Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730410
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • October 3, 2016 • 69 Bristow retires as Mies Outland takes control of lines BY KATE SWANSON ASSISTANT EDITOR On June 6, 1976, Mike Bristow opened Bris- tow's Kawasaki & Polaris in central Minnesota. The dealership has been in business for more than 40 years, surviving economic recessions and numerous buying trends. Most recently, Bristow saw that his employees had to adapt to today's customers by becoming more respon- sive and spontaneous. "Basically as times got tougher, we just had to work harder, and work harder to take care of the customer more than ever. Techniques- wise, you don't have control over the weather. … You always have to continue to look ahead and continue to try and make things work," Bristow said. Today's customers shop on different days than previous generations did, and learn about the product online first, Bristow said. Also, individual demand has changed. While at one point the store saw record traffic on Saturdays, it has seen stronger Thursday/Fri- day sales in recent years and increased shop- ping on Sundays. Bristow said that in today's market, the quickest impact on the customer is made using the internet, rather than via the newspaper. "It's so much different than it used to be. We rarely sell two of the exact item in the same day," said Bristow, who used to sell the same unit or apparel to groups at a time. "The demand has changed so much, and people are much more individual. As a matter of fact, right now, you might have 80 different models from one manufacturer just because there's two-year inventory sitting around." And it's dealing with those potential flooring headaches that Bristow won't miss. After 40 years and 3 days in the industry, Bristow announced his retirement at the beginning of June. "Quite honestly, I have no structured plans. I just want to spend time with my wife and family," the 65-year- old Bristow said. He has three sons, all of whom grew up in the business through their mid-20s. "Families of these businesses experience the stresses and the work ethic. It's a difficult thing to have to do and tell your kids that 'Hey, I have to make a living today.' Those are the choices that you get as a businessperson. Business people sacrifice a lot, and I just want to give my family back some of my time," Bristow said. Mies Outland, which took over operations as of July, wholly acquired Bristow's Kawasaki & Polaris. Bristow could not comment on whether or not Mies will continue the Kawa- saki line, but said that Mies had acquired all lines. "We hope that they would take care of our existing customers," he added. Bristow had a few final words for all the supporters of his dealership and the people he has met over the course of his career: "I would like to thank all of my customers for sticking with us throughout the years, through thick and thin, tough times and good times. I have enjoyed working with all of my customers. It's hard for me to walk away, but it's a chapter in my life where I need to enjoy my family now." PSB Minnesota dealer reflects on 40-year run "Business people sacrifice a lot, and I just want to give my family back some of my time." Mike Bristow, former owner, Bristow's Kawasaki & Polaris Sprint Scout products first in the line The rebirth of the Indian Scout and intro- duction of the Scout Sixty delivered a fresh breed of powerful middleweight cruisers to the industry. And Kuryakyn's new Sprint col- lection designed by John Shope of Dirty Bird Concepts takes the aggressively styled platform to a whole 'nother level. Kuryakyn incorporated the entire Sprint collection, the first to debut under its Signature Series, on an in-house build project that turned an otherwise stock Scout into a pure speed- inspired custom. The "Sprint Scout" debuted at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, demonstrating the full collection's ability to cohesively transform the Scout's appearance. To start the complete overhaul, Kuryakyn designers stripped the Sprint Scout down to its frame. The rear fender was chopped and sculpted for a racier look that feeds off the tight lines created by the bolt-on Sprint Front Fender, Café Fairing and Chin Spoiler. Factory belt and countershaft sprocket covers were cut and modified for a rugged semi-exposed appearance. Satin black Kuryakyn Heavy Industry footpegs and mirror, along with a cus- tom engraved derby cover, powder coated fac- tory covers, dirt track-style bars and wrapped head pipes with Crusher Maverick Slip-Ons all contributed to the Sprint Scout's aggressively styled demeanor. Kuryakyn also incorporated a few prototype parts for the Scout that will soon be in production and available in early 2017. The Sprint collection by John Shope is the first release in the Kuryakyn Signature Series, which showcases skillfully crafted designs from the world's top custom bike builders. All prod- ucts will be produced exclusively by Kuryakyn and available through its worldwide dealer and distributor network. "I wanted to partner with Kuryakyn because of their ability to go from design to finished product quickly, efficiently and with top-notch quality," said Shope. "I design a part, hand it off to them and can move on to my next big project knowing they're going to deliver fast. I thought the Scout deserved a look that represents an aggressive race style, and this build and collec- tion fits the image I had in mind." "Stay tuned for a lot more to come from the Kuryakyn Signature Series," said Mohr. "The Sprint line is only the beginning." Get a closer look at the Sprint Scout and Sprint Signature Series by John Shope at these remaining stops on the 2016 Kuryakyn rally circuit: Sept. 21-24, Bikes Blues & BBQ in Fayetteville, Ark.; Oct. 13-16: Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, Fla.; and Oct. 19-23, Thunder Beach Autumn Rally in Panama City, Fla. PSB Kuryakyn introduces Signature Series Kuryakyn partnered with John Shope of Dirty Bird Concepts on the Sprint Scout line of Indian Scout parts and accessories.