Cliff's BMW sells to MAX BMW

[creamora]

Well, it's official today with the a newsletter from Cliff. Sign of the times I guess.

I thought something was up when the Indian's were pulled out last month and they were closed this week for 'inventory'. I hope things workout for the staff. MAX BMW is just starting to show bike inventory tie-ins on their website as 'CT STORE' - I'm sure more work to come in that area and at the Brookfield store remodel.

Anyone have experience to share on 'attitude', service, sales and parts/accessories at MAX BMW?

[goo]

how did they do with the indians?
i was up there last year and i thought they were beautiful to look at but not very marketable. a bit pricey also.
...
http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/

[creamora]

Hey Goo,

Not that well considering the pricing - I don't remember ever seeing more than 8 on the floor. I liked them and they look good for that type of bike - big, nostalgic, heavy, chrome. Appearently there was not that much sell time pressure from Indian on inventory, but rather pressure to bring in more display art and accessories. From what I understand, they would rather Indian lower the price of the bike than make them buy more bling for the brand.

Looking at what just happended though, I sense that MAX (a BMW outfit) has no interest in keeping/adding Indian to the already tight inventory.

Now I wonder about the Ducati's on the other side. I'm not a Ducati guy, but that section of the shop was nice and seemed to balance the dealership clientel. With both BMW and Ducati under the roof, Cliff's seemed to always be buzzing.

[mogu83]

The good news is I think you guys in Connecticut will like Max's way of doing business. Unlike some people that are moving into the marque (car dealers /Harley Dealers) Max is BMW motorcycle oriented and goes out of their way to support the BMW community. I wish Max the best of luck at the new location.
WE could use a dealer in South Jersey (Hint-Hint)

[hankth]

Always liked Cliff's because it was rider owned, and it showed. I Thought the Indian thing was a bit of a distraction for them. I wish Max the best, and hope they keep the Ducati line as well. I plan to visit there again in the spring. Didn't buy my R1200R there, but transferred to them when the sales guy I bought from got a job there. Have been very satisfied with their service. I love the ride up sliding door that you ride in right up to the service writer's desk. Very cool and welcoming to me.

[creamora]

An update here in the news:

Max BMW has bought Cliff’s Cycle Revolution in Brookfield, Conn., adding dealership to its own stores in Brunswick, N.Y. and North Hampton N.H.

Founding dealer Cliff LaMotta carried BMW, Ducati and Indian motorcycles. It’s likely that Cliff’s will continue with BMW and Ducati; Indian has hit the road,

While the Indian line has been jettisoned, the future of Ducati appears more solid, largely a matter of familiarizing himself with the Italian brand. "I still have to learn about Ducati," new owner Max Stratton the Waterbury Republican-American. “I don't know the Ducati market, so I can't predict its success. I do know that Ducati customers are very dedicated to the brand."

LaMotta retains ownership of the building and property and is leasing to Stratton.

"This is no distress sale. We're well-financed and well backed," LaMotta told the newspaper. "For me it was a hard decision. When I added it up from a business standpoint, it made sense."

The sale price was not disclosed.

Stratton plans to move his family from New Hampshire and take over as GM at the new store. He plans to retain Cliff’s staff and increase inventory.

Posted by Holly Wagner

[AllanCook]

MAX BMW is a great shop at both its NY and NH locations. I wouldn't be too sad.

[sjbmw]

Max hooked me up at the Vermont MOA rally when my system case broke.
The brace snapped during the ride I had to bungie it ...

Overnighted a new one from NY on Friday, and re-keyed the lock on Saturday for the Sunday ride home...well executed.

[creamora]

Update CT - I'm feeling better already. Got an email reply from Ben Stratton and hope to meet him at the store this week and do some Xmas shopping. He said the DMV inspection was today; MAX CT may be open this week. New signage on order. Website changes are coming in slowly but you can see where things are going.

[bajones238]

I've dealt both online and in person with both Cliff's and the NH Max's guys. First class in every way.