Recently I got hired on by Mototek/Ducati Austin (http://www.mototek.com), an Aprilia and Ducati dealer (though we might be absorbing MV Agusta and Moto Guzzi as well), as a set-up/prep person, shop hand, and general monkey. My job duties will include uncrating and setting up new bikes that ship in from the various factories, washing customers' bikes before the techs work on them and before they go back to the customer, sweeping, taking the trash out, moving bikes around the shop and organizing shelves, parts, etc. I'll also probably be tasked with test riding the bikes to make sure they are put together right, as well as riding them to an inspection station to get them inspected for licensing purposes.
However, the situation at the moment is somewhat unfortunate. The company was owned by a guy who wasn't very good on paperwork, nor did he really care about new customers. His priority was more about satisfying the few customers he already had, as well as his racing buddies. It's odd, because he was the number one Aprilia dealer in 2005, but when he bought Ducati Austin he let everything go down the tubes. They moved shops and showrooms to a downtown location, so absolutely nothing was organized and stuff was just strewn about. The repair shop didn't have a system in place to organize parts for customers' bikes that came in, as the previous owner did it all in his head (which didn't work that well). Since he wasn't very big on paperwork or following through with things, the showroom's dealer license expired, which means they weren't allowed to sell bikes, or even have any on the showroom floor. The new owner has been struggling with TXDOT trying to get the license renewed, and we finally have all the necessary signatures which means we'll get bikes on the showroom floor (and subsequently out of the repair shop waiting area and The Basement, my set-up area).
So, since we are horribly unorganized at the moment, and have only been under new management for a week or two, I have been especially valuable in taking care of the little tedious tasks that need to get done, but don't need a repair technician or manager to do. As of late, it's been a lot of manual labor, taking care of the stuff that hasn't been done in a long time. I have hauled wooden pallets, metal crates, sheet metal, cardboard, and plywood out of the basement and into the recycling pile. I have moved and re-moved bikes and scooters to make room for other stuff and more bikes. I have built shelving and organized repair order parts into bins to place on the shelves. Hopefully all this manual labor stuff should be mostly over and done with in a few weeks time, which will let me spend more time prepping new bikes and getting to work on my own terms since right now I just say, "What do you want me to do next?"
Here is my domain:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1709.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1715.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1696.jpg)
One of those yellow Sport 1000s has a full Termignoni system on it and when she starts up, the sound is indescribable. It is one of the sexiest motorcycles I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Screw the Thruxton, I want one of these.
A lot of those will clear out once we get our license back, but there will still be a number of bikes down there, and it will be my job to organize them into an underground showroom. Even after the bikes go back to the showroom, I am going to try my hardest to keep one specific bike down there:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1688.jpg)
2007 Ducati Monster S4Rs in pearl white.
A few more bikes down there:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1697.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1689.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1700.jpg)
The blue bike is a 2005 GSX-R600 track bike project that has at least $100,000 in parts and labor invested in it. The thing is trick beyond belief. The shop also has a project MV Agusta F4 1000 that has full carbon fiber bodywork and top of the line Ohlins suspension and steering damper. They also have a project 999R that is on its way to being completed. It recently got new magnesium PVM wheels and Brembo brakes and rotors, new rear sets, magnesium and carbon fiber bits all over the place, top of the line Ohlins all over (including $9000 Superbike forks), a titanium subframe, and way more stuff than I know about to list. There is also a Monster S4R that is getting a major make over. Carbon fiber wheels, new suspension, a subframe hack in order to fit the new 999 monoposto tail, as they plan to turn it into a wicked hooligan street machine. There is also an Aprilia RS250R that is on the bench getting a complete work over. It's a track-only race bike with, again, way more stuff than I could list, even if I knew it all.
Here is the current state of affairs for the S4R:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1725.jpg)
Random shots:
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1721.jpg)
Customer's 1098S
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1713.jpg)
S2R 1000
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_1724.jpg)
My bike looks so out of place!
Also, after I work for Ducati for 6 months, I am eligible to purchase new bikes for dealer cost minus 10%. This means that I could get a $20k 1098S for roughly $11.2k, I believe. Since I work there now I can buy used bikes for how much we have invested in them plus 5% or so. Depending on how much I save, I may be getting a Duc in the near future.
I'll probably update this thread with more pictures and random stories from my days at work. I know you're jealous.
:flipoff: :flipoff: :flipoff: ;)
All those bikes huddled together, yearning for the open road! :cry:
Do we all have an open invitation to come over for test drives?
Congrats! Looks like it'll be a fun gig!
I REALLY want one of those Aprilias with the Lion graphics on the side lol ... I know , it's kinda counter the whole spirit of my Naked GS , but a man can dream :icon_rolleyes:
I love the RSV! One of my favorites.
yeah , that's the one . the only local dealership is the extremetoystore and the guys are a)less knowledgable than even ME lol , and b) they didn't seem to care if they sold one or not ... they don't work on them either . they sent me into the back to look at some other bikes ... what a sh*thole lol . It smelled like a bum died back there from dehydration and diarreha :oops:
I'm not jealous at all! No idea why you'd think I'd be jealous. :)
So what Duc would you get? Hypermotard?
How are you there buddy, my best friend alpha. You want a drink. Coke you say, comming right up ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Quote from: sanjay on May 13, 2007, 01:08:01 AM
So what Duc would you get? Hypermotard?
My choices would be either a 748, a Monster S2R 800, a Sport 1000, or the Hypermotard.
What the hell.
Us = not friends anymore.
P.S. I vote Sport 1000 :thumb:
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 13, 2007, 07:04:43 AM
My choices would be either a 748, a Monster S2R 800, a Sport 1000, or the Hypermotard.
What he means to say is he can't decide and therefore wants one of each. :laugh:
Brian is there a low profile seat available for the gt1000?
The GT1000 is a friggin gorgeous bike :o :o
When you say hypermotard are you talkin about an older one or the 1098 version :o That thing makes me twitch thinking about the possibilities :laugh: :laugh:
Between those choices I'd probably go with the S2R :thumb: :thumb:
Quote from: GeeP on May 13, 2007, 08:40:44 AM
What he means to say is he can't decide and therefore wants one of each. :laugh:
Eh, the Hypermotard would be fun, but it would be just as uncomfortable as the DRZ, and the DRZ is better suited to commuting and getting around town. If I did get another bike, it'd be for sport rides and/or longer trips. That would kinda rule the Hypermotard out, as it has just a small a gas tank as the DRZ does. So it'd really be between the 748, S2R, and S1000.
Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on May 13, 2007, 08:46:52 AM
Brian is there a low profile seat available for the gt1000?
The only extra seat availible for the GT1000 is a comfort seat availible from Ducati. I'm not sure if it lowers the seat height though. There is a LOT of padding in it though, you could probably cut it down a few inches. Also, the Sport Classics are pretty narrow in the center, which means you might not have to trim all that much. The GT1000 is pretty accommodating in that sense.
Quote from: spcterry on May 13, 2007, 09:42:29 AM
The GT1000 is a friggin gorgeous bike :o :o
I really prefer the Sport 1000 over the GT1000. The GT just feels like a bigger GS. The S1000 is more like a classic cafe racer with modern suspension, engine, etc.
Quote from: spcterry on May 13, 2007, 09:42:29 AM
When you say hypermotard are you talkin about an older one or the 1098 version :o That thing makes me twitch thinking about the possibilities :laugh: :laugh:
Hypermotard:
(http://www.socal-sportbikes.com/xmb/attachments/39179.jpg)
(http://www.socal-sportbikes.com/xmb/attachments/39180.jpg)
(http://www.moto-station.com/ttesimages/motodivers/nouveautes2006/Ducati_Hypermotard_stpz)
Quote from: spcterry on May 13, 2007, 09:42:29 AM
Between those choices I'd probably go with the S2R :thumb: :thumb:
The Sport 1000, from what I hear, is kinda like a more powerful, classier, more aggressive Monster. The SSSA on the S2R is gorgeous, no doubt, but the suspension on the S2R isn't as good as the stuff on the S1000.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 13, 2007, 02:01:27 PM
The Sport 1000, from what I hear, is kinda like a more powerful, classier, more aggressive Monster. The SSSA on the S2R is gorgeous, no doubt, but the suspension on the S2R isn't as good as the stuff on the S1000.
Ya, I still vote Sport 1000.
(http://www.wheels24.co.za/Images/Photos/20060313144027DucatiSport1000Classic-400.jpg)
Beat it ya losers ... A cool guy like Alpha can do anything he wants ... anything he wants ... yea ... right alpha, my best buddy alpha ...
Cool.
Srinath.
you should tell us how ethically the dealer operates and how, if possible, to get the best deal on a new or used motorcycle :icon_mrgreen:
congrats on the new job dude, seems right up your alley :thumb:
Yeah, congrats Alpha. It would be hard to work there with all the eye candy, I would want one bad.
Now for Christman can you sent a 1098 to ........ :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Look what we got in about half an hour ago...
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_2142.jpg)
It's a Ducati Sport 1000 SE, #70/100. It's not even on the Ducati website, and I didn't even know it existed until it came in. Freakin' gorgeous...
Damn you Alpha! Now I need to change my pants. :icon_confused:
How comfy is the 1098? Do you guys sell any small-bore Aprilias?
(http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/images/961/961_01.jpg)
Lemme know when you get one of these :thumb:
Dats a real job? :dunno_white: It's a dream job,i bet. :bowdown:
alpaha :bowdown: ya luck f@@ker.Let me rub ya nogging for luck. :laugh:
Any pics of some Tuono's? I LOVE those bikes!
oh and and a 748 if you can
Hey alpha do ya'll take payment in the form of souls???? cause I would so sell mine for that :o :o :o :o
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 22, 2007, 01:05:57 PM
Look what we got in about half an hour ago...
It's a Ducati Sport 1000 SE, #70/100. It's not even on the Ducati website, and I didn't even know it existed until it came in. Freakin' gorgeous...
Oh MAN... Alpha you lucky !@#$%^&!!!!!!!
I saw a pic of that S1000 SE on the DucatiMonster.org site love the paint scheme. Man, screw choices... I'd be DAMN happy with any one of those bikes.
Quote from: RVertigo on June 22, 2007, 01:13:47 PM
Damn you Alpha! Now I need to change my pants. :icon_confused:
No joke. The thing is gorgeous. Only 100 are being made, and all of them are coming to North America. 90 to the US and 10 to Canada.
Quote from: Unnamed on June 22, 2007, 01:25:09 PM
How comfy is the 1098? Do you guys sell any small-bore Aprilias?
One should not think about comfort when considering purchasing a 1098. The 1098 is not designed to be comfortable. The 1098 does not believe in comfort. Pain is the 1098's mistress.
Also, we don't get any small bore Aprilias except for the scooters. The only motorcycle we have is the RSVR. We're mainly a Ducati dealer now, with a few fringe Aprilias. AF1 Racing, which is an hour south of us, is one of the biggest Aprilia dealers in the US. They also run ApriliaForums.com and even got the demo truck (which is where I got to ride the SXV 4.5).
Quote from: ben2go on June 22, 2007, 08:45:35 PM
Dats a real job? :dunno_white: It's a dream job,i bet. :bowdown:
It's hard work, actually. Lots of little things, lots of moving bikes, manual labor, stuff like that. After almost a month here they finally got around to telling me I'm not allowed to set up or prep bikes because I'm not a factory authorized mechanic, which is what it takes to set up one of these things apparently. The only thing that really requires any sort of "factory authorization" is setting up the ECU. But no, not exactly a dream job. It's pretty damn good for what I need now though.
Quote from: JBR8387 on June 22, 2007, 11:27:55 PM
Any pics of some Tuono's? I LOVE those bikes!
oh and and a 748 if you can
We have one Tuono, but it's a customer's and I don't have my camera today. We also have a 748 in the shop, but it's half taken apart at the moment, so it isn't pretty. We do have a 998S Final Edition (998 chassis and bodywork with a 999 engine), but it's taken apart too.
>AlphaFire X5:
just for curiosity,
which Aprilia scooter models do you import/sell?
:cheers:
i'd offer my soul too but it was automatically removed when i first got elected :nono:
shaZam!!!!! I forgot the Army retained possesion of mine to ensure I re-enlist :mad: :mad: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: simon79 on June 23, 2007, 12:33:51 PM
>AlphaFire X5:
just for curiosity,
which Aprilia scooter models do you import/sell?
:cheers:
The Mojito (Habana in Europe), the Sport City, the SR50, and the Scarabeo.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 23, 2007, 02:59:18 PM
Quote from: simon79 on June 23, 2007, 12:33:51 PM
which Aprilia scooter models do you import/sell?
The Mojito (Habana in Europe), the Sport City, the SR50, and the Scarabeo.
:thumb:
the latter two especially are quite popular round here...in big cities mainly...
The SR was a bestseller when I was a kid (mid to late 90's)...an air-cooled 1994 SR 50 has been my first ride ever :cheers:
3 out of a total 5 two-wheeled vehicles of mine have been Aprilia's...last one, a 1999 250cc Yamaha-engined Leonardo that I rode prior of my present GS...outstanding machine, only drawback: it ATE oil...I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it though. :thumb:
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
I would so ride the hell out of a nsr/rgv/tzr if I ever got my hands on one :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
How does the yellow on that sport 1000 look up close? I'm thinking of painting my bike that color.
Quote from: spcterry on June 23, 2007, 05:23:10 PM
I would so ride the hell out of a nsr/rgv/tzr if I ever got my hands on one :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Then you should get in good with your local track junkies. The NSR250 is scary fast in the turns. The problem with GP bikes is you gotta replace the piston and ring every race weekend or two. Replate the cylinders when they get scored. Replace the crank pin all sorts of good stuff. Too much work.
yeah, but they look awesome and like you said 'scary fast' :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Quote from: facepants on June 25, 2007, 05:29:55 PM
How does the yellow on that sport 1000 look up close? I'm thinking of painting my bike that color.
Looks nice. Not metallic at all, but a nice yellow. More orangey than super bright yellow, but still yellow.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on June 25, 2007, 10:03:50 PM
Looks nice. Not metallic at all, but a nice yellow. More orangey than super bright yellow, but still yellow.
Oooo! Orangy yellow... Would it match my leathers? :laugh: :icon_razz:
Quote from: frankieG on June 23, 2007, 01:16:38 PM
i'd offer my soul too but it was automatically removed when i first got elected :nono:
Ummm okaaaaaaay?
Sweet.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b123/AlphaFire_X5/Ducati%20Austin/IMG_2362.jpg)
Nobody likes you.
Go to hell! While you're at it, wipe that damned smile off your face. :mad:
You're a whore :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I don't know why but when I see the hypertard I laugh :laugh: :laugh: Maybe it's cause I saw it right next to a dead sexy 910r :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted: I was drooling everywhere in that dealership :laugh: :laugh: Mostly in the direction of the 1098s tri and the MV F4's
See? Nobody likes you! Really! Send me my bolts!
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on May 12, 2007, 06:27:11 PM
My job duties will include uncrating and setting up new bikes that ship in from the various factories, washing customers' bikes before the techs work on them and before they go back to the customer, sweeping, taking the trash out, moving bikes around the shop and organizing shelves, parts, etc. I'll also probably be tasked with test riding the bikes to make sure they are put together right, as well as riding them to an inspection station to get them inspected for licensing purposes.
Well, for those of you who don't know, my job duties were changed as soon as I actually started working. I was no longer their set-up/prep person, nor was I a test rider, nor did I get to do the basic oil changes, tire changes, etc, that I was told I would be doing. Instead, I was manual labor and nothing more. I was taking orders from three different people with no hierarchy as to who had priority, and getting grief from those who got put on the back burner. I was doing the menial crap no one wanted to do, I was picking up garbage around the dumpster that other people threw there. When bikes came in and it was sunny, my manager and a tech came out to help unload, but when it was pouring down rain it was my job to unload.
I did my basic duties and when I was done, I asked them what else I could do. I got griped at for not taking initiative. When I did take initiative, I got griped at for taking the wrong initiative. After a while I just gave up and asked them specifically what they wanted me to do. In short, nothing I did was good enough for them. They wanted stuff cleaned quickly, but they also wanted it spot free and perfect. They didn't want to compromise, they wanted everything done really really well, really really fast.When they told me stuff to do I was never given enough instruction as to what they wanted, nor given the proper tools or help to do the job. It made me feel like I wasn't really wanted there. To be honest, I didn't really want to work there anymore with how they were treating me.
So as of today, I am no longer with Ducati Austin, and I feel so much better. No longer do I hate waking up in the morning to drag myself to work to push a broom around all day and get treated like I'm just some dumb kid they pulled in off the street. I'm better than that.
Now, don't let this deter you from buying a Ducati. If you really want one then by all means get one! They make some really cool bikes, and the air cooled 1000DS motor is an absolutely fine engine. I'm just sharing my experience with a single shop undergoing some pretty major changes.
Sucks, dude. Send me my bolts.
So I guess I'll have to find the shirt elsewhere? ;)
Sorry to hear that it didn't work out, sounded sweet at first but I can really sympathize with your reasons for leaving.
(Don't worry about the shirt, I'm sure I can find it somewhere with a little effort. Thats what my parents get for dragging their feet.)
Quote from: Unnamed on July 06, 2007, 10:02:49 PM
Sorry to hear that it didn't work out, sounded sweet at first but I can really sympathize with your reasons for leaving.
Yeah, they wern't challenging me, and that's pretty much what I've lived on since I started school way back when. Even when I worked at the grocery store I was at least partially challenged since I had a bunch of things I needed to get done in a short time span.
sooooooo...alpha...how much could you get a sport 1000 for after your discount stuff kicks in? I want a biposto sport 1000 sooooooo bad it hurts a little.
Quote from: makenzie71 on July 07, 2007, 07:56:11 AM
sooooooo...alpha...how much could you get a sport 1000 for after your discount stuff kicks in? I want a biposto sport 1000 sooooooo bad it hurts a little.
Well, if I was still with the company, probably $8,500, maybe $8000. I dunno.
Hey, Mak I can get ya one for 25% over retail :thumb: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
My mother brought up an interesting point. Since it's a small business, many times they hire people to get stuff done, and once everything they needed is done, they fire them. Our shop hired a girl to work in the apparel department, cataloging stuff we had in storage, organizing all our apparel, and cleaning up the showroom. After three weeks of working there (and leaving a good paying job to work there) she came in one day, they handed her a paycheck, and essentially said, "Thanks, we don't need you anymore. Bye."