Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
At least so far no one has said that they bought a bike after reading a test report by a journalist. 
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I believe many can be prompted to buy a new bike from bike reviews.
Based on the feed back we got at City Bike (San Francisco) for the 20 years I was there, I found many advertising dealers would often say a customer mentioned reading the City Bike review of the bike in question ... and just had to see it in person and take a test ride. Many sold as a result. Most buyers read ALL reviews in every mag before buying, I DO believe they influence buyers to some extent.
I was rather proud of one case: the owner of a BIG multi line dealer claimed he sold 3 new V-Strom's based on my review ... and ended up selling 10 in that month. That is a BIG deal! Had to scrounge them from other, far away dealers to fill the orders.
Another writer at City Bike reviewed the new Ducati MultiStrada (2007).
Local dealer followed up and invited customers for test rides based on how much response he got from our bike review. He sold 17 Multi's in two weeks ... at around $20,000 a copy !!
A good review can influence readers to buy ... or to at least check out a particular bike. Buying motorcycles is an emotional response, not always thought out or logical. But certain things can trigger interest if you know your audience ... and if they know you.
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