well this just sucks, for me anyway. Can the DFWM pool their money together and start our own near DFW???? I really liked the place but I aint spending $100 monthly when I can't be there like Slovoch. ;D
Slovoch, maybe you can set me up as a permanent invitee????
http://www.motopiacafe.com/membership.php (http://www.motopiacafe.com/membership.php)
OMG, I just had this very conversation with The Svolock and Cher just a couple of weeks back!!! This confirms my fore-vision (insert halo) ;D I proposed a facility like Mo in the mid-cities area to them. I see a future in such a place. Since i'm on the subject I also have talked with others about another Ducati-centered customer-friendly (reasonable prices for clothing) facility in the area too. I may be totally off base here and I'm sure some of you could correct me if so. I don't think Ducati would grant another dealership but I see no reason why such a facility couldn't exsist. If the place sells used Ducatis and other brands so be it. But the main thing would be centered upon a relaxed place to do the Motopia thing (beer, coffee, snacks maybe food service) and sell other things like gear and performance stuff. Right now it's difficult finding Ducati gear and parts here in DFW. When you do find it it's over-priced. I know, I know, Ducatis are not cheap and you have to spend the money if you want this. I'm not saying a budget minded Wal-Mart type outfit at all. An upscale designer atmosphere with quality gear at (at least) retail prices instead of over retail.
Sorry to thread jack....I'm just saying.... [thumbsup] ;D
good luck with that, but it doesn't surprise me since a motopia coffee and bland baked good will set you back $12. I believe it was PT Barnum that said, "there's a sucker born every minute."
like one of those "private" dallas night clubs - "are you on the list?" "No." "Well, go on in anyway."
somebody get the DML picture out of there so we can find another clubhouse.
almost forgot...got new tires on the Monster there and they came back (after 2 1/2 hours) with a scratched rim and at 45 psi.
I've heard another horror story about a tire change there as well. Pretty overated place if you ask me.
Hey At least you get Free sunday Rides [laugh]
fixed the website
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g240/happywafflemonkey/privopia.jpg)
I thought that Motopia also was cultivating a non-rider crowd? Considering the last time I was in there - the weekend before 'la wreck - there was a woman at the bar talking with Renee, she was very nice but obviously not a motorcyclist. I also thought they were getting a healthy lunch crowd from the office buildings nearby. I'm sad to see they are pursuing this business strategy. I wish Renee well and hope this isn't a "Hail Mary" to save a business that perhaps did not meet it's 2008 financial objectives.
Damn, that's a bummer. Oh well.
If I may chime in with my .02 for the "dream" clubhouse:
Cigar smoking room (people would have their own private humidor)
Quote from: giannis on November 13, 2008, 01:52:39 PM
Hey At least you get Free sunday Rides [laugh]
and Flamenco! (whatever the hell that was)
It's about time for AMS to go private as well - must buy a bike there to get into the fashion show, track days and demo days [thumbsup] 2 bikes gets you a date with the Ducati fashion model of choice, Desmosedici gets you all Ducati fashion models for a weekend. L-twins? How about twins??
HE he he....D2r...PLEASE send that over to them! That's just too funny, but poignant
Quote from: IZ_keith on November 13, 2008, 02:12:19 PM
2 bikes gets you a date with the Ducati fashion model of choice
Wait, you told me in the Trauma room at Parkland that they were all Gay this year? I don't know if you said that to see if I was alive and kicking or what, but if it's true then I don't want a date for 2 bikes! [cheeky]
Quote from: Cher on November 13, 2008, 02:11:43 PM
If I may chime in with my .02 for the "dream" clubhouse:
Cigar smoking room (people would have their own private humidor)
Lisa, I like the way you think!
Quote from: Girlrider on November 13, 2008, 02:30:39 PM
Wait, you told me in the Trauma room at Parkland that they were all Gay this year? I don't know if you said that to see if I was alive and kicking or what, but if it's true then I don't want a date for 2 bikes! [cheeky]
I can only confirm they were not gay the first year....I didn't say anything about last year's :) Either way, I'm sure they will be able to get married in some states now that Obama is president. Oh yeah, I went there.
It's all about the CHANGE!
sad stuff...i'll miss those triumph sandwiches.
Quote from: IZ_keith on November 13, 2008, 02:12:19 PM
It's about time for AMS to go private as well - must buy a bike there to get into the fashion show, track days and demo days [thumbsup] 2 bikes gets you a date with the Ducati fashion model of choice, Desmosedici gets you all Ducati fashion models for a weekend. L-twins? How about twins??
whoa whoa....i haven't bought any from them! i'd be SOL...all i buy from them is misc. crap and misc. services. i'll be there saturday for BBQ though...you can count on it. (i may not even ride though...will probably have a pooch with me)
Is Motopia going to a "clothing optional" theme? I think the membership fees make it legal and filters out the riff-raff.
Quote from: Cher on November 13, 2008, 02:11:43 PM
Damn, that's a bummer. Oh well.
If I may chime in with my .02 for the "dream" clubhouse:
Cigar smoking room (people would have their own private humidor)
Damn, That's why I love Lisa so much!!! She thinks right! What a gal !
Quote from: ♣ McKraut ♣ on November 13, 2008, 02:56:04 PM
whoa whoa....i haven't bought any from them! i'd be SOL...all i buy from them is misc. crap and misc. services. i'll be there saturday for BBQ though...you can count on it. (i may not even ride though...will probably have a pooch with me)
I believe you will be grandfathered in as a junior member since you have been to a track day [thumbsup] But there are only 100 available so you better make sure to sign up!
Quote from: Ronr on November 13, 2008, 02:59:23 PM
Is Motopia going to a "clothing optional" theme? I think the membership fees make it legal and filters out the riff-raff.
Now that would make sense...and I guess getting into the garage is like the "champagne" room...
Quote from: IZ_keith on November 13, 2008, 03:07:49 PM
Now that would make sense...and I guess getting into the garage is like the "champagne" room...
Once a month they'll throw down the plastic sheet, and everybody gets a complimentary bottle of baby oil. Good thing they have drains in the garage floor. For the baby oil.
I'm a BMW owner now so I'm automatically in. [laugh]
They will sadly be missing my membership. I just have a problem paying $5 for a Corona beer. :P I wish them luck in this economy. [wine]
Does anyone know how their shop is going to make money or if is that going to be a open to the public business? Has AMS considered their own coffee bar/ humidor/ lounge?
Wrong economic environment for Renee's venture. He has a nice place but the few times I have been there the place was pretty slow. I wish Renee well. The MidCities idea is a great one.
Quote from: RED on November 13, 2008, 12:47:02 PM
OMG, I just had this very conversation with The Svolock and Cher just a couple of weeks back!!! This confirms my fore-vision (insert halo) ;D I proposed a facility like Mo in the mid-cities area to them. I see a future in such a place. Since i'm on the subject I also have talked with others about another Ducati-centered customer-friendly (reasonable prices for clothing) facility in the area too. I may be totally off base here and I'm sure some of you could correct me if so. I don't think Ducati would grant another dealership but I see no reason why such a facility couldn't exsist. If the place sells used Ducatis and other brands so be it. But the main thing would be centered upon a relaxed place to do the Motopia thing (beer, coffee, snacks maybe food service) and sell other things like gear and performance stuff. Right now it's difficult finding Ducati gear and parts here in DFW. When you do find it it's over-priced. I know, I know, Ducatis are not cheap and you have to spend the money if you want this. I'm not saying a budget minded Wal-Mart type outfit at all. An upscale designer atmosphere with quality gear at (at least) retail prices instead of over retail.
Sorry to thread jack....I'm just saying.... [thumbsup] ;D
hijaker.
ok the accessories would be nice but without a shop to wrench on bikes I'm thinking we can't keep it upscale and make money. We need to have all accessories for all types of bikes and Squids too because they crash a lot. :o Also, a cab service for drunks who shouldn't ride and charge a fee of say $25 per month....just imagine the DFWM annuity payments alone. hahahahaha [bacon] [bacon] [bacon] [bacon]
The Ducati parts issue will always be an issue unless you can find them being made somewhere other than Greece or Poland and the like. "Official" gear will be hard to come by at a reasonable price and the inventory buy I'm sure is high as hell. Just saying but I don't want Federico calling me to yank my line.
I'm in for planning something like this....wait, we need pool tables, darts, BIG TV's; oh the list is soooo long. Now I'm thinking.
Quote from: IZ_keith on November 13, 2008, 01:21:00 PM
almost forgot...got new tires on the Monster there and they came back (after 2 1/2 hours) with a scratched rim and at 45 psi.
which is why I always find a good mechanic and stick with him FOREVER. Heard one was put on backwards but I don't know who so it may be a lie.
Quote from: Girlrider on November 13, 2008, 02:11:28 PM
I thought that Motopia also was cultivating a non-rider crowd? Considering the last time I was in there - the weekend before 'la wreck - there was a woman at the bar talking with Renee, she was very nice but obviously not a motorcyclist. I also thought they were getting a healthy lunch crowd from the office buildings nearby. I'm sad to see they are pursuing this business strategy. I wish Renee well and hope this isn't a "Hail Mary" to save a business that perhaps did not meet it's 2008 financial objectives.
I think this may be a write-off considering how much money is invested. The times I've been about half are moto people. But if you ask me the location absolutely stinks.
Quote from: Ronr on November 13, 2008, 02:59:23 PM
Is Motopia going to a "clothing optional" theme? I think the membership fees make it legal and filters out the riff-raff.
I'm checking my wallett, may already have a membership....I think. [drink] [drink] [drink] [drink]
Quote from: RED on November 13, 2008, 12:47:02 PM
OMG, I just had this very conversation with The Svolock and Cher just a couple of weeks back!!! This confirms my fore-vision (insert halo) ;D I proposed a facility like Mo in the mid-cities area to them. I see a future in such a place. Since i'm on the subject I also have talked with others about another Ducati-centered customer-friendly (reasonable prices for clothing) facility in the area too. I may be totally off base here and I'm sure some of you could correct me if so. I don't think Ducati would grant another dealership but I see no reason why such a facility couldn't exsist. If the place sells used Ducatis and other brands so be it. But the main thing would be centered upon a relaxed place to do the Motopia thing (beer, coffee, snacks maybe food service) and sell other things like gear and performance stuff. Right now it's difficult finding Ducati gear and parts here in DFW. When you do find it it's over-priced. I know, I know, Ducatis are not cheap and you have to spend the money if you want this. I'm not saying a budget minded Wal-Mart type outfit at all. An upscale designer atmosphere with quality gear at (at least) retail prices instead of over retail.
Sorry to thread jack....I'm just saying.... [thumbsup] ;D
Do you guys really need a clubhouse/place to hang out?
Sunday - Dubliner
Wed - Amsterdam Bar has a Euro bike night
Thurs - Well Sonic's been shut down
Thurs - Burger joint near me in WRL(Buckner & Garland) has a bike night
I liked meeting up at Motopia for races and moto talk, but it is just a cafe.
Most of the people in our group know where you can wrench on your bike. There are some really nice people that have offered their garages and homes to mod days.
I don't have a nice lift to work on but I still do quite a bit of basic wrenching in my apartment's garage. If I want entertainment, I'll go hit the Monk.
As far as parts go, any shop that's a Parts Unlimited dealer can get you parts for your Ducati. The PU catalouge can pretty much get you any part you need, if not there are tons of online vendors (PJsParts,Yoyodyne, & CA-cyclworks to name a few) that provide amazing customer service. If you need OEM parts, there's Salt Lake Ducati, Ducati Omaha, Commonwealth Motorcycles. Commonwealth saved me a lot of money on my full Termi kit.
Quote from: bryant8 on November 13, 2008, 07:11:54 PM
Do you guys really need a clubhouse/place to hang out?
Sunday - Dubliner
Wed - Amsterdam Bar has a Euro bike night
Thurs - Well Sonic's been shut down
Thurs - Burger joint near me in WRL(Buckner & Garland) has a bike night
I liked meeting up at Motopia for races and moto talk, but it is just a cafe.
Most of the people in our group know where you can wrench on your bike. There are some really nice people that have offered their garages and homes to mod days.
I don't have a nice lift to work on but I still do quite a bit of basic wrenching in my apartment's garage. If I want entertainment, I'll go hit the Monk.
As far as parts go, any shop that's a Parts Unlimited dealer can get you parts for your Ducati. The PU catalouge can pretty much get you any part you need, if not there are tons of online vendors (PJsParts,Yoyodyne, & CA-cyclworks to name a few) that provide amazing customer service. If you need OEM parts, there's Salt Lake Ducati, Ducati Omaha, Commonwealth Motorcycles. Commonwealth saved me a lot of money on my full Termi kit.
My cruiser is a Roadstar and all 820 lbs of her and my friends throw a party every six months to wrench on our bikes. Maybe we should do this and alternate garages? We could start every quater????
As for me, I can clip-on accessories and change oil and plugs but THAT'S it friends. Need a real mechanic for the fun stuff.
tues hooter's south arlington= not much of a bike night but would be when we show up!!
thurs riscky's fort worth= too much fun answering questions from guys gawkin at the bike!!
Quote from: muskrat on November 13, 2008, 07:23:45 PM
My cruiser is a Roadstar and all 820 lbs of her and my friends throw a party every six months to wrench on our bikes. Maybe we should do this and alternate garages? We could start every quater????
As for me, I can clip-on accessories and change oil and plugs but THAT'S it friends. Need a real mechanic for the fun stuff.
Hell, I learned most of my wrenching skills by watching Chis Kelly maintenance videos, the Haynes manual, and by helping other wrench on their bikes. That's the kind of clubhouse that interests me; people working on their bikes and helping others as well. It's a fun time and educational [thumbsup]
Back to the topic though
I wish Rene' all the best with the new direction that Motopia is taking, but I don't plan on joining the club. I live close by and still don't go by there enough when it's free to use.
Quote from: bryant8 on November 13, 2008, 07:11:54 PM
Do you guys really need a clubhouse/place to hang out?
Sunday - Dubliner
Wed - Amsterdam Bar has a Euro bike night
Thurs - Well Sonic's been shut down
Thurs - Burger joint near me in WRL(Buckner & Garland) has a bike night
I liked meeting up at Motopia for races and moto talk, but it is just a cafe.
Most of the people in our group know where you can wrench on your bike. There are some really nice people that have offered their garages and homes to mod days.
I don't have a nice lift to work on but I still do quite a bit of basic wrenching in my apartment's garage. If I want entertainment, I'll go hit the Monk.
As far as parts go, any shop that's a Parts Unlimited dealer can get you parts for your Ducati. The PU catalouge can pretty much get you any part you need, if not there are tons of online vendors (PJsParts,Yoyodyne, & CA-cyclworks to name a few) that provide amazing customer service. If you need OEM parts, there's Salt Lake Ducati, Ducati Omaha, Commonwealth Motorcycles. Commonwealth saved me a lot of money on my full Termi kit.
The Thursday night hang out at Buckner and Garland is Fat Daddy's burger place... they do have free beer!! If you don't have a license then you can give it away free!! [thumbsup] But it's almost 100% Harley and baggers.... :P Bryant could hit it with a rock from his place!
Free beer and motorcycles...
Nice :P
Quote from: muskrat on November 13, 2008, 06:55:06 PM
But if you ask me the location absolutely stinks.
You mean you don't like making a hard right immediately after a traffic light that is frequently run at 50 mph?? I am honestly surprised no one has gotten whacked there. If it were a true place for motorcycle peeps to hang out, it would be over an hour out of town and you would have to take twisties to get there. Dubliner always has free parking, no membership fees, no "pre-fab" crap, plenty of people watching, and for that price you can get a sandwich, 2 beers and watch a guy roll-start his homemade bike down Greenville Ave. [clap]
AMS, Motoliberty and the Dubliner/Monk have always exceeded my expectations for anything bike related, so I'm good [moto]
Besides - you can usually watch someone wrench on their "classic" bike at the Dub...or watch it leak gas, smoke or rust...always fun...
Quote from: IZ_keith on November 14, 2008, 09:09:44 AM
You mean you don't like making a hard right immediately after a traffic light that is frequently run at 50 mph?? I am honestly surprised no one has gotten whacked there. If it were a true place for motorcycle peeps to hang out, it would be over an hour out of town and you would have to take twisties to get there. Dubliner always has free parking, no membership fees, no "pre-fab" crap, plenty of people watching, and for that price you can get a sandwich, 2 beers and watch a guy roll-start his homemade bike down Greenville Ave. [clap]
AMS, Motoliberty and the Dubliner/Monk have always exceeded my expectations for anything bike related, so I'm good [moto]
Besides - you can usually watch someone wrench on their "classic" bike at the Dub...or watch it leak gas, smoke or rust...always fun...
I've been there several times and twice at least I've blown past the entrance because a car was on my ass....need to find some contraption to drop ball bearings on the road when they tailgate. I hate that.
Quote from: fastwin on November 13, 2008, 07:39:08 PM
The Thursday night hang out at Buckner and Garland is Fat Daddy's burger place... they do have free beer!! If you don't have a license then you can give it away free!! [thumbsup] But it's almost 100% Harley and baggers.... :P Bryant could hit it with a rock from his place!
Boy you sure like to bag (pun intended) on Harley's...a "bagger" is type of Harley. Sheesh. [roll] Quit whining and show up. I did on my Monster and talked to the peeps there. I talked to a couple regarding mine in particular. Nice peeps.
Well, let's look at the models that are working: Blue Goose, Duke's. They have in common:
* Lots of parking in front (we like to show off our rides, after all)
* Lots of outdoor seating (we like to admire our rides, after all)
* Limited, simple menus
* Easy access from a main road in a well-traveled area
* INclusive atmosphere (don't have to ride a Euro bike or be a member)
* Absence of peripheral activities
o NO business facilities
o NO storage facilities
o NO service department (although I actually like that)
o NO off-road tours or out-of-country rides
* Mainstream (not Latin) music on the PA system
* Good-lookin' chicks waiting tables
* OPEN after 6 p.m. (!), and all day Sat and Sun
Having your own business is a lot of work...for the owner. If the owner isn't there, it had better be an oil well. I have never seen a business thrive where the owner wasn't there all, I mean ALL, the time. FWIW.
With love and best wishes for Rene's prosperity,
George
Quote from: greenohawk69 on November 14, 2008, 02:52:51 PM
Boy you sure like to bag (pun intended) on Harley's...a "bagger" is type of Harley. Sheesh. [roll] Quit whining and show up. I did on my Monster and talked to the peeps there. I talked to a couple regarding mine in particular. Nice peeps.
"Bagger" is Harley only? Jeez, they claim to own everything related to two wheels? They probably have a copyright on "bagger" like they do to their staccato idle sound. :P Glad Harley is around but f#@k 'em. :P [laugh]
Anyway, Fat Daddy's is a good place. Good burgers and yes good Harley/bagger folks. Not a damn thing wrong with that! [thumbsup]
Think everyone is a bit overhyped on the Motopia angle. As for me, if it happens, I'll review it then. If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't. In the meantime, it's comfy, it's right by my house, the coffee is good ( never eat the pastries, but I hear the food is good ), and it's a very welcoming environment with lots of other folks there who love motorcycles...
Quote from: Cher on November 13, 2008, 02:11:43 PM
Damn, that's a bummer. Oh well.
If I may chime in with my .02 for the "dream" clubhouse:
Cigar smoking room (people would have their own private humidor)
I nominate you for the club president.
Always like Motopia, sort of. A bit TOO nice for me. Too much chrome and glass; always felt like I might break something if I weren't careful.
Quote from: The Svoloch on November 15, 2008, 07:17:55 AM
Think everyone is a bit overhyped on the Motopia angle. As for me, if it happens, I'll review it then. If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't. In the meantime, it's comfy, it's right by my house, the coffee is good ( never eat the pastries, but I hear the food is good ), and it's a very welcoming environment with lots of other folks there who love motorcycles...
Sir, I hate to admit it, but by golly, I think you're right.
QuoteRene came by the BMW Club meeting tonight to explain what's going on.
Said it was all about the $$$. And that he's not even breaking even right now.
Said many folks loved Motopia but didn't love it often enough.
Now it's really just a Club-House for rent. (my words & take on the situation)
Said the "Members" and the "Members Board" will be directing the future of the place.
The "garage" will still be open to the public but not the cafe.
Once a Member though, you can bring in as many Guests as you want.
I guess you could buy one membership and divide the cost among the "guests".
Could we get 20 of us to pitch in $5 a month and fill the place with guests?
that's from another forum (TwTex) Sounds like a good idea... Those who used to visit offten can pitch a small amount of money for the monthly fee (less than $10 a month if 10 or more people) and the yearly fee of $100 again less than $10 for 10 or more people...
the only catch is that the membership is keyed to one person. whoever's name it is in has to be there for others to show.
if this is something we might be interested in, we might purchase as a group multiple memberships to be more flexible.
Don't know what the interest level is ( if any ), but Rene is wanting to pitch it to us, and after some discussion, he is going to host a happy hour with reduced drink $ and free appetizers, or something to the like. I'll post up time/place for those interested. Certainly worth a listen...