Tell us a story Duane.

[Zombie Master]

You wrote "To this day, I still have no interest in motorcycles." Now that is English. So from that I took that your involvement in motorcycling was for profit only.

You wrote: "Proudly I can say that I have never subscribed to a motorcycle magazine in my life." Why would you be "proud" of that? I've read thousands and have subscriptions to several. I'm not proud about it. I'm just interested.

You wrote: "To this day, I still have no interest in motorcycles. I read that sentence and it isn't quite consistent sounding, even to me, but it is the truth. I don't notice them on the road, I never really look at them, the last time in a motorcycle shop was to visit Kari just before his untimely death. That wasn't related to motorcycles, but to see an old friend."

Sound like a general ambivalence towards motorcycles to me.

You start your post by insulting me by saying I can't read English. Yet look at what you have done here; you are writing about "Kari." How the hell am I supposed to know who Kari is? I find a lot this kind writing, where the author feels no compunction to include or explain references or provide context. I find this rude. Maybe this is why I don't really know much about you after all these years. But my little post, and a few proddings has provided me with some better knowledge and understanding. Ambivalence ain't me.

[Sunbeem]

Your post reminds me of some of my own experiences in business, Duane.
I met many people who imagine that because they are spending money, they are entitled to act badly, or at least without the usual considerations.
They would make great play of whether or not I was able to do the task, should they commission me, should they not ?
All the time I was deciding if I wanted to work for them.

That often hung on reciprocation : I'd do them a small favour of some kind, which would cost me a little time or diesel. If there was no recognition of that, no attempt to reimburse or at least thank me, I had my answer.

I soon learned not to trust breadheads, and that "old money" usually paid the bill promptly. The wealthier people were, the more careful I was. Those who trusted me with a door-key always repaid my trust.

I think one of the aspects of your experience, is that the guy can't exactly define what you did wrong, (since you didn't do anything at all, and had no obligation to), and that must be intensely irritating for him. He may have generated rudeness in others with his apparently unpleasant manner, and consequently found shopping an increasingly difficult exercise.
People who have trouble in the buying situation rarely examine their own behaviour -- precisely because the power of reflection is the very thing they lack.
For example -
"I find a lot this kind writing, where the author feels no compunction to include or explain references or provide context. I find this rude".This from someone who has just been roundly criticised for not acknowledging sources !

Since your critic in this case obviously doesn't respect his readers sufficiently to exercise some reflection over his writing via the Preview button, I think we can get a glimpse of how he approaches the retail situation and those he meets therein.
Were there not satisfied customers at the dealerships where he had such "terrible treatment"?
What was their secret ?
Would not being a complete arse help?

Sunbeem.

PS. I think you'd find "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" an enjoyable read, if you haven't come across it, Duane.

[Zombie Master]

[quote="Sunbeem"
People who have trouble in the buying situation rarely examine their own behaviour -- precisely because the power of reflection is the very thing they lack.
For example -
"I find a lot this kind writing, where the author feels no compunction to include or explain references or provide context. I find this rude".This from someone who has just been roundly criticised for not acknowledging sources !

That's not the least bit germane to this situation. Wake up! Are you truly unable to deal with a single post, without dragging non related issues from another post, and even another forum! A perfect example of someone who feels no compunction to provide context. You use a shotgun because you can not hit the target.

Since your critic in this case obviously doesn't respect his readers sufficiently to exercise some reflection over his writing via the Preview button,

Don't tell me who I respect. You make no point here. My post is fine.

I think we can get a glimpse of how he approaches the retail situation and those he meets therein.
Were there not satisfied customers at the dealerships where he had such "terrible treatment"?
What was their secret ?

Ignorance of the unsuspecting is often blissful. I know you've never traveled over here. Your ignorance of North America is astoundingly obvious on all subjects.

Would not being a complete arse help?

I have been nothing except respectful to the shops I have patronized. My local dealer loves when I stop by. He's been around for 30 years and is a great mechanic. But his hired wrenches are not to be trusted. He sells me a lot of equipment. I promote his shop whenever I can. I pay a premium compared to ordering off the internet. But I support him.

My problem is that I studied and have a certificate in motorcycle mechanics, and know more that they would like. I am not easy to fool in these matters, and know what I want, and how I want things done. I have been able to catch many dealers attempt to cheat me and my friends. Once they realize that I know what's going on, they either don't want me around or have to deal fairly with me. I don't grind on pricing. I'm not asking for a discount. I want a professional service, and am quite convivial till crossed. Once burned....Suzuki has lost $100,000 minimally in Canadian sales since they refused my totally legitimate warranty claim. They are foolish, like yourself.

[Duane Ausherman]

Kari, yes that was certainly in error. I should have explained.

Kari and Gail Prager owned one of the largest and best known BMW dealerships in the world. I trained them both in my shop some 38 years ago. Both are/were good people. They have done a better job than I did and I am very proud of them both.

Kari died a few months back unexpectedly and it was quite a shock to the BMW world out here. Kari was very well known in more than just motorcycles. The shop is California BMW, or maybe some newer name now. possibly CalMoto. Hundreds of people from all over the country showed up for his memorial. He was truly loved.

One day a "sometimes customer" came up to the counter to speak with me. I didn't really know him, but recognized that he had bought parts and maybe some service a few times, but had never become one of the shop followers. We had many loyal customers who made us a destination place. Others would avoid me like the plague. I was thankful of that.

He spoke of his business with me. He said, "Duane, you really are an asshole, but I know that you will never cheat me and you always do good work." I smiled and thanked him. I told him that I wasn't there just to please customers, but to please myself and if the two worked together, then fine, we could do business. He kept on coming in and became more friendly. We had an "understanding" that worked for us.

Another time on a Saturday a person sort of stood around observing for a few hours. He chatted with other customers and didn't seem to want any help. OK, a motorcycle shop can be cheap entertainment.

Eventually, he approached the counter and explained his mission. He had heard many people claim that I was the worst person in the motorcycle industry. Others had praised my shop to no end. He just had to come in and find out the "truth" about this odd place. He observed that I didn't suffer fools lightly and was particular in dealing with customers. He was relieved to finally understand the disparate reputation and decided that he was comfortable and became a good customer.

whether he judged me good or bad, I have great respect for his approach. I only wished that more people used that approach to decide about the shop before spending money.

I hope that you get the idea that I am not apologizing for anything except not explaining the use of the name Kari. My method has worked out very well for me so far. At 70, I probably won't change very much. What you see is what you get, it is that simple.

I am proud of my enemies, as they define me quite well. I am also proud of my friends for the same reason.

My main regret for the upcoming trip to Europe is that I won't have time to personally meet such people as our Beem. We would get started and probably never get finished. I have collected many friends like that. I will get to see a few on this trip.

[Chuey]

Duane, you didn't need to explain who Kari was for those of us who have working memories. You had mentioned your respect for him here on Boxerworks not long before he died. I remember the sad message that he had died. It was right here on Boxerworks. His name had come up numerous times.

Chuey

[Zombie Master]

Duane, you didn't need to explain who Kari was for those of us who have working memories. You had mentioned your respect for him here on Boxerworks not long before he died. I remember the sad message that he had died. It was right here on Boxerworks. His name had come up numerous times.

Chuey

Yet it was too much effort to add: Kari (a long time mechanic at my shop and friend)

This would have included new readers as well. It's the internet, we come from all over. You're from Southern California. You would have had knowledge of Duane.

I'm wasting my time.

[Steve in Golden]

Duane, you didn't need to explain who Kari was for those of us who have working memories. You had mentioned your respect for him here on Boxerworks not long before he died. I remember the sad message that he had died. It was right here on Boxerworks. His name had come up numerous times.

Sorry, the name seemed familiar, but I didn't remember who Kari was either, I guess I'm not one of those lucky forum participants with a working memory. It used to work really well; it sucks getting old!

Now, what were we talking about again? Oh yeah, BMW dealers.

Well, MH is very much the romantic. You can feel that when you read his article about you. He says that you should have understood where he was coming from because he is a motorcycle rider and motorcycle riders are all brothers, right? In other words, the fact that he rode a motorcycle should give him rights to Duane's knowledge. MH has made a living from his brain power. The power to write articles that other people are willing to pay for, and the skill to market that writing, is a product that a person can use to make a living. If Duane's shop was unique due to his management style and his ability to analyze problems and eliminate some of them before they caused trouble, then that is a product that Duane could use to make a living. In effect, MH thought that Duane's "product" should be free to him because he rides motorcycles. I'm sure he wouldn't think that his "product" should be free to someone because they can read.

When I read his article, I was thinking "How can he expect to get the benefits of being a customer of Duane's shop when he shops at a different shop?" To me, it seemed that Duane had done all that he could in order to make his services as attractive as possible to prospective customers. If you want those benefits, shop with Duane. Simple formula.

Perhaps MH didn't know about Duane's shop and Duane's specialized knowledge that not even the factory knew, when he bought his bike from his friend? Maybe if MH did know about Duane's shop he would have bought his bike from Duane instead. Then when he had his wobble problem, Duane would have been willing to fix it. But, he didn't buy his bike from Duane and Duane felt no obligation to fix it. Which of course, was Duane's prerogative.

Duane, I explained, the bike banged me up pretty good. I still want to ride it; I really like it. If you want me to haul it to your shop in a truck, I'll do that. You can fix it. I'm happy to pay for the work. I'm not trying to pick your brain so I can fix it myself.

He stated he was willing to pay Duane for his services, so I don't really get why Duane turned him away, or why you say he was trying to get Duane's services for free. I've never been an "official" business owner, but I have done some consulting work on the side. If somebody is willing to pay me for my services, I dont turn them away. I've never been so busy that I could afford the luxury of turning away a perfectly good customer. Apparently Duane was that busy. More power to him, being able to tell customers, in essence, to "piss off, I don't want your money!" I only wish I could say that to my boss.

I've gotten similar treatment from my (former) local BMW mechanic - he has no problem turning away customers either.

[Zombie Master]

I started a post in order to find out more about our long time contributor and former BMW shop owner Duane Asherman. In the process a published article complaining about being denied service by Duane was posted(not by me). In my attempt to offer a supportive position for the feelings of the writer, I was summarily attacked, insulted and dismissed. I now know a lot more about Duanes' shop, his feelings about motorcycles and business. Too bad just asking questions, showing interest in another poster has to result in personal attacks. My post was made in the "Motorcycling" forum but was dragged into the Speakeasy in terms of tone. Seems any attempt to simply challenge a presented idea will be met by hostility rather than a cogent discussion and sharing.

[Chuey]

Yet it was too much effort to add: Kari (a long time mechanic at my shop and friend)

This would have included new readers as well. It's the internet, we come from all over. You're from Southern California. You would have had knowledge of Duane.

I'm wasting my time.

I never heard of Duane until I started coming to Boxerworks. He had mentioned Kari several times.

Chuey

[Chuey]

You're right ZM, writing "Perhaps you don't give a rat's ass." did sent it in the direction of the Speakeasy.

Chuey