How to Start a Motorcycle Dealership Business

Do you want to open a bike showroom in your area? Are you interested in starting a motorcycle dealership business? If YES, this post will guide you with dealership costs, the application process, and more.
Opening a profitable bike showroom is a lucrative business opportunity for young entrepreneurs. Not only in the metro cities, but you can also find a lot of successful motorcycle dealers in small towns and even in rural areas. And definitely, this is inspiring.
Read: Best Automobile Business Ideas
However, in this business, choosing the right brand and localized marketing plays a crucial role. And if you can create the right business model, you can earn a lot of money in this business. Definitely, opening a motorcycle dealership business is cash intensive. As the unit price is high, you must have solid capital in hand in starting this business.
10-Step Guide to Start a Motorcycle Dealership Business
Step 1: Learn More About Motorcycle Dealership Market Potential
Currently, the Indian motorcycle market has a double-digit growth in sales. Hence, the country is one of the biggest two-wheeler markets in the world. Bajaj, TVS, Honda, Hero Moto Corp, Royal Enfield, KTM, Suzuki, Mahindra, Yamaha, and Hero Electric are the major players in the industry.
The growth has been driven notably by the 75-110cc sub-segment supported by a general improvement in rural demand sentiment on the back of near normal monsoon.”
Hence, it’s clear that the market is there. And manufacturing companies are constantly introducing new models with effective features and styles. And this is a great time to initiate this business to make it successful.
Step 2: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Bike Showroom?
Possibly, this is the first question that you want the answer to. Generally, initiating this type of business requires a good amount of investment. First of all, you will need to secure a wide space in the prime location. Additionally, you will need to arrange the stock. These are the two major costs. In addition to that, you will need to pay the utilities and staffing.
Depending on the business model and location, you will need at least 50 Lakhs to 1 Crore cash in Hand. After running the business successfully for two years, you can apply for cash credit or an overdraft facility to enhance the working capital.
Step 3: Motorcycle Dealership Franchise Opportunities
Most of the top brands offer dealership franchise opportunities for selective locations. You will need to follow that. However, sometimes, big distributors or stockists can recommend a new selling point to the company. In both cases, you will need to comply with company norms and regulations.
First of all, open the website of the brand you want to open the showroom. Then open the dealership application page.
Step 4: Create the Right Business Model
Generally, there are three common business models available in our country to open a bike showroom. The first option is the dealer point. You need a lot of capital and wide space for this model. You need to establish a showroom for selling the bikes and a workshop for repair and maintenance.
The second option is ASSC (Authorized Sales & Service Center). Comparatively, you need less capital than the first option. Here also, you need two separate establishments for selling and servicing.
The third option is the Sales Representative under a dealer. This is the most low-cost model in this business. And definitely, the sales commissions per motorcycle are less than the other two options.
So, depending on your fund capacity and space availability, you can consider the right model for your business. Generally, motorcycle brands maintain a minimum distance between the two selling points. So, first, check the availability of the opportunity in your locality.
Step 5: Prepare the Business Plan
The motorcycle dealership industry is a highly organized sector. At the time of applying, the company will inform you about the infrastructure and vehicle lifting details clearly. So, preparing the business plan is an easy task here.
The most important is creating a marketing plan. This type of business demands a wide sales promotion activity and brand awareness. Apart from the opening discount, you can think of different types of schemes and benefits.
Step 6: Select a Location
Location plays an important role in this business. You must select a location that has a wide front window. Provide easy parking for your customers. In the showroom, you need space for the insurance desk, selling counter, and accessories counter.
Depending on your business model, the company will inform you about how much space you need. However, a 3000 Sq Ft space is enough in starting a small motorcycle-selling counter in small towns and rural areas.
Step 7: Motorcycle Dealership Business Registration & Licensing
Business registration is a must. For a small counter, you can go with the proprietorship option. However, if you need capital investment from other individuals, then you can consider LLP or Pvt Ltd options also.
After registering the business, you need a Trade License from the local Municipal Authority. pen a current bank account. And apply for GSTIN for tax payments.
Step 8: Setup the Store
Generally, a motorcycle showroom has a wide front space for showcasing bikes. And it occupies more or less 50% of the total carpet area. You need to set up 2 or 3 selling points separately. Also, set up the insurance and finance counter. And finally, you must have an accessories counter.
The overall ambiance matters in this business. In the hot and humid weather, you need to provide an air conditioner. Also, provide comfortable chairs or sitting arrangements. The showroom needs to appear bright. So, pay attention to the flooring, wall color, and lights.
Step 9: Resources
Generally, motorcycle companies provide software solutions. Otherwise, you can also maintain GST-ready accounting software for keeping the records and stock.
The other important resource is manpower. You need skilled and knowledgeable employees who can handle the customers with the solution to their every query.
Step 10: Business Promotion
You must have a solid promotional plan. Apart from local paper advertising, you can think about TV advertising on local channels. If you open the showroom in rural areas or small towns then you can think about Bike Mela.
Distributing flyers in the communal huts is another great idea. Provide easy finance to your customer. Generally, young, aspiring, and adventurous people are the major buyers of motorcycles in India. So, think about an idea to attract them easily to make your motorcycle dealership business a great success.

Hello, I’m Rupak Chakrabarty, a passionate advocate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the driving force behind MUVSI Consulting, where I serve as a dedicated small business coach. With years of experience in the entrepreneurial world and a deep-rooted commitment to helping SMEs thrive, I bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and guidance to aspiring and established business owners alike.