Been up to SSB and talking to one of the guys, tells me that they have been bought out by Bowkers in Preston. The new showroom will be open next March/April time at the Preston dealer complex on the docks....bit suppressed me self.
Southport Superbikes Closing
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newboy
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If Chester Hardley weren't so bad - I would start using them - Preston is a fair way away...
5m to SSB and another 30 to Preston
Time to review Williams I think... Only 1 hour there....
5m to SSB and another 30 to Preston
Time to review Williams I think... Only 1 hour there....
newboy
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I heard they are moving - quite a few live in Wiggin area so no further really...
they pick your bike up in a van take it away for a service and bring it back a day or two later, for free.their doing mine next week. j
Yellow Peril
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If Chester Hardley weren't so bad - I would start using them - Preston is a fair way away...
5m to SSB and another 30 to Preston
Time to review Williams I think... Only 1 hour there....
Woe is me only 35m think yourself lucky closest currently 65 miles and I think my self lucky others have it far worse
newboy
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If Chester Hardley weren't so bad - I would start using them - Preston is a fair way away...
5m to SSB and another 30 to Preston
Time to review Williams I think... Only 1 hour there....
Chester BMW is about 25mins away but if i want the services of a dealer i always use Williams Mc/r even though it's 1 1/4hrs. away because Chester BMW is shit (as always though, IMHO)
SSB was always a good back up but too far away at Preston.
newboy
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I have always used RGM and SSB...
Now with them moving - it might be Williams, but Vern has offered me coaching to surgically remove some buffoonery
Now with them moving - it might be Williams, but Vern has offered me coaching to surgically remove some buffoonery
That's bolloxed that then. Another car based set up with bikes tacked on in a corner; f*ck all effort made. Just like Bluebell was.
Bowker have a car set up in Southport - there's space to build in the vicinity, why don't they put up a new showroom there; that's the only problem with SSB, no space.
Selfish really, cos I live in Southport.
Bowker have a car set up in Southport - there's space to build in the vicinity, why don't they put up a new showroom there; that's the only problem with SSB, no space.
Selfish really, cos I live in Southport.
I think this has been on the cards for a while, there's been a noticeable change there over the last 12 months. There have been strong rumours in the past that the operation in Southport didnt fit BMWs profile for a Dealer & they where pushing for a relocation elsewhere.
Whether its retirement or just an opportunity to get out while the going is good we'll never know
I stopped going there regularly earlier this year so it looks like I'll continue with Rainbow and Williams, I'm not going to Preston
Only decision to make is where I buy my Triumph
Snowman
Whether its retirement or just an opportunity to get out while the going is good we'll never know
I stopped going there regularly earlier this year so it looks like I'll continue with Rainbow and Williams, I'm not going to Preston
Only decision to make is where I buy my Triumph
Snowman
Just been in to SSB and picked up a few more snippets for the rumour mill. Snowman is right in saying the current set up doesn't fit BMW's profile so, with the buy out by Bowkers, the operation will move to a purpose built/modified facility on Preston Docks. Exact location still under wraps but all I spoke to said the need for the bike side to have a separate identity from the cars was recognised by Bowkers. Mike will continue to head the operation and current staff will go with him (assuming they want to). Think I got this right but don't quote me!
thebuyer
Registered user
This is right.... I've seen the dealer letter.... As I work in the network....the location for the new site has not been announced yet.
Bowkers are a family company, and I work with them occassionly, and they are excited and looking forward to making this a venue for bikers, not just a place to buy bikes....I wish them all the best with there plans.
hazzy
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http://www.southportsuperbikes.co.uk/news/
called in today check progress on my wc gsa, salesman andy very upbeat,and looking forward to there new venture. all staff will be going and sounds like its going to be a purpose built showroom...motorcycles only...
called in today check progress on my wc gsa, salesman andy very upbeat,and looking forward to there new venture. all staff will be going and sounds like its going to be a purpose built showroom...motorcycles only...
geordielad
Registered user
I can recommend Williams at Manchester.
I don't like the attitude of Chester BMW - a bunch of sanctimonious gits (IMHO)
I have used Chester Harley when I had the Guzzi - wouldn't let them near a pushbike - I had to correct loads of things after they had it - don't touch them!
Bowkers have a Harley dealership in Preston with no cars in sight.
I'm paraphrasing a bit here but;
Years ago BMW wanted Bluebell to build a dedicated bike showroom as indeed most of the bike places are now . Bluebell had just spent a cool mill or more on their new Mini showroom that BMW had insisted on so they weren't too keen. I would imagine sales weren't great at the time , they weren't selling thousands of GSs yet and new the k1200s wasn't a runaway success.
BMW said " build it and they will come " ....Bluebell said you fekkin pay for it then cos we ain't ......so they relinquished the bike franchise .......
I doubt that there is a fortune to be made selling bike's at the moment - a steady living, not without quite a bit of aggro
Plus looking into the future, bike sales will only dwindle
Plus looking into the future, bike sales will only dwindle
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