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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | I have been to a lot of open houses before, but attending yesterdays spring open house at my dealership was awesome. We had the V hauler there and unlike previous visits he had brought
at least 10-12 bikes for demo rides. We have one guy (volunteer) and riding buddy at the dealership named Jeff, who owns a KP and always heads up the demo rides and escorts the newbies. In the past Jeff has taken maybe 3-5 people on demo rides, but yesterday he did a total of 14 demo rides with 10-12 people each trip. Were they fighting over which model they wanted to ride ? YEAH. Did some of them demo several models? YEAH so thats somewhere between 140-160 people just demo-ing <--is that a word? bikes. The owners of Catlin Kustom
Cycles had music, and a full buffet of lunch for everyone who came. As you all have seen at open houses before, the HD guys came in a pack and brought all their "badass leathertude", but I witnessed a lot of those guys and gals taking demo rides, grins on their faces, standing in packs pointing and shaking their heads up and down not side to side. I personally think its interesting that while they arent on any Victory mailing list, they always seem to know when the open house is and always show up to participate. Maybe its the awesome food ? Maybe its the enjoyment of talking to total strangers who dont have biker attitude, heck, maybe its the idea of "dang, i can get me one of these and actually ride it and not have to work on it in the garage... who knows, but
one thing is for sure everyone had a great time. All the new models were represented, the new pearl Vision looks awesome but drastically needs CHROME to step it up. The 8ball Vision unsurprisingly was a huge hit with everyone. The stars were the CC skulls theme (general manager of dealership owns his own), I gotta say that the 2010 colors on all the bikes is the best yet. The new blue two tone Vision is handsome and had it been available when I looked at mine, i
would have been hard pressed which to buy. Being friends with the family of the dealership, once we shut down the store 1.5 hours after close (people wouldnt leave), we all needed to relax a bit and decided to go out to dinner. Some interesting stories popped up. The finance mgr
was telling us one guy came in and said to her "i know im buying one, i just dont know which one, so run my application for the most expensive model you have". he qualified.. Lots of accessories were sold. I had my bike there in all its chrome and a guy who had bought the 09 Ness Vision was drooling over my bikes "look", so he asked the salesman to go get a pad and pen and asked me to move my bike parallel to his, then when the pad and pen were ready he started with " ok, add that, add that, put that on, i want that, how much is that?, i want it " etc.
It was a hoot! Cant wait to see what it looks like .
I hope all of you have a dealership that appreciates you even when you just come to visit and not pull out a wallet. I feel lucky both for my dealership and their personal friendship, but for the
customers and riders who always look forward to getting together for an event like this, or just a last minute Sunday ride. Sorry I rambled, thought id share the experience. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| My problem with Catlin is that they won't give any discount on gear. I have asked them and they don't budge so I buy it from a dealer that will. I am even willing to make the hour trip up there but no dice. So I buy it on the net from a dealer and save my gas. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Hey Prime, I think you have to catch them when they do the sales several times a year. For the most part I think everything is on sale when they are running to include the gear. The only problem I have is I'm somewhat round and they don't have much in size 'round', at least when I'm for stuff, but that's a problem anywhere you go.
But get on the email list from the website and see what you can come up with, they are good people to work with...
One more plug.. Have you checked out Cavelli's in Hopewell? They've got a good leather selection for bikers....
Edited by varyder 2010-03-28 7:18 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| No, I'm in Williamsburg. Don't even know where hopewell is. I have a dealer in Chesepeake, but don't like them either. Real pushy. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Prime, you bring up a good point about dealerships. In today's age of internet shopping, we can all find deals on the things we need. When I buy a car, I go to several dealerships and have them compete against each other because I want to get the best deal. I am a frequent ebay shopper, and I have been known to get some good deals on computers by calling places like HP and Dell and talking them down on stuff.
That said, when it comes to bike dealerships...it's different. I go to Catlin, but I bought my bike from another dealer. Honestly, I didn't even know about Catlin when I bought the Vision. I wish I had, because they deserved my business, not the other dealer. Vaparadox was actually the one that suggested that I check them out when I started having repeated problems with my other dealer. It took them over 7 months to get me replacement saddlebags. Normally, when you buy a brand new bike from a dealer, they try to take care of you so you'll come back and get service work, buy accessories, etc. However, whenever I called them, they were always too busy to take my call, and then never returned my messages. And, it wasn't like I called every day wanting to know where my parts were, it'd be weeks in between calls, some time longer. The point was, I wasn't even being a pain in their butt, it was just laziness. So, I visited Catlin one day and I just got a good vibe from them. I was looking for an extended warranty, and I gave that business to them because I felt they deserved it.
I still like getting a good price, but whenever I can, I give my business to them because they have treated me and my Vision awesome. They know I have to ride over an hour to get to them, and they try to do things for me while I wait. Granted, I schedule things when I know they are slow, but those guys have taken care of me and the bike. Personally I feel as long as they don't gouge me (and they haven't yet) then I should give them my business if for no other reason than I want them to stay in business so I have a place to go when I need parts, service, etc. Plus, they have a great attitude, and every time I go in there I feel like I am BS'ing with some friends even though they don't see me as often as say...vaparadox.
Although I like getting a deal, with bike dealerships its just different. And with the sparseness of Victory dealerships and a bad economy, I try to make sure that my money supports the dealer that takes care of me and treats me right so they'll be around for years to come. Just my two cents.
Edited by divesharc 2010-03-28 7:39 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Prime Power - 2010-03-28 8:25 PM
No, I'm in Williamsburg. Don't even know where hopewell is. I have a dealer in Chesepeake, but don't like them either. Real pushy.
Prime, have you ever done the Nickel/Dime Ride? Take RT 5 from Williamsburg to 295, then south to RT 10 toward Hopewell. You'll pass right by Catlin's and then after the river there is Hopewell. Stay on 10 to the Surry and go to the ferry back across to Jamestown. Great easy ride with some good twisties along the way. Ain't the dragon but it is fun.
Cavelli's in off RT 36 in Hopewell. Great leather people and very well known. They do great shoe and other leather repairs. They were the ones that did my Vision Dash Organizer also. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | They had rides in San Antonio this weekend as well and there were a lot of black and orange leather riding Victorys. On Saturday the rides had 8 to 10 riders in each run and the parking lot looked like a used bike lot. Hondas, HD's, a 1986 Yamaha Venture Royal (that was lonestarmedic's ride) and some older Victorys.
I am glad you had fun. Between Friday and Saturday I rode seven 2010 models. Two Vision Premiums, a Vision 8 Ball, two Cross Countrys (one with lowers), a Jackpot and a Cross roads.
Ride Safe! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| I have gone that way to Catlins but that is as far as I went. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | I took the very first ride that morning just after 9 escorted by Jeff (just him and I). Rode the "skulls" to see the difference between it and my Vision. Of course it was a lot more air because of the short shield and need for some large lowers but the handling is terrific to say the least and of course the weight difference made it faster for sure. I was originally going to get the XC but the deal I got on the Tour Premium was just to good to pass up.
Edited by Biscuit 2010-03-29 8:32 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| I was going from D.C. to Williamsburg Saturday morning to visit family.. I read on the net that Richmond had a Victory dealer so I figured I would drive by just to see where it was. Wasn't sure what time it even opened. I see the Victory banners on the road, pull into the parking lot figuring I'd probably be the only person on a cold morning to show up. Then I see the trailer, bikes lined up, engine display in the parking lot. At least 30 people milling around the bikes sharing stories and whose added what to what bike. I walk in the dealer, Pizza , Wings, Soda, helpful staff greeted you. Ended up buying saddle bag liners and rear bag liner and a oil change kit, all at 20 % off  They opened up the glued boxes so I could look at them and check the fit and finish on the Vision they had in the showroom. My supposed to be 2 minute drive by to see the place turned into an over 1 hour visit. It is a 1 1/2 hour drive for me to get there but I think I will be using them again. And DEFINETLY will let everyone know that they are there.
Edited by ammo 2010-03-29 9:24 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | Awesome experience Ammo, thanks for sharing. Knowing the owners personally, i can tell you that if you walk in without being a biker prick, expecting something for nothing, and have reasonable expectations, the entire Catlin family will treat you right. Ive seen a few holes walk in before and walk out with nothing, but they pretty much deserved it. Im in retail on big ticket items, I can tell you
we are all sick of the "whatcha gonna throw in for free" mentality. In the current economy we are all working with less income and trying to keep the doors open, so to expect huge discounts especially on specialty equipment and merchandise is unrealistic and pretty
disrespectful. As I tell appropriate clients of my own, which would you rather have 20% off today, or come back in 3 months and my doors are shut and get nothing. Ive seen Victory invoices, these bikes and accessories arent marked up 1000% like HD does.
The margins just arent there. I remember one biker in there last year bitching about only getting 10% off some pissy little ipod cable.
He already went inside and made it known that he didnt buy the bike there, i kinda brought it to his attention that they DIDNT have to discount it to him at all. "check your reality at the door" LOL |
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Cruiser
Posts: 196
| I have been dealing with Catlin's since they first opened up in Colonial Heights. I didn't purchase my '99 from them but they did all my service work and worked with me on my tranny upgrade. Anytime there has been an issue they have done whatever was necessary to work it out and have me leaving with a smile on my face.
They were, at one time, awesome supporters of the VMC, but some of the local members got to expecting discounts on everything and instant service when they were backed up in the service department. Then they had to go to the site and start trashing the dealership. Now the Catlin's won't even talk about the VMC.... this, in my opinion is the VMC's loss....
These are great people and for the most part, if you are a reasonable person, awesome folks to deal with.
I did purchase my Vision from them and have purchased all my Victory accessories from them. Do I get a discount for being a loyal customer, yes, but it was through dealing with them in a reasonable manner and not expecting something for nothing. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 156
dinwiddie, va | Prime Power - 2010-03-28 7:42 PM
My problem with Catlin is that they won't give any discount on gear. I have asked them and they don't budge so I buy it from a dealer that will. I am even willing to make the hour trip up there but no dice. So I buy it on the net from a dealer and save my gas.
Don't take this the wrong way. It doesn't matter where you buy your parts. But , didn't you buy your bike to ride? Using your gas to ride somewhere to buy something that you want is half of the journey. Not getting off of your bike to go to the computer! Thats just a little less time you can't spend on it! |
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CATLIN KUSTOM CYCLES Spring OPEN HOUSE yesterday
