by keithcross » Mon Feb 07, 2005 9:07 am
Jim
This is not the first time I have heard of dealers giving up their MZ dealership in the UK. Ray Dentith did the same last year.
I dont think MZ have really latched on to the fact that to suceed in the UK you have to advertise. The bikes have a certian stigma attached to them and it is only advertising that will iradicate it.
Modern MZ's are not that much cheaper then the japanese compitition, so the only way to keep good sales figures is to advertise their product. The MZ Bahira for example is in my opinion superior to the new Yamaha XT660Z street moto (and yes I have ahd a go on one) and the price difference is only a couple of hundred pounds or so.
The MZ1000 is about the same price as the VFR800 Honda, given the mark is not very well known, which bike do you think the average punter is going to buy, especially when they do a bit of research and find out that there is no official importer.
When the bikes are tested by the press, they get real good write ups. Its a shame MZ Germany do not do more to help publisise their products.
Keith
Ride it like you stole it
rUMOUR HAS IT THAT A WELL RESPECTED NORTH WESTERN MZ DEALER IS LEAVING THE FOLD. HAVING ALWAYS BEEN IN RECIPT OF EXCELLENT SERVICE I AM SOMEWHAT SADDENED,AND IT BEGS THE OUESTION AS TO WHY THERE IS NO OFFICIAL DEALERSHIPS. DURING MY TRAVELS I HAVE MET NUMEROUS MOTERCYCLISTS WHOME WHEN INFORMED THAT BY CHOICE I RIDE AN MZ , THE REPLY WITHOUT FAIL IS , ? WHAT ARE THEY ? DID THEY USED TO MAKE TWO STROKES. GIVEN THE INVESTMENT IN THE NEW MODELS, AND THAT THEY ARE NOT EVEN LISTED IN THE TWO WHEELS ONLY MAGAZINE THERE APPEARS TO BE A WOEFULL LACK OF PUBLICITY. THIS IS A PERSONEL VIEWPOINT,AND MAYBE I AM MISSING THE POINT. ' RIDE AS IF YOU WERE GIVEN IT 
CHEERS JIM.