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GM to Start Selling Cars on eBay: Now, the Auto Industry Should Reinvent the Dealership! — I applaud GM’s move to start selling cars on eBay[1], but it doesn’t go far enough; let’s reinvent new car dealerships from scratch, turning them into experience and servicing centers. Move ALL new car transactions to the Web (potentially in a kiosk area at the experience center), and take the high-pressure “salesman” out of the negotiating loop. In one fell swoop, the auto industry could:
Take the anxiety out of price negotiations.
ABC news [2] reported that for many female shoppers, buying a car can be a terrifying experience. Dr. Ian Ayres (Yale Law School), et. al. has reported (1995) [3] that females, blacks, and certain other demographic groups pay higher prices at dealers. Let’s eliminate discrimination, profiling, and anxiety by making pricing totally transparent and fair to all demographics groups.
Put the fun and excitement back into shopping for a car.
Change the shopping process and the path to purchase. Let’s change dealerships into experience or welcome centers built to deliver learning, fun, and involvement. Make a visit to a dealer…oops “welcome center”… an early (and repeated) step rather than the last step in the process. Let’s turn the purchase funnel on its ear by making these places into forces of attraction rather than high-pressure selling environments.
Create a sense of belonging that extends past the purchase.
You might buy a car once every “x” years but you drive it regularly and probably it reflects your personality. Give people who might salute each other on the road a place to hang out and feel a sense of belonging.
I believe this can reinvigorate people’s love affair with autos (and sales will follow) based on what I know about shopper experience:
Imagine if Ron Johnson who created the Apple store concept was asked to reinvent the auto experience. He might create a programmed theme park experience, starting with a video, a learning center, and then a test drive. He might make pricing totally TRANSPARENT via a Web-based kiosk center that accesses a company-sponsored tool or eBay. You could come there anytime, not only when you “admit” you are moving through the purchase funnel (ugh, I hate that term).
Let’s turn the economic crisis into an advantage. Let’s reinvigorate an industry by putting the fun not just into driving, but into shopping for a car!
Joel holds an MBA in statistics and economics from the University of Chicago and a BS from NYU and never leaves home without his harmonica. Follow him on Twitter: @joelrubinson [5].
BIKERNET STUDIO – HISTORY OF HILL CLIMBING
Yes, I Can! ? Fully cranked wrists and open throttles spinning wildly up impossible terrainThe Great American Championship Motorcycle Hill Climb celebrates 91 years of up-hill history. For the greater part of a century riders have pitted themselves ? and their machines ? against physics and the all mighty hill.
El Jeffe
BIKERNET COVERS NYC PARTIES ON THE GREEN?–THANK YOU to all the 3000 people who came out last Saturday night making it one of the best partys I witnessed in a long time..A really super sexy hot party last Saturday.
This Saturday 8 15 09 The Grand Opening ContinuesRAIN or SHINE!! with New York Citys largest Indoor & Outdoor partyat Tavern On The Green!!!
Beautiful people all together in a beautiful place……The new SATURDAYS @ TAVERN ON THE GREEN
5 different rooms and music
2 outdoor patios
To be on the JE guestlist just mention the JE guestlist at the door/guestlist tablesLadies COMP admissionGuys Reduced admission
Tavern On The Green
67th Street and Central Park West
DOORS OPEN 11PM
For Table reservations Email: je@jenyc.com
For planning that special birthday party or event at Tavern on the GreenEmail me at: je@jenyc.com
–JE
www.jenyc.com
AMD SHOW SURVIVORS READY FOR ANOTHER FEATURE ON BIKERNET–We just got back from Sturgis. Are you ready for another V-rod feature?
As a matter of fact, the Humble Texas Johnny was given the assignment immediately since he’s addicted to V-rods.–Renegade
TWO NEW DEALS FROM KMA SITE– First Biker Rain Chaps is knocking $5 off for each set of rain chaps that you order online through the KMA member site. The link is: http://bikerrainchaps.com/kma/. If you are in the market for a nice product to help keep you dry on these oh so many rainy days this is a good one. Take a look and see if it is something for you.
Also we have a new business member in the Alligator Inn in Russell Springs, KY. All KMA members recieve a 10% discount. The Alligator Inn is a nice hotel located in some of the best riding country in the state. In fact they are hosting an event the first weekend in October for everyone to come and check the place out.
There will be food, band and a great ride all included with the price of the hotel room for the day or weekend. Also our former state Sgt. At Arms Automatic will be hosting a flag raising that Saturday at Noon.
Please be sure to think of our business members when you choose to buy a product. They are helping to support your rights so please support them.You’re receiving this Newsletter because you have subscribed to the Newsletter Service at http://www.kmakba.com/.To unsubscribe please click here
Michael Lichter?s Rebel Rousers Show And Industry Party In Sturgis– Michael Lichter the world famous motorcycle photographer held his 9th annual Motorcycles As Art Exhibition at the Sturgis Rally The art takes many forms from paintings, photographs from Michael and others to the actual motorcycles themselves. It is something that anyone who is serious about motorcycling should see.
This year the show was named Rebel Rousers and it was held at the Buffalo Chip. It was open to the public and there was no admission charge to see it.
On Tuesday evening there was also a private viewing and party for those in the industry.
–Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
DUST TO GLORY AND THE BAJA 1000 ADICTION–Chuck Shortt fired up “Dust to Glory” on DVD and ended up watching it five times in the course of one night. Within a week he was putting together a team to compete in the Baja 1000, the subject of the movie. This is how obsession is born.
The Baja 1000 is reportedly the longest non-stop point-to-point race in the world. It is held each autumn in Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula, and features around 1,000 teams racing motorcycles, trucks, old-style Volkswagens, custom-built open-class vehicles, and more. All race on the same course at the same time. Locals and regular traffic also share the roads. This is no closed-course event.
The race always starts at Ensenada and for two years the course will run down to La Paz, in the south of the Baja. Then, the next two years, the course will be a loop that ends back in Ensenada. The race in 2009, set for Nov. 19-22, is the second year for the loop. The course will head east from Ensenada to the east coast of the Baja, back to the west coast, and then return to Ensenada, crossing two mountain ranges in the process. Some of the roads are no more than goat trails.
Chuck Shortt will be riding that loop this year.Chuck’s team, Rsenal Racing, will consist of himself and two other riders, Jim Kuykendall and Dale Branson. Nine other team members will provide support in the endeavor.
Chuck’s experience as a racer goes back to when he was 19, when he started doing motocross. In the 1980s he road-raced on a Kawasaki Ninja 600 but then he was badly injured in a crash in 1999. After a couple years healing, he bought another bike and dove right back in.
The Rsenal Racing team is shooting to finish in the top 10 percent in their class. In future articles we’ll be following the team as they prepare and ultimately put their months of work and planning to the test in the Baja. Stay tuned.
FOR THE PRICE OF A FEW STARBUCKS, TAKE TRISTA HOME TONIGHT–Trista Will Always Meet You With a Smile on Her Face!
That’s right! Trista will greet you at home, in the garage, work or bedroom. She will even help you keep up with your appointments. You see Trista is one of the select few Girls of Bikernet and is featured in their Girls of Bikernet Calendar.
So get up and personal and click here for details.Client News:
Biker Pros handles management of the e-commerce site for Bikernet.com .
UNDERCOVER BIKERNET BADLANDS REPORTER–It has come to my attention from reliable sources that it is not cool to stop and smoke pot when riding in Spearfish Canyon. There is also a difference in the fine from a forest ranger and the cop so if you are going to get busted for smoking run to the forest ranger and save money.
Do not park your bikes, walk down to the creek and smoke pot in Spearfish Canyon. They have spotters sitting out in the woods. They have binoculars. When they see somebody smoking weed, they call on their radios and tell law enforcement, who then swoop in and arrest them. It costs them $463, and a lot of them spend the night in jail, I think depending upon what time of the day or night they are caught.
And a lot of times this leads to a felony drug charge, because a lot of these people have other drugs on them, and catching them with pot gives them probable cause to search. This is probably the only reason they would waste their time with pot: They all want to get a big drug bust, ya know. Assholes! 🙂
–Ro**e
Brad Pitt adds One More To His Collection–
Brad Pitt, star of the Quentin Tarantino film Inglorious Bastards has added another bike to his growing stable of custom machines. Magnum Chrome, built by Terrell Texas bike builder Alan Lee. Custom cycle fans will remember Lee as the builder who wears blood red glasses and chiseled out the first ever ?glass? bike for World Bike Build Off.
The selling price of the bike was not disclosed, but estimates put it well over $100,000, but most believe Pitt didn?t need special financing to cover the check he wrote. The movie star admitted he really doesn?t know how many motorcycle he owns but part of the reason he loves to ride is the anonymity it gives him.
He says when he?s out on the hightway, he?s just another guy on a motorcycle. ?With it, I?m just another asshole on the streets,? Said Pitt. Well, that may be true but this a-hole is worth millions and is married to one of the hottest starlets on the planet. As for the builder, he hasn?t spoken much publicly about his famous customer.
–from U.S. Rider News
Yahama Takes Hard Hit–Yamaha Motor Co., the world?s second- largest motorcycle maker, posted it?s worse loss in nine months after the company quadrupled its forecast to a full-year loss of $1.9 billion dollars.
In August, the company dropped almost 10 percent on the Tokoyo Stock Exchange. Yamaha, based in Iwata City, Japan, had previously forecast a net loss of four million dollars. It posted a loss of roughly 78 million dollars in the first half of the year. The motorcycle maker cut its sales forecast by 12 percent as rising unemployment and falling wages reduces demand for Royal Star cruising bikes. Yamaha plans to close three factories in Japan over the next three years. The company cut its forecast for motorcycle sales in North America this year by 35 percent and lowered its prediction for European sales by 8 percent.
?Consumers are fearful and not spending on motorcycles in the U.S. and Europe,? said Yuuki Sakurai, chief executive officer of Fukoku Capital Management Inc. in Tokyo. ?Even if the economy recovers, it won?t be as same level as two years ago.?
Yamaha Motor gets about 41 percent of sales from Europe and North America. A stronger yen will further reduce operating profit the company said.
LAS VEGAS PARTY HEATING UP–The Las Vegas BikeFest Concert Series is more exciting than ever and there are parties galore for you to enjoy while at the 9th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest.
Be sure to keep checking the website for updates to the Concert Series and for announcements about additional parties and activities.
Las Vegas BikeFest is where it will all be happening!
Register today so that you receive the Las Vegas BikeFest registrant discounted ticket price when applicable.
Molly Hatchet to Play At the Sahara
Molly Hatchet, the American southern rock band formed inJacksonville, Florida in 1971, once again comes to rock the stage. The band has gone Platinum and Multi-Platinum with widely known hits such as “Flirtin’ with Disaster and “Beatin’ the Odds”.
Molly Hatchet will be playing Thursday and Friday night at 8:00pm at the Sahara Hotel and will feature special guests Blue Storm. Purchase tickets today. Tickets are $19.95 (+ fees) if you are registered for Las Vegas BikeFest. If you are not registered, tickets are $29.95 (+ fees). Buy your tickets before the shows sell out.
BIKERNET TECH QUESTION–Looking to put a wide tire on my 1995 fxd super glide. I would like to go to at least 200mm. I want to know what’s available.
–Joe
JoeBobDamn@aol.com
HANG IT UP!– No matter if you?re looking for a really cool gift or need a place to hang your jacket, work shirts, keys, etc., these new bike deco hangers are just the ticket. As functional as they are eye catching each COAT RACK is laser cut from 10 gauge cold rolled steel while KEY RACKS are cut from 16 gauge.
Available powder coated in your choice of black or silver; SoftBrake key and coat hangers are pre-drilled for easy mounting.
Available exclusively through North County Customs, KEY RACKS retail for $35.00 each and the COAT RACK goes for $45.00. Better yet, you can get a matching pair for just $75.00.
For complete details and ordering call 714-680-0911, email to info@northcountycustoms.com or check the Web at www.softbrake.com
D&D DEALER DIRECT PROGRAM NEVER STOPS GROWING–Here’s the lastest from last week. If you can’t find a performance exhaust dealer near you, click on the banner above to find a dealer near you.
1) Conspiracy Cycle Works 8080 Grand ST # B Dexter, MI 48130 734-426-7000
2) Bigg’s H-D 717 Center Dr San Marcos, CA 92069 760-481-7300
3) Nashua H-D 717 Route 101 A Merrimack, NH 03054 603-578-9400
4) Smokin H-D 3441 Myer Lee Dr Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-722-3106
5) Biker Dale’s Bike Shop 3449 Pure Atlantic Rd Groves, TX 77619 409-962-2615
6) Marine Services 508 Canyon Rd Ketchikan, AK 99901 907-225-2628
7) All American Big Twin 30141 Morse Rd Hemet, CA 92544 951-658-8585
8) Jackman Custom Cycle Inc 8025 Cessna Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-519-9234
9) Hogs Up Customs 2815 Junipero Ave #109 Signal Hill, CA 90744 562-426-3800
–Jennifer Millican
D & D Performance Ent
BIKERNET MEDICAL UNIVERSITY DISCOVERS FOUR HEALTHY DRINKS–SORRY NO WHISKEY–Last week we discussed four unhealthy drinks that you should minimize or avoid. Today we cover four healthy beverages – experiment to find the best ways to incorporate them into your daily routine:
Green tea. My beverage of choice, green tea is a potent source of catechins – healthy antioxidants which can inhibit cancer cell activity and help boost immunity. Replace your morning coffee with a cup of tea for a healthier wake-up.
Cranberry juice. Cranberries are a rich source of vitamin C and contain a substance that hinders the attachment of bacteria to bladder walls, which can help prevent urinary tract infections. Instead of cranberry juice cocktail, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate and dilute with water or sparkling water.
Red wine. The antioxidant activity of red wine has been linked to heart health benefits, reduced stress, and even preserving memory. If you enjoy an occasional drink, limit your intake to 1-2 glasses a day. If you don’t drink, don’t start – there are other ways to get antioxidants in your diet, including fresh, whole fruits and vegetables.
Pure, filtered water. Staying well hydrated is essential to optimal health and overall functioning. Drink as much as you want throughout the day, and in the warmer months, be sure to drink water when exercising to avoid dehydration.
–check DrWeil.com
KENTUCKY SAVE THE BIKER, YARD SIGN CAMPAIGN–Just wanted to give an update on the yard sign campaign. As of right now the KMA is out of the 1700 signs we were iassigned to distribute. A few of the pick up locations may have some left but for the most part they are fully distributed. The KY DOT , State Police and the Rider ed class locations also had signs to pass out and may have some left.
You may want to check with them also to see if they may have any available besides the previous pick up locations. Thanks to everyone for posting them and in the non riding months maybe bring them on in and then put them out again next May. Thanks for spreading the word and be sure to let all you know to watch out for motorcycles as the only way to stop the deaths and injuries is to prevent the accident from happening in the first place.
Subscribed to the Newsletter Service at http://www.kmakba.com/.To
Photo Toshi editor Vibes MAGAZINE Japan–Discovered in Sturgis at Michael Lichter art display at the Buffalo Chip Campground.
Team SWISS PERFORMANCE ready to Attack Land Speed records at BUB Speed-Trials Bonneville!–As the BUB SPEED TRIALS (www.speedtrialsbybub.com
Surprise addition is legendary swiss tuner FRITZ EGLI who will go for the supercharged sidecar record. Egli has a long-time history dating back to the late sixties for his frames and rolling chassis kits, although already in the seventies, he still creates extraordinary motorcycles, like his Egli B-King. He will ride a turbo-charged Suzuki ?Hayabusa?, equipped with a sidecar.
Three of the swiss bikes will premiere a new and very special fuel, “E 85 Bio-ethanol is an environment-friendly fuel and we like to promote it throuh our LSR activities?, sais Ruedi Steck, Swiss E85 Promoter of the Year 2008 and organiser of the Swiss PERFORMANCE Custombike- and Streetfighter show, which is now held in conjunction with the SWISS MOTO (www.Swiss-Moto.ch
Especially Sam Wheeler?s EZ-Hook will be in the focus of attention as it is one potential competitor in the race for the ultimate Land Speed Record. Sam has driven the Streamliner up to 355 mph in 2006, but did not back up the record with the mandatory return run, due to a blown tire. With his 30-years plus experience, he will bring new technology and will be a tough competitor to beat! His goal: The Record! No doubt about it: The Race is ON!
Websites: www.swissperformance.ch
www.speedtrialsbybub.com www.fim.com
Text: Horst R?sler, Fotos: Gerd Scheidel, Studio 1, B-King Team shot: Motographer
CHOPPER WARS LIVE– Hugh King helped shoot a pilot for the History Channel called Chopper Wars. They are hoping to create another successful Build-Off series around some old WWII style bikes. They were built by a couple of California builders to keep the budget down & judged by a panel of big shots. Arlen Ness will be a judge along with Dave Nichols & a WWII historian. The judging will take place in a hanger with a couple of old WWII era airplanes, one being an American plane & the other is a Jap Zero.
After lengthly negotiations the pilot was finally picked up by the History Channel and destined to be aired the first week in September. Hang on for more reports.
GILBY CLARKE’S WCC KNUCK–Okay, this guy, Gilby Clarke, was in Guns N? Roses. He also played guitar for the MC5 , Nancy Sinatra, Heart and now Rockstar: Supernova.
He twiddled production knobs for internationally lauded, tumbledown punks The Bronx, LA Guns & Alice Cooper. More importantly, he?s made a bunch of records that rock ?n? roll purists the world over treasure and occasionally argue about.
When Clarke?s not off on some tour or tweaking rock ?n? roll racket in his studio you might find him nosing around motorcycle and classic car shows. Then it?s not surprising that Clarke gets mad respect from the biker contingent. And well he should, the man knows his Harleys. He?s been spotted on them everywhere, from the grimy backstreets of Hollywood to the cover of Hot Bike Magazine.
In fact, Clarke mounted his Fat Boy and rode 3,000 miles to the ?04 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally where he gigged with Heart at the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds.
Stolen from Gilby?s website.
GODDAMNIT, THAT WASN’T BAD–We survived another Thursday. Tomorrow I’m grabbing the crew from Heavy Duty Magazine, in Australia, and heading out to Pasadena to tour Joel’s Headwinds Factory.
Over the next couple of days I’ll wrap up this engine and trans seal replacement, JIMS Tool tech with Bikers Choice. It’s going to be a blast writing about all my fucked-up tools and why you need correct device for the job. It saves tons of time, and today time is everything.
We’re not as sharp with self promotion as we should be, but Marilyn Bragg sent me this shot of her Bandit’s Bedroll, with the tool flap open. These puppies work terrific. Plus the lovely Sin Wu just mentioned an order came in last year from Gilby Clark. We’re not sure it was Jesse’s customer, but it was a strange coincidence.
Where’s the Jack Daniels? Nicole Brosing, also from Australia, just loaded her rental dresser for the final trip to Eagle Riders, then to the airport and home with her partner, Tony. Ray Wheeler, escorted them down Highway 1 from San Jose, which made it an 8-hour run along the fog-laden coast to the grizzly Port of Los Angeles. He got the hell out of here this morning.
So, what’s it all mean. Will the summer simmer down, or will Hamsters jam to Dago for a party, racers haul ass to Bonneville to set records, while I peel back into the shop to finish the 5-Ball factory racer, while my mind races toward Bonneville of 2010. Wait, I still need to finish my book and ship it to the printers. Never a goddamn dull moment.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
