Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Austin GM Billy Davis #448
About this episode
Billy Davis, the GM of Cowboy Harley-Davidson in Austin, shares his journey in the motorcycle industry, starting from his childhood passion for bikes to his rise in sales management. He discusses his experiences at various Harley dealerships, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding customer psychology in sales. The episode highlights the evolving culture of Harley-Davidson, the significance of community events, and the dealership's plans for 2026, including partnerships and exciting events. Billy's insights into the motorcycle lifestyle and the challenges of the market make for an engaging conversation.
In today's episode, Billy gives us a bit of insight into his path to the General Manager role within the Harley-Davidson dealer world. From ripping the streets of Socal to becoming the guy to turn dealerships around, hear about it in this episode!
Billy's Instgram https://www.instagram.com/billyforeal/
Join our Patreon community to gain access to our Patreon-only podcast, Garage Talk, our chat room, and ad-free episodes!
https://Www.patreon.com/fastlifegare
Big thanks to our Show Sponsors
⚡️ @arlennessmotorcycles
Code "FASTLIFE10" for 10% off
⚡️ @cowboyhdaustin
https://www.cowboyharleyAustin.com
⚡️ @lawtigersdallastexas
1-800-LAW-TIGERS
Honda XR 80
"...I got my my first little XR is a nineteen eighty six XR 80 metal gas tank..."
The Honda XR 80 is a small dirt bike made by Honda, perfect for kids or new riders. It has a simple design, making it easy to handle and ride on trails.
The Honda XR 80 is a small off-road motorcycle designed for younger riders and beginners. It features a lightweight frame and a reliable four-stroke engine, making it a popular choice for those starting out in motocross or trail riding.
CBR 1000
"...I ended up getting approved at a ride now dealership for a CBR 1000 and I was we're ready to make this happen..."
The CBR 1000 is a fast motorcycle made by Honda. It's designed for speed and is often used in racing.
The Honda CBR 1000 is a high-performance sport motorcycle known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It's popular among enthusiasts for its speed and handling capabilities.
Harley Davidson
"...there is a Harley Davidson dealership right down the road and uh I walked in there and it's fun..."
Harley Davidson is a famous motorcycle brand from America. They make big, powerful bikes that many people love to ride.
Harley Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its heavyweight cruisers and touring bikes. The brand has a strong cultural significance and a dedicated following.
insurance
"...and then uh and I told I was telling him the story about the $600 insurance and uh he goes dude don't worry about it he said you're not buying a motorcycle you're buying a lifestyle..."
Insurance helps protect you financially if something happens to your car, like an accident or theft. You pay a monthly fee, and if something goes wrong, the insurance company helps cover the costs.
Insurance is a financial product that provides protection against financial loss. In the context of vehicles, it typically covers damages to the car, liability for injuries or damages to others, and can include other protections like theft or fire.
Arlen Ness
"...I have had the opportunity to ride with many of their products including their forged wheels plug-and-play bagger mid-controls air cleaners..."
Arlen Ness is a brand that makes custom parts for motorcycles, especially known for their unique designs and quality. They help motorcycle enthusiasts personalize their bikes.
Arlen Ness is a well-known brand in the custom motorcycle industry, recognized for its innovative parts and accessories. The company specializes in high-quality components for motorcycles, particularly for Harley-Davidson models.
forged wheels
"...including their forged wheels plug-and-play bagger mid-controls air cleaners..."
Forged wheels are a type of motorcycle wheel made from solid metal, making them stronger and lighter than regular wheels. They help improve how the motorcycle handles.
Forged wheels are made from a single piece of metal that is shaped under high pressure, resulting in a lightweight and strong wheel. They are often used in performance motorcycles for better handling and durability.
brake calipers
"...some of my favorites have been their custom brake calipers from my bagger to low rider st..."
Brake calipers are parts of a motorcycle that help it stop by squeezing the brake pads against the wheels. Custom calipers can make your bike stop better and look cooler.
Brake calipers are components of a motorcycle's braking system that house the brake pads and apply pressure to the brake discs to slow down or stop the motorcycle. Custom calipers can enhance performance and aesthetics.
custom motorcycle culture
"...for decades the ness family has pushed custom motorcycle culture through innovation and style..."
Custom motorcycle culture is about making motorcycles unique and personal. People in this community enjoy changing their bikes to reflect their style and preferences.
Custom motorcycle culture refers to the community and practices surrounding the modification and personalization of motorcycles. This culture emphasizes individuality, creativity, and innovation in motorcycle design and performance.
low rider
"...more dudes that are 25 and younger yeah that show up on low riders low rider sts..."
A low rider is a vehicle that has been lowered to sit closer to the ground. This style is popular for its cool look and is often seen in car shows and gatherings.
A low rider is a type of vehicle, typically a car or motorcycle, that has been modified to sit lower to the ground. This style is often associated with custom modifications and a unique aesthetic appeal.
softail
"...when they went to the soft tail platform everyone was like oh my god..."
Softail refers to a type of motorcycle that looks like it has a solid back but actually has hidden springs for a smoother ride. It's a popular design for comfort while riding.
Softail is a motorcycle design that features a hidden rear suspension system, giving the appearance of a rigid frame while providing a more comfortable ride. This design is popular among cruiser motorcycles, especially by Harley-Davidson.
Road Glide
"...that payment for the sponsorship was a road glide so um i'll take it pretty sick i've been riding around the last couple days..."
The Road Glide is a type of motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson. It's built for long rides and has a special front design that helps with wind protection.
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a touring motorcycle known for its distinctive shark-nose fairing and comfortable ride. It is designed for long-distance travel and features advanced technology for modern riders.
modern bike
"...it's going to be nice to get back on a modern bike and it's..."
A modern bike is a newer motorcycle that has the latest features and technology, making it easier and more enjoyable to ride than older bikes.
A 'modern bike' refers to contemporary motorcycles that incorporate the latest technology, design, and performance features, making them more efficient and user-friendly compared to older models.
Cadillac STS
"...ke i used to on the on road glides and low rider sts that's something that i need to be able to get ou..."
The Cadillac STS is a fancy car that was made to be comfortable and stylish. It's known for being smooth to drive and has a lot of cool features, which makes it popular among people who like luxury vehicles.
The Cadillac STS is a luxury sedan that was produced by General Motors from 2005 to 2011. It is known for its combination of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a significant model in Cadillac's lineup during its production years. The STS often appeals to those looking for a refined driving experience with a touch of American luxury.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.