Friday, April 08, 2011

So where are all of the people, the consumers?

I know that these last few years have been economically challenging for everyone.
But more and more, Canadian businesses are asking - where have all the customers gone.
At least in certain sectors of the economy that is the question being asked by many.

To the US would be my thought - the Canadian Dollar - when it goes over about 95 cents USD generally drives our Canadian consumers to the US.

I guess that's why I find many Canadians pulling out of their advertising contracts and more US companies wanting to advertise with me. I have been doing this long enough to see the trends as I look back.

Consumers seem to be holding on to their cash - bike show sales for floor space were down across the board, consumers were not spending the way they were and consequently little businesses like Belt Drive Betty & The Busted Knuckle Chronicles are seeing a huge shift in where their income comes in from.

I dare say that the after market parts, custom shops may suffer will here in Canada  as in 2007/08 because the costs here are so high. Our wages are higher, our cost of living is ridiculous and people need to feed their families first so they spend where things are cheaper because they want it all - and don't we all? We want to be rewarded fairly for our work, have a great lifestyle and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Canadian businesses are not playing on a fair playing field though. It is tough when you have among the highest cost of doing business in the world.

I feel for my Canadian business partners in certain industries - some of them are going to be dealing with recessionary situations, other sectors however are going to flourish.

Which ones? Well travel and tourism partners will see more motorcyclists than they will motor homes and bus tours - the cost of fuel will see our road ways far easier to navigate because even big truck traffic will be down.

That's what happened in 2007/8 when gas was over that $1.25 point here in Canada. The Trans Canada Highway between Golden and Revelstoke used to terrify me because of the way the big trucks push you in the mountains. In 2008 I owned the highway, sometimes for as long as 20 minutes before I saw another vehicle. It was wonderful.

Gear and leather dealers should do OK with a new influx of riders - the motorcycle industry is already getting a shot in the arm because more and more people will be buying bikes, the insurance industry will flourish and hopefully this summer - You riders are going to use your BDB Club Membership cards when you go to businesses - if a business is not sure of where they are getting a response, they will NOT renew their ads and we will not be able to provide the services for free to you riders that we do. We want to keep the tools and services we offer you free and add more free services for you but that takes advertisers!

So, use your cards, tell people where you found them and take advantage of all of the special services and discounts our partners offer  - membership is free and full of all kinds of benefits - we do not detract from the organized and manufacturer riding groups but add value to all the offerings you currently get from them.

As always - I welcome your feedback and input - without you, there would be no point to what I am doing!

In Other News:
In Kansas - Big Dog's closing is official and BDM - a new company set up will keep parts etc going for Big Dog riders.

In Alberta a rider was jailed for causing injury to his passenger while being intoxicated while riding

In Ontario - Veteran's plates are now available for motorcycles and that has many in Alberta wondering why they are not available here


There are other headlines that might be of interest to you, it is my hope that you will take a moment and check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Pre Order your charity calendars soon folks - I need to sell a minimum of 50 in each category in order to be able to print them!  Details for purchase are available on each calendar page!

Have a fabulous Friday and if you are fortunate enough to get out on your scoot - PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!


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Thursday, April 07, 2011

Could your next Harley-Davidson come from India? Apparently - YES!

According to an article in Motorcyclist Magazine, Harley-Davidson is going to begin producing a small displacement V Twin for the Indian market - there is a ban on the importation to India, of bikes 800cc and under. The 800 CC and under market is the fastest growing segment in the world.

Also, according to the article, these bikes will be offered in the USA as an entry level bike to replace the Buell Blast and will be used in their Rider's Edge training courses.

I know that when I first heard that Harley was building an "assembly" plant that I was skeptical - I was sure that the lure of cheap labour would eventually replace any "loyalty" to it's homeland.
I guess that the fact that Harley sold very few of their Big V Twins in their first year in India, saw them decided to change course and go into small displacement bikes in order to see their investment in the Indian market pay off.

Now don't get me wrong, I know Harley does tons to support the troops, support MDA, support Breast Cancer Research etc. And I know that businesses are supposed to make profit etc....but I have a moral wrestling going on with the information I read.

The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle - the AMERICAN icon, being built in India, styled in Italy by an Indian owned firm with the heart designed in the US of A  - is this multi cultural blending a sign of the times? Is it really good business? How is the PROUD AMERICAN BIKER going to feel about this situation?

Do you really think that younger Americans are going to hop on a bike built in India? Really? With the political climate in the USA, I wonder.

I lived in the US for 5 years. I was active in drag racing as a crew chief. I know FIRST hand all about American Pride and Patriotism.  Americans are very, very proud people - some say to the point of obnoxiousness - how will this proud people take the sell out of their AMERICAN ICON?

I know that in the past Harley has tried this same sort of thing with some success. Back about 1960 they had purchased the Aermacchi plant in Italy, I am not sure how long they produced bikes in Italy.

It is unclear to me how Harley-Davidson intends to down play that these new entry level motorcycles are not American Made, not American designed save for the engine.
Or maybe they have no intention of down playing it...
Is this product meant to attract the multi cultural population of the USA? 
Has even Harley-Davidson realized the the Asian races are vast becoming the majority races of the world and that the White American Born Biker will soon be the smallest of their market?

How will the White American Born consumer receive this product and how will Harley-Davidson pitch this product? It could prove rather interesting...

As ALWAYS, I appreciate your feedback on the topic of the day!

In Other News:

In Salmon Arm BC, Sturgis North moves forward with plan B after the ruling by the Agricultural Land Commission, denied them use of farmland for camping.

Also in Salmon Arm, the Summer Stomp now awaits it's fate at the hand of the same commission...

In Sturgis SD, they have announced their newest trademark-the new trade mark - Sturgis - is only a US one at least that does appear to be the case.

In Digby Nova Scotia - the Wharf Rat Rally chairman comments on the funding received by the HOG Group for their rally and the Cape Breton Bike Fest

In the US, Veterans from across the country are escorting two I-beams that were salvaged from the World Trade Center twin towers 

My friends over at RevZilla have some SWEET gear offerings for you. With some of the best brand names in the business, RevZilla is a great source for your new riding gear.
Take a look at their Olympia Jackets - these jackets are designed with the adventure and touring rider. Olympia jackets are actually designed for the "Fuller" bodies of North Americans. Are you feeling lucky? Every month RevZilla holds contest where they give away some of their top brand products for first prize and offer RevZilla bucks for their 2 second prizes. Every month RevZilla members have the chance to win some gear or bucks so check out what they have up for grabs this month!

Have a fabulous Thursday - and PLEASE - Ride like everyone around you is BLIND and CAN NOT, DOES NOT See you!


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Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Your Motorcycle & The Noise Bylaws

In our Forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com there is a very important message from Liane Lanlois from the Edmonton Motorcycle Club regarding your motorcycle and the testing of it by police officers for the noise bylaw.

 If - during the testing, something happens and an officer over revs your bike and something happens to the engine, if the bike is knocked over - your insurance does NOT cover the damage. You will have to sue the EPS and the individual officer to recover your costs. It is highly recommended that you photograph and video tape the entire procedure. Make sure you take the officers name and badge number. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Not only will this help you in the advent that the officer somehow hurts your baby but if you do get a ticket it will aide you in fighting it. Here is the link to the info in our forum: http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/forum/73-the-coffee-shop/5446-noise-bylaw-15442-petition-update?limit=6&start=84

 Thanks for sharing that information with the rest of us Liane!  I think this information is valuable to those going through the Caledon ON region as well!

 In other news:
From Kansas...Clutch & Chrome Magazine reports that Big Dog may be going out of business - apparently the story was first reported by Cyril Huze, where in he claims that dealers are stating that they got calls from head office saying they were closing the doors, reportedly, Big Dog is saying those claims are not true.

 In Kamloops BC, the police are reporting that the North Shore Motorcycle Club "demonstrated a clear allegiance to the Hells Angel" when they attended a dinner/fundraiser at the Ukrainian Orthadox Centre this past weekend.

 In Ontario - the OPP are warning sport bike riders and all motorcyclists to watch your speed.

Have a fantastic Tuesday - and if you are riding PLEASE ride like EVERYONE is out to get you.
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Monday, April 04, 2011

Spring Riding, Drinking & Riding - topics of URGENT Importance

Many of the snow bound regions of Canada and the northern USA are finally experiencing spring. Motorcycles are being dusted off, oils and fluids being checked, same with tires and belts, but how many of you are checking your own skills?

That first few rides of the season are amongst the most dangerous. If you sat in my chair, sifting through the news feeds from across town, across the country and around the world, you would be dismayed and astonished as to the number of crashes there are reported every day. Hundreds and hundreds of them.There are so many things to be aware of, from potholes, road snakes, cracks and sand and pea gravel to drivers on their cell phones, drivers who are inattentive for a variety of reasons...the dangers are many and very real.

Taking some time to get your "sea" legs under you, checking your skill with covering your brakes and feathering your clutch, making sure your crash avoidance skills are honed and ready - these things more than any other will help to keep you safe. SIPDE - Scan, Interpret, Predict, Decide and Execute - this was the mantra drilled into me during my motorcycle course 8 years ago. It is one every rider needs to remember, to put into practice EVERY time they get on their bike.

There are tons of ways to make yourself seen, something bright on your person, lights on your bike - sometimes more is better...the use of your throttle to rap your pipes, can, in Urban riding situations cause the driver who does NOT shoulder check and is starting to move into your lane to realize that you are there, beside them or coming up close behind them. Or use a Stebel Nautilus Air Horn on your bike - the 140 DBs will have people paying attention!

There are a few other things you can do to keep yourself safe out there - NO DRINKING  not before you ride, not during a rest stop - WAIT until you are done riding for the day. In Pittsburgh they are reporting that there are still FAR TOO MANY riders who are drinking and riding. Your skill with your motorcycle is your best defense in crash avoidance - reaction times and the ability to read the situations presented to you as a rider decrease with every ounce of alcohol ingested - we all know this so, so why there are so many who think it is OK to drink and ride?

Spring fever also tends to be when many speed, stunt and show off.  It seems to me that we all get a wee bit silly this time of year - we are giddy with relief - we are so happy to be out of doors - no longer cooped up that we take our exuberance too far.  Please - please, please, please - be cautious and aware. Your wife/hubby, your kids, nieces and nephews, colleagues and friends are all affected by your choices and decisions.

My hope for all of my family members - no matter where you live, is that you have a riding season filled with open roads, just enough rain to make you truly revel in the sunshine, that it be full of the feelings of gratitude and joy at the freedom to ride, that you have riding companions when you want them and the solitude when you need it.

I hope that your eyes take in the beauty around you, that you are able to experience the scents, and the sensations...I hope that somewhere along the way, respect for those who work night shift, live in old folks homes, extended care and hospitals, mom's with sick kids, business people who are conducting business is exercised - we SHARE this world, and too often we do not share it well - with empathy and consideration - let the 2011 riding season be the beginning of a shift in our thinking as a riding community - world wide.

For those who enjoy rallies and runs - may your fund raising and awareness efforts be successful.

Ali and I have created and are constantly striving, to improve the tools we offer our community.
The Canadian Riders Support Network is a group of people from across Canada who have stood up to say - if you get jammed up, break down, need help or advice, if I am home and can help I will, contact me...(Peter from Ontario originally started this service and asked us to administer it as time constraints made it tough for him to grow it)

The Never Ride Alone Program from Intercon Messaging - normally a $65 call is FREE to registered members of www.beltdrivebetty.com - you call them, tell them where you are going, what you ride and your contact info and then check in with the service during fuel stops - and should you not make it to your next or final stop within 15 minutes of the estimated time of your arrival - the service will start attempting to contact you at the numbers you provided - if after two attempts they are not successful in raising you - 911 services are dispatched to go find you from your last check in point. For areas where cell phones don't function well,  or GPS and cell is damaged in a crash, this service could save your life.

The BDB Club Support Centre from Intercon Messaging is a toll free service that allows you - our registered members to access the Never Ride Alone Program, The Canadian Riders Support Network and information and support from the Injured Riders Fund from the CMTA.


The Rider Friendly Business Association Phone Book on line, in mobile format for your cell phone or in print for your saddle bags is your passport to savings and assistance while on tour in Canada.
www.greatcanadiandayrides.com offers tourism information and showcases the Rider Friendly Business Association members involved in eat, play and stay businesses to help you get the BEST accommodations, meals and attractions to take in, in Canada. Please consider supporting us by purchasing the services you need anyway from our Rider Friendly Business Association Partner Businesses and remember, unless you tell our business partners/advertisers that you heard about them from us - we won't be able to grow the services!

Our partnerships with Moto Rescue - a Motorcycle Specific Road Side Assistance program for $49.95 per year (Make sure you say you heard it from belt Drive Betty) or our Full Service Road Side Assistance Program for registered members of www.beltdrivebetty.com provided through Best Roadside is another wonderful set of support tools to make your riding season safer and more enjoyable - 6 calls, shareable between spouses, transferable from car, to pick up to motorcycle and comes with travel benefits in the USA - $89.50 per year - that's about a $110 savings over CAA and AMA services. Part of the way we fund our web site id through the very small comissions we earn from these two services, make sure you tell them WHERE you found out about them!

Please take a look at all of the tools your free membership on our web site offer you and remember - we have you covered for road side assistance and travel benefits in Canada AND the US of A!

Like every day, I welcome your thoughts and feedback on the topic of the day. Suggestions, comments and ideas are all very welcome - Ali and I can't improve what is offered to you unless you talk to us!

In other news:
In Florida - the original Bruce Rossmeyer H-D store is being converted into a museum.

East Coast Biker's latest on line magazine is available for your reading pleasure



Have a fabulousMonday - and if you are riding PLEASE ride like EVERYONE is out to get you.
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