Some Good Guys Are Still Around
Having been riding for the better part of 35 years, it's fair to say that I have been disappointed while visiting motorcycle shops on more than one occasion. It is also fair to say that more than one of those disappointments came on trips when I intended to purchase a new or used motorcycle only to be either ignored or insulted by some less than cordial sales person who decided by my dashing good looks that I was unable to buy, was only sight seeing, just kicking tires, or basically there to waste his time.
For those of you who frequent this column on a regular basis, you may remember that I have talked in the past of owning no less than 100 motorcycles in my 50 plus years. The current count is somewhere around 112 or 113. As of this writing, I believe I have around 14 motorcycles in, or around, my garage, two in closed trailers, a porch area with assorted parts, and pieces in almost every room of my house and office. Because of that "disgraceful number" as my wife likes to refer to it, it goes without saying that many of my trips to the local motorcycle shop result in a purchase. Sometimes these larks result in a "multi- purchase" of two or more motorcycles. The best way to confuse me and basically completely throw me off for a few seconds is to ask me what kind of bike I ride. It's almost like an overload situation that brings thoughts of interrogation with a bright light over my bald head and cigar smoking, sweating heavies wanting me to answer some secret agent type questions about the secret codes for the nuclear bomb. I can't remember... Honda, Harley, Yamaha, no... it's a Suzuki... at least for today.
A few months ago, I went into a local Bay Area shop with a considerable amount of cash in my pocket that I had earmarked for a cruiser for one of my daughters. After spending over 45 minutes in a shop filled with new shiny cruisers and no greeting or offer to help, I left and traveled cross county to another shop. I must admit that one employee at the less than friendly shop did take the time to remind me, "do not sit on any of the bikes without a salesperson's help". This same store also had little notes on each and every bike saying, "Do Not Sit on Bike". While I understand why shops may not want every 12 year old that comes in the door to mount every bike in the building, was this "whipper snapper" really afraid that I would somehow trip and cause a domino effect and wipe out the whole shop? Well, no greeting, no service, no help, no touching the motorcycles, and most importantly, no respect, means no sale and no more visits for old Dano. When I entered the next shop, I was warmly greeted, my hand was shook, I test drove a bike, and a purchase was made. These guys not only gave me some respect, they got to keep my cash for their efforts. Wow, what a concept, good friendly service and appreciation for my hard earned cash.
Having been critical of the less than warm welcome I received from the nameless motorcycle snob, I feel it only fair to give credit where credit is due and commend my new found friends. These guys not only gave me the respect that I believe paying customers deserve, they negotiated a fair deal and my daughter had a new cruiser for our trip to the Carolinas.
Since that first positive encounter with the folks at Sky PowerSports, located on Kathleen Road just south of I-4 in Lakeland, I have become a regular customer and a huge fan of their service. Manager Bob LeHoullier and Dealer Rock Northy are always cordial, helpful, and anxious to offer customers the kind of respect often lacking at many shops. The friendly staff makes you feel like you're a friend, not a customer. Sky is also an active sponsor of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course in Polk County of which I am an instructor with the Motorcycle Riders Association and a regular at most bike events in the Central Florida area. Since Sky's purchase of the store a few months back, the facility has been completely renovated with a "New York loft" atmosphere complete with pool table, brick walls, and a comfortable area for customers to have a seat and relax while waiting for service or just visiting. On Thursday nights, the popular hang out for motorcyclists also hosts a great bike night complete with hot wings, pocket bike racing, pool, or just hangin’ out with the biker crowd. They are a Suzuki and Yamaha dealer and stock a huge inventory of new and used bikes and ATVs. Sky is also an authorized Bombardier dealer with some of the most awesome ATVs on the market.
For you skeptics, don't waste your time looking for Sky's huge ad in this mag. They are not an advertiser in this magazine so, no... this is not a paid ad, only a testimonial of an old biker who has spent more than my fair share of time and money at the guy's shop that gives you little respect and less service. See, there are some good guys still around. Check out these good guys and see for yourself. Tell 'em Dano sent you. Ride Safe
