I test rode a Tracer from Fowlers years ago. They just gave me the keys and told me to f**k off! If Riders want to escort me then I assume that they follow me. If I am meant to follow someone then I could get lost (accidentally on purpose). I would point out that I have my own criteria for testing and if they don't want to partake then they lose the sale. If they want to be awkward then I will point out a few facts of life in that I don't have to buy from then and I don't have to buy new. If business is going so briskly that it's heir rules, or f**k off. Then fine, I'll take my wedge elsewhere. I don't really anticipate much trouble spending 15-20k but last time I looked, the customer with the money is in charge!
Well, that was Riders and Bristol you went to so no real surprise. Mind you, they are not the first dealer I have heard of insisting on escorted test rides. Not sure if I were in the trade how I’d approach test rides. I wonder if there are any statistics on bike theft on a test ride from the dealership. If I didn’t like the look of a customer or the feel of the discussions, I’d insist on an escorted test ride and just hope I was a better rider or didn’t get met with a van and a man with a big stick. Andy
Riders said at the time that the policy only applied to Ducatis and was at the insistence of their insurers. Things may well have changed since then (2016) but that was my experience. I was definitely follow rather than be followed, pace was pedestrian (my 996 riding mate following behind was on a Panigale and in agony by the time we got back). At least he got to gap us every now and again, if I slowed the lead slowed plus he waited after every junction, roundabout etc. for me so there was no opportunity to go any more than about 50mph, it was a complete joke for trying out a sports tourer. Told the salesman the same. @PerryL, FYI: I've just had a conversation with a contact that knows the director of a chain of Ducati franchisees (not difficult to work that out). They're down to about half their stock level on bikes and there's not a lot coming out of the factory for a while, only just back to 60% workforce apparently. Looks like there's the possibility of a famine on new Ducatis, nearly new prices will probably rise as a result.
I had a quick look on Autotrader and found a950 with factory panniers and centre-stand in seconds, for £9500. I just hope that Mr Reasonable pays a visit to Riders, otherwise they will be screwed. I won't be, as I've already got two Ducatis and I will let the hand of fate take a lead. Also, there was the alternative of a KTM or Guzzi from Fowlers so I just hope that Riders don't come across as holding all of the cards, when the time comes. I will be happy to inform them that they hold an empty hand! If they are worried about me stealing the bike then I'll offer the money to hold whilst I make up my mind. If they are still wetting themselves then I'll just tell the to sod off and go elsewhere!
I would think that it is quite simple. You check the driving licence and then ask for a credit card that you can stick on a £10,000 charge. If they can't do the credit card thing then you ask HTF are they going to afford the bike? You can always check out the address on the driving licence.
You usually need to provide your driving licence and your NI number so they can check you on the DVLA database for speeding fines etc.
I was told that some models will not be avalaible til next year now due to the factory not liklely to be in full production for some time and there being a backlog of orders.
Looking more at used now, anyway. The KTM looked too expensive and I eliminated it. It seems hat used prices are more realistic and used ones are well within my price range. The new deal with KTM seems quite mad. You buy a 17 grand bike and p1ss 5 grand up the wall just by riding a new one home! It will be 950 Multistrada or KTM Super Duke and when I am ready to buy (or a Triumph), I'll see what is available used and low mileage - although most is low mileage as it appears that very few people buy bikes with a view of using them. Or they do one tour and sell! I would be really interested to find out what the engine designers do. Do you design an engine to last 100,000 miles knowing that almost no engines will ever do that mileage, or do you design a piece of sh1t to last 20,000 miles with the confidence that almost no bikes will never even achieve that mileage? Or, do you just worry about looks? Safe in the knowledge that most will be sat unused in peoples' lounges and so it could be made out of plastic?
Hard times ahead! BMW just rang me because I looked on their web site a while ago. BMW calling me now! Er, this is the same BMW that when I last entered a dealership to buy a car, treated me as something they had stepped in outside on the pavement!
KTMs seem great on paper. I can't get on with the way they look though. Added to which, as you say, the residuals are not strong.
Yes, I am not sure of the looks. I'll have to ponder that looking at one in real life, rather than photos. I am not bothered about residual if I don't buy new. As it will be a keeper then the residual when I sell or part ex it, is not a concern. The Multistrada does have the advantage of always looking good and I may, or may not, buy new, because you don't lose 5 grand just by putting a number plate on it!
Someone I've toured with had a 1290 Super Adventure, probably the model I would get if buying one. However, in looks alone it just doesn't do it for me... not my pic. Looks like a Tonka toy and whilst weird and futuristic that headlight is just fugly... The Mutley has far more panache and is a great ride to boot.
Ther was a post here regarding the ST4! I didn't think of that but since I have an ST2 and an ST3 then maybe I should complete the collection! I don't like topboxes anyway. That oversized one on a pretty bike is horrendous! BTW, First haircut today in over 6 months! Oh, joy....
And this is why the residuals on them are terrible if you buy new... unless of course you bite their hand off on one of these offers. It seems to be their MO.
