Hello all, As per my post in newbies, just picked up a new multi and as is the case with all new toys, leads to questions. My first is about dealer servicing. I've not had to use a dealer for services in years so am wondering who best to use. To cross post my question: My nearest dealer is Riders Bristol but can't see much feedback about them. What is their service and reputation like - good or bad? My next closest (within 90 minutes) would be either Aylesbury or Moto Rapido in Winchester. Would either of these be worth travelling the extra distance to or is Riders equally as good? Cheers..
Any Servicing Recommendations For Surrey Or Hampshire? | Page 2 | Ducati Forum 1200 - Essential-dealer-only-servicing - Options | Ducati Forum
A definite no to Aylesbury. I had a breakdown, and the bike was taken there. As I did not buy bike from them, it was going to take over a month to fix. After Ducati UK pointed out their responsibilities, they fixed it within the hour. I have even had problems with them with a bike I did buy from them.
Thanks fellas. It seems from reading/searching that Aylesbury is very hit and miss, with more miss. Moto Rapido have some good feedback and Riders in Bristol get very little mention.
Not yet used them, but perhaps my next PP service will be there. I've not been impressed with work or comms at Alton.
I have been a customer of Riders of Bridgwater (pre Bristol) and since it opened Riders of Bristol with Harley's and Ducati's. Never had a problem, you will only get good things from me about them. Mike the service manager is very good.
I live pretty close to OYB, Aylesbury and Blades Reading. Instead, I choose to ride all the way to Moto Rapido as they are superb.
Thanks for your thoughts everyone and nice to see some Riders feedback. They get very little for some reason!
I use Riders in Bristol, mainly as its only about 2 miles from my house, I agree Mike is very good, he always shows an interest if you have any problems.
I got my Mutley from Ayelsbury but it isn't my local, so never used their service. My mate bought his 848 Heave Ho from them. Second hand one, very good condition. But mileage was higher than he was told over the phone and they kept quiet about the first owner being Ducati UK (press bike). Oooops. It's still going strong mind. Ayelsbury didn't help with my scabbing pulleys either. It took a chance chat with Steve Cox at the NEC to sort that out.
So true. That's partly the reason for the thread to be honest. It's good to hear everyone's experiences, good and bad. Things going wrong is just a fact of life but it's how problems are dealt with that matters to me more. A dealer who appreciates their customers and does their best to put things right is invaluable and I would prefer they got my business.
I also had pretty iffy service from Aylesbury. Bought a 1 year old 2012 Sport from them, great price but as above didn't find out it had been a Ducati press bike until later on. Then the gearbox lunched itself after 2 months. I was all booked for a week in the alps and needed the bike in 5 weeks. Aylesbury didn't want to know, just said try ringing around other dealers. Ducati Leeds were a bit more helpful but said sorry fully booked (they have been great for anything since). Ducati Manchester came to the rescue and even lent me a Monster while they did they work, quality customer care. Probably too far north to help but as stated in this post, it's easy to criticise. Let's try and show some positive too.
Have had good and bad with Riders of Bristol personally. Good - when my Buell broke they where very good. Picked up the bike which to be fair was less than a mile from them as luck would have it, gave me a lift home from the dealers as it was late, loaner ready to go the very next morning on the way to work. They where also good the second time it broke (or to put it a better way, rusted to pieces in less than 12 months from new). Had no issues with the sales guys, very prompt calling you back, always a cup of tea while you are discussing. Service guys showed me around the workshop. Bad - not been as good as recently while using them for my Ducati. The delivery took ages for a bike already in stock and second hand. Was delayed by about a week beyond the estimated delivery date never got a clear reason why - luckily I still had my trade-in until that date. Recent request for a service they came up very expensive and quoting for work that was not necessary so went elsewhere (namely Luigi Moto). This hadn't happened on my previous bikes I had with them, not sure if it was an honest mistake really but hey ho. I do like Riders personally, bought my last four bikes from them and would certainly take them over Fowlers. I am still surprised that Fowlers in the business of selling bikes or gear as their trade-in values are miles lower than Riders and the staff are largely woeful, they really seem so disinterested in helping customers it's beyond me. If Riders had a better choice of gear (well, unless you are into tasselled leathers for your Harley) then they would be my first port of call for everything. Kawasaki Bristol would be my second choice, just a shame they haven't got any bikes that I want presently in their range and I think Paula has moved on from there who was great to deal with.
