The Price of Passion

There’s a topic that’s been raising it’s controversial head like a mole trying to get out of the hole it’s dug in the middle of an enduro trail: the price of bikes and related stuff that we are expected to pay in South Africa.I’ve stuck my nose into this a few times and I have to be honest, there are relevant arguments on both sides of the story. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, the choice really rests on the shoulders of the consumer. For us South Africans, we are victims of a dollar-based economy in areas relating to pure adrenalin and we need to deal with it. Let’s look at the consumer’s point of view – the “unfair” dealers. For a 250cc – 300cc two-stroke machine, brand new, off the floor, what price are you paying? I can’t comment for all dealers and all brands but the general price range is pretty high. I still battle trying to understand the rationale behind the margins. Let me explain. My current toy is a 2003 KTM 300 EXC. I bought my Katy brand new in September 2002. The exchange rate was approximately R11.00 = $1.00. I paid R 69 500.00 for my bike. I believe the USA was selling the same bike at the same time for approximately $5 500.00. Ok, let’s do some math. $5 500.00 at that exchange rate equals R60 500.00. Bring import duties into the equation, add a reasonable margin on for the dealer and the extra R19 000.00 that was required is not terribly unreasonable. However, the 2005 KTM 300 EXC, is retailing, I believe, somewhere in the region of R68 000.00. Nice you may say, a decrease in price. But the exchange rate has fallen a whole lot more. Today’s rate is R5.74 to the dollar. The 2005 KTM 300 EXC is retailing for around $6 100.00 – that brings the price to R35 014.00. Now add duties and reasonable margin……… I say no more!!However, before I have the dealers at my door with shotguns, let’s look at it from their point of view. The margin that gets made goes to more that the head-honcho’s pockets. A staff needs to be maintained, stock of bikes and OEM parts needs to be maintained, a workshop for your benefit needs to be staffed with skilled people and resources. This all costs a bundle. If you walk into your favourite KTM shop (no favouritsm – but as a KTM owner, this is where my point of reference is), you have to admit that it is comparable with the top-class luxury car dealerships. It’s slick, stocked and ready for your every need – the brand is professionally in your face from the moment you open the door and it is so hard to close the door behind you without raping you credit card a bit. To get all this together, you have to admit that a fair hunk of change is required to maintain the operation. And don’t forget that all the folk assisting to keep the machine running need to live as well. So…….you figure it out. So far, there is a pretty even argument in my opinion. No I don’t like the price differentiation but yes, I am in the market for a new 2006 KTM at the end of this year when I return to sunny S.A. and you know where I’ll be spending my loot!I understand that not everybody can afford a new scoot and that sometimes second hand is the way to go. Sadly, the price of new bikes has had an obvious ripple effect on the price of used bikes. Yes you can get a reasonable used machine for under R20K these days, but if you go that route, please take extra care in scrutinizing it first. You could end up paying a fortune more than your pocket can handle in repairs, replacements and maintenance. If you are looking at a used scoot, take the time to download the “Buying a used off-road bike” checklist from the home page of www.grootkak.com - one of the more useful things ‘Smokin John “Mooford” has contributed to our community. It’s bound to save you a bundle in the long run.In terms of the actual bikes – what I would love to see one day in S.A. (I saw this in Colorado Springs, USA in November 2004), a one-stop bike shop. These guys have something similar to a mini supermarket for bikes! A massive accessories and apparel section, a parts counter that supports all brands, and the most impressive part – a new motorcycle section that stocked every make and model under the sun, road and dirt. Have you any idea how fantastic it is to have the ability, when buying a new bike, to have Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM right next to each other for tests and comparisons on price, setup, performance, etc, etc – from the same dealer! There is no competitive incentive for the dealer; he’s just there to help you make the best, educated choice that suits you. Awesome.So we get over the dilemma of bike price and move on. Well, unfortunately we aren’t moving on to the track or trail. No sirree, we still need to buy kit. I won’t harp on the reasons, you can read all about that in the June 2004 issue. The point is, you can never, ever have too much kit! This also comes at a price and is absolutely necessary. If there is one bit of advice I can give you – you don’t have to buy the top of the range of each item. Specially if you can’t afford it. Just make sure it’s functional. All items in an off-road accessories store are made for off-road use. I guarantee you that a pair of motocross boots was not manufactured for window dressing. Yes, so the brand you buy may not be as flash or comfortable as Tech 10s. But they are still going to do what you need them to – and that’s more important than flash! The point folks, is that there’s more money to be spent – and, in this case, it’s almost pointless buying the scoot if you don’t buy the necessary kit to use it with.And finally, the ultimate price. The better half in your life. Once you have the scoot and the kit, and you’ve paid some extra cash for high-performance plugs and synthetic two-stroke, and the right set of tools to assist you regular maintenance, you have to ride the thing. And riding the thing is addictive. So you are going to have to negotiate, compromise, do romantic dinners, take a subscription to Interflora or Net Florist and perform a plethora of previously un-thought of chores and favours. But remember, you are going to write off a day a week at least riding, and a quarter to half day a week on cleaning and maintaining. This is where you need deep pockets.The question you may be asking is, if it’s so dammed expensive, why do it? The answer is simple, the value of the absolute, untouchable rush of riding a dirt bike, track or trail, with you mates – the adrenalin, the camaraderie, the locations, the memories…………………………the passion, makes the price of making the experience possible inconsequential. I’ll see y’all in the dirt. Keep the shiny side up and ride it like you stole it.Steve “Tombstone” Lauter