Local newb question

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ISK

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Gents (and ladies)

I'm shopping for a GS and visited South London Motorrad at Caterham yesterday (my nearest dealer). Nice place, but really didn't like the sales staff. Seemed to have an attitude of "These sell themselves, what do you want me to do? Care?" Also, they were wider than the Mersey Tunnel. It felt like visiting one of those sarf London car dealers who sell blinged-up Mercs on the pavement.
So, my probem is my second nearest dealer is Park Lane, which I'm put off by as I assume they're more expensive and, anyway, who wants a test ride in central London?
I don't mind traveling a fair way for a good dealer, so any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
 
I had the misfortune of needing a dealer for a quick repair, but the pleasure of finding Vines of Guilford, the service and atmosphere was excellent. whilst waiting for my bike there was no trouble in browsing the bikes and cars, they said if there was anything I needed then just ask, they left me to look without hard sell but was there to answer any questions, although I was not there to actually buy a bike. :clap:clap
 
I bought my last bike from SLM and they did me a good deal, so I can't complain. Didn't have problems when I bought, but it was in November, so not many other punters about. You've got the March 1st crew looking for bikes at the moment, so they'll be busy.

Aftersales at SLM have also been v.good with me so far.

Vines of Guildford were also very good with my previous bike, so if you're over the west side of London its quite good.
 
Park lane

I bought from PL Motarrad. I don't think the bikes are more expensive than elsewhere. I was happy with deal. The servicing is at Battersea. That is more expensive. Thier hourly rate is around £100. :eek:

the test drive isn't really a problem. They know you will need more time so you can easily get a couple of hours during the week. If you take the road round the back of Park Lane Motorrad and head North it takes you very quickly to the A1/M1. Then you can go where you like.

I think the PL guys work a bit harder for you because they know they are at a geographical disadvantage.

Its all down to taste. the roads around Tunbridge are cool too.

Regards,

Path.
 
+1 for Vines - very good dealer, and quite easy to get to.
If you can, give Bahnstormer a go too - they're on the A32, near Alton - about another 30 mins from Vines heading South (ish).

As been said before, best to go during the day and book test rides in advance. They've also all sold loads of bikes because of the new registration - so deals might not be quite as forthcoming at the mo! (There were 8 sold bikes sitting in Bahnstormer's showroom (there were probably more elsewhere) nearly all 09 bikes, and 4 of them were GSAs!
 
Different Opinion

First of all I must declare I have never brought a bike from Motorrad South London but I have very recently taken several of their bikes out for a test ride and my experience was different to yours.

I can perhaps undestand why you have walked away with the impression of them you have because I found them to be non pushy and they allowed me time to think and contemplate rather than get me to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible.I suppose through others eyes that could sem like arrogance but I am sure that it isn't meant to be.

Since my test rides I went back on an Open Day and even though I made it clear to Tony the Manager I had decided to buy another Blackbird he still told me to call in for a coffee as that don't descriminate between BM Riders and others.

I now ride a Varedero but as soon as I can I will buy a GS and I know where I will be buying it from.

Rather than traipze around the country to buy your bike, give them another try and if necessary ask to speak to Tony. I can assure you he will let you take a bike out for as long as you want to and if you do buy they are local and it would be easier for you in the long run.

Remember we all have good and bad days and you nay just have caught someone who was having a bad day.

Sorry if this reads too syncophantic its just I wanted to perhaps adda bit of balance to the thread.
 
@ all above

I'm sure you're right about various dealers having good and bad days, maybe SLM will be the same. That said, I called PL this morning and by 4pm their finance manager had emailed me details of used bikes and eight, count 'em, finance possibilities on them. I asked SLM to do the same on Sat and silence reigns.
I think much of this is gut instinct, and mine may well be wrong (although it's an increasing amount of gut so I like to think it's good for something).
 
Is Park Lane still owned by BMW? I was under the impression a while back that this is the only one that BMW ownes - the rest are franchised.
 
Not sure - but they're firendly, and helpful, and actually seem to give a toss about whether I buy a bike a bike from them, which is the first thing at least
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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