Haldanes is closed

**TheDoctor** · 1st February 2013, 17:40

Haldane is shutting, email received today...

Sent: Friday, 1 February 2013 5:43 PM
Subject: With deep regret

With deep regret we have to announce the closure of Haldane Motorcycles ltd

Ducati will be in touch shortly to announce how/when they will appoint a new dealer

I know that this is unwanted news , however from the staff point of view there has been
even less information given.

I trust you keep the faith with Ducati Motorcycles and we hope to be working with you soon.

Thanks for your support

Tony.........Dave........Richard

**Crasherfromwayback** · 1st February 2013, 17:48

She's tough old times out there in the motorcycle industry trust me.

**silver_duck** · 1st February 2013, 17:49

Thats very sad news... I've bought half a dozen bikes from them over the years and Richard has always been very good to deal with.
They never got upset when I'd come into the shop (when it was Mt Eden Rd) and clamber all over the Ducati's I couldnt afford during my lunch break.

Sad

Paul.

**Madness** · 1st February 2013, 18:16

It's not going to get any better when twats keep buying stuff on the net from overseas for small personal financial gains.

**onearmedbandit** · 1st February 2013, 18:22

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

She's tough old times out there in the motorcycle industry trust me.

Less new bike sales? Less servicing as a result? Or is it less accessory and parts sales due to online purchasing? Or just generally a combination of all 3.

**Glowerss** · 1st February 2013, 18:24

Originally Posted by Madness

It's not going to get any better when twats keep buying stuff on the net from overseas for small personal financial gains.

Not even overseas.

I needed a new chain and sprocket fitted. Called several bike shops around town got quoted at 250-350$

George at Motorcycle doctors said he'd do it for 90$. And he comes to you.

I've never had any dealings with Haldanes, and I hate to see people lose their jobs. But with price differences like that in servicing from a top chap like George, coupled with parts n bits being much cheaper from overseas, it's small wonder shops are starting to go under.

New bike prices here are also outrageous from my non native new zealander point of view

I wonder how many people are buying new vs used from trade me.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 1st February 2013, 18:45

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

Less new bike sales? Less servicing as a result? Or is it less accessory and parts sales due to online purchasing? Or just generally a combination of all 3.

Less new bike sales. The Japanese side of things is slow. I was chatting with the national dealer rep from Blue Wing the other day. He said their road bike dealers were all squealing too. Farm/quad bike dealers were going ok...as are Suzuki's. Service dept is busy as. Parts down a lil.

Originally Posted by Glowerss

I needed a new chain and sprocket fitted. Called several bike shops around town got quoted at 250-350$

George at Motorcycle doctors said he'd do it for 90$. And he comes to you.

New bike prices here are also outrageous from my non native new zealander point of view

I wonder how many people are buying new vs used from trade me.

And George pays how much rent?

New bike prices here are actually quite ok.

**clonak** · 1st February 2013, 19:00

That sucks. Going to have to travel further for a bike shop now. Not to mention the people out of a job, thats gotta hurt this early in the year. Im trying to find work and its not proving to be as easy as I thought....

A slightly easier car park to get in and out of wouldnt have gone a miss though. Saw a guy got wiped out in front of the shop the other day. Not sure if he was leaving there or what, didnt see it happen, just the pile of fairings in the midle of the road, and a car with a mashed up front end.

**Glowerss** · 1st February 2013, 19:03

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

And George pays how much rent?

New bike prices here are actually quite ok.

I spose it's a matter of perspective or what you're used too. Bike prices here are 2-3x what I'm used too

Anyway I'm not saying George is better or the dealerships are charging too much or ripping people off or whatever else rubbish. I know that they have overheads.

Point was, there are a lot of dealerships out there, and when you can get servicing from somebody who not only comes to your house, but is well reputed and charges far less (due to less overhead and no extra staff ect whatever) it's going to make it hard for bike shops to compete.

I don't know what the shops can do about it. I suspect somebody far smarter then I will sort it out.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 1st February 2013, 19:16

Originally Posted by Glowerss

I spose it's a matter of perspective or what you're used too. Bike prices here are 2-3x what I'm used too

Point was, there are a lot of dealerships out there, and when you can get servicing from somebody who not only comes to your house, but is well reputed and charges far less (due to less overhead and no extra staff ect whatever) it's going to make it hard for bike shops to compete.

.

Where are you comparing prices to? The UK?

And I agree with what you're saying about the 'Georges' of NZ. I don't blame them one lil bit for doing their thing and earning money from doing so. I do wonder though...what will happen one day when 'George' makes a fuckup, that does thousands of dollars worth of damage to someones bike. Also...when there are only Georges left...best worry about who's going to do warranty work on your new bike etc etc.

I do believe there are too many motorcycle shops out there, and I'm sure you'll find only the best ones will survive. But it is a shame to see so many good ones go too.

**Brian d marge** · 1st February 2013, 19:27

You will see a lot more of this , unfortuantly , until the business model is changed , motorcycling is entertainment , on par with the movies and the pub after work

Stephen

**DMNTD:Me** · 1st February 2013, 19:37

Originally Posted by TheDoctor

Haldane is shutting, email received today...

Jebus, effin not good! Have been through the same when Mt Eden closed down and it's fucking stressful for all involved, including suppliers.

**aderino4** · 1st February 2013, 19:53

I know that this is unwanted news , however from the staff point of view there has been
even less information given.

They've also just received new shipment of Diavel on Wednesday. (According to the facebook page)
There is even a post on their facebook page as late as 3PM today.

It sounded weird almost like a stakeholder left with the money with very little or no notice.

I wonder if their Victory Motorcycle arm is still going or not.

**Digitdion** · 1st February 2013, 19:55

Originally Posted by Madness

It's not going to get any better when twats keep buying stuff on the net from overseas for small personal financial gains.

That's a stupid comment. There are so many reasons why Haldanes has had to close. And in this day and age most people or business's are into personal financial gains. Bike shops are like any other business. They need to adapt to changing times.