Everyone that has an opinion should answer this....

Hi everyone, I am not new to riding or repairing anything that rolls on two, three, or four wheels and burns gas. My reason for writing this is that I would like to know what everyone thinks about the powersport industry in general. I am toying with the idea that I would like to start my own business that specializes in parts and accesories that would give powersport enthusiasts the option to not pay outrageous dealer prices. I have worked at a motorcycle dealer in the past and only for a few months, and I was disgusted working for them as I was purchasing parts from them for this reason: the powersport industry is one huge monopoly that needs to be broken up. Think about how many times that you have gone to the dealer or internet web site to get parts, maybe something as simple as a oil filter or clutch lever, and it turns out to be severly overpriced, and even more annoying, not in stock and has to be ordered. You've seen Tucker Rocky or Parts Unlimited banners at motocross shows and sportbike events, but they will not sell parts and accesories to the end user, which is us, the consumers. They say that they "support the dealer network", which means that there is just one more person in the supply chain to mark up the parts. I am sick and tired of being penalized for owning a motorcycle, four wheeler, dirt bike, watercraft,etc and having it's parts and maintainence costs be higher than that of my truck or cars. If I walk into a parts store, most of the time, I wait no longer than two or three days to get parts I need. I want to find out if you can sell OEM parts from Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, or Yamaha without having to be required to have new units on the showroom floor. I don't want to have to pay the dealer overhead, when I know that they can make a reasonable profit without marking up merchandise 100% ! Take for example that a new Busa sells for $10,899 and the dealer pays about $9,800 to Suzuki for one. That would be an OK mark up to me. It's about a 12% markup. But now take for example that I sourced out a clutch lever for my 93 Katana 750. The dealer in town wanted $42, my internet supplier in New Jersey wanted $22 and they also had available a generic aftermarket one for $11. The point I'm trying to make is that I shouldn't have to be calling halfway across the damn country to get something. I understand the issues of supply and demand, and that said I know I'm paying for the convenience of having the part locally. I just think that if the cost of owning a motorcycle was lower, more people would jump on the bandwagon and therefore the whole country in general would be more motorcycle friendly as in Europe. Hell, if for no other reason, look how much gas we would all save on a annual basis. I average between driving my full size truck with a 5.7L V8 and my 750CC at around 36 miles a gallon. That's not bad at all for fuel conservation. Besides, riding a motorcycle is so much more enjoyable than sitting in traffic, smelling the guys exhaust fumes in front of you. Last, I understand that in parts of the country, motorcycle riding is not very prudent, considering the colder climates. If ULEVS get a special lane to themselves in California, why not include motorcyclists. I believe ULEV vehicle owners even get a tax break for buying one, WTF?! I love all powersports, I enjoy working on them, they are not that complicated, and I enjoy the satisfaction when I repair someones bike and they feel good about not being ripped off at the dealer. I want to combine those things into a business where people are treated as those everyones problem is important, not just shelved and collecting dust like most dealers parts inventory. If anyone feels the same way I do, then say something, or give me information that I can use to make my dream a reality. I think that I can make a difference but I need as many peoples input so that I know where to begin on my journey. Thanx for replying -Chris

Correction, I meant that when I walk into an AUTO PARTS store that I get my parts in no later than two or three days. Sorry for the typo.

Yah, it would be nice to be able to go into a parts store and buy parts cheap and be readily available (vs ebay) but the problem is that people are greedy and want money, and basically need money to run a store...thats where mark-up comes into play. If you open a store like that you will have to advertise enough to get high traffic but not too much so you dont have to raise your prices, and youll have to have good security cams cause youll have to hire people for min wage who wont really care what happens to your store....If you do open up shop, make sure to have mail order parts/web site so we can buy some stuff from you! I work at a (I think its the largest in the US) electronic store, and you wouldn't believe the mark-up on some things, expecially home and car audio, and accessories....Its how it works my friend. (And it sux).

i work as an electrician and my wholesaler has four prices. retail, trade, account customers and finally my price as an employee of a large company. my price is usually cost +5% whereas my boss pays cost+15% . i get it cheaper because they know that i'll bring them more business and not my boss. as four bike parts, i go to the same guy and i get good prices for being a loyal customer. others pay more. as mx said the overheads are high to run a store and the cost of transportation as well as people who don't bring in revenue but are required to chase orders and other duties.

I have noticed with car parts that the major Auto dealers are adding a regional cost adjustment to their parts prices. If the cost of living index is higher, they add a like amount of markup on top of the retail price.

This is annoying. Has anyone noticed this with cycle parts?

Random thoughts...
Dealers have to pay for lights, and salaries, and taxes, etc. An internet marketer may operate from his/her garage, with very little overhead.

I think you will find it difficult to turn a profit near term, with discounted prices and any kind of inventory.

Best wishes if you do start up a business!

Go for it. And Rufe is right. For college, I live in this small as town smack dab in teh center of Missiouri. The exact same part for my car I buy here would cost about 1.5 times as much in Ft Worth, or 2-3 times in Dallas.

Great idea, you are so correct. i used to own a Ninja 600 and trying to get parts was always a hassle. i now own a sportster, and the price for parts just depends on the dealer. i have one that is very reasonable, thank god becuase i have seen prices at other dealers shops and usually twice as much. I say start your business, but maybe get online and make it accessable to everyone, the shipping part is easy. Good luck!