Friend Starting Bike Rental Business in Deals Gap - Need your help

Hey gang,

A close riding friend of mine is contemplating starting a business in Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon) that rents sportbikes. He asked if I could pass along a brief survey to help him launch this business. If you could take 5 mins, I would be grateful.

Below is the note from him (verbatim) with more details:
_______________

[FONT=&quot]As a critical step in launching Sportbikes4hire, a sportbike rental operation in the Smoky Mountain Region, we would appreciate your help. We intend to provide the motorcycle community with the finest product and service in the rental industry.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Each year hundreds of thousands of two-wheel enthusiasts come to the area to experience the stunning beauty and twisty backroads of Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, North Georgia and Southern Virginia. Rides like The Dragon at Deal’s Gap, The Charohala Skyway, The Snake, Blood Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway are known throughout the world as the best of the best in two-wheel travel. Specifically, we offer the opportunity to experience the area on a sportbike, which, in our opinion, is the best way to do it.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Please click on the link below and take a moment to answer a few questions that will provide us with information that will help us help you and your friends enjoy the best motorcycle experience possible. We encourage you to forward this survey to others who are willing to participate. Thank you in advance for your valuable time and input. We look forward to serving you.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete[/FONT]
Sportbikes for rent in the Smoky Mountains Survey
http://vzaar.com/users/russelljohnson1/videos/65032
www.dealsgap.com
www.tailofthedragon.com

 

I took the survey - 3 mins

 

Done, good luck to your friend.

 

Done. Best of luck to your friend.

 

Took the survey and added my $.02

 

Done. Good idea, Not for me though.

 

hope he can do all the repairs himself i'll rent a bike to destroy it no prob........................

 

Deals Gap and the general region offer the "best of the best in two wheel travel." I know I shouldn't even mention it, but that's funny on a few fronts. Call it salesmanship I guess. I did fill out the survey for you and I would rent a sportbike from them if I were in the area, but like Dish said, I and many others would be prone to abusing them, if the traffic lets up enough.

 

good luck to your friend...it took me less than three minutes BTW

 

My wife does not ride. I would drive down with her, put her in a spa type hotel, rent and ride!

 

Done, sounds expensive to operate ,would love to know what insurance would be to run an operation like that.

 

per my buddy, the bikes and insurance is sorted... he is working on places to stay (preferred rates) and transportation to/from major airports... I have known him for about 4 years and can assure you he is serious and has the financial means to give it a try. Will advise as this becomes closer to reality...

thanks to all for contributing via the survey

 

Please do not take me as bustin chops or having a negative look on the prospect....could be a real gold mine given the area...just curious about the insurance as it will be an out of the main stream policy to write and will most likely be the most expensive .I owned an automotive repair shop and insurance was a grip and it was a mine field dealing with it.I am truely curious.Best wishes, sounds like a good time.

 

+1 ... my thoughts exactly. One of my comments was that the tail of the dragon is too far for me to ride the VFR to (I'm more comfortable on my VTX). But I'd love to ride the TOTD on a sport bike so I'd definitely consider renting one for a day!

 

I said as much in the comment section of the survey... Some other opinions as well in terms of large group riders, Harley brigades, slow and/or squidy riding, the types of things that may keep out of staters (especially westerners who already have it good) from ever going to the Smokies in the first place.

I think that if your friends' business plan requires the business to draw a large number of out of staters as part of its speculative success...well, it's his money. All I'm saying is that Deals Gap and the surrounding areas may not have the favorable nationwide reputation one might think. I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm just saying that as far as viability is concerned, it may be worth considering. Then again, maybe there are enough "weekend warrior" types in that region, who don't own thier own machines and would be content with a few rentals every year. I'll shut up now...I'm sure your friend has everything worked out.