Honda's motorcycle network goes solus

This thread is for discussion of the article Honda's motorcycle network goes solus
Posted: 04/05/2007 13:58

Solus dealerships - the future. I'm not so sure.
Whilst I can understand the reasoning behind Honda's desire to appoint and retain only solus dealers throughout the country, it's similar to the Harley, BMW and increasingly Triumph model. And yes I hear the argument of specialist knowledge.
In my opinion however this is driving the soul and passion out of the whole Motorcycle buying/shopping experience.

I've felt a little alienated and uneasy every time I have visited one of these glittering emporiums with their half empty spaces, white light and tastefully displayed models. It felt very akin to a car showroom. an automotive art gallery, somehow not real world. How many people go to these types of venue just to hang out, chat with staff, discuss the racing, use the dealership as a venue to meet other bikers?

Where is the soul and passion to be found in these places? Why can I only smell Pledge? Even the paperclips on the salesmens desks seem regimented. Where is choice? Where is banter. Genuine warmth, enthusiasm and friendliness replaced by strict professiionalism. The law according to the manufacturer with no margin for personality sometimes it seems.

It will be interesting to see if this is a model for success or whether it will eventually turn round and bite them in the arse.

Do the other big three have similar plans? I would say the future is bright for driven independant dealers. Who can stock what they wish and appeal to a broader two wheeled audience.
Posted: 08/05/2007 08:53