Just arranged to book my Multi into my local Ducati dealer, St Neots Motorcycles, to hear that the dealership for the sale of new Ducati's has been taken away from them after 22 years. Too big an investment was required by Ducati UK, apparently, if they were to keep the brand. I moved, as many have, from BMW GS's to the Multistrada 5 years ago and have had great friendly service from St Neots. Very disappointed to loose a local excellent ducati dealer and as the nearest dealers are now more than 50 miles away ( Norwich, Aylesbury or Coventry) may be returning to BMW who maintain a local Cambridgeshire dealership despite the desire for a Monster 1200r! Surely a shortsighted move by Ducati UK!
Yup, they were my dealer too, one that I had a great relationship and trusted. Ducati wouldn't keep them on unless the converted their showroom into 'a fucking mirror palace', to quote Eric the owner. But that's the modern Ducati way.
So like most things there is another side to the story even if the end result is the same. I understand that when Lamborghini became the parent Company, all current dealers were advised that VAG were going to implement a corporate makeover that was going to be mandatory if they wished to retain their authorised status. However it did not end there as VAG told dealerships what the square footage of their showrooms would need to be, based on their sales. So not only would a dealer have to dress up his business, he might have to buy new premises. Although financial assistance is on offer, for some it could never be financially justifiable and hence a handfull of dealers making the decision to walk. I understand authorised service status carries a less onerous burden. Real shame for some but as has been said, an opportunity for others. Andy
Not sure I see the other side of the story; Ducati stipulated to retain their franchise a new showroom was required. A small independent was not able to comply, they withdrew their toys. As is their right to do so.
This isn't new news, Dealers have had the best part of 3 years to make their minds up. Small independents clearly do want to make a go of it because Snells and Moto Rapido appear to be staying with Ducati and they are archetypal small independents. Don't get me wrong, this corporate identity malarky might be fine in the car market place where they shift 100,000s of units a year and the profits support return on investment in the infrastructure but I don't see it working in a market place where the units sold are in the high 10s and low 100s and customers are as much loyal to the dealer as they are to the brand. A shiny corporate identity isn't going to make Moto Rapido's coffee taste any better . Have VAG misjudged how motorbikes sell and are being unrealistic in expecting a higher sales target to be achieved by a glossing up the showroom ? IMO almost certainly but only time will tell. Andy
Same happened to my local dealer, CMW Motorcycles in Chichester. They've been Ducati dealers since I did work experience with them 15+ Years ago. Ducati wanted expensive refurb so they switched to Aprilia sadly!
I bought a Monster from Eric a few years back, great service I seem to remember and he delivered it personally 100 miles with no questions asked. Didn't he used to sell 2 stroke race bikes years ago.... In my experience it's still the smaller independents that give the personal service and after buying 10+ Ducatis the better prices, p/ex's, deals etc despite the franchised dealers getting supported margins, allegedly. That's probably why Ducati want to close down as many as possible to control their pricing.
As said at the start will reserve judgement but my feelings are very negative about a VAG motorcycle dealer. Again as said the corporate surrounds may work for Audi Volks and Bentley but cannot see it working for bikes. Also concern for their take on mechanics ( will they be called technicians now) with experience of working on Ducati's. Presume they will have to buy them in from others. Pleased to see the love for the small independent dealer and in particular for Eric and team at St Neots. Personally known them for 5 years.
It should be about choice Some people like glossy high end looking buildings showrooms and people in them and the glossier the better. Others like the old way where they feel comfortable and have a rapport with the staff Me I feel at ease going into an old fashioned garage where you can talk to the boys and they are happy to do so 1320 at St Neots is one of those places never been there before read the reviews was made to feel like I had been a customer of theirs for years and coffee too. Would travel the 2+ hours again Not sure the same feeling would be if it was glossy and new I can get that here
About a month after I bought my bike from St Neots I got a call from Italy from a chap doing some research, he kept asking me if they sold me any tee- shirts / stickers/ Ducati helmets etc...obviously going down the road H-D beat out years ago
