I bought my Multistrada 1200S at Metropolis M/c in March 2011. They are situated just south of Vauxhall Bridge (right opposite the Secret Service HQ - spooks buy dukes there). The Ducati specialist is Damiano Chini, who is one of the good guys. My dealings with them have included: Test ride on a Multistrada and (recently) a Panigale Fitting the new bike with various options (topbox, higher screen etc) Carrying out first service Doing the rear brake free upgrade Supplying various spare parts (following minor spill) Programming extra key as spare Arranging extended warranty All these have been done in a helpful, efficient, sensible and friendly way. Others may have different views perhaps, but I can only speak as I find. Hope this is helpful.
Big D is a true true Ducatisti. He eats, sleeps, breathes Ducati and has been in the business a long time - not much he doesn't know about them that isn't worth knowing. He has sorted me out on several occasions and will go the extra mile if the customer is genuine. I'm often happy to just pop in and shoot the breeze with him if the day is quiet. One thing though - Metropolis suffers from not enough Ducati service technicians with the right experience.
Bought 4 bikes from Metropolis Vauxhall: Triumphs from Bob and Ducatis from Damiano. Think Bob retired a few years back? Damiano's always super helpful and has great passion for and knowledge of Ducatis. The guys in accessories are also great. Don't work there, never worked there, just a happy customer.
I'm going to see Damiano on sunday for a test ride on a 696, got a feeling i'll be coming away with one ordered...
I had a 696 but found the 1100 a much better riding position for me. If you're not doing already, I'd take out the 796 or 1100 as well to see how they feel....
I would just like to concur that Damiano is very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I have just ordered a Multi 1200 Touring from him. Just hope he can get his hands on one pronto - or at least before the sun comes out: no delivery date yet!
The extended warranty (at £300 for a third year) has turned out to be worthwhile getting. My Multi is in Metropolis at the moment having replacement cylinder heads fitted, plus some other items including the dash. All this would have cost a lot more than £300 for sure. Looks as if it will take a few weeks to do the work, which is inconvenient but not surprising and not unreasonable. I'm a bit annoyed that they won't give me a courtesy bike on loan while mine is being fixed, which I think they ought to. Black mark there.
I bought a 2013 MTS from Metropolis and yes Damiano is excellent. As is Paul the workshop manager. Both have gone the extra mile for me. I have had courtesy bikes (Ducati demonstrators) but only for a day! How much did they charge for a spare remote key, Paul.
Why ? Not being antagonistic but why ? There is no reason they should be financially liable to provide you with a courtesy bike for a few weeks in peak demo season, they'd be mad, maybe what you needed was a warranty that included a hire bike for this kind of scenario, its not down to the dealer to insure you for this outcome, I don't know of anywhere where the cost isn't recoverable or they have an obligation would supply a vehicle for weeks at a time. Black mark? more like a reality check required before then.
I went to Metropolis to look at 696's and got pretty poor service from the sales guys. Ended up buying from OYB Aylesbury instead and had good service from them. As a result of being treated like a leper in Metropolis, I won't go back.
You are quite correct that Metropolis are not under any strict contractual obligation to supply me or anybody else with a courtesy bike, nor a bike for a test ride. It is discretionary, and a matter of customer service practice. That is why I have not denounced Metropolis in vitriolic terms, threatened to sue them, etc. - rather I have confined myself to just saying, rather mildly, that it is a black mark. Which it is. Actually Damiano has recently contacted me to apologise for the lack of a courtesy bike; he states he is trying to get one for me, and will be in touch. I suspect dealers who look after their customers carefully may get a lot more repeat business than ones who don't.
:smile: I only ask as I'm friendly with the chaps at Barnet. Ive never been treated badly by Mike or Artur. A great team IMO
They had the opportunity to sell me a multi 2013 bike. They refused to offer a free service with my bike. Ducati Aylesbury got my business with extra kit and a free service. Ended up buying a hyper SP and 2 full systems. A great guy but a little short sighted I think.
I had the exact same experience. Also ended up at OYB Aylesbury, funnily enough. Personally, given their customer service in Sales, I have absolutely no desire to experience their Support/Service customer service once I've paid my money. Ian
