Motorcycle dealerships in the US: Piaggio problems, Japanese no longer "kick ass"

It seems Piaggio operations and client service is further under fire in the North American motorcycle market, after the Italian company recently had to pledge to improve its Canadian dealer network and customer relations.
Piaggio moved its Canadian distribution to the US last year, but apparently is still known for lack of customer service and dealership support.

According to A&R Piaggio sold just 1,100 bikes in North America in Q1 this year, compared to 6,400 in Q1 last year and with brands like Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi in its portfolio, it’s hardly lacking in products to sell.

Comments though, indicate that a brand like Aprilia is just as good at replacement parts as any other brand on the market, and that overall customers would like better service from other Italian brands like Ducati and MV Agusta as well as the Japanese companies.
Whatever the case, it would be nice to see Piaggio set the benchmark rather than content itself with the middling standards of the rest of the market.

We can only imagine that the company is in need of a good PR campaign and the service to then back it up.

Piaggio worldwide CEO Paolo Timoni says: “About 50% of our dealers have stayed with us [since the move offices to the US] and the plan is to have 50 to 55 dealers total across Canada by the end of 2010.
”That statement doesn’t exactly admit there’s a problem beyond just dealership numbers, but it does indicate some plans are in place to address complaints.
I’m not a salesperson, but I am a customer, and so I know that sales aren’t going to just come wandering in because they think Aprilia’s a great brand.
It’s only ever going to be as good as the dealership and sales support network that gets you your bike.