GasGas sales - USA and worldwide

[bobr]

Originally Posted by blitz11

Greetings.

I had the great fortune of visiting the GasGas Factory in Spain two weeks ago.

I had been curious about the brand since 2002, when i first saw one (i started riding then after a 22 year layoff). I rode to GoFasters last summer to check out the brand. I was very impressed with the design of the bikes (no weird, special parts), and the fact that GoFasters has just about every part in stock.

I bought a used DE300 this spring. (a new bike would have been nice, but family dynamics dictated a used one). (Family dynamics being the "need" for the first all family vacation in three years). Anyway, i absolutely love the bike.

My wife planned a visit to Spain, so i figured, let's see the factory. Mark at GoFasters set it up, and it was GREAT. My confidence in the brand has grown even stronger. Terrific people, nice factory. We saw the humble beginnings, and have seen how they've grown it.

The people are fun, outgoing, and passionate about what they do. Working at the factory isn't a job, it's a lifestyle. It was really impressive. Their technical director is a 34 year old American engineer, Brian (promoted after redesigning the FSE 450 engine). The brand is in good hands.

The weak dollar hurts us in the states. Environmentalists in Europe are responsible for some of the slowdown in sales, but GG is moving forward.

In the next few days, I'll try to write a trip report. Hopefully, those who read it will get a sense of the brand, and it will boost confidence. GG really does a great job with what are really limited resources. Passion and dedication really carry the factory. I can't say enough good things about them.

blitz

I met Brian at a dealer meeting in upstate NY. He's a great guy and I'm glad to hear he's still with Gas-Gas. I always knew the weak dollar would eventually be an issue. Gas-Gas held their prices down for a few years but I knew that couldn't last. When they finally made an "adjustment" it shocked the buying public. Any sense on their strategy for the U.S.?

[bobr]

Originally Posted by nhrider

I didn't say demo days. Just a meet. I'm down for one at the Hopkinton/Everett riding area in NH.

I understood what you meant and it's a great idea. The State was pretty easy to work with the last time I was involved with hosting something like this. We did it in conjunction with the Classic at Loudon. A local land owner, in Henniker, allowed us to use his property. We where able to make it "legal" with the involvement of MVTR. Are you a member?

[nhrider]

I'm not a member yet. I just got back into ride last month. I'll be sending out my membership dues next week.

[Fire Escape]

Originally Posted by nhrider

I'm not a member yet. I just got back into ride last month. I'll be sending out my membership dues next week.

Don't send them! Bring them to the meeting, next Wednesday (delayed a week because of the holiday) 8pm @ Freedom Cycle (unfortunately NOT a GasGas dealer) Manchester St. Concord, NH. There will probably be some members heading out for a ride around 5-5:30 if you bring a registered bike.

Bruce

[gasgasman]

Something like this can boost US sales.
Click on "Superb Summer offer".
http://www.gasgasuk.com/new/page1.htm

[skid jackson]

had to do a double take on that gasgasuk
Looks like gas gas suk!!
they need to put a slash in there!!!
good thing I know it's not the case

[flybars]

Would be nice to see that kind of thing going on over here in the U.S.A.

[gasgasman]

Yup.
Dealer cost on items like that would only be $100 per bike.

We all know how the word "free" affects our purchase decisions.

[GMP]

Back in '98 when I bought a KTM200, they did that. I got a big box UPS with spares, a stand, T shirt, and other stuff. The following year they offered a tire deal. Now there big time and could care less. They should offer a credit for suspension work.

I think BMG needs to organize a series of demo rides at key events with properely prepped bikes, through key dealers.

People have to be confident in the company's stability.

Perhaps BMG needs to project their image as a parts distribution specialist.

Its all about confidence. Most would not buy a KTM over the '07 GG riding them back to back, the bike speaks for itself.

[JTT]

Originally Posted by GMP

I think BMG needs to organize a series of demo rides at key events with properly prepped bikes, through key dealers.

There in lies the key. Trouble with many demos is the bikes aren't set up well and testers get a bad impression. "The big guys" all send factory techs with the bikes for mag testing and demo stuff to make sure someone doesn't get put off if the jetting isn't bang on, or the bars are too far back