Bad Impression - Christchurch First European Motorcycles

**Maha** · 17th July 2015, 08:06

Originally Posted by Yow Ling

Agree, they don't even want you to pay cash for it , they get paid extra for you getting finance

Our last bike purchase was trade/cash, prior to that the last three bike purchase's were cash (brand new bikes) and very easy/no problem/bend over backwards to accommodate. Three different bike shops, all payed ORC/full tank of fuel etc at no charge. One shop even bought/fitted a Ventura pack rack/ORC and fuel at no extra charge.

My first three bikes were all on finance which worked well for me in the end, I got a $7K pay back from the finance company for dicking around with my accounts to the tune of that amount, that money helped when wanting to pay cash for the next bike on the list.

**Paul in NZ** · 17th July 2015, 09:51

I have had similar and very patchy experiences with dealers the few times I have considered buying a new bike and had the funds to do this. We really wanted a new bike….

The worst was actually making an advance booking to ride the demo bike that was there for a limited time. Riding 50km in iffy weather to get to the dealership with wife in tow… (it was explained I needed a 2 up bike and please remove the seat cowl and set suspension for two). We arrived about 5 mins early only to find the bike was out with another test rider and was not available. Remember I BOOKED a ride in person – provided my contact details and TOLD them I lived 50km and an hour away. About an hour later after the salesman had insulted my bike we rode in on (you’re surely not looking to trade THAT in are you?? – actually it’s a sought after classic you knob that sold in an hour for more than I asked…) Insulted my wife (she asked if they had a toilet) The bike was ready. It had NO gas, pillion cover was on and suspension not adjusted and could we be quick as they wanted to close. I was highly pissed off as my whole sat morning was shot to bits by now…. It was incredibly unprofessional and I realised that buying an exotic bike off these clowns was a recipe for disaster. So we made our apologies and left… Apparently I have a poor attitude…..

We still wanted to buy one of these things so… Next time we were off to a rally we called into a dealership on the way. Wow they had the exact model as an import on the floor… Guy was super keen to get us on the bike so off we went… I fuckin hated it… It handled like a drunken 3 legged hippo so we went around the block and straight back… I tried to explain to the dude that it handled funny and bordered on dangerous… He indicated I might not be up to the job… I pointed out I just rode 500km on a similar bike 2 up with luggage and had about 100,000km on the brand… I had a gauge in my pocket so I checked the tyre pressure – the front was 18psi… Oh…. I’ll pump that up for you. Nah – you should have done that BEFORE you sent us out on it – we are off… Again – I have a very poor attitude…

**Paul in NZ** · 17th July 2015, 09:52

Oh – bought the ST off a dealer in ChCh – over the phone… Piece of piss and great to deal with…

**nodrog:Me** · 17th July 2015, 10:05

I look like a criminal and was offered a testride on a desmocedici, you guys must have bad attitudes.

**Paul in NZ** · 17th July 2015, 10:27

Originally Posted by nodrog

I look like a criminal and was offered a testride on a desmocedici, you guys must have bad attitudes.

No - I'm a genial type usually but I can be difficult when provoked.... The problem is everyone insists on provoking me - its not my fault honest... grrrrrr.....

Mind you - People like Pete McD never seem to have an issue with me...

**EJK** · 17th July 2015, 10:29

Originally Posted by nodrog

I look like a criminal and was offered a testride on a desmocedici, you guys must have bad attitudes.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 17th July 2015, 10:34

[QUOTE=sidecar bob;1130883601Do you have to show your cock to buy condoms??[/QUOTE]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA

I should have to because mine is tiny.

**Maha** · 17th July 2015, 10:40

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Oh – bought the ST off a dealer in ChCh – over the phone… Piece of piss and great to deal with…

I did the same with my 1250FA, first time I saw it was when I picked it up. (Colemans)

Must add that Rob at Holeshot was awesome to deal with when we bought the Tiger.

**pritch** · 17th July 2015, 10:57

This thread reminds me: I would be interested to learn the reaction in the Aston Martin dealer in the UK when Guy Martin phoned to enquire about the availability of a new limited edition V12 they had advertised.

When I had only recently started work I overheard a conversation in the car dealer's where I worked. A guy had just taken a car for a test drive and the business owner (a former TT rider) was telling the salesman to phone the bank and check that the potential customer was good for the money. Guess he didn't get where he was by being trusting?

**TheDemonLord** · 17th July 2015, 11:03

Originally Posted by Maha

I did the same with my 1250FA, first time I saw it was when I picked it up. (Colemans)

Must add that Rob at Holeshot was awesome to deal with when we bought the Tiger.

+1 to both Colemans and also Rob at Holeshot as being awesome to deal with (and Rob has a glorious Beard)

**jonnyk5614** · 17th July 2015, 11:16

I rocked up at Red Baron Auckland, with helmet but in a car.

"Nope - learned to ride on my Ex's Ninja. Without a bike at the moment"
"Cool - here are some used LAMS options ($5k price point). It is shitty weather today but tomorrow looking good. Come back then for a ride?"
"OK"

turned up next morning and 3 bikes on the pavement ready to go.

Got back

"Can I try a Ninja just to compare?"
"Sure - I've only got the brand new one. Is that OK?"
"Cool"

So testing a $12k Ninja which he knew full well I wouldn't buy.

Signed on the line. Sadly the finance guy said no to part time income (permanent job held for 3 years but oh well....).
Salesman wasn't the least bit annoyed - refunded my deposit and said "get back in touch once you've sold the car".

So to clarify, prepared 3 $5k bikes for me to try, even though I didn't presently own a bike. Then gave me a go on a brand new $12k bike I wasn't buying and wasn't angry when sale fell through.

Good job Red Baron...

**Pontiac_Tonz** · 17th July 2015, 11:27

At least they spoke to you guys.

I rocked up at Red Baron with 12K loaded on my eft pos to buy a bike they had on their web site (assuming it rode OK - and it was much less than 12K BTW).

I turned up in a 2 year old Calais and was well dressed - I thought that should have spelt "SALE".

No one even acknowledged my existence! However, as the team were busy, I was happy to wait until they were free.

The first salesman (?) that came free went to talk to some other guy that has just walked in (apparently to pick up a bike).

I left with my money in my pocket and went elsewhere.

I actually emailed the sales manager to express my disappointment, I never heard back!?!?!?!

Had great service since from Coleman's and the guys on the shore (bike shops) all talked to me - so maybe I was invisible on that day?!?!?!?!?

**sidecar bob** · 17th July 2015, 11:28

Originally Posted by nodrog

I look like a criminal and was offered a testride on a desmocedici, you guys must have bad attitudes.

The salesman probably wanted to tap your missus while you were gone.

**jonnyk5614** · 17th July 2015, 11:34

When I first passed my car test in the UK, I headed straight on up to Fiat to look at the new Punto (I'd just learned in one). Piece of piss - I only wanted a brochure but the salesman wasn't busy and said "got your license on you" so we went for a drive.

Week later, booked a test drive in the Toyota Yaris (Vitz in NZ) on their website. Rolled up - snooty salesman went "well, you'll need to book". "I did." "Oh, well don't have a demo Yaris." "Come again?" "10 mins later, we can borrow the receptionist's in half an hour but we'll only have 10 mins".

Next day, phoned Alfa Romeo.
"Hello - I'd like to try the MiTo."
"Certainly Sir, which did you want to try?"
"Only the base model - I've only just passed my test."
"Yes, unfortunately we only have the top of the range turbo model. You are welcome to try but it will be more powerful than what you end up buying!"
"That will be fine"
"Ok - when can we bring it round?"
A salesman drove it half an hour to my house for a test drive, then said "I'm not familiar with the area so if you could find some nice high speed roads so we can really let rip with this thing" and didn't flinch when we did let rip

Attitude gets you a long way, hence how the last guy was selling Alfas, not Toyotas. No asking for bank statements, bitching about "are you serious", etc.... Pure and simple customer service, even delivered to a spotty 17 year old kid.