Martin Racing Performance

Friday, February 19, 2010

Looking for Vento or United Motors Parts?

If you're looking for Vento or United Motors parts you've come to the right place. MRP is using the same OEM part numbers from their manuals. So in many cases you can look up their own manual in our repair manual section.

Thats right click here: http://www.martinracingdealer.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm

The link will lead you to all the TNG, QJ, UM, Benelli, Andretti, Diamo, Italjet and other brands we have parts for.

Visit us today to find out more.

www.mrp-speed.com

What brands should we pick up? What parts should I carry?

I get so many questions at the Expo, they come to meet because I've been doing this almost 10 years and I know all the brands so I do the best I can.

I have two brands in mind for new dealers that went to Dealer Expo for the first time.

Many dealers tell us they need a reliable / affordable scooter to compete with the $999 flea market guys and its difficult to tell them what to carry. Much like the parts business a lot of stores go for cheap and get burnt.

So if you need something reliable with good prices I always say try the guys at Jonway.

JONWAY USA
We've been working with them for some time now and they are the factory behind many of the names you see in the states. Only issue is that Jonway like all factories have high end and low end so if a US distributor goes to them and says "hey I want the cheapest scooter without disk brakes" they will make it. Thats how it works.

Jonway has really started making much better bikes when it comes to producing in their own brand name. So if you need an affordable unit. I suggest Jonway USA.

What's the best Brand made in China?

Hands down it's CF MOTO. The tech behind the company is superb, anyone who has taken a look at their 150cc LC engine knows its far superior to even some of the engines coming from Taiwan that are still air cooled. They are first class OEM now making UTVs and 800cc engines.

I would highly recommend checking them out.
CF MOTO Scooters and ATVs The OEM o
For more information visit www.cfmoto-us.com

WHAT PARTS SHOULD I CARRY?

You should also carry essentials. Tires, Exhausts, jackets, helmets thats the main thing.

Everyone knows it’s important to maintain your vehicle and let’s face it in this high paced world we don’t always have the time to check our CVT belt, change the oil, or remember when we have to change the tires. So it’s important to find an authorized dealership and preferably one that carries a top brand name like MRP. That means they have access to better parts, service, and great prices. Our experienced team members are here to help stores find the parts they need so they can help the end users better.

Besides an MRP sign in the window make sure to ask your friends for references. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and query shops with a good reputation. Talk to your OEM supplier to see if there are any active dealers in your area. Before a big move into a new city find out if the OEM has dealers or an authorized repair center in that city. Many brands change dealers often so its important to stay up to date. Once you find the right store make sure to check for diplomas, certification, and training. Build a relationship and always stop by to see what’s new at the store.

If you're the shop owner then you need to do right by the customers and have the stuff they need when they come shopping. It's a symbiotic relationship and you have to make sure to always keep it fresh and interesting.

The Scooter Maven

Thursday, February 18, 2010

BEST NEW SCOOTERS 2010

So after the Dealer Expo I was talking to a lot of dealers that came to our booth. I even had a really good meeting with the guys over at Peirspeed ( formerly Cobra Powersports ) http://www.peirspeed.com/ and after hearing all the feedback I can confirm that on top of my list is the MadAss 125.

Just the buzz, the amount of dealers selling, units moving, its is a fairly unique unit with lots of potential. We should have some parts coming out for this including a TK exhaust shortly.

Next up for 2010 is the KYMCO LIKE 50/200cc
Why the Like? Well the price point, the brand ( Kymco ) the parts support ( best out of all the Taiwanese brands ) and the fact that the company is part of the OEM. Kymco USA is a subsidiary of Kymco Taiwan its like your dealing with Honda only 30 points less than a Honda scooter. Same quality better price. I've been to the Kymco factory, I've seen the sales in Spain, Italy, Germany, UK, and they outnumber the sales of SYM, TGB, PGO, ETON, and CPI combined. When it comes to exports Kymco is the leader. Having that type of support and finally a Retro looking scooter ( the People is the last one I can remember ) they are set to sell in the US some massive numbers.

Dealers must have the latest retro bike and this is it. Yet it has all the backup and support you could ever want. So if you can't get a Honda Franchise then get a Kymco one because in Europe Honda dealers struggle while Kymco ones are making some $$$ on their Scooters.

Don't believe me? Look at the sales in Italy. Kymco is number 3 now behind Piaggio/Vespa # 1 and Honda #2 yet Kymco is number 1 out of the 3 in dealer profitability in Europe. So if you want your dealer to stay in business you buy a Kymco simple as that. I deal with a lot of clowns who argue over the brands, but lets get to the real point. Im the customer I want a quality bike and I want my dealer to be around to repair it. Buy a Kymco.

Finally the must have scooter for any dealership in 2010 in my opinion will be the CUSTOM JAPANESE BIKE. You can pick any model. Zuma, Zuma 125, T-Max, Reflex, but the most common is the Zoomer AKA Honda Ruckus.

I think 2010 is the year of the Ruckus, finally the unit is reaching mainstream acceptance by Car Clubs, Collectors, and the West Coast Community. I purchased a Honda Ruckus back in late 2003 way before anyone else in Miami had one so I can honestly say I've been ahead of the curve. Since then I've purchased and sold maybe 7 frames, done 3 swaps ( not the best ones 1 Minarelli JOG and 2 GY6 units) but we've learned a lot from all these projects. Not many people can say they've owned that many, but everytime I buy one, I play with it, sell it and I learn something new. The main thing I've learned is Honda OEM parts are expensive and its cheaper to fix your frame with aftermarket parts. Just fill it to the gills with whatever you can get. I fell in love with it the first time I went to Japan, but for the first time ever I see second tier dealers selling the Honda at a premium. So the resell value of the unit will actually go up because now you can't get one without paying a premium.

So to me the must have in the window scooter for 2010 is a customized Japanese scooter and I pick the Honda Ruckus. You can have a Zuma, Zuma 125, T-Max, but if you want attention get a Ruckus and customize it to your hearts content.

A dealer with a Pink Scooter in the window or a Honda Ruckus will get the attention they need to sell more MadAsses and Like 50cc units.

Just my opinion on 2010 must have models.

TNG Dealers what you need to know

Dear TNG Dealers,

MRP is helping TNG in their transition to a new set up. Back in October 2009 we took the time to call and email all the dealers on the list we were provided of "Active Stores" to let them know the transition was going to happen. Technically speaking we are the new TNG parts fulfillment center, but the parts belong to MRP so warranties are handled by TNG, they approve them and we send them out.

If you were a stocking dealer in 2009 you could apply at no set up fees. Just in Time repair shops should apply and open repair shop accounts with MRP. The manuals are on our website www.mrp-speed.com under the repair manual section. You can order using the part number online or calling us. As of Feb 2010 we are 50% done with the transition and we estimate the majority of hard parts have been added.

TNG is moving on to new models and new suppliers for 2010 / 2011 as the brand relaunches. They have some electric units and new units in the works, but we will not handle these parts. MRP had already acquired three distributors in 2009 that purchased from the same Chinese suppliers so it made sense. We already have the parts add TNG we have more of them so we can give better service.

If you order parts on the TNG website MRP gets the email. If you don't have an account with us we will call / email you. The parts will NOT go out until you fill out a dealer application form with us. So make sure you get it in.

Regarding backorders, there are many parts that MRP is now working with the suppliers on in China to fill backorders that were placed before MRP took over. This will take some time but its in the works.

We hope this clears up some of the confusion. Regarding pricing, if you are a volume buyer your prices should go down compared to what you paid at TNG. Repair shops and JIT stores that do less than $250 a year will obviously not be getting the price breaks but the parts availability will be made to all. I hope this clears up any questions regarding TNG Scooter Parts. We want to work with you and we want to make sure TNG warranties get out, but please make sure to send in your dealer application in to get your accounts activated.

If you have any questions contact us at www.mrp-speed.com

MRP

BUYING PARTS FOR A TNG? LOOKING FOR HYOSUNG PARTS? NEED TO BUY UNITED MOTORS PARTS? LOOKING FOR DAELIM PARTS? CPI PARTS? HOW TO BUY HONDA PARTS? VESPA PARTS?
In addition MRP has OEM manuals available for stores for TNG – CMSI Scooters, QJ, Benelli, Andretti, Cubik K, Powersports Factory, Vento, Diamo LS Motorsports, Italjet America, Malaguti Italian Scooters, Linhai, Pit Motorsports, MH, Xtreme Scooters, CPI Taiwan, CF MOTO, Daelim, Hyosung, Zongshen, Keeway private label units. There are also engine repair manuals, charts, information on tire sizes, spark plugs, and much more.

MRP is the largest third party scooter parts distributor in the USA many of our parts are made by OEMs but we are not the OEM. MRP is not affiliated with Piaggio USA, Inc. or Piaggio & Co., S.p.A. Hyosung Motors America HMA, S&T Motors, Hyosung, Diamo USA Inc, TNG Scooters CMSI, CPI Scooters, Malaguti Spa, United Motors of America, Keeway North America. Andretti, Benelli, Powersports Factory, RX Loncin Lifan Linhai Zongshen Wangye MS UTVs and CPI Taiwan, Athena, Malossi, Turbo Kit, Innova Tires, Duro Tires, Vee Rubber, Duro, Bando, Gates, Powerlink, Posh, Maxxis, Namura, Scooter Ninja, Slipstreamer, NCY, Koso, are all names owned by these respective brands and not affiliated with MRP.

Any parts purchased at auction or bankruptcy are sold as liquidation items and in no way shape or form are sold as part of the original manufacturer network of sales. MRP is an aftermarket reseller, we are not an agent of any other company and sell compatible parts in many cases manufactured by OEMs as an outside channel.

BACK FROM DEALER EXPO

We're back from Dealer Expo, want to thank all the dealers who showed up. We are busy processing orders. In case you didn't get my email I'm re-posting it so everyone sees our current mission.

Dear Dealers,

I would like to thank all the stores that braved the cold this year to come out and meet with us. Especially those that placed orders for 2010 or even that small item that you guys needed since some are still buried in snow. The show is a big expense for everyone involved so those of you that ordered this weekend or are faxing in your orders today I really do appreciate it. To see pictures click here.

Ordering Show Special:

All Dealer Expo orders featuring Armadillo or TK Exhausts ( for the entire order ) are 10% off and Free Shipping until the end of this week so you still have two more days. After Friday the show special is over just wanted to give everyone time to get back home.

As many of you saw we made the Dealer News daily for Armadillo Scooter Wear. We also scored big on the new products range with TK being featured in POWERSPORTS BUSINESS as well as several Blogs. The new TK Ruckus half pipe, the BMS 300 Go Kart exhaust, and SYM 250cc TK variator all scored big with the buggy pro-summer / bloggers that came to meet with us.

One thing is certain we have become the largest distributor of OEM scooter parts and we are working as quickly as possible to add the TNG, QJ, CPI, Benelli, United Motors, Keeway, Diamo, Italjet parts to our system as quickly as possible. This is only possible if stores stock, buy and continue to help us grow. So we can expand our OEM offerings that are exclusive to MRP.

I believe our new pricing structure will work for 2010 or at least keep MRP on the right path for growth. So now is the time to order and stock up on new items such as the Armadillo lineup before the season starts.

Daytona Show next month:
Last year we were there with CF MOTO, this year we will have some units at the Jonway booth as well, but you will find us back and forth between both stands working the show.

This weekend we will also be updating our dealer finder. New policies are on the site ( Links Below) and I hope this helps to clear everything up we put this off until Indy. A big thanks to everyone who hung out with us, went to meetings, helped us at the booth, and partied until 5am Friday - Sunday making me the most sleep deprived person in Indiana 5 nights in a row. There might have been less people, but we had some quality one on one time with everyone and I thought that was great.

Email me your thoughts,
The Scooter Mavem

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Dealer News Covers Armadillo Scooter Wear

Check this out, everyone that came in to the Dealer Expo 2010 got to see our review in the Expo Daily. Great plug for Armadillo Scooter Wear. Over 5,000 copies handed out at the show of the Show Daily.

More Pictures from the MRP Dealer Expo booth to follow.

The Scooter Scoop visits Dealer Expo MRP

The Scooter Scoop

www.TheScooterScoop.com visits the MRP Booth at Dealer Expo 2010

Armadillo, Turbo Kit, MRP, and more....

TheScooterScoop.com visits MRP

For the Fourth Year in a row our friend Steve ( who is by the way has the best site in the USA for Scooter News totally friendly and positive about the entire industry in general ) TheScooterScoop.com

Here I've copied his broadcast sponsored by our friends at Peirspeed ( check out the new Mad Ass and in 2 months time the new Turbo Kit MadAss Exhaust system we have in the works )

Enjoy the video and visit www.thescooterscoop.com