Bad Impression - Christchurch First European Motorcycles

**wind_glider** · 16th July 2015, 15:22

So I want to get this off my chest, but also to see what everyone else's experience are when dealing with First European.

A couple of months ago (at the beginning of this year) I was looking for an upgrade.

Basically I sold my perfect '09 CBR1000RR and went for a '94 M900 thinking I would enjoy the street fighter lifestyle.

Didn't work out as planned and I was hungry for a sports bike once more.

Found MV Agusta's F3 675 or the 800 to be the next bike I would go for since they look so damn sexy.

Went to First European after doing research about the bikes I'm interested in. And things got interesting.

There was an F3 that said "demo" and to inquire if you would like a test ride. Welp, if I'm shedding over 15k I may as well see if I like the feel of it? Then the sales representative dropped this on me. "Well, you CAN test ride if you are really SERIOUS about buying it, but if you are just another time waster looking for a kick you can leave now. This F3 demo bike is for those who are 99% sure they're going to buy it and just want to test out the feel of the bike before they give us their deposit." Afterwards, telling him I've been riding for years and that I've ridden Fireblades and Monsters and Ninjas he pushed the bike out of the shop and wanted to show off the cool after-market Zard exhaust on the bike. First impression? Didn't even get to hear it. The battery on the bike was flat. Some awkwardness ensues and some reassurance that they take good care of their bikes... And that the scratches and black marks around the "new" bikes are just from sitting there too long. Okay? Sure.

Well, First European, I know you have posted ads and promotions of your shop on this forum. So if you are reading this... How can I know if the F3 is for me if you are the only ones that sale it and right off the bat pressure me to buy it without me even sitting on the damn fucking thing? The sales rep even said if after riding the demo that I wasn't going to buy it then he's going to put me in some sort of blacklist. Fuck off. Safe to say did NOT go back. Afterwards, went on a bike ride with a couple of blokes. All said had bad experiences with them... And here's what happened with their Cars Department recently that got them to the front page of Stuff News http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...l-christchurch

I may look like young and wear normal clothing instead of suits and ties... but I've worked long and hard enough to have the ability to afford your bikes. Never judge a book by its cover. Went to another dealership and bought a GSX-R750.

End of my ravings... Anybody with experience dealing with them? Any other experiences that can change my riding buddies and my view towards them?

Cheers.

**TheDemonLord** · 16th July 2015, 15:33

I know that some bikes tend to attract Test Pilots as opposed to serious buyers - Me personally, I have always emailed ahead of time or I popped in a couple of days before I intend to take a bike for a test ride and have never had any problem.

If they are being difficult, Proof of Funds goes a long way to getting them to back off.

**nodrog:Me** · 16th July 2015, 15:35

I've heard they have some precious customers.

**wind_glider** · 16th July 2015, 15:37

Originally Posted by TheDemonLord

I know that some bikes tend to attract Test Pilots as opposed to serious buyers - Me personally, I have always emailed ahead of time or I popped in a couple of days before I intend to take a bike for a test ride and have never had any problem.

If they are being difficult, Proof of Funds goes a long way to getting them to back off.

That's a good idea... I should ring them up... Along with a bank statement... Thanks buddy

**wind_glider** · 16th July 2015, 15:38

Originally Posted by nodrog

I've heard they have some precious customers.

What do you mean by precious?? :0

**Gremlin** · 16th July 2015, 15:47

The way I see it, if there is any difficulty dealing with sales, then service/parts/workshop are going to be worse (more incentive selling 5 figures).

Is it really worth getting your knickers all twisted up over it? Life is too short, move on, deal with a dealer you like. Could be the start of a long relationship. The good salespeople I know encourage you to ride... they're the dangerous ones... I don't want to buy another bike

**OddDuck** · 16th July 2015, 16:42

Proof of funds is a damn good idea, I'll have to do that the next time.

**sidecar bob** · 16th July 2015, 17:18

Originally Posted by OddDuck

Proof of funds is a damn good idea, I'll have to do that the next time.

Proof of funds be fucked. If I have to provide a bank statement to be taken seriously you suck my sweaty ball bag.
What I have in the bank is none of anyone's business, let alone some broken arsed grey shoe'd salesman.

**unstuck** · 16th July 2015, 17:39

Suck it up princess, the world is full of nasty people, when you are a crybaby, victimized, feel sorry for me dickhead.

**ellipsis** · 16th July 2015, 18:37

...they wont even let me look in the window...they know i'm broke...

**Voltaire** · 16th July 2015, 18:38

Thanks for the tip, I'll wear a suit and tie next time as I never get any respect at bike shops, except for that Honda shop in Botany where the sales guy offers me $5 and a bag of chips

**Mike.Gayner** · 16th July 2015, 18:44

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

Proof of funds be fucked. If I have to provide a bank statement to be taken seriously you suck my sweaty ball bag.
What I have in the bank is none of anyone's business, let alone some broken arsed grey shoe'd salesman.

100% this.

Smart bike shops offer test rides, they don't force you to beg for one.

**mossy1200** · 16th July 2015, 18:58

I see instead of a new f3 you bought a 4 year old gsxr750. Are you sure you were in the market for a new Agusta?
You might have said something that put the salesman off. He could have just been a dick.
I cant say I have ever been refused a ride at a shop.
I wont ride something I am not considering buying.
I think the easiest thing to do is ask if its possible to book in for a test ride. The fact your prepared to come back in shows your considering purchase.

I didn't get to take a demo for a ride as there wasn't one. I got to sit on mine first though.
My MV was sold with a battery minder as they go flat in under a week if not used.

**tri boy** · 16th July 2015, 19:08

The owners of said shop are two of the nicest people I have had the chance to share a drink with.
Ever thought of chatting to them, instead of having a wee cry here.

The suggestion of pre arranging a ride is a good one.
Lets the shop check the bike over, and generally it removes any last second headaches like a flat battery.

An F3 isn't a run of the mill Honda.
I would be very tentative letting myself ride it, let alone some "walk in".