Dealerships...

[Roose Hurro]

Hi, Everyone...

Been lurking here for some few weeks now, thought those of you in California (like me) might like to know what I've done. This last Wednsday, I went to my local BMW/Vespa dealership, and brought the Genuine Buddy to their attention... and last night, I came home from work to find a message from them. So, called them back, talked... no promises, but I did my best to sell the concept, since we only have four Genuine dealerships in the entire state. Well, what it boils down to? Keep your fingers crossed, and maybe we'll have a fifth in this so-called Golden state! (Keeps own fingers crossed...)

Oh, and the plus? If this happens, I won't have drive an hour or two away to find a Buddy (I'll be able to drive one home in about fifteen minutes, funds permitting... blasted debts!).........


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[vitaminC]

Are you talking about San Jose BMW/Vespa? Those are good folks!

[Roose Hurro]

No... A&S BMW/Vespa in Roseville (http://www.ascycles.com/). In digging through this site, I found some link to a listing of Genuine dealers, which is where I got the info there are only four in the state... one in San Diego, one in Los Angeles (or environs), one in Modesto, and the one you mention, in San Jose. Unfortunately, I live in Rocklin, right next to Roseville. Modesto is probably the closest I'd come to a Genuine dealership, with San Jose being a close second (if a two hour drive could be considered close ). So... I have some motivation for my actions, given the GTS is a bit expensive (though exactly what I'd want/need in a scooter). The Buddy may not be my ideal scoot, but when I get the chance, some time in the future (funds permitting), to put myself on two wheels... and if I can't bear the thought of something used (aka, missing a waranty), the Buddy looks like a very good bet, given Honda wants the same price for a CH80, new (found a used one for $1200, but by the time I could afford it, it will obviously be long gone).

Anyway, lots to think about, more poking of A&S to do, more debts to pay off... you know, all the joys of life.

*must win lotto...*


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[ericalm]

I have some motivation for my actions, given the GTS is a bit expensive (though exactly what I'd want/need in a scooter). The Buddy may not be my ideal scoot, but when I get the chance, some time in the future (funds permitting), to put myself on two wheels... and if I can't bear the thought of something used (aka, missing a waranty), the Buddy looks like a very good bet, given Honda wants the same price for a CH80, new (found a used one for $1200, but by the time I could afford it, it will obviously be long gone).

If you need a larger-engine scooter than the Buddy, consider that the Genuine Blurs will likely have a 200 or 250cc engine in the 2007 models. Also, Vespa is discontinuing the GT 200 so prices on those may fall as dealers clear old stock to make way for new models.

In terms of finding a dealership or getting one to sell Buddys, are there any other scooter shops (Kymcos, TN'Gs, etc) in your area? When I was looking for an LA dealer, I wound up emailing Brett Ratner at Genuine. He asked me to suggest some possible locales ad, some time later, my top pick (NoHo Scooters) became a Genuine dealer. This happened somewhat idependent of my recommendation so I can't claim credit. But Genuine is still very interested in expanding the dealer network. These scoots are selling like crazy and making some dealers a good amount of money!

[Elm Creek Smith]

[Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:12 am Post subject: Re: Yakkety yak...]

Um, Eric? Where, exactly are you? Is it me or are you like a day ahead?

ECS

[Elm Creek Smith]

Nevermind. It was my profile setting. <Whew!>

ECS

[paige]

I purchased the first Buddy in California at San Francisco Scooter Centre. Barry is the number two volume dealer in the country, behind only Denver, I believe.

[Roose Hurro]

Well, a bit of bad news... stopped off at A&S yesterday, had a nice talk with Randy, but it looks like a no go... for now. They sell the Fly 150, and it turns out there's been a price reduction, so the Fly is now pretty close to the price of the Buddy, so rather than take on a new line in an already crowded showroom, they intend to stick with selling the Fly (anybody know where I can get a humongus swatter?)....

Bummer.

Anyway, we can always hope the Fly is discontinued (or moved upmarket) in the near future, then we'll have a chance!


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