Choose a motorcycle shop based on who will help you, not just where you buy it.

Recently, manufacturer-operated dealerships have been increasing.

With Kawasaki Plaza, Honda Dream (formerly Honda Wing), and Yamaha's YSP, the trend is to buy new bikes from manufacturer-affiliated shops.

On the other hand, Suzuki is still available everywhere.
For better or worse, that's typical of Suzuki, not reading the room.

In the past, there were many local motorcycle shops in town.

However, I don't have many good memories of local motorcycle shops.

When I didn't have much money, if I bought a used bike, the maintenance was sloppy.
The handlebars were bent.
Consumable parts weren't replaced either.

I was sold bikes that made me wonder, "Is it really okay to sell this?" several times.

Even when I brought them in for repairs, there were times I was charged for parts I hadn't asked to be fixed.

Thinking back on it now, it was like a world out of the movie "Outrage".

That's probably why riders in the past became regulars to build trust or learned to do their own maintenance to protect themselves.

Because of those experiences, I use Red Baron now.

The reason is simple.

Because I can receive the same service anywhere in the country.

This is a really big deal.

I often go on long-distance tours.

When I rode from Kyoto to Kagoshima, I had my chain adjusted at a Red Baron in Kagoshima.

In Nagano, I had my sprocket replaced.

When I had an accident in Tokushima, I was also taken care of by the local Red Baron.

Even if the shop is different, the maintenance history is shared, so it's quick to get things done.

Accepting accident-damaged bikes is also smooth, and there is a sense of security in their response.

If this is just a local motorcycle shop, when you have a breakdown or accident while traveling, you have to start by looking for a shop that will accept you.

This is surprisingly difficult.

Of course, there are many skilled mechanics and reliable shops among local motorcycle stores as well.

However, finding one of those in an unfamiliar place is not easy.

In that respect, Red Baron offers the peace of mind that comes with having the same point of contact anywhere in the country.

Furthermore, with the Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance policy available through Red Baron, you can also receive support such as long-distance transport depending on the conditions.

I have experienced trouble on the road many times.

That is exactly why I think this way.

You shouldn't choose a motorcycle shop just because it's convenient and close to your home.

It's about whether they will help you when you are in trouble while traveling.

You should choose one that includes that level of support.

Nowadays, the motorcycle population is shrinking, and the old-fashioned local motorcycle shops have become fewer.

That is precisely why the existence of a shop you can trust with peace of mind is more valuable than ever before.

Motorcycles are things that break down.

And, maintenance is essential for riding safely for a long time.

I intend to continue using Red Baron, feeling as though I am buying that peace of mind.