I'm not sure how reviews get added to this page, but based on my experience of J&L it seems utterly bizarre that all the reviewers give them 5 stars and can't think of any negative points... My experience is that J&L feels like a business that exists purely for the benefit of their mates. That's great if you're fortunate enough to be one of their mates. You'll be welcome to drop in for a chat, they won't treat you like an idiot, and when you have a problem with the bike you bought off them they'll do all they can to help find a solution. If, on the other hand, you're relatively new to motorbikes, don't have any family or friends who ride, and aren't well know in the community, then J&L won't know who you are, and you won't be made to feel welcome. They're like the stereotypical local country pub where strangers are treated with suspicion! Even if you buy a new bike off them you won't be made to feel that you're a valued customer and worth speaking to. Whenever you enter their showroom you'll be made to feel that you shouldn't be there, and any time they expend dealing with you is wasted time. I bitterly regret buying my 899 off J&L, and in hindsight should have travelled further afield, but I only live 5 miles from Carlisle and felt I should support a local business. As a Cumbrian I find it embarrasing that J&L behave in such a parochial manner. Fortunately I am able to get my bike serviced at a different Ducati dealer (Ducati Leeds); it might be a 200 mile round trip but it's definitely worth it. Hopefully I'll never have to deal with J&L again.
