Fractional ownership comes to high-end motorcycles
Work & Lifestyle
For supercar fans, there’s already écurie25. Private jet users have long had NetJets. Now high-end motorcycle aficionados have a fractional ownership club of their own through Columbus Club, based in Cannes, France.
In exchange for an annual membership fee, Columbus International’s Columbus Club provides priority access to a “dream garage of exceptional motorbikes.” Members need not worry about depreciation, insurance, servicing, maintenance or storage—the company takes care of all that. Rather, they simply pick a membership level and enjoy riding a variety of high-end bikes. Three membership levels cost EUR 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 per year, respectively. In exchange, members are granted a corresponding number of credits for use on riding the bikes of their choice. A variety of models are available–all less than a year old, including the Ducati, BMW, Triumph and Hollister’s brands–with daily rates ranging from EUR 195 off-season to EUR 385 during the peak of the summer. Cannes-based Columbus also offers chauffeur service to and from Nice airport, camera-equipped helmets and personal guided riding tours, among other extras.
With its focus on transumers—who would rather experience products than own them—Columbus Club’s concept is one that could do well in any temperate, motorcycle-friendly part of the world. One to partner with or emulate on the scenic highways and byways near you…? (Related: Motorcycle hearses offer a (life)stylish final ride.)
31st March 2010
