New face of Ducati dealerships

[shashankmittal]

When I step into a motorcycle dealership, it hurts me to see a poorly maintained facility (peeling paint, dirty floor, etc), unorganized/overloaded gear section and no particular way of showcasing the new bikes. Most dealerships sell bikes that are priced almost the same as cars, sometimes even costlier. A little facelift and a nice waiting area goes a long way, but these days you don't even find that anywhere, everyone tries to cut corners. I know a lot of people may not be too concerned about these things, but when I am at a dealership, I notice these things, when I wait there for an hour or two while my bike is serviced, I notice things....and having a nice facility makes it 10x easier/interesting for me burn time.

Ducati’s newest dealership premiered last week in the SOHO neighborhood of New York City. It truly reflects Ducati's brand values with an emphasis on a premium customer experience. I wish other dealers learn something from this.

[FriskyDingo]

I'm just hoping my local Duc dealer stays in business they been disapearing around these parts lately.

[backinthesaddle]

I like a dealer who has product knowlege (in sales, service, and parts), is run by enthusiasts, has the parts I need, gives good advice, and has been around for a while. If they give discounts to racers (something I don't need anymore) or discounts to members of various associations all the better. If they are just going upscale so that some Yuppie type (is that term still used?) can have a boutique experience to buy his/her latest fashion accessory I could care less.

Didn't mean to sound harsh, but I will take function over form. I like a place where I can ride in, hang, talk to other riders, and to knowlegable staff. If that shop has both, then more power to them.

[TheIglu]

I'd rather feel comfortable, welcome and know I'm not paying a premium just for shopping in a fancy building.

[backinthesaddle]

I'd rather feel comfortable, welcome and know I'm not paying a premium just for shopping in a fancy building.

+1

Speaking of the new face of Duc dealers I heard and hop that Orange County Choppers is no longer a dealer of the brand.

[PhilB]

I am most interested in a place that has good and knowledgable people. It's helpful if they have a sort of lounge area, with a couch, magazines, videos, and coffee -- that makes it a better place to visit and hang out, and if I'm getting a work-while-I-wait sort of service, that's a big plus. If they maintain a few bikes for demo rides, that's a big plus. A big and shiny showroom is pretty and neato, but is low on my list of important items.

PhilB

[9secondsflat]

Razee's will never be that way....thats for sure...lol

[backinthesaddle]

Razee's will never be that way....thats for sure...lol

+100, you got that right, I'll take like 80 years of experience in the parts department accross all types of riding versus a cappucino maker!

[duey]

That place pictured in OP looks great. But it looks to be just eye candy. I'd actually feel pretty damn uncomfortable walking in there personally but I've never been the type to shop at those high-end type places that look like they belong on newbury st selling $200 t-shirts.

IMO BCM did it right. Showroom (bikes+accessories) was well stocked, presented in a conservative manner and customer service/knowledge was top notch. I always felt welcomed there, and to this date I haven't visited a dealer as well rounded as them.

[number9]

I like a dealer who has product knowlege (in sales, service, and parts), is run by enthusiasts, has the parts I need, gives good advice, and has been around for a while. If they give discounts to racers (something I don't need anymore) or discounts to members of various associations all the better. If they are just going upscale so that some Yuppie type (is that term still used?) can have a boutique experience to buy his/her latest fashion accessory I could care less.

Let me know when you find one!

[backinthesaddle]

Let me know when you find one!

LOL - don't mean to sound so cranky, had a tooth pulled and the pain killers are wearing out. I was just drooling over some bikes today (literally, LOL).

[shashankmittal]

I like a dealer who has product knowlege (in sales, service, and parts), is run by enthusiasts, has the parts I need, gives good advice, and has been around for a while. If they give discounts to racers (something I don't need anymore) or discounts to members of various associations all the better. If they are just going upscale so that some Yuppie type (is that term still used?) can have a boutique experience to buy his/her latest fashion accessory I could care less.

Didn't mean to sound harsh, but I will take function over form. I like a place where I can ride in, hang, talk to other riders, and to knowlegable staff. If that shop has both, then more power to them.

+1 to what you said and a knowledgeable staff + great service department is very important to me too. My initial post was about making the overall experience of the customer even better. When I go to my dealer (won't name them here), there is absolutely no place to sit while I wait for my bike to be serviced (forget about coffee or even water), on top of that their parts department is so unorganized that you can't even walk inside it without feeling trapped. Is that too much to ask for? All car dealerships seem to offer that level of customer experience, so why not motorcycle dealerships? I have seen really well maintained dealership in some of the other states like FL, TX and CA. Is it a foreign idea for MA?

[Falko]

Don't get me wrong, I like a nice organized dealership. But the one shown represents Ducati's emphasis on marketing. They are going the way of the big HD, but with nicer bikes.

[j4eric]

car dealerships sell by the hundreds of units per model/per year...there is alot of $$ to be had....plus alot of competition.

motorcycle dealerships sell, i dont want to give a figure because i dont know...but i think
you will be hardpressed to say they sell hundreds per model per year.....for short...its a small market.

[Wanderer]

+1 to what you said and a knowledgeable staff + great service department is very important to me too. My initial post was about making the overall experience of the customer even better. When I go to my dealer (won't name them here), there is absolutely no place to sit while I wait for my bike to be serviced (forget about coffee or even water), on top of that their parts department is so unorganized that you can't even walk inside it without feeling trapped. Is that too much to ask for? All car dealerships seem to offer that level of customer experience, so why not motorcycle dealerships? I have seen really well maintained dealership in some of the other states like FL, TX and CA. Is it a foreign idea for MA?

Get yourself up to Seacoast Sport Cycle, Derry NH.

The single best Ducati dealer I've found, UK or USA.

[mikeb]

That place just says if your not making well over 100g's a year get out.

[R7]

Remember, you pay for it!

[KawiSmurf]

Just looks like they threw some bikes in a Puma store...doesn't really seem all that outrageous.

While it certainly isn't the kind of place I'd expect to find someone to show me how to do a valve adjustment, it also doesn't look like a million dollar dealership.

[Hammerspur]

That place just says if your not making well over 100g's a year get out.

Typical for a NY place, overpriced like all the rest.

[nhbubba]

Wait. There are dealerships that will *teach* you how to do valves on your bike?!

[shashankmittal]

Get yourself up to Seacoast Sport Cycle, Derry NH.
The single best Ducati dealer I've found, UK or USA.

True, been there!

Wait. There are dealerships that will *teach* you how to do valves on your bike?!

Yes

[Rambunctous]

Though it isnt a dealership for bikes. They do sell gear. Motomarket is a awesome place to get a bite and a coffee and hang a bit.

[gumby]

Get yourself up to Seacoast Sport Cycle, Derry NH.

The single best Ducati dealer I've found, UK or USA.

Well said! Those guys are the real deal... they know their product, have a genuine concern in making their customer happy, and simply love Ducati!

[OreoGaborio]

www.seacoastsport.com

end thread.

[Chippertheripper]

I'll take a hole-in-the-wall, run down looking dirtybikers shop in an old barn any day of eternity. Cliff's Cycles