Questions for Brett Saunders...

[fattfreddie]

Wow, lots of questions !
I cannot answer everything right now, but I promise I will get to all soon.
Here are some general answers:

The VIN thing sounds like a major issue, and we will investigate it right away.
If someone can send me an email - brett@gasgasrider.org - and give me the exact details about what is wrong, that will help.

Re: Warranty - more details to follow.
Re: MSRP - more details to follow.
Re: Street/license/plate issues - Believe me, we want it to happen as much as you do. If it's financially feasable to make it a reality, we will.

As soon as I have some more details for you, I will follow up.

Thank you for the questions.

[ScottyR]

I just emailed you.

[hudson_hollow]

Great to have a direct line of comunication. I had a few problems with the direct distribution. Unsettled contigency claims, etc...
I own a 2004 300EC and a 2004 300 HP Quad. Can't really decide which is the most fun, but both are excellent machines. I certainly plan on sticking with Gas Gas.
The local Husaberg dealer is also the KTM dealer and the Gas Gas dealer is a competetor. Will this be a problem?

[MattR]

Brett,

I wanted to pass along a link from an unhappy GasGas owner. Personally, I have not had too much issues with getting parts. I've heard others complain by long delays and these types of comments (see link below) really hurt the GasGas future. A few bad remarks on forums and wham... our brand looks like garbage. PLEASE do not let parts be an issue.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=399889

[webmaster]

This thread is definitely getting off-topic on the two stroke emissions -> I split the "discussion" about 2 stroke emission requirements off into it's own thread, so that it can be discussed (or argued) in greater detail over there.

Sorry - just trying to keep this discussion on track and somewhat easy for Brett to deal with. Hope you guys don't take offense.

Any more questions for Brett?


jeff

[fattfreddie]

Originally Posted by hudson_hollow

The local Husaberg dealer is also the KTM dealer and the Gas Gas dealer is a competetor. Will this be a problem?

I don't think it will be a problem at all.
In fact, I think it's a very positive thing.
Two competing dealerships, in my opinion, sell more motorcycles than a single dealership. You can bet that those two shops have the same Parts Unlimited rep, and I bet he (or she) is not complaining.

[fattfreddie]

Originally Posted by MattR

PLEASE do not let parts be an issue.

Parts will be a huge issue for us.
A huge positive issue.
I cannot go into detail regarding this matter at the moment, but suffice to say that once we go through a transition period (which is natural), our parts distribution will be a major selling point for the brand.

[GMP]

Brett,

Welcome, and I wish you success in making this work.

The VIN problem is because it is non-conforming. The VIN must conform to a standard 17 digit code. Part of this is a mfg. ID so I'm sure it must be assigned by some governing body, DOT maybe?

Personally I've been very lucky with parts. I also have a very good local dealer, Town & Country Cycle, who has been supportive of GasGas for a long time. Since the parts trail starts at the factory, does the new parts distribution system include changes there as well?

FWIW, KTM may be mainstream now, but don't think that parts are a non issue with them. If its not in Ohio, you could be screwed for weeks. It has happened to a friend of mine who needed a radiator. The thing is most dealers are well stocked as the brand sells very well.

[hudson_hollow]

Parts have never been a problem for me for either the bike or quad. Don't think that the big Japanese companies don't have occasional parts problems. Most of the exotic brand's dealers stock more of what you need because they can stock less with fewer models to keep up with. Most of the big brand dealers have to order most of the stuff you need and if it's on backorder, who knows when you will get it.

[ScottyR]

Glenn, the problem with the VIN is in the 10th digit. In NA, the 10th digit signifies the model year of the vehicle. An 06 bike will have a 6. In Europe, they use letters and it really screws up DOT/MTO(Canada) computers systems.