The Bike Specialists up in Sheffield have a certain reputation regarding the prices of some of their stock... I just wondered if anyone had actually bought a bike from them, and whether their stock is as good as they say (and as good as it looks on their website)?
I have a friend who did, maybe almost 2 years ago now. He was happy with everything but one; the inside of the fuel tank looked worse than the Titanic. One could argue if he should have checked vs. the dealer disclosing it. But the rest of the bike was just as described. After he sorted the tank/pump/fuel lines issues, the bike has been running great so he just took it as a lesson learned.
This topic has been previously discussed on this forum and yes, I believe at least one forum contributor has bought from them. On your second question, a qualified yes, the bikes tend to be what they purport to be in most cases. I use caution because on a number of occasions, the Bike Specialists have made some pretty ridiculous claims. Prices are I believe, negotiable. Certainly a while ago, it was established they do not have their own workshops or mechanics and use a local backstreet outfit. This may or may not have changed by now but my gut tells me not to let them “service” a lawnmower if I was it buying from them. IMO, they act as middle men to facilitate the sale of bikes, nothing more. Andy
They do have their own mechanic. Dave is a pretty capable guy with a lot of experience across the board. Prep and presentation is usually first class. Some of the stock is theirs, some is on a SOR basis with the owner. I’ve done some work for them where the bikes are still in warranty, as do a couple of other workshops iirc. They generally sell rare, or very low mileage bikes. Difficult to find bikes etc. I’ve got several customers that have bought bikes from them, and a few that have sold thru them them. Generally, with no issues. Their after sales seems to be very good, and as with everything, when stuff doesn’t always go to plan, the way it is dealt with and corrected is what makes the dealer stand out and this is we’re they’re strong. I’d buy off them, and I’ve suggested to a few people to go look at the bikes too. As with everything, especially bikes of this type that have been in collections or parked up for a while, inspect and check over thoroughly.
I bought a bike from them last year. Fairly priced, immaculate condition and the whole sales experience was as good as anywhere I've had in the past - and better than some. I would buy from them again and would recommend them too.
I have not bought directly from them but have bought a bike privately four months after they sold it to my vendor. They had serviced it and the brakes (which they had changed fluid on) were the best I’ve ever experienced on a Ducati. The oil was Motul as well.
Visited on several occasions, very nice people, had a good chat with the mechanic about belt changing procedures, he took the time to just talk, as did the owner. No hard sales push. All bikes were immaculate.
I’ve not bought from them but the showroom is impressive and the bikes always immaculate. The description and knowledge on some of the Ducati models can sometimes be a little ‘misleading’ but let’s be honest the Varese subject gets a bit boring.
Couldn't agree more ...... never more so than with bikes that have been "moth-balled" .... if there was fuel in the tank , there was surely some water as well . And to quote Neil Young ..... " Rust Never Sleeps" ......
Bought a car from them and whilst there I viewed the lovely collection of motorbikes. Service was 6 star. I wouldnt hesitate to deal with them again.
Or this one, best in the country apparently and only £18,980 https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=376294081636616
Thanks for all the replies - good to see virtually everyone is positive. And if Nelly would buy from then, good enough for me!
Got a week in the peaks with the dogs boxed off in the second week of Jan might pop in for a browse at this if they still have it , I’ve never seen a bike that costs six figures for a resto https://www.thebikespecialists.com/...heffield-fc4181a8-c3a4-4068-b455-58b0270f1cc4
