Triumphrat

tbsrider2000 · 02-03-2004

cafetbird,
Actually, that is not a bad idea to try. I'll need to give it some real thought. I had thought about enquiring before, and it may be something to really check into.

pa_hawkeye · 02-03-2004

What kind of discounts are most local shops providing to their respective pack members? Anyone care to post? Since we are in the process of starting the Nittany RAT Pack, this is something we've discussed but not yet negotiated with the local shop.

10%, 20%, Wholesale + $1.99? Good for anything in the shop?

vonbonds · 02-03-2004

Quote:

On 2004-02-03 15:00, pa_hawkeye wrote:
What kind of discounts are most local shops providing to their respective pack members? Anyone care to post? Since we are in the process of starting the Nittany RAT Pack, this is something we've discussed but not yet negotiated with the local shop.

10%, 20%, Wholesale + $1.99? Good for anything in the shop?

I get 15-20% off of my purchases. Really depends how much the item is as to how much the will discount. I am not part of a pack and my dealer isn't hosting a pack either.

vonbonds · 02-03-2004

Quote:

On 2004-02-03 12:49, cafetbird wrote:
Tom:

1. There are at least 3 RAT events that are within a days ride of you - New England Raid, Allegheny Raid, Dragon Raid.

I would love to hit any of those but working in IT who knows what my future weekend schedules will look like. You can count on me for the Classics Rally though!

Quote:

2. There is a pack in your area. If you were hanging with them, you would be getting the newsletter, as it goes out to the Pack leaders for distribution.

Here is where I am in a tough spot. I live just between the DC RATS and the Alleghany (sp?) RATS in Philly. I have emailed each group and they usually start their runs around 8-9am. I am not getting leaving at 6am to make sure I get to a ride on time. I am quite happy riding by myself in Northern Maryland/Southern PA.

I have also heard that the DC Rats love to go fast so that has scared me off a bit from them.

Quote:

4. If your dealer is doesn't care about a RAT pack, they need to learn a few things about marketing!

I think a lot of them do. Atleast in Baltimore and Dover, DE the dealers don't care about RAT affiliations. This is hardcore Harley country. I have seen 2 Triumph's on the road in my first year of riding motorcycles. The rest are Harley's or kids trying to kill themselves as quickly as possible riding wheelies.

I actually do understand what you are getting at as far as being a RAT member and the benfits when affiliated with a RAT pack. If you are far away from a pack RAT doesn't make much sense. Pete's Cycle in Baltimore doesn't sell many Triumphs nor does L&D in Dover (I bought my Tbird there). How do you start a RAT pack if it is just 3 guys? Is it even worth it?

Just my two cents...

Tom

cafetbird · 02-03-2004

First thing you do is contact Jim Callahan at Triumph. He will give you the skinny.

I have started RAT packs in 3 places that I have lived since 1997. If you have 3 guys, you already have a good start. It will grow slowly from there as folks find out about you. Just pick a regular meeting place and time, put a ride plan together and get the word out with flyers and Torque.

I have found that in smaller cities it can take 1-2 years to really get it off the ground successfully.

Scot Dail
Charlotte RAT
http://www.queensrats.cjb.net

Quote:

How do you start a RAT pack if it is just 3 guys? Is it even worth it?

Just my two cents...

Tom

cafetbird · 02-03-2004

RAT North America Newsletter - more info... you can get it direct!

If you'd like to receive future copies via email, send an email to ratamerica@triumphmotorcycles.com and put RAT NEWSLETTER in the subject. Please include the following info in the body of the email:
First and Last Name
Email address to send the newsletter to
RAT number (if you have one)
Mailing Address
Bike Models and Years

Shawn · 02-03-2004

In my opinion, it is best to join if you have a local dealer that supports RAT.

Personally, I'm not a member at this time. Partially because there is still no dealer in NW Arkansas and there haven't been any events close to me to attend.

Didn't know about a Hot Springs Raid though...

However, it doesn't mean that I don't believe in RAT. Dealers that support RAT are more successful overall. Those that don't can still be successful, but it is more difficult to base customer relationships soley on the product and services sold --- and regardless of what we say about poor service or high prices, the majority of us would still have more fun with the same dealer if it had an active RAT pack.

My advice is to talk to your local dealer. If you don't have a dealer, or they just don't care, then just form your own group :-D

bennybmn · 02-04-2004

Hey Tom, my uncle lives in Bel Air MD, I'll let you know if I head down there on the bike this summer!

Benny

vonbonds · 02-04-2004

Benny...let me know when you are coming down. I love meeting new people on Triumph's

.

bennybmn · 02-06-2004

I may forget to e-mail you personally, but usually when I'm planning a road trip I post something in General or Places to Go and just see who replies. So keep your eyes peeled!

Benny