs and they build it that way.
