As I look around I used to think it was me, but I'm pretty sure it's not anymore. As motorcycle shops have turned into super centers, or motorsports dealers, I feel left out. Just 20 years ago when I moved to Escondido, we had a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dealer. Except they were four dealerships, owned by four different people, and competed against each other. And when you went in looking for Honda, you talked Honda. Suzuki guys talked Suzuki, etc. Parts guys carried more stock, only one brand to account for, and it was simpler-much simpler. If you wanted a big bike, you bought a 750 or 900. Touring, buy a Windjammer and add bags. Racing, strip off turn signals and lights. And when you went into the dealer, they sold only motorcycles, for they were in fact a motorcycle dealer.
Today we have mega dealers, who are failing at a mega rate. Motorsports have replaced motorcycles, and you can walk into any full line store nationwide and buy a motorcycle, personal watercraft-remember when only Kawasaki sold Jet Skis?, off road vehicles, boats, and four wheelers. And somewhere in there you find the motorcycles. Just ask the greeter at the door. How trendy!
From coast to coast motorsports dealers have replaced the old single line motorcycle shops. The only exceptions are some European brands, such as Triumph, MV Augusta, Ducati, and MotoGuzzi-which are still doubled up due to low sales volume. But motorsports it is, and motorsports it shall be. Except someone has forgotten to tell Lyall Sharer that. Lyall, a legendary racer in his own right, is the owner of Sharer Cycle Center and Stables, just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. Shop on the left, service in the back, stables on the right, and a huge barn in the middle, with a Union Jack and Triumph logo painted on it! No motorsports here, one horse or 150 horse-he has you covered. John in sales, Nate in parts, and Louis in service, with help from customers just hanging out and it all works. Can't tell you about the single horsepower vehicles-we just don't get along. But the two wheeled vehicles do very well. Triumphs are it, although he will sell a Guzzi or Aprilia if you insist.
They know their product, and know it well. And unlike so many others who have to be big to meet a payroll, have learned that success is found at all levels, and that they are more successful than most. Staying within their parameters, and not becoming motorsports oriented. And perhaps a lesson for those struggling today, and seeking to grow in God.
Are you able to get what you need at your church? Or is too much focus put on denominational issues, and not enough on God. What does the council say? Headquarters called, the superintendent is coming. How is attendance? How is giving? Are you meeting your building fund numbers? How do you like your new BMW?
Where is Jesus? Is He the head of your church, like He says, or do you center on social issues? Is your ministry catchy sayings on a sign, or are you serving the Lord? What is more important, building funds or saving souls? If I came into your church, would I know you as Christians or as Baprescathluthists? Where is Jesus? Are you trying to be a multi-line church, catering to all, when in Jesus you already have all, and can cater to individuals?
Are you getting fed? And what is it? If it is not Jesus, maybe it is time to change brands. And experience Jesus in a whole new way as you get to know Him personally. I am not denomination challenged, but I am against anything that divides the body of Christ. I have friends in many denominations, and send people who are looking their way, to those churches who put Jesus first. We all have Jesus, the same one, don't we? We call ourselves Christians, can we act like one? Talk to your pastor, ask questions, ask God to challenge you, and get to know Jesus better. Mega church, or mega dealer, it is still the one-on-one service that brings you back. Only in Jesus will you encounter that personal intimacy you desire.
After the parts man stops laughing at you when asking if a Honda part will fit on your Yamaha, go to the right source. Denominational parts don't always intermix, either. Stick with Jesus. His parts fit, His service department is open Sundays, and He is always available to talk. A specialist just waiting to help you with your problems, a loving God who wants to spend more time with you.
All dealers aren't multiline, or have horses. Find the one that is right for you and get involved. Do the same at church. Look to minister, and grow with a group who loves the lord like you do. At, after, and between church-any time and all the time. And get ready, for the ride of your life.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
