New Aprilia Dealer in Chicago Area.

[spaz_666]

Downers Grove Yamaha (aka DGY) has recently picked up Aprilia. I had no idea until I visited the DGY booth at the Chicago IMS yesterday. I was wondering "hey, why's the Aprilia Lion on DGY's banner?" As I got closer to the booth, I saw a Tuono Factory sitting in front of their display. Went in and talked to one of the employees, says they just picked up Aprilia a few weeks ago. Asked if their service techs are getting trained & certified to work on Apes, got a hesitant yes. Guess we'll see.

I personally have no experience with the sales or service team at DGY, so I can't comment there. I've bought some Amsoil from their parts counter, and a lid from their accessories dept. That's it.

[Kid A]

Thats great to know. As far as service goes I think they have some 'seasoned' techs that know jap bikes well, and especially off road stuff because they have always been big into motocross. But as far as the Italian treatment I'm not sure how it will go. I think they need to hire some younger blood whom is into the alternative to Japanese thing. I personally have bought 2 motocross bikes from them, and both were good experiences.

Hopefully they treat the Aprilia brand well and on an elevated level of placement amongst their Jap staples. It would be nice if they showcased them as high-end bikes because I know they move a lot of inventory as far as Yam, Honda, Kawa, & Suzuk go.. They have a large accessory department as well so maybe they will actually carry some 'swag' as well.

They are actually in a good location for upper end bikes because they are surrounded by high dollar homes, Ferrari, Lambo, Maserati, and Porche dealerships.

[Diablo1]

So that makes three dealers in the greater Chicago area.
Suburban Triumph
Powers
& DG Yamaha

[Kid A]

Yeah 3! Although I don't count Powers because of bad customer service and parts price gouging.

I hope DGY can keep up the perception of these bikes, and that they are an exclusive alternative to the Japanese bikes. They definitely get enough customer foot traffic to give the Aprilia brand some big exposure around here. On any given Saturday that place is pretty crowded during riding season.

While I was at the IMS show yesterday I hung around the Aprilia booth for a while because naturally I was interested in peoples reactions, comments, etc... about the bikes.
There was definitely more action going on than I thought there would be at an Aprilia booth. And I noticed a large number of uneducated motorcycle public as well. (While I was checking out the Yamaha M1 on display a guy next to me explained to his buddy that "you can race these things! See this here is that R1 street bike with all the parts they sell that you can put on it to go racing." )
Anyway at the Aprilia booth here is what I noticed:

First, there is definitely still the average guy that knows a little something about all bikes (types, and makes) who says "oooooo! Aprilia, those are cool. Come over here and check these out." to his buddy as they take a closer look.

Second, there is the well educated moto guy who is interested because he knows 'different'. Wants to see how they feel, the controls, looking at the little details, noticing things like the braided brake lines, and rotax motor etc.. Then points and explains to his friend how cool the SXV is and that it would be so much fun to ride. Its a V-twin too!

Third, was the educated guy with no taste. "Hey dude, lets check these out." Sits on it and his buddy reads the info card pointing out "low horsepower, kind of heavy, 17,999!!!??? Hmmm, not impressed. You are just paying for having the Aprilia name on the tank. I'd take an R1 any day over this thing."

None of this is probably a surprise to anyone here. Just felt like reporting in on the Aprilia action.

[Taco62]

It's cool there's another nearby ape dealer
I hope that all adds up to my advantage when I get a Shiver this summer.
As for the event, I found the cycle show to be the same as last year, dull.
I walked through the whole show in a little over two hours.
Aprilia had a display about equal to the square footage of my livingroom/dining room. I don't know what they can do to liven it up.

[Kid A]

They need to have reps there. If you want to talk about the products, or have questions your on your own. They were giving away Aprilia logo beer coozys but you had to grab them out of a bag hanging on the literature stand. Poor representation, and no bling. Videos of Aprilia race footage, etc... would make it look more impressive. They don't even have bike stands or displays, just one of each model sitting on the side stands. Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa had guys talking about their products.

[Mythdraug]

I'll agree that the Piaggio group display was a little underwhelming. The display was very small for the number of vehicles they had. To look at any of the bikes, you had to hope you didn't bump into one of the bikes on either side of it. Based on the density of other manufacturer displays, it should have been 2-3 times the size. Also the representation from Piaggio group employees was lacking; the booth seemed entirely manned by PowerMotorsports staff. I did eventually see one Piaggio employee hanging back by the screen behind all the vespas.

Lastly, no Mana?!


But getting back to the point of the thread; I did hear mention from one of the booth workers (PMS badged) stating that they were looking at opening a shop in Chicago to replace the now closed OldTown shop.

[ChicagoFactory]

I was never a fan of DGY, but they are close to me. I'll have to check them out again.

[QUICKSILVER]

I don't know on DGY. I have bought a lot of accessories from them. they do have a good selection of them.
I did turn down a quote from them on a couple of Hondas and a trailer though. Wasn't so much price as it was the "I don't care, take it or leave it" attitude that was presented.
I t would be nice to know if they will know what they are doing in regards to Aprilia. They are very close. It would take a lot of convincing for me to give up Corse in Wisconsin though. I like top notch work and will not go any where sub standard. .02
QS

[Kid A]

Stopped by DGY today. They had 2 RSVRs (1 Bol D'Or rep, and 1 black one), 1 Tuono, an 08 SXV anlong with a scooter. The accessory dept looks even nicer now (I haven't been in for a while), but no Aprilia gear, clothing, etc. yet. A sales rep told me they were going to see how sales went before stocking up on accessories.

I'm with you guys on Corse SBK. There is no way in hell I'd have anyone but Travis do work on mine. They don't really support Aprilia as a brand either though. No accessories, and no bikes on the floor usually except for an odd Tuono here or there. I think most of their Aprilia sales are solely based on an order as needed basis.

Maybe now I'll have a close place to by parts, etc. in DGY, and a far away shop to do all the mechanicals at Corse SBK. That is if DGY survives with carrying Aprilia.

[snowmanron]

Hi, I live in northern Indiana and I was taking my RSV to Detroit Euro Cycles to get my bike worked on, had all the recalls done there. They closed up and now I dealerless. I figure the Chicago ares would be closest for me.

Which one do you recomend. I am getting the new link plates put on, oil change and get my rear break to work.

If it is under 4 hour drive, that would be good, that is how long the drive was to Detroit. Thanks

[Diablo1]

Hi, I live in northern Indiana and I was taking my RSV to Detroit Euro Cycles to get my bike worked on, had all the recalls done there. They closed up and now I dealerless. I figure the Chicago ares would be closest for me.

Which one do you recomend. I am getting the new link plates put on, oil change and get my rear break to work.

If it is under 4 hour drive, that would be good, that is how long the drive was to Detroit. Thanks

Suburban Triumph is the closest one since they are on the south side of Chicago. There is also a dealer in Lafayette IN. If your bike is out of warranty, maybe just take it to a local motorcycle shop with a good reputation for service (any brand).

[snowmanron]

Suburban Triumph is only a 1 hour and 39 minute drive for me. (thanks map quest). I'm going to call them Monday. Thanks for the help

[Aprilia13]

Went in DGY the other day. (My 3rd visit in 2 years.) They've got the 4 bikes right up front, just inside the door. Sales guy was quick to come over and seemed content to small-talk about when they picked up Aprilia, etc. but was a little wishy-washy on whether or not their mechanics were going to get any Aprilia-specific training (but was quick to discuss how good their mechanics are -- sounds like they are all seasoned; no kids).
Went over to look at some helmets, and got the hard sell. Disappointing.
Anyway, I would say they've got a decent apparel and accessories selection, their parts guys are good to deal with, and their sales people are more likely to give you too much attention rather than not enough, and they seem enthusiastic about the Aprilia line, so we'll see. The showroom is a little over-the-top glam, but trendy bike shops seem to go super-flashy -- it's not my taste.
And it's the only place I've found that carries Motul. They've got Repsol oil also, if you want the most expensive oil there ever was.

I might check in on them every now and then (for my oil), but I'd still order all my parts through Touring Sport BMW or AF1, and go to Corse for work. I'll be surprised if DGY would make the effort to put themselves on the Aprilia map . . . they're doing too well with their other brands to bother with the small potatoes. That's my prediction. Hope I'm wrong.

[JPKII]

I stopped in also and tried to deal on the SXV. I got the same answer in regards to service. No one trained yet and no real schedule to get it done. Part of the deal I was trying to work was that the bike would be derestricted before I took delivery. They looked at me like I just told them a space ship landed in the parking lot. They didn't inspire a lot of confidence. I also got the 'here is our price take it or leave it' attitude. I guess overall the price wasn't that bad (10.1K OTD) but the fact that I couldn't get any commitment on service training/derestriction is what drove me away. I'm glad I held my wad and went with AF1.

I've had hit and miss luck with Corse over the years. I had them work on my Ducatis back in the day. I used to live about 40 miles from them so they were local for me.