Omigod! What if I want to buy a new bike...

[Hitcher]

What is it about me and suboptimal experiences at bike shops?

I'd like to think I'm a nice guy who is sometimes pleasant, kind to children and small animals, who pays his taxes, saves his pennies and likes to spend loose change on motorcycles, their maintenance and associated accessories.

One would think that bike shops should be a healthy adjunct to somebody with such a mindset. But on many occasions I have walked from shops completely unsatisfied, even incensed, by what should have been pleasurable having been turned into something disturbingly frustrating.

Over the past six weeks, six hours, six minutes and six seconds (not that I am obsessive about this by any means) since I sent by beloved ST down the road at Bulls and in the process broke a collarbone, helmet and vented jacket, I have been pacing breathlessly waiting for the moment I could ride again. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a melon...

With time and lack of opportunity in bucketloads, I find my mind wanders.

I still don't have a helmet (thanks, Whites), so couldn't ride even if I was able to sneak out under cover of darkness and hotwire Mrs H's Marauder in a massive act of desperation.

And another of life's mysteries is when I can expect to receive a rideable ST1300. Mrs H and I called in at ANZA on Sunday, while returning from New Plymouth in the c.a.r., to see where things were at. After trying to engage with some of the employees, I went for a walk around the workshop to have a looksee. No bike in evidence. So I left, after having sought answers, with more questions. I simmered until Otaki.

Other recent thoughts have been along the lines of "Should I sell the ST and buy something else?"

Like a Breva 1100?

Or sell the ST and buy two bikes -- like a Hornet and a Wee-Strom?

Or a Mean Streak and a ER6F?

Or trade up the ST to a newer one with an electric screen and ABS?

The demented ravings of the desperately bikeless. Pitiful.

But then comes the kicker. To do any of this, I would have to engage with (shock, horror) a bike shop. Or, more relevantly, a bike shop staffed with sales people who give a shit. And crashing back to reality I come.

What I need is a "Wanted to buy" advertisement, and see what (if any interest) I can generate through that avenue. The thought of waiting for small eternities in motorcycle showrooms while salespeople (if they exist at all, like the Marie Celeste Honda dealership in Lower Hutt) talk to their girlfriends on the phone or stare endlessly at a V-rod muffler that somebody has left on the counter to see if the part number is in Sansrit or Erdu, quite frankly, shits me to tears.

Maybe I'm not cut out to be a consumer. Maybe I just need a ride.

[James Deuce]

I've given up expecting service from anyone other than Robyn and Kerry at Sawyers/Motorad. They are brilliant.

I've also almost completely abandoned the idea of getting one of those mystical test rides before buying.

What I do is rock up to the shop, go, "HEY YOU!" to one of the sales people and whip out enough $100 bills to engage their attention.

If they so much as suck air through their teeth I leave.

I've bought two new bikes in the last 12 months, both events were relatively painless and the bike I traded sold in less than a week both times.

I understand you are frustrated, but you need to change from victim stance, to, "I own you boy. Where's my bike?"

Then all things become possible, including a positive bike shop experience.

[MSTRS]

I understand you are frustrated, but you need to change from victim stance, to, "I own you boy. Where's my bike?"

Then all things become possible, including a positive bike shop experience.
Yep. Put it in simple terms that any cretin can understand. "I pay your bosses wages" is a good one.

[Burger]

You're telling me, amazing how one experience can just put you off the whole idea....

[Big Dave]

Nah.
You have to sell yourself on the idea before you can go baggin' the sales people.

Patrick at AMPS and Eddie at ANZA are both friends of mine and
will both give you no bullshite if you communicate your requirements.

[Deviant Esq]

Bike shops I've dealt with, albeit breifly, have tended to ignore me for being young, or get irritated with me for being a question asker (newbie). Though I've met a few good guys I'd be happy to deal with again, more have been more than willing to forget I exist. But the above advice I think would be priceless and should get someone's attention quicksmart. "Alright you lot, who wants some commission??"

:niceone:

Oh, and CB900 Hornet = mmm. I'd hit one... with a little aftermarket blade and a packrack, I'd be all over it like a cheap suit.

[Motu]

Oh,to live a dream - to have enough money to walk into a bike shop as a prospective customer,to have to decide on which bike to buy....and go right up nose to nose to a bike salesman and talk business....

How come in 36 years of riding I've never done that?

[Holy Roller]

I've ever only brough one new bike. That was from Cycle Spot back in 82. Got a free helmet and brought an aftermarket screen for it, it went on tick. The last bike I brought from a bike shop was at the Honda shop in Rotorua, saw the bike said i'll have it. "Want a test ride", "No thanks, I'll take it". Forked over the cash all $3000 for an 86 XV500SE in mint condition. No hassles with it until some broad did a U turn infront of me. The shop I deal with now is Tony Rees in Whakatane great service even if I am a bit of a pain at times. Would have brought a bike off him if he could have found something in my requirements.

[Bonez]

Fuck the new bikes. Buy a 5-10 yo one in reasonable nick with around 50,000ks up and riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide .

[Big Dave]

Oh,to live a dream - to have enough money to walk into a bike shop as a prospective customer,to have to decide on which bike to buy....and go right up nose to nose to a bike salesman and talk business....

How come in 36 years of riding I've never done that?

Admittedly the Buell is only the 3rd brand new bike I've bought - SR500, XS1100RH and XB12X - but I've had plenty of X'y second handers - Since when has having the money had anything to do with it?

[Highlander]

Again I say it BAYRIDE in Tauranga they will sort you out.

Too many shops ignore you even if you walk in their door wearing your riding kit but not these guys.

[Big Dave]

Fuck the new bikes. Buy a 5-10 yo one in reasonable nick with around 50,000ks up and riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide .


We'll have a beer waiting on the bar for when you eventually get there too.

[madboy]

You see, here's where the average motorcyclist goes wrong. They know too much about bikes and then they do too much thinking about what they want.

The purchase process for my bike was simple. I walked into the dealership, looked at the 636 and the R1 next to it. Both fit my criteria (price, condition & could annihilate pigs). Did I want the R1 that I'd be dumb enough to try wheelies everywhere? Or the newer lower mileage 636 that I was far less likely to die on? Oh it was a tough choice...

And to this day, I return to that dealer for everything. Oil, fork seals, new jacket, boots, another pair of gloves... They all know me by my first name, and they all know that sometimes I'm there to talk shite, sometimes I'm there to whip out the plastic. My partner got her stuff there, her mate got her stuff there. I always go there and I always get the service I expect. It limits my scope for new bikes to Yamahas and KTMs, but that's okay, cos R1s come in the right price, right condition and the same annihilation potential as the next brand.

[ZorsT]

There is an underlying problem that is the cause of your poor service.

The bike shops you speak ill of are in the North Island, and therefore, are full of North Islanders.

Come to Thunderbike Powersports in Nelson, and say you wanna buy a bike. You won't be dissapointed by their service.

[marty]

have you tried Botany Honda in auckland? they had a nice blue one on the floor about 6 days ago.

if insurance is paying then why not?

[soundbeltfarm]

Nah.
You have to sell yourself on the idea before you can go baggin' the sales people.

Patrick at AMPS and Eddie at ANZA are both friends of mine and
will both give you no bullshite if you communicate your requirements.

i found Ed the best of all of them in Anza, not a bad bloke.

[MD]

Hitcher, I'm behind the news here? Sorry to here you crashed and hurt yourself. Get well soon and I know the frustration of waiting to get back on a bike.
No idea what happened to you BUT what the hell were you doing in Bulls. No wonder you crashed. Just joking all you lovers of Bulls - the town, not the beef.
You like l-o-n-g trips so the ST1300 is probably one of the best around in your size. Apart from those overpriced BMWs but lets not go there. If I was looking for a sportstourer the Triumph ST sprint would be top of my shopping list.
Maybe I look like an easy target to Bike salesman because they all seem to provide good friendly service whenever I pop into any shop. Got to beat the buggers back with a stick.

[Ixion]

Oh,to live a dream - to have enough money to walk into a bike shop as a prospective customer,to have to decide on which bike to buy....and go right up nose to nose to a bike salesman and talk business....

How come in 36 years of riding I've never done that?

Cos y're like me - a bottom feeder living off the end of the biker food chain. And bike shops don't have those sort of bikes. 'Tis OK - I get as much fun from a 20 year old $1000 dollar bike as someone who swans into the bike shop and pays down 15K for a new one. And then crashes it a month later!

[Ixion]

We'll have a beer waiting on the bar for when you eventually get there too.

Y'know where you can ride at a sustained 180kph+? Tell me ! Petal's 30 years old and will cruise all week at 150kph. OK, y'r new R1 will go faster. Until the cops confiscate y'r licence. And how many places in NZ can you maintain 200kph for 30 minutes continuous? Name me one ? Old bikes ain't slow bikes.

[KLOWN]

I have never bought a new bike, but when I bought my helmet and riding gear and any parts for my bike i have gone to phil turnbulls down here in palmy. Everytime I come in the sales people greet me and the parts and workshop people are great. I don't look like i have money, cause I dont, and the only time I haven't been greeted or looked after straight away is when everyone is busy. Great store great guys.

[mstriumph]

hmmmmmmmmm that's a revelation :confused:

thought that those 'sub-optimal bikeshop experiences' were reserved for women

:rofl:

suddenly, i don't feel so bad :corn:

thank you, mr hitcher!

[Big Dave]

Old bikes ain't slow bikes.

Tell that to a CB350.

[White trash]

Come to Thunderbike Powersports in Nelson, and say you wanna buy a bike. You won't be dissapointed by their service.

Why should you say "I wanna buy a bike"? Isn't that a salesmans job? To engage motorcyclists in a conversation to find out why they're in the shop in the first place?

This is a bloke who'd (fairly) recently, bought an almost new ST thingamijig from ANZA, at fair old price I'd bet. A friendly "Howz it Mr Hitcher, be with ya soon" might have helped.

I was lucky enough (due to an extremely unfortunate incident) to be able to help the Hitcher family out after I'd previously made the mistake of not taking them seriously and the lessons I learnt in that one transaction made me alot better sales person for the rest of my career.

And don't get me started about ChunderBike......

[Beemer]

I know I have bagged them before, but we went into ANZA on Saturday and a salesman actually approached us and was very helpful! You could have knocked me down with a feather!

However, when shopping for a bike on our honeymoon last year, in places from Hamilton to Kaitaia and back, the level of service (apart from that we received from Sarge) was abyssmal. Several times we walked around for ages and weren't even acknowledged. In some shops we were approached, but as soon as they discovered we were looking for a Goose and they didn't have one, end of conversation. Oh, I tell a lie, one guy did half-heartedly try to sell me a Monster 600! And the majority of the ones who did bother to talk to us ignored me (intended owner of bike) and only spoke to my husband. One asked me if I had my full licence as the Goose was a 350 so I wouldn't be able to ride it on a learner's licence. The look on his face when I said "that's fine, I am currently riding a BMW F650CS" was priceless!

One shop in Wellington missed out on selling me a bike when I began riding (blame the owner at the time, a Mr Scoular) because I walked around the shop looking at bikes for half an hour and was not even acknowledged once, despite the fact all the staff were standing around at the counter reading bike magazines or chatting with their mates.

[Lou Girardin]

I guess I get to see both sides of the issue, and how hard our sales guys work. I've bought two bikes from Colemans now, because I wanted a Spwezuki both times. Both times it was a relatively pain free experience, dollars were talked and a deal was done.
Maybe I've been lucky.

[marty]

And how many places in NZ can you maintain 200kph for 30 minutes continuous? Name me one ? Old bikes ain't slow bikes.

from mercer tavern to the orewa roundabout is EXACTLY 100kms - bling to the person who can do that in 30 mins....

[marty]

just realised it's not the mercer tavern any more - the mercer mobil then.

[sAsLEX]

:
And how many places in NZ can you maintain 200kph for 30 minutes continuous? Name me one ? Old bikes ain't slow bikes.



from mercer tavern to the orewa roundabout is EXACTLY 100kms - bling to the person who can do that in 30 mins....


some people have proof of over 200 in that stretch......but that far in half an hour shit even sitting on 140 most of the southern and splitting with a fair bit of reckless abandon it has taken me around 45 mins to get to Devo, nah I reckon it could be done, not in peak times but say a sunday afternoon....

[marty]

sunday afternoon? have you ever seen how many aucklanders are returning to their sad lives after the weekend annoying the rest of us down coromandel way?

4am on a weekday morning could work. i used to commute down the southern about then, and often did the run from manukau to mercer without seeing anyone at all. 9 minutes from manukau to mercer was my best (in the cage) but add the distance to orewa on to that, in only 21 minutes more........

[sAsLEX]

often did the run from manukau to mercer without seeing anyone at all..

wheres the challenge in that?

[marty]

after a 12 hr shift, facing an 80 minute drive, there was plenty of challenge without having to dodge tired tourists/drunk taxi drivers etc

[jrandom]

Hitcher, I think you should swap to pushbikes.

Then you'd be a nice guy who is sometimes pleasant, kind to children and small animals, who pays his taxes, saves his pennies, weighs under eighty kilograms, has embarrassingly strange tan lines halfway down his thighs and upper arms and spends most days with band-aids stuck over his nipples.

[marty]

wb fish - now is that hitcher or yourself you're describing?

[vifferman]

Y'know, I've read these sorts of complaints before, and it seems to me that apart from the fact that there are a lot of crap shops and/or crap 'service'persons out there, one of the things that works against prospective bike buyers is turning up in civvies. It shouldn't make any difference, but sometimes it does.

Having said that, you'd think that bike shops, with a much smaller turnover than that of their four-wheeled counterparts, would work a lot harder at trying to make a living. How many car dealerships would leave you wandering around without at least finding out what you wanted? And how many appliance shops would rish missing out on selling you at least a toaster-oven, if not a surround-dound entertainment system? The bike shops have really got to lift their game a LOT.

[jrandom]

wb fish

I am a fig of your imagination.


is that hitcher or yourself you're describing?

Me now, Hitcher in potentia.

[cowpoos]

the triumph st sprints are a awesome looking machine...I think big dave has one...similar genre to your st... I think you've made your mind up just by thinking about it... do it... u know u want to... ;)

[Hitcher]

Me now, Hitcher in potentia.
I have never knowingly weighed less than 80kg. I can produce an affidavit from my mother that attests to an 85kg caesarian section delivery...

[Pixie]

I've never had a problem.I've bought bikes from Whites,Colemans,Mollers,Len Perry,and Bikesport,8 new bikes in all.
I go into a shop find a salesman and tell him I'm looking for a new bike and I'm checking out the deals all the dealers are offering,best one gets the sale.

[Pixie]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ixion
And how many places in NZ can you maintain 200kph for 30 minutes continuous? Name me one ? Old bikes ain't slow bikes.




some people have proof of over 200 in that stretch......but that far in half an hour shit even sitting on 140 most of the southern and splitting with a fair bit of reckless abandon it has taken me around 45 mins to get to Devo, nah I reckon it could be done, not in peak times but say a sunday afternoon....
Have you ridden up the southern motorway on a sunday afternoon,recently?
Say,in the last 15 years?

[sAsLEX]

Have you ridden up the southern motorway on a sunday afternoon,recently?
Say,in the last 15 years?

yip, live in Devo and ride with FF et al down that way, mind you heavy traffic means less chance of being chased.....

[Swoop]

just realised it's not the mercer tavern any more - the mercer mobil then.
Muddy Waters Pub... not too bad there on a hot afternoon...:drinkup: :drinkup:

[vifferman]

Mr Swoop - be careful your avatar doesn't get firebombed by those peace-loving Muslims. :eek:

[White trash]

Y'know, I've read these sorts of complaints before, and it seems to me that apart from the fact that there are a lot of crap shops and/or crap 'service'persons out there, one of the things that works against prospective bike buyers is turning up in civvies. It shouldn't make any difference, but sometimes it does.

Now this I'm not sure of as I hate talking to bikers.

[SARGE]

too bad you're not in Auckland man.. some of us give a shit ( get you off those Vanilla Ice Cream bikes...)

[James Deuce]

Right, just to put this in perspective, I've just fielded some calls from some rather upset motorcycle retail business owners, who are feeling a bit hard done by. I tend to agree with them. The right of reply isn't readily available to them on here, without them looking a bit "whingey", and I tend to agree that the thread started about ANZA but the scope(in only a few cases) soon changed to the motorcycle retail industry in general.

Now, we've all had bad retail experiences. The ONLY way to avoid it happening again is to let the people who can influence future customer/client interfaces know that you weren't happy.

However, ANZA's disregard for Hitcher's desire to find out what's happening with his bike is a bit rank, and shouldn't be regarded as acceptable. But how about doing something about it instead of whinging in an Internet forum? Next time you're in ANZA, ask how that STX1300 is coming along. My mate got hurt in the accident and he's really hanging out to ride and some information about his bike might make him feel a bit more positive about life in general.

Similarly if any other motorcycle shop has pissed you off try to think of something positive about the place, and try to raise your concerns with someone in a management position. Fair enough if you really got done, but what's the point of a long term grudge? You're a long time dead.

[Beemer]

Right, just to put this in perspective, I've just fielded some calls from some rather upset motorcycle retail business owners, who are feeling a bit hard done by. I tend to agree with them. The right of reply isn't readily available to them on here, without them looking a bit "whingey", and I tend to agree that the thread started about ANZA but the scope(in only a few cases) soon changed to the motorcycle retail industry in general.

Perhaps if these upset motorcycle retail business owners started providing a modicum of what could loosely be called service to EVERY customer, not just the ones they feel like bothering with, perhaps we wouldn't need to moan about them. Until then, most of us will do our talking with our feet and shop elsewhere.

[James Deuce]

Beemer, people make comments in a public forum often without ever trying to address the initial problem. One visit, without the result you wanted doesn't make the whole organisation a bunch of losers/morons/disinterested vendors.

People hardly ever relate good service events, instead they make a lot of noise when one thing goes wrong. In my experience, often this is because of poor communication by BOTH parties.

Motorad/Sawyers have helped me through a difficult patch in my life (one that you personally didn't make any easier I might add), and I have always been able to end up with a result in terms of buying bikes and accessories with them. Their service department is great, in particular Gareth, who really goes out of his way to make sure the workshop understands EXACTLY what you need done. Derek McAdam is a meticulous mechanic, and Hazel, Robyn, and Kerry are the kind of people I'd want working for me in that environment. Brendan and Barry HAVE always dealt with me in a fair and realistic fashion.

Stew at TSS is a good bugger and has helped me out on ocassion too. Mike at WMCC at least pretends to be pleased to see me. I don;t think people try to establish a relationship with these people, and throw their toys out of the cot a bit too soon in my book.

By the same token I've never had any issues with car dealers either. No lemons, no attitudes, and any minor problems sorted quickly. How many times have I seen it on here where people sit on a problem for a couple of weeks before getting it fixed, or make it worse trying to "number eight fencing wire" the problem only to create a biger one?

I wish I could rely on my mechanical skills to service my bike, but I can't. I always have bits left over. I'm happy to pay people I trust to look after my stuff. But I'm not happy to have them mercilessly bagged in public, by people only willing to relate their bad stories.

[Bonez]

Tell that to a CB350.350/4s are quite nible where it counts- tight, twisty, back county roads. So to the old 350 twins, better than the later 360s I might add. Now if you graft a cb500 engine (know someone who did just that) into a 350/4 frame, the thing is, well-priceless.

Now that I think about it, my old CJ250T use to do almost weekly trip from Hobsinville to Havelock North sitting on 105ks-110 most of the way. Hell even my CB400T could keep up with a Ducati 900SD in the tight stuff.

[Bonez]

Cos y're like me - a bottom feeder living off the end of the biker food chain. And bike shops don't have those sort of bikes. 'Tis OK - I get as much fun from a 20 year old $1000 dollar bike as someone who swans into the bike shop and pays down 15K for a new one. And then crashes it a month later!Aint that the truth.

[James Deuce]

Cos y're like me - a bottom feeder living off the end of the biker food chain. And bike shops don't have those sort of bikes. 'Tis OK - I get as much fun from a 20 year old $1000 dollar bike as someone who swans into the bike shop and pays down 15K for a new one. And then crashes it a month later!
Hey! :) I've had mine for 6 weeks and the magnetic ground attraction field has worn off. I didn't spend that much either. In fact I haven't put more than $7k into a bike purchase except once about 12 years ago. And it was worth it.

The Cb400 I sold just before Christmas was just as much fun as anything else I've ever owned too, and I'd love to get my hands on a CB400/4 one day. Problem is they are starting to cost real money for a good one.

[Big Dave]

350/4s are quite nible where it counts- tight, twisty, back county roads. So to the old 350 twins, better than the later 360s I might add. Now if you graft a cb500 engine (know someone who did just that) into a 350/4 frame, the thing is, well-priceless.

Now that I think about it, my old CJ250T use to do almost weekly trip from Hobsinville to Havelock North sitting on 105ks-110 most of the way. Hell even my CB400T could keep up with a Ducati 900SD in the tight stuff.


OK - Take the CB and I'll race you point to point through the most demanding section you can name on my Buell then? You = :second: :bye: :slap:

[Beemer]

Jim, I don't think it is true that people don't tell tales of good service - I can recall many threads where someone has said a big thanks to this that or the other business/person for great service. I have often done the same myself. I will also bring the matter of poor service or faulty goods to the attention of those who can and will do something about it. However, if I go into a shop and get poor service and other outlets have the same products, I don't bother bringing the matter up, I just shop elsewhere.

Apart from ANZA - and I did mention how the guy who approached us last weekend was very helpful - I didn't name any shops. Scoular is long gone and I was referring to an incident when HE owned that shop.

You mentioned Sawyers/Motorad. In my experience, Brendan has always been helpful and I can honestly say he has gone out of his way to help me on more than one occasion. He gave up his own time to help me and others learn to ride (as did Allan Kirk), and he loaned me a demo bike for a two-week South Island trip. I would count Brendan and his family as friends. My husband has always had his BMW serviced by Michael Dobson and he has always been more than happy with the service he receives from him. Barry, Carl, Derek, Glen - all great guys too.

I have no idea what your difficult patch was and as I have never met you (that I know of), I fail to see how I contributed to your woes.

Pete at WMCC always has a greeting when we walk in and I have happily bought motorcycle gear, etc from them in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I also get great service from AFC in Palmerston North.

Sarge was fantastic when I was looking for a new bike last year and if he'd had what I'd been looking for, I wouldn't have had any hesitation in buying it off him.

I agree, people should approach the shop or person concerned and see if anything can be done to resolve the situation, but I don't agree that people shouldn't be freely able to tell of their experiences, good and bad. Many times people use this forum as a sounding board - sort of "this has happened, what do you think I should do?" and they can't be held responsible for the opinions of others who post in those threads.

I still maintain that until some of these outlets start realising that they are in a business offering a SERVICE, they shouldn't expect loyalty and respect from their customers as an automatic right. That should be earned by good service, friendly staff, good communication, etc.

[XP@]

Was in a bike shop once with $8000 in cash in my pocket and bike written all over it.
Taking an interest in a mint Africa Twin parked up inside.
Got sick of waiting so i started it up, let it run for a couple of minutes.
Still no "hello" from the sales dudes.
Ah welll.. no pre-sales = no sales.

Otherwise if I am looking for parts then I will go to someone I know knows how to find them.

[Ixion]

OK - Take the CB and I'll race you point to point through the most demanding section you can name on my Buell then? You = :second: :bye: :slap:

Uh, hardly fair - putting a 1200cc up against a 350cc. Now, you ride a Buell 350cc and Mr Bonez can ride a CB350 - and we'll see which is best.

[Bonez]

OK - Take the CB and I'll race you point to point through the most demanding section you can name on my Buell then? You = :second: :bye: :slap:
I don't mind following behind a Buell. Saver the sound and all that. I have admitted elsewhere I ride like a Nana. Would you like to borrow my blowse? I obvoiusly could not keep pace with you Dave, you're a legend..............

[SPman]

Mstriumph punts her CB350 around quite briskly - very briskly for a 35 yr old twin in original condition, in fact.

[MD]

Popped in to Anza and saw the sad ST1300. It's roadworthy so if you get desperate get someone to ride it home. They said the Assessor's been.
The question (I didn't get to ask) is have they gone ahead and ordered the parts in advance since it's obvious what's going to be needed. Side crash bar, mirror blah blah. Bet they will wait until the letter arrives from the Insurance co. Then place an order for next month's delivery. I could be wrong of course.
Hitcher, they do have a shiny new red and a blue ST waiting for you.
I put a dollar deposit down on the blue for you. All you have to do is pay the balance. No need to thank me really.
MD

[Hitcher]

Popped in to Anza and saw the sad ST1300. It's roadworthy so if you get desperate get someone to ride it home. They said the Assessor's been.
The question (I didn't get to ask) is have they gone ahead and ordered the parts in advance since it's obvious what's going to be needed. Side crash bar, mirror blah blah. Bet they will wait until the letter arrives from the Insurance co. Then place an order for next month's delivery. I could be wrong of course.
Hitcher, they do have a shiny new red and a blue ST waiting for you.
I put a dollar deposit down on the blue for you. All you have to do is pay the balance. No need to thank me really.
MD
You're a champ. Thanks Mark. I wonder where they had the ST stashed on Sunday? It's not as though it's that easy to hide. Apparently the parts are all ordered. About $6,500 worth. I'll ring tomorrow and see if they have a delivery date in mind.

I prefer the red to the blue myself. The blue lacks presence somehow.

Can't ride anything anyway until the new helmet turns up (eta 20 Feb). The things one has to endure when one wants a lid with a graphic on it...

[MD]

The bike was W-A-Y out the back in another building for B-I-G bikes. No joke. They had 3 of those giant thingies, Goldwing 1800s getting serviced. One was on blocks on its side so they could get underneath, to change the oil maybe! They can't refill the oil until the crane returns next week to lift it back up.
If you don't take that blue one you owe me a dollar.
Have you given the Triumph ST a serious thought?
$6,500 for parts. We get so ripped off on bike spares. That's half a new bike. Mind you melt down the St and you could make 2 whole sportsbikes.
Hope you are recovering OK.

[Hitcher]

Triumph ST. Thought. Luggage?

And where would I find a demo?

[ZorsT]

http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/sales/bikes/usedbikes/index.htm

There are two, one blue and one silver, about two thirds of the way down the page.

[Zapf]

... wow... compair that with buying a Honda Cage...

Walks into Honda Newmarket...

Requests a sales man.

One appears in front of you... takes your name and details.

Looks you up in the computer... ar... Mr Tsang. A customer from a few moons ago. what can we do for you.

Mr.Tsang " I want to test drive this / this / this in both manual and automatic.

Sales " of course sir, when would you like to book it in? and do help yourselfs to our tea / coffee and bickies"

Fast foward to the time of test drive...

Sales " please sign form here just once, we have your drivers license on record. Have a nice day.... all the cages are fully insured by Honda and you have nothing, not even excess to worry about"

How easy was that.... they are not pushy.... they are helpful.... they are nice.... they will only talk as much as you ask them to....

Great job Mr.Honda.... now the motorcycle division can learn alot.

[Lou Girardin]

..
Sales " please sign form here just once, we have your drivers license on record. Have a nice day.... all the cages are fully insured by Honda and you have nothing, not even excess to worry about"


Does he know that you're now unlicenced/ disqualified? His database sure wouldn't.
And it's so much more convienient for Honda Japan to carry the insurance, they don't have to worry about all the nit picky things that normal insurance companies require. Like $2500.00 excesses.
Who do you think should pay that when the odd demo gets dropped?