Thursday, February 28, 2008

Day 5 - Austin - Houston

Kobs signing in for a report on Day 5.

Started a bit late today, mainly to avoid Austin traffic. However, the day started off with bang at Cowboy Harley-Davidson (of Austin... obviously). Scott Craig the current parts manager was eager to see what the products could do so after he showed me a demo of some products that he had on his shelf, I cracked open a sample kit and went to work. No longer than 2 minutes later and a demo on a translucent Buell, I think he was impressed. The incoming Parts Manager Dominic (aka Dom) is all over the place, but when he slowed down enough to talk I handed him a sample kit, we'll make him a believer in Papa. I still spent the next 30 minutes there getting a tour of the dealership. These guys take care of business!!! You want a Harley? What Type? What color? Options? No waiting....You drive out with it same day. The supply of bikes at this dealership is amazing.

Texas Powersports was next in line. It was a bit off the beaten path,but it had a nice warm friendly feeling to it. Billy was running the parts counter and was instantly ready to help me when I walked in the door. He also showed considerable interest in the kit that I handed off and said that he would give it a whirl.

Central Texas Harley-Davidson...one thing you can say is that they are honest. They were very upfront that they don't carry any non-Harley after market products. I left a sample anyway. You guys are missing out.

Woods Fun Center was a surprise visit, as it was not on my list, being that it was right next to CT Harley I decided to stop by. J.J. was running the show in parts and was very accommodating. Not to mention that this store pretty much has everything. I needed to get directions to get through their hugh stock of bikes just to get back to the parts counter. I can't imagine that there is anything that a biker could need that this store didn't have.

Moto Austin just moved into their new location and they were still putting some finishing touches on the shop, but you could already tell from the space that it is going to look great. I had a nice conversation with Tim Lynch. Tim explained to me that you could get into an entry level Duc for only $7K...I didn't know that. Were do I sign up? Their new location is on East Braker right next to CT Harley...Check it out if your riding by.

Lone Star BMW/Triumph was a quick stop. It seems that the helmet distributor and I were on the same schedule, so the accessories Manager, Denise couldn't talk for too long. she was very pleasant and agreed to test out some Ubermoto on her bike and let us know what she thinks. Thanks Denise!

Hog Alley is a Iron Horse shop in Georgetown, TX. The shop has a definite old-school feel and wouldn't you just know it they are opening a Bar & Grill next door - 'Hardtails'. Should be open in early May, just in time for Summer. I got a nice photo with owner, Erica. Thanks Rick & Erica. Rick is in the witness protection program so he couldn't take a picture J/K.

Central Texas Powersports is just up the street from Hog Alley. A smaller shop, but they are building a bigger one just acros the highway. Brad Brown is in charge of Parts and mentioned that they give the best deals on tires. He says,"for a small show we move a lot of tires." Their new shop should open around Jun/July.

Mancuso Harley-Davidson - Just made it to Houston and it was dark. I figured that my day was over, but decided to try and find a hotel near what would have been my first morning stop...Mancuso H-D. Whaddaya know...their open..don't mind if I do. Walked in an had a colorful conversation with Ron & Don about bikes, the dealership and of course water wells and water pressure...let's move on. It was nice and quiet, probably because it was late, but Ron & Don were very willing to sit and talk for a while. I presented Ron with a sample kit (check picture to the right...that one came out nice!) This dealership is big and airy and evoked a family feeling and it is owned by Johnny Mancuso....if you don't know who that is then educate yourself and (click here).

Northwest Honda - Same as before..I rolled up to this shop looking for a nearby hotel and whaddaya know...their open...don't mind if I do. Corky, the Service Manager and I became fast friends. When I asked him what was unique about the shop, he told me that they have over 100 years of experience in the service dept, between 3 guys...that's some knowledge. I wouldn't worry about these guys working on my bike. This shop is also right on Interstate 45 so you can miss it. Say "Hi" to Corky for me if you stop in.

Once again I am Beat, but looking forward to tomorrow another bunch of shops on the way to hitting the Century Mark. Signing out....Passing out.

No comments: