Ducati Dealership

[Jeff Higgins]

Something really strange happened to me at Ducati of Seattle the other night, something almost a bit surreal. I found myself amongst kindred spirits; amongst, well - motorcyclists working in a real, honest to god motorcycle shop. I'm sure many of you are thinking "huh?", or "pretty freakin' obvious", or "Higgins is drinking again...", but bear with me for a moment.

You all know I ride Harleys as well. I've bemoaned (probably ad nauseam) how the whole Harley scene has changed in the last couple of decades. Many aspects of it have changed, but the other night at Ducati of Seattle, one of the most profound changes really sank in for the first time. Harley no longer sells their motorcycles in motorcycle shops; something has changed. I could walk into a Nordstroms and get the same vibe. Their shops are too clean, too upscale, too marketing. Image has trumped substance. They sell attitude more so than motorcycles; the motorcycle is simply the gateway. And the attitudes displayed by the employees, from salesmen to mechanics, is one of some sort of aloof, ego-driven, "I'm too cool to talk to you" B.S.

I well remember when I first started riding in the '70's. There was a sense of family among riders back then that has been missing of late. Or so I thought. I think I have found it again. The sense of family and camaraderie I felt at Ducati of Seattle was what I was used to "back in the day". It's hard to explain - it's like everyone knows we are kind of out on the fringe, there aren't many of us. So they are happy to welcome some one new to the fold, and go out of their way to introduce themselves and get to know you. Just like the Harley crowd when I was first drawn into it, but most decidedly unlike today's Harley crowd. It was a real breath of fresh air; a real blast from my past. I thought it was dead. Now I know it has simply moved on. I feel privileged to have found it again; I was growing pretty jaded over the whole deal.

[911boost]

The opposite is true here. I can't stand the BMW / Ducati dealership and felt awkward everytime I was there. The HD dealership while it has a nice showroom, has an even better service area with actual mechanics working in there. Older beared mechanics, that actually take the time to walk me through something when I have a question. Same with parts guy. Not that i buy lots of parts other than filters, gaskets, etc.

For some reason your comments on the HD crowd remind me of how pwd feels about the Porsche crowd....

[legion]

I get that feeling at our local Yamaha/Honda/Kawasaki dealership. It's an old building that smells of oil and gasoline. We don't have a Ducati dealership or BMW (mc) dealership in town. The Harley Dealership is two buildings down the street, it is a pristine. It is expensive. It seems to be about image first. I don't belong there.

[creaturecat]

Next time you are in Vancouver B. C. , Go to Modern Motorcycles, Commercial Drive, Vancouver.
Total throwback, like entering a time machine.
I want to take my camera there, just to document it.

[Dottore]

So what did you buy?

[HardDrive]

Your on target 100% Jeff. Its a great shop. Many of those guys have worked there for many years. Really dedicated to the bikes and riding.

I took my Monster there for its 6k service. It had been in their shop one time, 4 years earlier. One of the service techs took one look at it and said, "I know your bike. Its got an open airbox and a low idle, doesn't it?" Whoa! I couldn't believe how much he recalled about the bike. They really seem to live and breath the stuff.

Harley has way, way over hyped their brand. Shame, because they are making the best bikes they have ever made. My step-mothers brother (my uncle in-law?) was a Harley driver for years. This year at deer camp he told me he got rid of it and got a BMW. He was tired of the 'dress code' and jerks in their HOG jackets. For a guy that lives in Green Bay to be talking that way.....the Harley brand has some dry rot.

[porsche4life]

The local honda shop used to be that way. Family owned and they really cared and had a killer parts inventory. New guys bought it. Built a big glizty shop with a starbucks(no ****) in it and the the service went to h*ll. There is a new yamaha shop in town but it is focused on the guys that wanna build a 600cc sand 4wheeler. Honestly dont take much care of riders and I hardly get the time of day when I go in. If I need parts there is an independent that carries all brands used and stocks parts for all. He is great and knows his stuff and good on parts. I always go in there. I know of a yamaha shop in OKC that is still family owned and when I had a Yamaha I bought all my parts, helmets, etc from them.

[ramonesfreak]

Jeff did you have a look at the new 848? im lusting for that bike. the nearest dealer is 100 miles from me...so, im not too tempted. the service intervals are almost to japanese standards these days so i wouldnt be so worried if i did buy one.....still, having to take your bike 100 miles for service is ridiculous

when i was in college, 1990, for a business/marketing class i did a project on harley davidson..cant remember much of the project, but i did alot of research. the dealerships changed dramatically about 19 years ago. in an effort to survive. if they hadnt done it, they would be gone now

they are obviously marketing to folks with money who are mainstream and want to feel safe, clean and special. in some way, i can appreciate that give the insane prices they ask for their bikes

when i think of what i paid for my sportster 883 back in 2002, i cant believe it. a neat bike, but dear god what a dog it was. to get a new modern harley worth keeping, you are well over 20 grand. no thanks.... but think about it, how many of us can justify a 20K motorcycle? those that can, expect a country club like atmosphere

i could buy 2 ducati 848s for the price of a night train out the door after taxes and the necessary pipe upgrade

[Chocaholic]

I own an 07 V-rod and an 08 K1200S. I have to say, the V-rod is a great bike. The suspension is a bit too firm for a cruiser and it's a little rough around the edges, but that's kind of what you expect from a Harley. I H-A-T-E the dealership and the kool-aid drinking, outfit wearing, attitude-laden numbskulls that gravitate there at every opportunity. Mostly to show off their barely-ridden bikes and brand new HD outfits. The rod is a great bike for a relaxing cruise down country roads...occasionally with my wife on the back. Fast enough to press you into the seat when you roll on the throttle, but not even close to the K12S.

My BMW dealership is also the Ducati dealership. Also run much more like a "shop". It's been there for 40 years and seems to be staffed with real enthusiasts who love bikes and take pride in doing the job right. No glass between you and the shop, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The bike is way more refined. Significantly faster, lighter, better handling, smoother, etc. Did I say "faster"? It's 167 hp and about 140 lbs lighter than the V-rod. The first time I wacked the throttle open at 7k (redline is 11k), I almost puked in my helmet from the thrust...never experienced that before. I....couldn't....breathe! Awesome.

I prefer the people and love the bike for different reasons than my HD. If times get tougher and I find myself needing to sell one of them, the HD is gone. For now, I'm glad they're both in the garage, but I'll stay away from the dealership.

[crustychief]

San Diego Harley has a live band and hamburger hotdog cookout every Saturday from 11-2. the food is for donation that goes to ABATE or some other good cause. If you are ever in the area come on out.

[Noah930]

A lot has to do with the ownership/management of the shop, IMO. Ducati of Seattle seems like a good place, where people actually ride and are passionate about the marque. MotoCorsa in PDX seems decent, too. And I think Pro Italia here in LA is similar. But I've also been to another Duc shop (which shall go nameless, but is also located here in LA) where I didn't get the same vibe--where style ranks more important than mechanical substance. And that seems to hold true of both the employees as well as the customers; hey, at least they fit together, well. FWIW, my personal favorite shop is probably BCM. Good bunch of guys, there.

[varmint]

service is pretty indifferent at the kawahonzuki/BMW shop. i try to keep smiling because they're six blocks from my house. and we need to live together. but it's getting irritating. EVERYTHING, even the simplest bolt has to be ordered. nothing is is stock. staff turnover is very high. and an unsettling number of the people working there don't speak english.

back home we had this insomniac harley mechanic. show up around midnight with a six pack, hang out as he worked on your bike, he'd teach you things about maintenance. those days are over.

[speeder]

What others have said is true about the ownership/management of a dealer being the deciding factor; it trickles down to who they hire as managers and who those people hire as mechanics, sales people, parts counter, etc...

I was recently in the biggest HD dealer here in L.A., Bartell's HD. The salesguy who "upped" me was nice enough and answered questions even though I made clear that I was just passing through. (Doing research for a friend). The whole mega-retail atmosphere that you describe was present with the heavily-customized bikes parked outside with (probably) low miles on them and their owners walking around with thousands of dollars in HD gear on their backs. There was definitely an attitude in the air that $$ talks and anything else can take a hike.

I met he owner, Gene Bartell, once several years ago and he's actually a pretty nice guy. (In his defense). Still, the place would make you sick with the entire wall full of photos of every movie star who ever rode a Harley posing with him in front of dealer sign. (There are a LOT of them).

Both of the local Ducati dealers here are fantastic places that are just as you describe, awesome machinery everywhere you look and a direct connection between service/parts/sales people because they're all fanatics and nice guys. (And gals). The sales people will talk bikes for hours with you when they're not busy with no hint of sales pressure other than the occasional "you need to get one of these" remark. (Which is the truest statement you'll ever hear a vehicle salesman make).

[berettafan]

I have always chuckled at the whole 'we don't conform to society' attitude that seems to go with the Harley crowd. Conform to society or conform to the corporate identity, whatever.

But there really are hard core guys out there that love the damn bikes like a child. My wifes dad was a very good customer to whatever HD dealer treated him right. Loved to shoot the **** with the guys and bought lots of expensive HD clothes. But he also rode like his ass was on fire and loved every minute of it. Didn't give two ****s about being seen on the bike just wanted to go fast and far.

I bet there are Duc people like that too. And Porsche people. And Beemer people.

[nostatic]

There are still good dealerships around. As mentioned, Pro Italia is a pretty cool place and the guys there really ride - as in commute, canyons, track, etc. The dealer that Varmint speaks of just didn't really want to sell me a bike and they have a terrible rep on the BMW boards. Irv Seaver BMW otoh is an amazing place. They have the first BMW ever built in the store along with about 20 other collectibles throughout the early eras. The owner is into restoring old bikes and everyone there rides. I've heard that West Valley BMW is a real "old school" place with the grizzled hi-miles guys gathering for coffee on the weekends to shoot the breeze. But I've also heard that if you're not "one of them" then you aren't...one of them. I can't say though as I've never been there. I didn't get the friendliest vibe from them before I bought my bike.

There are posers and serious riders on every brand. Some shops seem to cater more to one group than the other...

[911boost]

Todd sums it up the best, no matter what, there are tools. What is important is being able to just ignore them / rise above it, and just enjoy riding.

I DIY oil changes and maint. on my HD, and it hasn't needed anything in the 10,000+ miles I have driven.

Bill

[scottmandue]

I would love to own a Harley...

But the marketing is a bit over the top...

See the guy with the Harley head rag, Harley sunglasses, Harley T-shirt, Harley leather vest, Harley belt/belt buckle, Harley knife clipped to his Harley boots, Harley lighter tucked into the pocket of his Harley jeans next to his Harley chained wallet, driving his Harley ford pickup truck.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You would like the shop I go to here in MA, Jeff. Glad you found something special.

Supposed to be in the 50s here tomorrow. Absolutely must go for a short ride.

[NICKG]

jeff..Ducati Seattle is THE place to do anythingf Duc...hands down the baest dealer they have. I bought my parts and anything else i needed from them....and I am in NJ

[SLO-BOB]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I could walk into a Nordstroms and get the same vibe.

It's ironic that you should mention that. I was just reading about Ducatis being sold through Neiman-Marcus -

http://nm.ducatiusa.com/

Ducatis are cool bikes but I'm sure there are bad dealers too. As it turns out, the dealership I most often check out is a Ducati/Bimota/KTM dealer. Very cool guys who live bikes. I see them at the track and shows all the time as participants, not salesmen. I would love a Hypermotard, but I'm smitten with the BMWs too. But, I would probably trade an organ for a Desmo or maybe even the 1098R. Decisions! (Btw - our BMW shops suck here)

As a Milwaukee native, I can assure you the Harley from back in the day has given way to marketing kitsch. The dealerships all have to conform to a new "boutique" environment. I have checked out my neighborhood HD dealer for things as simple as oil and the staff was absa-tively clueless when it came to technical information. They were great when suggesting boots and bandanas tho. Some of the new bikes are okay I suppose, but just about last on my list to own. A 42 wla on the other hand.....

My best time is hanging out with vintage Japanese bike guys. It's all about the bike and the usual snobbery and pecking order found in most clubs is absent.