Jafdp
Guest
I haven't had my full bike licence that long really, but have had a lot of bikes in the short space of time........I believe in supporting local dealers (except in Bedford which I boycott), so have popped over to Riverside in Northampton many times. OK, for those of you who don't know Riverside, they are a Suzuki/Yamaha/KTM/Ducati dealer along with a healthy amount of used bikes. Conviently located on a retail park, near to Pets R Us and Pizza Hut, I can justifiably take My Dearly Beloved with me and appease her with 12" of Pepperoni and Pineapple after we have spent considerable time perusing the Metal.
The first time I went in there, with copious amounts of money stuffed in my wallet, I REALLY wanted to buy the Ducati Multistrada. I was approached by a spotty looking youth who donned a funky t-shirt, boot-flare jeans, sipping his cappucino who seemed more interested in lounging over the bikes in an attempt to impress the girlies. Nevertheless, determined to make a purchase, I asked about a test ride on the Multistrada - the response was : Not until April mate and we haven't got any demo bikes - despit the fact that there was a "used" bike in the line-up. He returned to preening himself in a RR mirror and we went to Pizza Hut....................
2nd time - went to look at a Suzuki DL Vstrom 1000 & 650 on the "traily-theme" - when we eventually managed to attract the attention of a passing sales-person his response to my inquiry was "Nah, don't have the 1000, it's far to big - the 650? Gutless, doesn't go mate - waste of time......." He went back to squeezing his spots and we went to Pizza Hut.............
3rd time - yesterday - went to look at the Ducati 749 - in yellow, again, wallet bulging.......... with credit card(s) - space made in the garage in anticipation.............. Had to wait 10 minutes whilst the Sales (and I use that term losely) Person finished off his conversation on his mobile......and then I inquired about test ride......after a lot of teeth-sucking and chin rubbing he said " weeeelllllll - we want a grand deposit, we don't really like people test riding them....especially in this weather (it was dry!) - you need to bring your licence (really!?)". It was like getting blood from a stone.........we left and went to Pizza Hut.....
I heard a rumour that Riverside are facing financial difficulty - is it any wonder? The staff are boderline on ignorant - I felt like an inconvenience rather than a customer with money to spend. I wouldn't buy a bike from them even if they were the cheapest in the country.
On a better note - went to D&K, Newcastle-Under-Lyme - they will show you how it should be done! Knowledgeable, curteous, really, really helpful, friendly, not pushy - brilliant place! That's where my money will go...........
The first time I went in there, with copious amounts of money stuffed in my wallet, I REALLY wanted to buy the Ducati Multistrada. I was approached by a spotty looking youth who donned a funky t-shirt, boot-flare jeans, sipping his cappucino who seemed more interested in lounging over the bikes in an attempt to impress the girlies. Nevertheless, determined to make a purchase, I asked about a test ride on the Multistrada - the response was : Not until April mate and we haven't got any demo bikes - despit the fact that there was a "used" bike in the line-up. He returned to preening himself in a RR mirror and we went to Pizza Hut....................
2nd time - went to look at a Suzuki DL Vstrom 1000 & 650 on the "traily-theme" - when we eventually managed to attract the attention of a passing sales-person his response to my inquiry was "Nah, don't have the 1000, it's far to big - the 650? Gutless, doesn't go mate - waste of time......." He went back to squeezing his spots and we went to Pizza Hut.............
3rd time - yesterday - went to look at the Ducati 749 - in yellow, again, wallet bulging.......... with credit card(s) - space made in the garage in anticipation.............. Had to wait 10 minutes whilst the Sales (and I use that term losely) Person finished off his conversation on his mobile......and then I inquired about test ride......after a lot of teeth-sucking and chin rubbing he said " weeeelllllll - we want a grand deposit, we don't really like people test riding them....especially in this weather (it was dry!) - you need to bring your licence (really!?)". It was like getting blood from a stone.........we left and went to Pizza Hut.....
I heard a rumour that Riverside are facing financial difficulty - is it any wonder? The staff are boderline on ignorant - I felt like an inconvenience rather than a customer with money to spend. I wouldn't buy a bike from them even if they were the cheapest in the country.
On a better note - went to D&K, Newcastle-Under-Lyme - they will show you how it should be done! Knowledgeable, curteous, really, really helpful, friendly, not pushy - brilliant place! That's where my money will go...........
