Triumphrat

RocketEd · 12-22-2005, 01:54 PM

I was talking to the folks who are taking over Cycle Mart, and they mentioned some folks think they should start fresh with a new name and everything. Others say to stick with the name and history.
I'd like to hear other riders' thoughts on this subject.

Gootch · 12-22-2005, 02:26 PM

I hadn't thought about it. Was out there the other day talking to Clancy in parts and it sounds like the Moto-International guys have some ambitious plans for the place. Maybe it does need a new name, but if so it should be good -- not just Olympia Motorcycles or something like that.

RandyDTFR · 12-22-2005, 07:15 PM

I'd like to see it retain the Cycle Mart name. Just cause all the great memories of the place.

I have been to the Guzzi shop there in Seattle and really enjoyed the people/atmosphere. I'm glad someone of that caliber is stepping in. I had heard nasty rumors that Paulson's had their eyes on the place- glad that didnt happen!

Change is good sometimes. If the name did change, like Gootch, I'd hate to see it change to something silly. Still kinda partial to Cycle Mart though

~Randy DTFR

RocketEd · 12-22-2005, 08:10 PM

Yeah, I was at the Guzzi shop for the first time Tuesday and was favorably impressed. The staff seemed helpful and low key, so I'm optimistic about the new shop. It will be interesting to see how they handle a "volume" product like Kawasaki. They seem a natural for Victory, KTM, and Triumph. How big of plans can they have with such a small place??

Are they bringing Guzzi to Olympia, or will Vince remain the Oly dealer?

As far as the renaming goes, I think they might be better off to rename the shop so no doubt remains it's under new owners. The people with good feelings toward the shop will stick with it despite the name change, and those who've had issues may be encouraged to give it another try. I know I've been encouraged by the positive feedback I've heard on this site regarding the shop, but in the past most people have gone out of their way to badmouth the place to me. I know my own experience has varied widely. I always liked Mike, but as a Victory dealership I'd have to say it was far and away the worst shop I'd ever in my life dealt with, in every facet. As a Triumph dealership it has been just fine. Weird, huh?

So I'm voting for a new name. Something like Orange County Choppers West. :-D :-D :-D

[ This message was edited by: RocketEd on 2005-12-22 18:16 ]

stevent · 12-29-2005, 03:35 PM

They should change it to Olympia Triumph-Kawasaki or something like that. I bought my Thruxton off them. Props to Clancy, Ron and Toby. Great bunch of guys.

:upthumb:

RocketEd · 12-30-2005, 12:12 AM

Hey hey hey, don't be forgetting Victory! I be lovin' mine! :-D

Will · 12-30-2005, 07:43 PM

I wonder if they will start dealing with Triumphs in their Guzzi location. It is within a long walk of my house, and as satisfied as I am with Cycle Barn, that is a real selling point.

DavePreston · 12-30-2005, 08:37 PM

Actually, Will, just so you know we are thinking - Dave Richardson and I discussed this idea over lunch last year. Triumph will not allow two dealers that close to each other. (Many manufacturers prefer to have "protected" territories so there is not a dealer on every block - there are a couple that do not - interesting topic, but a bit long and proprietary for here)
Anyway, mine bright idea was that he could sell Cycle Barn Triumphs out of his showroom and we could sell Moto International Moto Guzzis and Aprilias out of ours.
Turns out there were many reasons why that would not work... oh well.
I am looking forward to workiong with Dave when he is an official dealer (January 1st, if my rumor mill is correct). We will be sponsoring a RAT Ride to Winthrop in early June, and I will invite him to co-sponsor, etc. He is a good person

Dave Preston
Cycle Barn

Gootch · 01-09-2006, 06:27 AM

The rumor mill has the owners coming in next Saturday -- coincidentially the same day as our monthly second Saturday ride. Any name change should be appearing shortly.

By the way, three new Speed Triples in the shop including the white, which looks surprisingly sharp.

Will · 01-09-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

On 2005-12-30 18:37, DavePreston wrote:
Actually, Will, just so you know we are thinking - Dave Richardson and I discussed this idea over lunch last year. Triumph will not allow two dealers that close to each other. (Many manufacturers prefer to have "protected" territories so there is not a dealer on every block - there are a couple that do not - interesting topic, but a bit long and proprietary for here)
Anyway, mine bright idea was that he could sell Cycle Barn Triumphs out of his showroom and we could sell Moto International Moto Guzzis and Aprilias out of ours.
Turns out there were many reasons why that would not work... oh well.
I am looking forward to workiong with Dave when he is an official dealer (January 1st, if my rumor mill is correct). We will be sponsoring a RAT Ride to Winthrop in early June, and I will invite him to co-sponsor, etc. He is a good person

Dave Preston
Cycle Barn

Now that would have been quite a combination! I never thought about a Cycle Barn/Moto International joint venture. I really enjoy their dealership but have no interest in Aprilias and would rather ride a Triumph sportbike than a Guzzi. A Guzzi would be in the running if I ever wanted a cruiser style bike, but I am not old enough to qualify for one of those yet.