YOT Ceases Operations

Spooner
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2/1/2011 1:19pm
There are several shops in my area that are doing pretty decent. No, not setting records but they are selling bikes and they stock a lot of stuff. I have found the shops that cut way back on the basics have gotten hurt a lot more than the guys that make sure they have what you need in stock.
TeamGreen
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2/1/2011 1:21pm
CR250Rider wrote:
i blame 4 strokes Whistling
TeamGreen wrote:
Wow, I mean...damn...that's jus' too funny to not laff at. Me? I blame the American people, Dodd & Frank, The repeal of Glass-Steagall and a bunch...
Wow, I mean...damn...that's jus' too funny to not laff at.

Me?

I blame the American people, Dodd & Frank, The repeal of Glass-Steagall and a bunch of other Regulatory SNAFUs...

But, hey, it's cool...I'm sure you're on to something.

Bwahahahahahaha...
WFO wrote:
There you go again using intellegence and sound reasoning!
Miss the old days racing against Dave and Sean.

Now, pass the tanning oil......
You got me, My Bad!

20 De-merits and shitty e-vals are comin'...I can tell.
lumpy790
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York, SC, USA
2/1/2011 1:55pm
teggers wrote:
Apparently, I am a saint too. I ALWAYS give my local dealer the option of sending the parts directly to my house, which, in most cases...
Apparently, I am a saint too. I ALWAYS give my local dealer the option of sending the parts directly to my house, which, in most cases, they are willing to do backflips to comply.

If i try something on at a shop, I will buy it from them. If I ask for advice on a part, I will buy it from them. I am more than happy to help with their overhead for this convenience.
flarider wrote:
Same here
I agree. Trying something on to find the size then ordering on line is like stealing IMO.
mxb2
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Bowie, MD, USA
2/1/2011 1:58pm
Kind of hard to try on stuff if the shops don t stock it!

The Shop

Cody24
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Bend, OR, USA
2/1/2011 2:29pm
mivers176 wrote:
Did everyone see the story on Racer X yesterday? http://www.racerxonline.com/2011/01/31/hondayamaha-of-troy-closes-its-doors I worked there for about 5 yrs (1999-2004), sad to see its all over...for a while...
Did everyone see the story on Racer X yesterday?

http://www.racerxonline.com/2011/01/31/hondayamaha-of-troy-closes-its-d…

I worked there for about 5 yrs (1999-2004), sad to see its all over...for a while had the only program in Lites to rival PC.
Factory and St. Johns Honda.
Flatliner
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CA
2/1/2011 3:49pm
I don't see how mail order was the demise of YOT. YOT was one of the largest mail houses in the industry. Had to be the...
I don't see how mail order was the demise of YOT. YOT was one of the largest mail houses in the industry. Had to be the in store sales (dead inventory of bikes) or something else. But I think you are right about mail order generally. How many times have you gone to try on something at the local dealer only to go home and order it online to save the tax money alone (not to mention being able to order it in your choice of colorways).
flarider wrote:
Never
I do try to support local, having said that I bought a pair of txc pro 2 boots here and they cost me 475$.

Saw the same pair at millville for 200 less, not one month later.
Dingle Beary
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Chehalis, WA, USA
2/1/2011 4:16pm
Cody24 wrote:
What local MC business is thriving these days? I know of a couple shops by me that are closing on wednesday.
"What local business is thriving these days?" should be the question. I'm in the construction industry and it is fucking brutal right now. The only businesses (if you can call them that) that are making money are banks and last time I checked there were not many bankers that rode dirt bikes. It seems most riders are skilled laborers so when that comes back, the dealers will be getting healthy again.

On the other hand, I seen a guy loading up a brand new YZ125 at my dealer today.
flarider
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2/1/2011 4:21pm
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern

Powersports Business
Tuesday February 1, 2011

Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons.

December marked the fifth straight month that exports of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) members rose past year-ago numbers. JAMA’s December exports into the United States totaled 7,208 bikes, a 46.5 percent increase over December of 2009.

The percentage increase was in line with November’s rise, which was 53 percent.

Canada also is seen higher export numbers. JAMA members exported more than 900 units there in December, a 59 percent increase over the year-ago period. Exports in Canada have increased for four straight months.

JAMA members include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
The Rock
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HAIKU, HI, USA
2/1/2011 5:07pm
flarider wrote:
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern Powersports Business Tuesday February 1, 2011 Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons...
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern

Powersports Business
Tuesday February 1, 2011

Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons.

December marked the fifth straight month that exports of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) members rose past year-ago numbers. JAMA’s December exports into the United States totaled 7,208 bikes, a 46.5 percent increase over December of 2009.

The percentage increase was in line with November’s rise, which was 53 percent.

Canada also is seen higher export numbers. JAMA members exported more than 900 units there in December, a 59 percent increase over the year-ago period. Exports in Canada have increased for four straight months.

JAMA members include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Doesn't metrics refer to Japanese street bikes?

I would be amazed if dirt bike sales are rising over 2009 sales.
The Rock
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2/1/2011 5:30pm
Troy Racing closing is a classic case of poor management.

As time went by more and more stuff started coming out and after the money guy installed his wife and brother in law at the shop to monitor things it wasn't long until they closed the doors.

The money guy IMO never should have let things go on as long as they did............
bigcat
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2/1/2011 5:37pm
motoxxx599 wrote:
Would you take your bike to a dealer for service? I know the mechanics at my local dealer and I don't want them wrenching on my...
Would you take your bike to a dealer for service? I know the mechanics at my local dealer and I don't want them wrenching on my bikes.
Who is your local dealer?
flarider
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2/1/2011 5:42pm
The Rock wrote:
Doesn't metrics refer to Japanese street bikes?

I would be amazed if dirt bike sales are rising over 2009 sales.
Not exclusively, no
It's combined

Off road has typically been flat or down on average, except ATV and side by side
The Rock
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2/1/2011 5:46pm
The Rock wrote:
Doesn't metrics refer to Japanese street bikes?

I would be amazed if dirt bike sales are rising over 2009 sales.
flarider wrote:
Not exclusively, no
It's combined

Off road has typically been flat or down on average, except ATV and side by side
Thanks Dave for this information.
carlosmacho
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2/1/2011 6:06pm
Torco1 wrote:
I'm not saying its right or wrong, good or bad.......but the introduction of mail order pretty much spelled out the future for actual parts stores. When...
I'm not saying its right or wrong, good or bad.......but the introduction of mail order pretty much spelled out the future for actual parts stores. When its so easy and convenient to order something from your home and have it shipped to your door in a couple of days, usually at a discounted price, people stopped relying on the local dealer.......sadly. Now you only need a few shops around to sell bikes and provide service work.
That means one thing, Local shops are not competitive.

My local shops do not stock most of the parts I need and the parts they do stock are usually overpriced. In the old days, local shops could gouge customers, sorry the internet eliminated that. and now those days are gone. Many people might pay a slightly inflated price to have it right now but as soon as the economy tightens up, people learn, I don't need it right now, they start planning ahead, they start buying tires 4 at a time when quanitiy discounts and free shipping from places like rockymountain atv offer them.

Racing and riding MX is not a need so when the extra money goes away people start buying within an budget. It is not just this, new motorcycles are not selling like they use to, the prices are too high. I know I am holding onto my bikes a lot longer, the days of a new bike every 2 years is gone and motorcycles manufacturers are going to have to fight to get my money and if they don't want to, I don't buy, I will wait for some other sucker who makes a lot more money than I do, buys a bike every year and let him take the depreciation hit. There is a glut of used bikes out there at great prices.

I am sad that YOT is gone, it hurts the sport but other bike shops should take note and be responsible with the money they get and find new ways to attract customers.
carlosmacho
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2/1/2011 6:12pm
motoxxx599 wrote:
Would you take your bike to a dealer for service? I know the mechanics at my local dealer and I don't want them wrenching on my...
Would you take your bike to a dealer for service? I know the mechanics at my local dealer and I don't want them wrenching on my bikes.
bigcat wrote:
Who is your local dealer?
I wouldn't trust my dealerships either. I have to go to another city or a local mechanic that does not work at a bike shop. Locals gouge customers, on 3 occasions I have had theme not able to fix problems, they still charged me and then had to take it to a local mechanic that did not work at a bike shop to fix the problem. I had one shop drop my new sportbike and had to replace all the plastic, scratched side case and scratched rear wheel. Yes they fixed it but I still don't trust them, if they are not carefull just pushing the bike around, why should I trust them with the inside of a bike. And yes, I am mad and bitter because things like this have happened numorous time. I do not trust them and they charge to much, then they don't fix it and want more money. Never again.
bigcat
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2/1/2011 6:22pm
flarider wrote:
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern Powersports Business Tuesday February 1, 2011 Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons...
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern

Powersports Business
Tuesday February 1, 2011

Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons.

December marked the fifth straight month that exports of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) members rose past year-ago numbers. JAMA’s December exports into the United States totaled 7,208 bikes, a 46.5 percent increase over December of 2009.

The percentage increase was in line with November’s rise, which was 53 percent.

Canada also is seen higher export numbers. JAMA members exported more than 900 units there in December, a 59 percent increase over the year-ago period. Exports in Canada have increased for four straight months.

JAMA members include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
I Guess exports doesn't equate to actual sales, because those
are down again for 2010.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/8987/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Sale…]
Motorcycle Sales Down 15.8% in 2010


The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has released its monthly sales report for December, with year-to-date motorcycle sales in 2010 registering a 15.8% drop from 2009. This marks another year of decline in the market, with 2009 totals registering a 40% drop in motorcycle sales.
Motorcycle Industry Council
With the release of its December sales report, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) shows a 15.8% drop in year-to-date motorcycle sales for 2010.

Total motorcycle sales were down 82,198 units, at 439,678. Year-end estimates from the MIC at this same time last year showed a 359,408 unit loss from 2009 to 2008.

Breaking it down by segment, Off-Highway motorcycles dropped the most, at 23.3%, losing 24,562 unit sales. The dual-sport class fared better, bleeding only 13.5% of its 2009 totals at 3679 units.

On-Highway motorcycles, which includes all street-legal models excepting dual-sports and scooters, dropped 14.3%. Losing 50,989 units, On-Highway totals were 306,702. Scooters dropped the least amount at 9.4%, with a total of 28,483 units sold. (Scooters exhibited the worst sales losses in the same report last year, dropping 59%).

The ATV market exhibited considerable decline, dipping 20.1% in 2010 and 64,431 units. The MIC does not include UTV sales in its ATV totals (A notable exception to the overall downturn, Polaris credited its impressive sales growth in the fall of 2010 to increased sales of its side-by-side UTV and the announcement of a five-year contract to provide UTV to the Army National Guard.)

The MIC collects its monthly sales data from participating manufacturers, including the Big Four, American OEMs Harley-Davidson and Victory, as well as the European marques BMW, Ducati, KTM and Triumph and Canadian marque Can-Am. Final sales totals rise when the MIC releases its Statistical Annual, which includes sales estimates from non-reporting manufacturers.

2010 2009 Change %Change
DUAL 23,531 27,210 -3,679 -13.5%
OFF-HWY 80,962 105,524 -24,562 -23.3%
ON-HWY 306,702 357,691 -50,989 -14.3%
SCOOTER 28,483 31,451 -2,968 -9.4%
TOTAL 439,678 521,876 -82,198 -15.8%
ATV 256,750 321,181 -64,431 -20.1%
flarider
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2/1/2011 6:39pm
Those are annual numbers compared to a monthly number, right?
lumpy790
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2/1/2011 8:16pm Edited Date/Time 2/1/2011 8:20pm
The Rock wrote:
Troy Racing closing is a classic case of poor management. As time went by more and more stuff started coming out and after the money guy...
Troy Racing closing is a classic case of poor management.

As time went by more and more stuff started coming out and after the money guy installed his wife and brother in law at the shop to monitor things it wasn't long until they closed the doors.

The money guy IMO never should have let things go on as long as they did............
Troy Racing is a SX/MX team that is owned by Phil Alderton and is in no way connected with the Honda / Yamaha of Troy motorcycle shop that is reportedly closed.
Sherwood
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2/1/2011 8:29pm Edited Date/Time 2/1/2011 8:31pm
I'm very greatfull to have Ft.Bliss and Mexico to help fule the economy in El Paso. With that said I wonder how many companies in the moto industry prepared for the bad years during the good years like a smart business does. The bad times just like the good times come and go in a cycle.
Loose
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Mackay, AU
2/1/2011 9:02pm
The Rock wrote:
Troy Racing closing is a classic case of poor management. As time went by more and more stuff started coming out and after the money guy...
Troy Racing closing is a classic case of poor management.

As time went by more and more stuff started coming out and after the money guy installed his wife and brother in law at the shop to monitor things it wasn't long until they closed the doors.

The money guy IMO never should have let things go on as long as they did............
lumpy790 wrote:
Troy Racing is a SX/MX team that is owned by Phil Alderton and is in no way connected with the Honda / Yamaha of Troy motorcycle...
Troy Racing is a SX/MX team that is owned by Phil Alderton and is in no way connected with the Honda / Yamaha of Troy motorcycle shop that is reportedly closed.
Thanks for clearing that up Lumpy. I think the thread title could have reflected the difference.
Fact is, businesses come and go whether it be electronic goods, fresh produce or even labour hire. Business owners should be aware of their position in the market and react accordingly. Easier said than done but being in business is a fluid situation, some can act, react or pre empt. Some can't.
In my racing days I bought my bikes, parts, accesories etc from my dealer. Years later I actually worked in spares for the same guy. His business model hadn't changed. The fact is he made a LOT when Yamaha went watercooled (80's) made a LOT when Yamaha brought out the YZF/WRF and the same with the R1/R6. He didn't realise that it was the product and not his business that was bringing the customers to his door. He ran his bike shop until he retired but meanwhile other OEM dealerships popped up around him and eventually it was mowers and chainsaws that paid his rent.
You can't run a bike shop today with yesterdays ideas.


rant over
bigborefan
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Urbana, IL, USA
2/1/2011 9:19pm
I was in Doneldson Cycle in St Louis the other day. They still had two 2007 Honda CRF 450Rs. They had a 2006 XR650, and a Honda CR125, not sure what year, but brand new. Those bikes are so old they need a good power washing and a spit shine to sell. It is a buyers market for sure.
AZ35
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Fantasy
2/1/2011 9:41pm
As many have said, most if not all dealers are really hurting.

With YOT, from what Alderton has said in print interviews was that mail order was a large portion of their business. I know he has not been part of the YOT dealership for many years, he was just speaking from past knowledge.

But what really stood out for me was that YOT ran the exact same ad in MXA/RacerX for almost a decade. If that was a large percentage of their business, and they spent the money to run the ad, how about actually update the ad every couple of years? They had Ivan Tedesco pictured in the ad- he rode for them in what, 2002?

Seems like they just lost focus on the business, like others have said when times are good being a business owner seems easy. It is when times are hard that the work begins, and only the strong and smart survive. Evolution.
neysbo
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Edelstein, IL, USA
2/2/2011 6:05am
flarider wrote:
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern Powersports Business Tuesday February 1, 2011 Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons...
Metric motorcycle exports continue growth pattern

Powersports Business
Tuesday February 1, 2011

Exports of metric motorcycles into the United States continue to rise over 2009 comparisons.

December marked the fifth straight month that exports of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) members rose past year-ago numbers. JAMA’s December exports into the United States totaled 7,208 bikes, a 46.5 percent increase over December of 2009.

The percentage increase was in line with November’s rise, which was 53 percent.

Canada also is seen higher export numbers. JAMA members exported more than 900 units there in December, a 59 percent increase over the year-ago period. Exports in Canada have increased for four straight months.

JAMA members include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
bigcat wrote:
I Guess exports doesn't equate to actual sales, because those are down again for 2010. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/8987/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Sales-Down-15-8--in-2010.aspx?utm_source=vitalmx.com&utm_medium=referral[/url] Motorcycle Sales Down 15.8% in 2010 The Motorcycle Industry Council...
I Guess exports doesn't equate to actual sales, because those
are down again for 2010.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/8987/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Sale…]
Motorcycle Sales Down 15.8% in 2010


The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has released its monthly sales report for December, with year-to-date motorcycle sales in 2010 registering a 15.8% drop from 2009. This marks another year of decline in the market, with 2009 totals registering a 40% drop in motorcycle sales.
Motorcycle Industry Council
With the release of its December sales report, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) shows a 15.8% drop in year-to-date motorcycle sales for 2010.

Total motorcycle sales were down 82,198 units, at 439,678. Year-end estimates from the MIC at this same time last year showed a 359,408 unit loss from 2009 to 2008.

Breaking it down by segment, Off-Highway motorcycles dropped the most, at 23.3%, losing 24,562 unit sales. The dual-sport class fared better, bleeding only 13.5% of its 2009 totals at 3679 units.

On-Highway motorcycles, which includes all street-legal models excepting dual-sports and scooters, dropped 14.3%. Losing 50,989 units, On-Highway totals were 306,702. Scooters dropped the least amount at 9.4%, with a total of 28,483 units sold. (Scooters exhibited the worst sales losses in the same report last year, dropping 59%).

The ATV market exhibited considerable decline, dipping 20.1% in 2010 and 64,431 units. The MIC does not include UTV sales in its ATV totals (A notable exception to the overall downturn, Polaris credited its impressive sales growth in the fall of 2010 to increased sales of its side-by-side UTV and the announcement of a five-year contract to provide UTV to the Army National Guard.)

The MIC collects its monthly sales data from participating manufacturers, including the Big Four, American OEMs Harley-Davidson and Victory, as well as the European marques BMW, Ducati, KTM and Triumph and Canadian marque Can-Am. Final sales totals rise when the MIC releases its Statistical Annual, which includes sales estimates from non-reporting manufacturers.

2010 2009 Change %Change
DUAL 23,531 27,210 -3,679 -13.5%
OFF-HWY 80,962 105,524 -24,562 -23.3%
ON-HWY 306,702 357,691 -50,989 -14.3%
SCOOTER 28,483 31,451 -2,968 -9.4%
TOTAL 439,678 521,876 -82,198 -15.8%
ATV 256,750 321,181 -64,431 -20.1%
It was not that many years ago, like maybe 5 that overall motorcycle sales for a year were like 1.2 million units. Now it is under 500,000 units for 2010.

Hopefully things have hit bottom.

It is hard for dealers to stock much as there are about a bazillion brands and options out there.

I am involved with a aftermarket shop and we have limited stock but we work close with our customers to get them what they want. For 95% of them we can have stuff through Parts or Tucker in one to 2 days. This way they get exactly what they want.
lumpy790
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York, SC, USA
2/2/2011 9:28am Edited Date/Time 2/2/2011 9:40am
I was told the other day that a local dealer here in Charlotte gave back their OEM lines...... I think they had Kawasaki & Suzuki and have been in business for 40-50 years. They are still open but only sell aftermarket & do repair work.
c3011
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Perrysburg, OH, USA
2/2/2011 10:35am
motoxxx599 wrote:
Apparently Honda of Houston became a tier 5 Honda dealer and then the economy tanked.. info from a reliable source.
What is a tier 5 Honda dealer?
JustMX
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USA
2/2/2011 11:07am
he Manufacturers aren't helping either.

Gas prices are going up and I don't see any of them rolling out anything close to a commuter bike.

It's $15k cruisers or crotch rockets.

As for as off road stuff, try making more 2 strokes. They are thing that sells.

TeamGreen
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Thru-out, CA, USA
2/2/2011 11:17am
motoxxx599 wrote:
Apparently Honda of Houston became a tier 5 Honda dealer and then the economy tanked.. info from a reliable source.
c3011 wrote:
What is a tier 5 Honda dealer?
A "Power-House" Honda dealership.

ALL things Honda/ONLY Honda...all the time.

Btw, even some dealerships are "A Buyers Market"...

I'm somewhat involved in a "transaction" in the one of the bigger mrkt's in the southwestern U.S.

A good location and dealership (once) that had been run into the ground by a douchebag...

As the economy rebounds: Those that have survived and built a "viable" biz will be able to make money...

Same as it ever was...

Btw, as to Gas prices are going up and I don't see any of them rolling out anything close to a commuter bike.

The Kawi 250 Ninja (Now a legit ZX-R-esque-type scoot) and the new CBR250 are damn ince; also, the 250 "S/M" models didn't really catch-on...but...they sure are pretty damn nice for the $...

IMHO
Motodork
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Carlsbad, CA, USA
2/2/2011 11:41am
I am surprised that the name Paul Scott hasn't come up in all of this. He was a nightmare to deal with and has to be a big part of the problem with YOT.

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