SLM Caterham

[Beemer]

Relatively new memeber here waiting to collect my 1150 from South London Motorcycles later this month.
Having been reading bits and pieces from the Dealers forum it seems there's a fair bit of negativity and I started wondering what kind of experience I would have when I go to collect my GS. Needless to say I was quite surprised when I got a call from Mike in Service at SLM reminding me that "my bike" was booked in for a service today. He had it booked in but didn't realise it was already there, we had a good chat and he seems like a decent bloke even asked me to pop in to Service and say hello the day I collect it.
Further to this, I also spoke with Chris the salesman I'm dealing with today regarding a beak extension for the bike, just wanted to confirm they had the beak and the nuts and bolts in stock and that I would be able to collect them when I get the bike. He phoned me back later in the day to confirm the prices and stated that the beak would be fitted to the bike by them. I, being a tight git, immeadiately questioned the cost of this to which he replied "We're only charging you for the parts, not the fitting".
So far my experience of SLM has been bloody good and I'm really looking forward to the hand over, well done SLM!!!

 

[turbine_2]

In my experience SLM are one of the good guys, it's a shame I live too far from them now for my servicing.

 

[Beemer]

In my experience SLM are one of the good guys, it's a shame I live too far from them now for my servicing.

That's good to hear David, have you had many dealings with them?

Steve

 

[turbine_2]

Bought my bike from them, they did the first 3 services and some other work that I needed doing. Professional, frieldly, quick to fix an annoying lost bolt that I couldn't find FOC.

 

[Captain Scarlet]

On my second beemer with them (plus a Harley from Thames Valley - a group dealership) and seriously after 20 plus bikes and many dealers I truly can't sing their praises high enough from my own personal experience.

They delivered my new bikes f.o.c. despite me living more than 50 miles away and done a number of 'extra mile' things for me with a friendly smile and a 'no problem' attitude.

For sure there's closer dealers to me than SLM, but they treat me like family and never forget who hands over the money - that's everything basically isn't it?

I'm not going to slag off other dealers, that's far too easy; but I've been dissapointed with at least two reputedly good BMW dealers and basically if I ever changed the GS1200 for another beemer I simply wouldn't dream of going elsewhere.

Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right - I hope they get lots of new business, and fair play to them if they do, because SLM deserve a loyal following of happy customers

 

[Bert]

On my second beemer with them (plus a Harley from Thames Valley - a group dealership) and seriously after 20 plus bikes and many dealers I truly can't sing their praises high enough from my own personal experience.

They delivered my new bikes f.o.c. despite me living more than 50 miles away and done a number of 'extra mile' things for me with a friendly smile and a 'no problem' attitude.

For sure there's closer dealers to me than SLM, but they treat me like family and never forget who hands over the money - that's everything basically isn't it?

I'm not going to slag off other dealers, that's far too easy; but I've been dissapointed with at least two reputedly good BMW dealers and basically if I ever changed the GS1200 for another beemer I simply wouldn't dream of going elsewhere.

Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right - I hope they get lots of new business, and fair play to them if they do, because SLM deserve a loyal following of happy customers

...and that little plug was sponsored to the tune of...????

 

[Beemer]

On my second beemer with them (plus a Harley from Thames Valley - a group dealership) and seriously after 20 plus bikes and many dealers I truly can't sing their praises high enough from my own personal experience.

They delivered my new bikes f.o.c. despite me living more than 50 miles away and done a number of 'extra mile' things for me with a friendly smile and a 'no problem' attitude.

For sure there's closer dealers to me than SLM, but they treat me like family and never forget who hands over the money - that's everything basically isn't it?

I'm not going to slag off other dealers, that's far too easy; but I've been dissapointed with at least two reputedly good BMW dealers and basically if I ever changed the GS1200 for another beemer I simply wouldn't dream of going elsewhere.

Whatever they're doing, they're doing it right - I hope they get lots of new business, and fair play to them if they do, because SLM deserve a loyal following of happy customers

Good to see more positives re SLM lets hope it continues.

Bert, if it saves the Capatin a bit of dosh or maybe gets him a freebie sausage roll on a Saturday then it's got to be worth it!!

 

[Jon451]

I like the guys at SLM. Always very friendly and remember you. A much better experience than buying a car!

 

[Captain Scarlet]

A bit cynical there Bert!

I’ve bought lots of new bikes without having to be in the pocket of anyone and I'm not working within the motor trade!

Essentially the dealer forum is often the place to slag off a dealership when you receive poor customer service; and fair play to that, I’ve dug the knife in myself about a couple of dealers with an indifferent attitude. But, by equal token, if (in my own personal experience) a dealer is getting it right every time (and lets face it that’s as rare as hens teeth these days!) then perhaps I'd have double-standards if I didn't duly state that they deserve a bit of positive p.r.

My praise of SLM is in no way fabricated, I am not associated with them or a personal friend of any of their employees, and perhaps more important for anyone reading this my account is not elaborated upon - to give the impression that they are in some way better than my factual experience of using them. And I didn't even mention the six hour R1200GS demo ride, without a following hard sell, or the time they lent me a Rockster to ride to the coast and keep overnight!

Anyways, yis pays yis monies, and if you can get the same or better from a.n.other dealer, then rest assured I’ll not be sending around the boys to ‘learn’ you!