Houlton Power Sports expands into Yamaha line

  HOULTON, Maine — Recent frost warnings may have revved up snowmobilers’ hearts with thoughts of riding across fresh white snow on Aroostook County’s pristine trails. But, until serious snow arrives in the county, power sports enthusiasts can peruse other types of vehicles and the expanded line at Houlton Power Sports.
“We purchased the Yamaha dealership from McGuire’s. They had been the dealer for more than 15 years and they did a fantastic job with the snowmobile line. We’re very passionate in the snowmobile industry so we ended up in a position to purchase the franchise and dealership from McGuire’s,” explained Ben Adams, general manager of Houlton Power Sports that is also an Arctic Cat dealer.
Now that Houlton Power Sports has taken over the Yamaha dealership from DBJ McGuire they are the Yamaha motorcycle, snowmobile and ATV dealer in the area, according to Adams. “We bought their power sports lines and McGuire’s is still running as a truck repair and service shop.”
In addition to purchasing the Yamaha franchise in May, Houlton Power Sports hired McGuire’s top Yamaha technician. “We brought over John Maples. He is a five-star Yamaha service technician. He now works for us. Now, not only do we have the product, the accessories and the parts, we have the service. We have everything. John is an awesome technician. He knows what he’s doing. He’s five-star rated which is high level in Yamaha for his training.”
New and improved
In October, Adams said the showroom, now filled with motorcycles, will make way for the 2011 line of  snowmobiles along with all the accessories. Avid snowmobilers will find new snow sled colors, new outerwear and new accessories. For those who want to customize or trade up, Adams said there are snowmobiles with heated seats, communication systems and remote starters. And, he added, a new line of outerwear is made from materials that are breathable for airflow, waterproof, windproof and warm.
A recent deal struck between Houlton Power Sports and HJC, brings what Adams refers to as some of the best helmets to his customers. “HJC has been one of the best long-lasting independent helmet dealers.” The price-tag for a helmet runs anywhere from $100-$300. There are basic helmets, modular helmets and helmets with heated shields that plug into the snow sled to prevent fogging.
Yamaha customers and Yamaha fans know Klim (pronounced climb) as a very high quality snowmobile clothing manufacturer. “They have over the last few years worked with Yamaha to start branding all the Yamaha outerwear,” said Adams. Jackets range from $100-$400 and bibs, or pants, are usually in the $200-$300 range.
One of the new sleds this year, the Bravo, is what Adams calls a value-packed sled at under $5,000. The Yamaha line also includes the Apex which has power steering and runs around $13,000-$14,000. Although it is not a new sled, power steering is a new technology and Adams said Yamaha is the first to bring it to the market.
Arctic Cat is bringing back some of the retro colors and the company’s Sublime Green metallic paint may be lighting up Aroostook County trails in 2011.
“Everyone who works here has an absolute passion for power sports, for riding snowmobiles and ATVs. When they’re not at work, that’s what they’re doing. They know what the rider wants, they know what the riders need. We live it. We breathe it,” said Adams.
When Houlton Power Sports was strictly an Arctic Cat dealer, it won the Platinum Award in 2008 as snowmobile dealer of the year for Arctic Cat and was the top selling dealer in the state of Maine. It ranked 15 in the country.
For more information, contact Houlton Power Sports, 519 North St., Houlton, 532-4381.