[Guest]

Hi all,

My name is Joel Manes, I work for GP Star/Arthaworks Inc., and I just wanted to introduce myself and tell you what we are planning for Benelli owners and enthusiasts. My goal on this forum is to be a source of information and a problem solver of the highest order. I also plan to learn a great deal and be available for you all nearly 24/7 so feel free to write or call. I will check the forum numerous times daily during the week.

Currently, we have nearly every model in stock. We have the standard TNTs as well as Graphite/Black, Green/Black and Red Tornado Tre models. In addition to the standard Tres, we have the Red and that amazing Yellow Tornado RS models and the Ohlins clad, dry clutch and nearly all carbon fiber LE version.

I have read on this forum that there is a lot of confusion regarding some sort of "official" Benelli importer. I want to assure you that GP Star has sold many more Benellis than all the other "dealers" combined and we will continue to offer the best service, information and support that is available. Each new bike comes with a 2 year parts warranty. It is my job to handle the headaches as I get paid for that. Your job is to enjoy the anticipation of getting your new bike, parts and/or service and spend your valuable time riding. We are working very closely with Benelli and will be your best source to get the latest news and bike solutions.

It should also be known that we are setting up a national dealership network and have already established dealers in Ohio, Texas and Minnesota and will soon have representation in Colorado and Oregon. These will be bike stocking dealers with service and parts availability as well as upgrades in performance and ignition mapping capabilities. We hope to have a healthy network established by the end of the second quarter and I will continue to update you on our progress.

Please note our eBay auctions:

tinyurl.com/eg36p

tinyurl.com/ppx59

tinyurl.com/pslh5

Any feedback on our presentation would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached on this forum, via email at [mail][email protected][/mail]
or call me at

818.765.2353 GP Star
818.458.0467 Cell

Thanks,

Joel

 

[Guest]

Joel,

Thanks for the post. I've been lusting after a Tre since they debuted in '99. I put a deposit down with a dealer here in San Francisco (Munroe Motors) in 2002. Then all the legal (and technical) troubles started and I'm glad I didn't get a bike (I've since gotten my deposit back).

Now that you all are bringing them in grey-market, I have a couple questions.

1) How are they being imported/registered? Are they actually US-spec bikes with US VINs? are you bringing them in under Special Construction and having new VINs added? I have an RVF-400 (NC35 - I've used you all for parts before) that was brought in under special construction and it has a Calfornia ID tag riveted to the headstock. So I'm familiar with the grey-market import laws. Just curious about how they're being brought in.

2) I just read Roland's post about Motopoint is the "official" importer. How will that work with warranty work? If there ends up being a Benelli dealer in NorCal through Motopoint, I would certainly like to use then instead of making runs down to SoCal for repair or service. Would these bikes be elligible for waranty work? Guess this kind of goes back to my first question about how they're being imported.

3) Are these truly 2005 bikes? Have the bugs from the older bikes been worked out? Can you talk about the experiences you've had with the standard issues of resetting clocks, blown batteries, overheating, 25 different fuel maps, inability to select neutral, etc.?

I'd like to own a Tre and while I can afford the bike, I don't have mountains of cash to throw around shipping the bike around and paying for a ton of labor. I realize that's kind of the cost of entry w/ an Italian bike but it just makes me nervous that I'm going to end up with a $16,000 piece of "art".

Thanks for your time,

 

[Guest]

Joel,
Welcome to the forum. I was beginning to wonder when you would show up! This is a good thing for us guys. We've got a company willing to step up and fill the void. At least there is someone on this continent that is willing to take a gamble and support this brand. I know Ken Zeller at Evoluzione is working closely with you in working out some of the issues with the bikes. I have a tremendous amount of faith and respect for Ken. At this point it is far, far better than anything that has been done for our EU and AU brethrens. Perhaps some of the engineering solutions and problem solving will trickle out to all Benelli owners worldwide. The more bikes there are out there the more effort will be put into supporting them. It boils down to numbers I am sure as as Strider asked, owner support is one of the key points in any buying decision for this bike.

Like I said, at this point Joel's support can only be good for all us.

We're looking forward to great things from you and Elias and do let us know if there's anything we can do for you.

Best of luck!

Roland

 

[Guest]

Hi Chris and Roland,

Thanks for the kind words and I will try to live up to everyone's expectations. I will address your concerns Chris as follows:

Now that you all are bringing them in grey-market, I have a couple questions.

1) How are they being imported/registered? Are they actually US-spec bikes with US VINs? are you bringing them in under Special Construction and having new VINs added? I have an RVF-400 (NC35 - I've used you all for parts before) that was brought in under special construction and it has a Calfornia ID tag riveted to the headstock. So I'm familiar with the grey-market import laws. Just curious about how they're being brought in.

Well, "grey market" is kind of a "grey" term. I personally ride, besides the Tre, an NC35 and an MC-28 Rothman's and these are truly grey market bikes. However, the majority of the bikes we bring in are 50 state bikes with official MSOs that guaranty a smooth trip to the DMV. The RS and the LE models are not 50 state bikes, but more of the 49 state variety. All bikes have 17 digit VINs.

2) I just read Roland's post about Motopoint is the "official" importer. How will that work with warranty work? If there ends up being a Benelli dealer in NorCal through Motopoint, I would certainly like to use then instead of making runs down to SoCal for repair or service. Would these bikes be elligible for waranty work? Guess this kind of goes back to my first question about how they're being imported.

Well, I can't really comment on Motopoint being the "official" Benelli importer as this is news to me. I don't believe that 2006 will see any "official" Benelli dealer, at least not in any way that will benefit the US Benelli owners. If they are offering warranty repairs in your area, by all means, use them. I would. However, I will continue to be your 24/7 guy in the Benelli world to help you enjoy your bike the best. I see no reason why any bike that I sell would not be eligible for warranty. My bikes carry the same warranty as any bike sold through Motopoint as far as I know.

3) Are these truly 2005 bikes? Have the bugs from the older bikes been worked out? Can you talk about the experiences you've had with the standard issues of resetting clocks, blown batteries, overheating, 25 different fuel maps, inability to select neutral, etc.?

These bikes, not including the LE, are truly 2005 bikes. Elias goes to Italy nearly every month or two and has first hand experience of the strides that Benelli are making to make their bikes first rate. I havent had any resetting clock issues, but perhaps that is a battery issue. We replace the crappy battery that the bike comes with immediately and put in a fresh and properly charged Yuasa. I have noticed that nearly all Italian bikes have battery issues. The MVs seem to be exempt, but the Ducs and Aprilias seem to suffer. After I run the bike for the first time, I "burp" the cooling system after it has cooled and top it off. I do this to every bike before I send them on to their new owners. If you live in an area that doesn't freeze, that would be in the teens or lower for a garage kept bike, then you might think about a total flush and use Water Wetter. I can't officially recommend this, but I would try it for myself. Fuel maps? See, I knew that I would learn a lot. Ken at Evoluzione has his own mapping that seems to work well. It has been dyno tested. Our newest shop in MN has a dyno and will hopefully do a bunch of developement as well. The Leo Vince cans are supposed to be "Plug N Play" and seem to work well. I'll keep investigating this. I have found that the Tre gearbox is phenomenal. Probably the most underrated aspect of the bike. If you're having trouble finding neutral, it is likely that you aren't used to a cassette style racing gearbox. If you find neutral while you are rolling, it goes in like a dream. My race bikes, yep, I race at least once a month locally and nationally, are the same way and they just don't like finding neutral at a stand still. Please try this method and let me know how it works for you.

I'd like to own a Tre and while I can afford the bike, I don't have mountains of cash to throw around shipping the bike around and paying for a ton of labor. I realize that's kind of the cost of entry w/ an Italian bike but it just makes me nervous that I'm going to end up with a $16,000 piece of "art".

I can only promise you that I will do all I can to aid in making your Benelli experience a great thing. I haven't experience the issues you have outlined, but I have solutions for nearly all. Please know that whether you are saving every penny for a Benelli or have millions of dollars, it doesn't matter to me at all. I am only concerned for the owner and his Benelli, not his bank account. I hope that this helps.

Thanks for your time,

My pleasure.

Cheers,

Joel

 

[Guest]

Hey Joel,

Nice post. Nice to know. Good to see those Tre's in those links, too. However, with brand new Tres at such great prices, it'd be hard for me to sell mine now I had a few inquiries thru friends' word of mouth about my Tre. But I've turned them over to you... I figure the Benelli community is tight, eventually they will find you guys.

Toby

 

[Guest]

oh, forgot to ask, what's with your newest shop in MN? more detail please?

 

[Guest]

Hey Toby,

Thanks for the referrals and kind words.

A shop in Minnesota, www.silverbackperformance.net/ are strong on performance upgrades and custom dyno work. We are really proud to have such a cool independant shop on our team. We are shipping a Tre to them next week and hopefully, they will provide feedback and data that will continue to benefit our development of the Benellis.

 

[Guest]

How refreshing!!!

Hi Joel,

Thanks for the post and your words of encouragement.

It's nice to know that we now have another commited supplier that is prepared to help other Benelli owners through this forum.

It looks like another step in the right direction and can only help to re-establish the Brand.

Well done and keep up the good work.


Laurence

 

[Guest]

International Link

I suggest you speak to Johnno O, Tech manager for Benelli Australia, John has been very active on this site and offered advice to everyone to make their ownership more enjoyable.Definately has offered the most tech solutions, along with Eugenia/ Errol with his clock restting problems we suffer from. Good to see our yank mates getting access and support