Why I Won't Use My Local Ducati Dealers Anymore
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.พ. 2024
- I'm the proud owner of a Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT, I went to two different Ducati dealers in the past few years. Both times I've come away feeling very underwhelmed and short changed......
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Once the warranty on my BMW GSALC expired i started to service it on my own. I order a service Pack from a BMW aftermarket site and put the invoice in a Clear file for refence. What use to cost 400 now cost me about 90. It takes me about two cups of coffee on a sat afternoon to do. I also purchased the GS911 tool and reset all the service lights etc. Copper grease the wheel nuts. Loct tite the correct bolts. Its really rewarding My bike is now so much better cared for than the knobs at dealerships.
Totally agree with you, I just thought I'd treat myself this time, what a mistake.
Absolutely. In 1998 I went into Yamaha in Preston and bought a brand new R1 on condition that I serviced the bike myself and they stamped the service book. It was not a problem as long as I bought the correct service items from them. Its the only way you can guarantee the job has been done properly. R998DVR where are you now?
@@davebryant6905 that's the way to do it 👍
Not only that, you know the job has been done properly. I am no mechanic but do all the basic servicing myself on all my vehicles ie oil/filter, air/fuel filter, plugs, coolant etc.
Can confirm it's not just Ducati. My local Suzuki dealership is pretty much the same. When shopping for a bike my brother and I were asked to not sit on the bikes. It also took this dealer 2.5 hours to change the exhaust on a 2022 plate bike - something which should be
Wow, crazy prices 🙀
Do the oil and filter services yourself and keep the receipts for the parts with your service book...Record done.
Yes, that's the way to go
For info my Ducati Dealer SMC Sheffield could not have more friendly chatty and welcoming staff. I visited with my son a long time customer to be fair while riding my first big bike (Honda CBR650R) while he had a back tyre changed. Dealer saw me eying up the gorgeous Panigale’s and offered me a ride despite me saying I wasn’t in the market for one. Told me they had a demo day on the next weekend so I went up.
Rode the or four bikes, tremendous day really well organised, rode a multi V2 a monster, and fell in love with the Panigale v2, still not planning to buy and made this clear but dealer invited me back whenever to borrow the V2 for a day.
Awesome day.
Three months later my son was there and rang me up to say the Demo V2 was for sale, needless to say I bought it!
Last year was amazing!!!
Not all dealers are the same.
Minor query on my annual service when they forgot to look at a missaligned calliper spring I asked then to look at.
While I settled the normal service bill they sorted the spring for me.
SMC, how a dealer should be!
Servicing ain’t cheap but it’s good and the way they do it is excellent.
That's a nice story Ian, it's a shame all dealers aren't like that. Enjoy your bike.
@@ivy-mac indeed is is a shame!
I am sure SMC get a lot of repeat business as a result, as opposed the the original posters duffer dealers around Oxfordshire!
I do my own service and ride all my bikes with the "engine service due" light on. I don't even notice them anymore.
Best way to go 👍
Same 👍
Not great when it comes to selling. I'll wager you own ancient low-value bikes.
@@flippy66 2022 Ducati Diavel 1260S, 2023 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, 2023 Aprilia Tuareg 660.
You shouldn't open your mouth so quickly, you look foolish. A fool and his money are soon parted.
@@flippy66Bikes hold their value well in case you hadn't noticed? Not everyone has 'Shiny New Toy' syndrome.
I’ve had a few Multistradas , but the service was so bad and expensive I’ve now changed to a BMW. Fantastic dealerships as much coffee as you can drink and reasonable prices . I’m gutted really as I love the Multi.
My two closest Ducati dealers are also the BMW dealer - Own one of each
Great bikes, crap dealers, such a shame.
Ah well as long as they're giving free coffee I'll overlook the shitness!
I’ve had that from a main dealer as well, I won’t be darkening their door again! Shocking experience.
I'm gobsmacked by the amount of people that have told me about similar experiences, I just can't get my head around it.
Not unreasonable at all. Horrendously expensive hourly rates and overcomplicated electronics that are rip off prices to replace/fix. The dealerships are barely profitable in the UK and the whole industry needs to rethink their servicing. The bikes are superb but out of reach of bikers who traditionally do not have lots of money. With insurance costs through the roof, an ageing population of people who can afford them and hostility towards petrol engines best enjoy them whilst you can.
It's a sad state of affairs at the moment. The licence situation needs updating as well to get more youngsters onto bikes.
All reasonable points but they could at least be polite and respectful which by the sounds of it they were very much not...
@@ivy-mac Totally agree, the more bikers there are the safer it'll be.
Well compared with my youthful motorcycle dealers (1965 ish) I think the current ones that I’ve found like ones in Northumberland are very good and I’ve had no probs with them.
That’s disgusting service on all accounts. I don’t think I would have paid as they didn’t do what I asked. How they can justify charging that amount is criminal and they should be ashamed of themselves.
Judging by the comments, it looks like it's pretty common amongst dealers.
Whilst I’ve heard of similar dealership stories, the team at Ducati Cambridge UK are very welcoming, attend ride-outs and offer very good service. Highly recommend.
There are some excellent dealers out there I'm sure 👍
Lol, I was quoted around £600 for a annual service on my 1260s (keeping in mind bike had only done 90 miles since last service) , the dealer is so greedy they actually charge you £6 for a cup of tea, took bike to a kawasaki dealer instead and got annual service done for £146 incl brake fluid change, diagnostics check and software updates, As long as your bike is not under new bike warranty any dealer can request the service software for your bike
Thanks for the tip, I might do that next time 👍
6 quid for a cup of tea, takes the pi** doesn't it?
I went to the Ducati dealership in Northern Ireland. Asked them to fit a new carbon front mudguard & a new CNC Racing water pump guard. Bare in mind, I supplied the parts, all they had to do was take off the old mudguard & fit the new one. The water pump guard, I removed the old one, all they had to do was install the new one. They took 2hrs to do both jobs, then charged me £165 for the 2hrs labour. I didn't have the tools to add the new parts, hence why I had to go to a mechanic shop.
I priced with them for a desmo service on my bike. Was quoted anywhere between £1300 to £2000. Got an independent mechanic to do my desmo service, plus fit samco hoses, plus new rearsets & a new integrated tail-light for £580.
How Ducati charge the prices they do, is day light robbery.
P.s. you're not being unreasonable, totally agree with everything you said in your video👍
What a price difference with the independent mechanic 👍
Definitely not unreasonable.
In the service work I would refuse to pay for diagnostic work to diagnose and tell you what you told them.
I think with that service I would have refused the £50 completely as unjustified and insisted that they either do what had been requested. Ie fix the sticky calliper and fix the engine management light as requested before I would pay the bill.
Not that when disrupting a bill the dealer cannot retain your vehicle!
This then becomes a negotiation/ small claims case!
I would recommend you email a dealer service team first with what you want done! Then there is a clear instruction on what you requested and if they don’t do what you ask you have evidence to dispute their work against.
You can also decline any charges for work you didn’t request and dispute any work they have failed to complete as agreed and as a result ask them to compensate you for another day dropping it back to complete the requested work.
Thanks Ian, some good advice there 👍
I went with cash to buy a Diavel from my local Ducati dealer Wouldn't even let me sit on it. Said something along the lines of "if you like the look of it you will just buy it". I told them what I thought of that policy in good old fashioned english, much to their shock. I subsequently got a letter of apology from the dealer principal, but too late - never did buy one, and never will buy anything from that dealer ever again,.
Bravo to that man
Spend a bit of time and learn to service it yourself Ivor,
I’ve had my 899 Panigale from new and I use it lots, ..as in 32,000 miles lots 😳!
I let the dealer service it whilst it was still in warranty, but after that I’ve done most of the servicing myself, the Panigale is a really tightly packaged device, so it takes a little longer to strip it down to get to the things you want, but it can be done with a little patience.
Get a good service manual, technical sections on Ducati forums and TH-cam how-to’s are all great sources of information to build up your servicing knowledge and it’ll be more satisfying to know that you’ve done the job properly, because at the end of the day,…nobody takes as much care of your bike as you do 😉
Great bikes though, so it’s a bit sad that it’s the dealership experience that puts people off Ducati’s and not the bikes themselves 🤷🏻♂️
I'd be able to do it myself, but I wanted the service light turned off and the book stamped
Why not buy a fault code reader/diagnostic device? It will soon pay for itself by saved dealership bills. Instead of stamping the book take photos from the OBD2 9:38 device you use.🕊️
I am not sorry for you at all.............and you even pissed off the Kawasaki W800. Possibly the most reliable bike in the entire dealership !
I am 68 and had one European bike, a BMW R1150RT. P.O.S. for the money I paid for it and for the name it carries Never again !
There is NOTHING like the Japanese machine !
Trinidad & Tobago.
West Indies.
There's nothing wrong with the W800 (apart from it being a bit small for a big person), I was just hoping for a Ducati.
All the best
Ivor
I’ve just paid a Ducati dealer for oil and filter, £310 including ‘winter discount’. It’s an absolute rip off. Not even washed. I had planned to keep full Ducati service history, but I won’t be bothering.
Yep, an absolute rip off. Still, you got it cheaper than my basic service.
BMW will wash your bike coffee & now don’t have to sit with the car lot . don’t know if Ducati Italy know the poor dealership is putting people off
Similar experiences to this over the years at Harley Davidson, Ducati and BMW. I think it’s a function of main dealers, with high overheads and frequent staff changes. I ended up riding Triumph for 10 years, mainly using my local dealership, where I was treated well, not ripped off, and was offered test rides on numerous bikes, new and second hand……consequently they had my servicing business and I bought several bikes from them over time. Currently riding Honda, and have had a good service from our local MD. I agree with you on the test rides. Royal Enfield have been good for that, but Moto Guzzi for example are bloody hopeless……how can you buy a bike if you don’t know how it rides!?
I just can't get my head around it. Any other service, whether you're getting a haircut or buying a house, you'd be made to feel welcome and your business appreciated.
You’re not alone, it’s incredible how they stay in business. I use to drive three - four hours to a dealer and the service that I actually cared. everybody local to me could care less, even though my money was a green as everybody else’s, I just didn’t know the secret handshake.
I had the most ridiculous experience ever trying to buy one , shame on me. They wouldn’t return my calls my emails.
I'm definitely not alone, just read through the comments on here.
I go to Ducati Chelmsford, with my beat up 2012 multistrada, coming up to 50k on the clock, and everyone there, the sales guy, the service staff, even the boss, always treat me with respect and friendliness, they always make time to talk, I've had test rides on an Xdiavel, and a multi 950 no problem, and no pressure to buy. My Multi's got a few niggles and they've given me advice on how to fix it myself without trying to draw me into expensive repairs. Sure, I've spent money in there on repairs and regular servicing and the expensive (every 15k) valve check and belts, but that's their reason for being, right?. Also they have a very decent cafe upstairs.
They sound great, it's a shame other dealers can't follow that example.
Well honestly You got a bike to ride! In my home, Denmark, the Dealers normally didn't allow a test ride at all, because not all riders are as Gentle as You during a test, so they had a risk that an expensive bike may be damaged during that!
That doesn't make it easy to make an informed decision when buying 😟
@@ivy-mac Definitely not!
Disgraceful. I’m very familiar with the dealer near Aylesbury, in 2001 I went to them for a test ride of a 900 SuperSport, the salesperson was very helpful. Having enjoyed the test ride I returned the following weekend to purchase a brand new machine but was so angered by the total lack of interest in making a sale that I sat in their car park and placed a deposit on a new machine with, what is now Ducati Manchester. As a plus the Ducati Manchester machine came bundled with Ducati Performance cans and replacement ECU at no extra cost. So it would seem that Ducati at Aylesbury are still treating their customers badly.
It's hard to understand the attitude in some dealers isn't it.
Dealers of any brand seem to be more expensive so finding an independent mechanic is great, just tougher to do with Ducati... My dealer is very honest about my options and even suggests waiting in certain cases to combine services to save money.
I know what you mean. Sounds like the guy you use is sound 👍
Very different experience at my local Ducati dealer here in Sweden.
One time last summer I was just walking around looking at bikes, not really looking to buy anything. The salesman noticed me admiring a new Panigale V4s, so he went and got the keys, handed them over and said ”take it for a spin”.
Everytime I have been there they have offered coffee and test rides, even though I haven’t bought anything from them.
Servicing is expensive though. My mate has bought a couple of Ducatis from them.
Wow, that is a very different experience to mine 👊
Sweden v England.
I had a multistrada and loved it. The service was £1266.56. Lost part of my panels when it wasn't secured back on. I switched to bmw which is a third of the price. I do miss it though. This service I get a BMW is impeccable. Night and day better.
I believe the BMW dealers are held to account more by BMW themselves, maybe that's the difference between BMW and Ducati
Exactly the same scenario at Ducati dealer in Scotland. Requested a test ride and was told no… but I could sit on it and make ‘ vroom vroom’ noises. Surprisingly I stayed a while longer… requested some numbers to be emailed for a V4, guy turned the monitor and said ‘prices are on line’.😂 Walked out… went elsewhere and ended up with a brilliant V4. Honestly thought it was the guys last day before being sacked and he was trying his best not to sell anything!🤷🏻♂️
Wow, that's unbelievably bad form. Hope you're enjoying your V4
Seems like a lot of dealerships are behaving this way. My wife recently did some temping at a Jaguar dealership and told me that they also treated customers needing work on their cars like dirt. Calls often not answered even though people were available, then giving people attitude . She was so shocked that she left after only 2 days of taking verbal abuse from customers assuming that she was a long term employee.
Wow, I just don't understand that mentality. I don't blame your wife for not wanting to be a part of it.
Bought a 2017 multi that had just had a desmo service done at the first dealer 2000 miles previously. It had been serviced with a pen. Hadn't been done. Rear wheel shaft was so seized in, that I had to grind it out. Its right now. Desmo done by me. Belts, valves, All fluids etc. The air filter had never been changed. What a mess. All plugs eroded out of limits. Shocking and they charge over a grand!!!!
That was a bit disappointing for you I bet 😟
@@ivy-mac not really mate. I bought it expecting to go right through it mechanically. I thought the Desmo being done was a bonus if it was actually done. Wasn’t holding my breath fella. Brake fluid was so dirty. Pity I can’t put pictures of the air filter on here. Never been changed. I feel sorry for the previous owner who got scammed for the work?
I totally agree with your comments. I sold my BMW back to North Oxford and bought a Multistrada (from a BMW dealership ironically on the South Coast). The experience I had when I went to Abingdon Ducati really brought me down. I was seriously looking at complaining due to their sheer lack of enthusiasm and interest. I literally mirrored your experience. After my dealings with North Oxford BMW who were great at making you feel welcome and important, it was a massive disappointment to experience Ducati in Oxford (Abingdon). However, I now have had my bike looked after by Ducati Bournemouth as I bought it local to there. The experience has been brilliant, they do what you ask and are prompt with keeping you informed and up to speed with lots of social stuff and are really enthusiastic. Luckily I stay with family down there as I live in West Oxfordshire, but it is worth doing that as you are treated like a valued customer.
That's handy for you, being able to get to the Bournemouth one easily.
I do all of my own maintenance on all three of my Dukes. I am currently doing a Desmo on my MTS 1200 DVT, I am shocked to hear of such bad service and I’m glad I maintain my own machines using my own diagnostic software
That's the way to go. Unfortunately a lot of people don't like that when you come to sell it on. But if it's a keeper, that's not that much of an issue.
@@ivy-macI have no interest of selling it. However I document all the work I do & take plenty of photos of the work carried out and keep all the receipts. Personally I would rather buy a Ducati of an enthusiast who knows how to look after them, rather than use these clueless dealers👍🏻
@@stabes70 you sound like the perfect person to buy a bike from 👍
What system are you using as my 2 brothers and myself do our own belts etc but can’t reset service or interrogate bike faults ! Like to hear your thoughts. Cheers mark
Whats a desmo?
I went to look at a bmw s1000xr from Shipley in Yorkshire went dressed like a scuff and as soon as i walked through the door i was approached by a lady big smile friendly face welcoming asked if she could help i told her i just want to look at some of the s1000xr they had in the showroom. She gose they are all at the back and pointed me in the directions and asked if she could get me a drink i told her make me a cup off tea. After kicking tyres for 30 mins i new she was thinking this guy isn't buying anthing . Then i called her over and explained that i want to buy the bike today cash she looked a littel shocked but sorted me a great deal with 2 years warranty. Had some problem with the coil packs after a year i called her up and told her that i want to take the bike to my local bmw dealers and she sead ill call them for you and they will call you. 20 minutes later my local dealer calld me and sead bring the bike asap so they can get me back on the road and they gave me a brand new bmw nineT as courtesy bike. Alway been great and friendly
Wow, now that's good service, shame there aren't more like that.
I had a Husqvarna 701 svartpilen. Took it in for the first service at Lings Harleston Norfolk. Paid £180 ish for a change of oil and filter. (Rip off). On the way home I changed gear with the quick shifter (my first one so had forgotten to use it) only I didn’t , so went the 10 miles back to Harleston to discover that they had switched it off by mistake. No sorry just “give us ten minutes and we will switch it on for you. Went home playing with the now working quick shifter and bike and felt good about the bike. Next day went for a ride only to discover that the bike’s fuel gauge was filling up not emptying ? Back to the shop again. They had loaded different software (from a different model) to get the quick shifter working again ? All main agents now charge £100 per hour plus vat. I am with you my bike gets serviced by me and me alone.
Those Svatpilens look ace 😍
I bet that fuel gauge confused you.
Have to say, one of the things i think is clear to me, even if the ethos of the dealership/franchise is on point, they are still only as good as their staff. My local Triumph used to be outstanding and I was used to the great salesman and service staff. Since then, nearly all of them have moved on, now they have new staff with no knowledge who quite frankly are not paid enough in this day and age to care. Its very dissappointing.
I think it's the same as any 'service' these days, profit is the main thing, service is a distant second.
Ah ha! I went to one near Abingdon for a full service, dropped it off in the car park at 0830 and got a courtesy bike. Throughout the day my GPS tracker didn’t go off. Strange. Then around 1620 it showed the bike had moved towards the workshop. Then 10 mins later in the workshop. Picked the bike up around 1740 - not a word said about what had been done during the service. Charged through the roof for a stamp. Work on it myself now. TH-cam instructions and steep learning curves but without the fleecing and pisstaking.
I think that's the right way of going about it 👍
I had the same as you but I went to the Abingdon dealer first and had an Oil service on my supersport and the cost was horrendous, I am now due another annual service as mine is every 12 months or 9K and this will be its third annual and its only done 9K. I have had a quote from the Aylesbury dealer and it`s just over £400. I would suggest getting a price from the dealer in Coventry or Baines Racing at Silverstone which is what I will be trying as I hear good things about both.
Thanks for the tip Vince
Sorry to hear your having a bad experience, i feel lucky to live 2 miles from Ducati Manchester in Sale, the entire team are helpful, great coffee, engaging and an asset to Ducati, maybe worth a trip up North to a proper Ducati dealer and enjoy the northern hospitality :)
Ahhhh, northern hospitality, I wish some of it would spread further south 👍
@@ivy-mac Just south of Manchester
…try Ducati Beeston in Nottingham - it’s the worst experience I’ve had. Once I wanted a test ride a Desert Sled and they said they don’t do test rides in the winter (it was a nice dry day no salt on the roads etc) and to come back in spring!!
I went again recently to look/ enquire a Multistrada but the way they looked at me was like I’d just set fire to their houses - I didn’t get acknowledgment from anyone of the staff and it was like I’d interrupted their party. They were only interested in speaking to one customer that was dressed head to toe in matching Ducati clothing. It’s like the staff think they owned the place - I will buy elsewhere.
There's a few good dealers out there, it's a shame all the bad ones drag the whole brand down.
Agree with Ducati dealer attitudes I have bought two Ducatis and my mate the same but never had a cup of coffee . Walk into bmw straight away they offered and brought me a coffee. I accept profit margin is low on bike, sales with much better margin on servicing . Ducati dealers are poor responding to request for service appointments bmw r so much better. Agree the market is constricting due to insurance costs and licence difficulties
A few people have been saying BMW dealers are a lot better.
That’s my personal experience not necessarily cheaper
I went to a dealers recently (not ducati) fully prepared to buy a brand new bike at £7299 advertised as OTR, and the salesman tried to add the £111 road tax on top (again), presumably in a stupid attempt to rob me. needless to say i went elsewhere and they didn't get my business then, & wont do in future. you have to keep your wits about you, and they dont call them 'stealerships' for nothing, bad to hear your story ivor, you aint being unreasonable at all, it's their loss. GL
Hi Bob, thanks for commenting. It's weird how they'd let a sale go (and possibly repeat business and some good will) for the cost of the road tax. Hope you're enjoying your new bike. What did you get?
@@ivy-mac i decided to wait till the new 2024 reg in 2 weeks as i wouldnt wanna ride it in the crap weather anyway, so it's all paid for to be delivered soon. it's a honda cb750 hornet, and has all the nimbleness & poke an older guy like me will ever need i think. A m8 used to have a ducati 916 or 996 in the 90's, can't remember which one, and i used to love the look of that bike and wanted one, even before i was a biker lol, but i don't think i'll ever get a ducatti, the stories of cost, availability of replacement parts and reliability put me off a tad, but id never say never, maybe one day !! GL
Those new Hornets look fantastic.
I know what you mean about Ducati's, I sometimes feel (maybe unfairly) that I'm sitting on a ticking time bomb. But in over 2 years and 10k miles it's been trouble free, apart from a couple of sensors.
I hope I haven't jinxed it now 😮
@@ivy-mac i don't know what the warranties are like but if i did get one it would probably be a new one, although expensive. i heard a great saying the other day as to the cost of biking stuff and having to pay for quality gear, it was 'buy once, cry once' - my new fav. saying. GL
3 or 4 years ago now but I had a very good experience with Ducati Aylesbury. Road the Monster S and Multistrada on the same day. Very friendly and I made a couple of reviews on my channel to give them a shout.
I'm in the Midlands too and service with Ducati Coventry. 5 star service from the service dept but the sales guy was unhelpful and not keen for me to test ride.
Maybe I just caught them at Aylesbury on an off day, I was very miffed that they wouldn't give me a test ride.
I'll check out your reviews.
My local dealer in Godstone seems typical of the breed, dropped my Monster off with a sidestand switch issue. No courtesy bike even though the owner of the dealership lives in a 1.8 million pound house round the corner from me. No public transport links whatsoever, bike came back looking like it had done the Weston Super Mare beach race, covered in crap when it was immaculate. When asked why it was so dirty they claimed they had to test ride it but had no dedicated cleaning point, since when is a bucket and sponge a dedicated cleaning point. Will never ever buy from Ducati again.
Ooohhh, that's not good
No, you're not being unreasonable. I believe the problem lies from the top down with Ducati UK. We have been waiting for almost 2 years to get a Ducati dealership north of the Tyne to cover the vastness of the North East UK up to Edinburgh. The Ducati dealerships are entitled couldn't care a less attitude despite charging eye watering sums for, as you say, something you could easily do yourself.
The V twin is not difficult to home service, and OBD2 type readers that will read the Ducati firmware and clear service lights, etc, can be had for not much more than your service bill, if not cheaper.
Seems strange that they haven't got a dealer up there.
Gave up on dealer 'servicing' many years ago after a Honda main dealer charged me £££ for a v4 valve service - they never even took the rocker covers off! All they are interested in is the warranty racket
I'm hearing lots of stories like that
Fellow Dub here, just subbed Ivor 👍💯🇮🇪
Great stuff @steviebhoy
I'm not a Dub though, I'm from Navan, close enough ☘️🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪
There are a few very good Independent Ducati mechanics/workshops around and definately worth investigating. There are a few decent main dealers but a lot of them have a terrible attitude to regular customers.
There's a good independent guy in Cheltenham, but it's a bit of a trek over to there for me, and he doesn't have a courtesy bike.
You've a cool profile pic 👍
I had a similar experience with Dobles Honda in Croydon, I really wanted a CBR 1000 F, no test ride, I bought a new YZF 1000r from Yamaha instead, 49 bhp more too. I took my current Superduke R to P and H in Crawley to get track mode unlocked, paid them £350, a week or 2 later I had the seat off to disconnect the tracker, no need it had mysteriously disappeared, another bunch of crooks to avoid
Bloody hell, they nicked your tracker?
Indeed, I was gonna bin it anyway, but it puts me off ever going there again@@ivy-mac
I walked into Ducati Sheffield and took the Multistrada V4S out just for a go no sales pressure no problems, yes before you ask I bought one from them.
Any dealer not offering test rides doesn't deserve your business.
Lucky you, I bet that's an amazing machine 😍
If you want a good Ducati or KTM dealer. Look no further the SMC Sheffield. They lent me a super adventure when my GT was in. Got a phone call from them as they know me. Mate, we are having a nightmare. Would you mind terribly keeping the super adventure until tomorrow ?? Do you mind if I nip to Wales then?? Please put as many miles on it as you can!! We need it at the first service mileage. See you tomorrow then!! :)
They had a fire and my seats/Tank bags were on the shelf nearby. Brand new items sent to my house free of charge. I couldn't really see the damage, but they were insistent. Top place.
@@garethmayfield4014 I wish I'd a dealer like that near me 👍
Hope you find a better dealer. There are good and bad. I love my BMW dealership. The only complaint is they charge $60 to turn off the service light for the annual oil change when I do it myself.
Wow, that's a lot to turn a light off. You need to get one of those light tuning off machines and get a little side hustle going 😉
@@ivy-mac $400 for the version that works on BMW Motorcycles. I will eventually cough that up but would rather not. Seems like an excessive expense just for something that comes down to a reminder.
I think if I need to deal with a main dealer again (something I hope never to) I’ll put in writing what I expect from them and get a manager to sign it to say he’s read it. I’d better take a witness as well! They are so underhanded it’s shocking. Your experience isn’t isolated I’m sure. Friend of mine was charged something similar for his MT10
It's definitely not an isolated case
If any dealer does not give me a test ride, I will not buy from them. What are they hiding?? I’m not spending my money on a bike I might not like or is uncomfortable to ride.
Just what I thought
Ducati in Carlisle, quoted me £1250 to do the valve service on my scrambler 400.i shan't even ring them when I need a part now..I'll just buy online and I found a specialist Independent ducati specialist who has a brilliant reputation at less than half the price Ducati quoted so not only did they lose the service they alienated me from ever setting foot in the place
£1250, holy sh**. Not surprised you've never gone back.
My local dealership said I couldn’t test ride the GXSRs because of insurance reasons. But I could test ride the GXS S models or anything else. Not sure if that’s true or an excuse to keep strangers off their property.
Probably the later 😂
You should have paid on credit card but called your bank first to tell them you'll be putting the payment into dispute.
I wish I thought of that 😂
You were treated bad, no test ride on a purchase that expensuve is ridiculous. Don't have mich experience with car dealers (although have heard similar horror stories), but motorcycle dealers do seem extremely variable in customer service. You'd think 'high end' dealers would get checked by the manufacturer (secret shopper type thing), as the welcome and service you receive influences buying decisions. We just a have a small independent bike shop here where i live, been in the town for years. Doesn't sell many bikes, most of his custom is servicing, but he's always been fair and does a good job. Nothing fancy, no designer interior, just bikes and bits of bikes!
I know what you mean. Judging by the comments, my experience isn't an isolated case. It does reflect badly on the brand.
Definitely right all dealerships are ripping people off with service charges all most do is oil n filter change plug bike in to ecu for updates £225 bill at my ducati dealer not great customer epriecation after paying for a new bike no more for me too
I just don't understand their mentality, how do they expect to retain customers and gain new ones
I bought a 2nd hand BMW S1000r, only 12,000km, 8 years old and the service light came on a few months after buying it. So I took it to BMW and they wouldn't re-set the light even though I had just done a full service on the bike myself. They wanted $500 aud, to do a service so they could re-set the service light. The service light blocks out your engine temp, so you kind of need to have it re-set, thanks to BMW being total dick bags. I though FK that, bought a $20 cable and a $90 uniscan, job done in 30 seconds.
Also had a KTM dealer wanting to charge me $240 to do an oil change while my bike was back for the 4th time for the same warranty issue. $240 and I was providing the oil, what a fking joke.
Wow, that's shocking 😱
Just use a specialist never a main dealer. They change oul and filter do fuck all else and charge ridiculous prices.
Very true
Which is why I wouldn't touch a Ducati.
Fair enough. The bike is great though.
The only way to get good service is by joining their chapter because they know you are a serous rider and want you to service at the dealer and you ride a lot. Otherwise you are a garage polisher rider or weekend warrior sometimes
It doesn't matter what sort of rider you are, the service you receive should be so much better.
Wait until you see my Ducati Website Roast hehe, they are the quintessential, er German motorcycle company after all! I might link to this if that's OK with you? PS, lay off the W800, as the geezer below said it's uber reliable and unique as the last proper parallel twin motorcycle.
yeah, no problem putting a link on here, fill your boots.
Nothing wrong with the W800, just not my cup of tea - sorry to any w800 fans
😳
You’re right to be upset about service not completed, own a 22 Duc MS V4S & dealer has to reset my service light, need them unfortunately for software updates also, that’s BS they didn’t fix, should have let them keep it. Your expectations around test rides, being treated “special” when you walk in, loaners, is way too high. I’ve purchased 10 new bikes over the yrs, have 3 in garage, have NEVER been allowed to test ride my new Harley’s, KTM, Ducati, Husqvarna. Honda & box chains will let you sometimes but not premium brands. Have also never been given a loaner & I’ve had 50 devices & 10 different dealerships. Motorcycle dealers are low profit, low service providers in the US, not like walking in & getting concierge service at Lexus, I’ve come to accept they don’t go above & beyond. In fairness, that’s why I’m not loyal & always drive to get the best $$$ on my next bike
Hi Mike, thanks for your input. I'm not really wanting to be treated special, or expecting them to go above and beyond, but people working in a customer facing role should surely engage with their customers and make them feel welcome. It just seems a bit bizarre to me that they don't.
It sounds like you've got a great collection of bikes 🤩
some great points. in many spheres of life i've always taken the view that if a business treats me well and fair, i like to build up a relationship of trust, & they usually get my repeat business until they drop the ball, be it insurance, energy, vehicles, builders, whatever, but rule 101 is that having it dropped in your lap is worth twice as much as the trouble and expense of courting new customers, so they make us shop around to their own detriment - crazy. GL
You got shafted.....
And from the comments, it's seems like I'm not the only one.
Had same experience with BMW.
I've heard of a few bad experiences with BMW, but they don't seem to be as bad as Ducati
Unfortunate to hear you struck a motorcycle service dealer stuck in the 80's and unfortunately there are a few still around, these centre's need to look to see how a successful car dealership deals with their customers.
Totally agree 👍
Sounds like a call to trading standards is in order
Mmmm, I'm not sure there would be enough for trading standards
Ive ordered a Desert X Rally, im troubled now 🤦♀️
Oh no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any anxiety 😬
Hopefully you'll get treated better.
Lucky you getting a Desert X Rally 🤩
I see nothing has changed then in over forty years, i used to work in the parts dept of a motor cycle shop, and what a rip off! we used to take money for insurance and then riders coming back months later saying waiting for my documents etc, found out the bosses would pocket the money, so no one got insured, bike trade car trade all the same I'm afraid
Wow, how did they get away with that
Well they did, the police looked into it, but nothing was done and later found they had being taking my national insurance from my wages each week, and needless to say that is going to effect my pension soon@@ivy-mac
Looks like you’re local to me, which dealer was it?
Blade in Abingdon
The prices of these bikes is ridiculous
They certainly are, but most people buy them on PCP so can afford the monthly payments. I'm happy with my 9 year old bike all paid for up front.
You’re still better there than trying Ducati at the Red Cow
I'm guessing you wouldn't recommend them
The dreaded Desmo service. That perpetual Ducati money grab.
You've hit the nail on the head there
Have you carried out a Desmo? It is a lot of work to perform this schedule correctly
@@stabes70 no, I haven't. It had the desmo service done just before I bought it and the next isn't due for quite a while
@@stabes70 No. But I used to work for Ducati. It's just part of the ownership experience and that carries an incremental cost.
Just did the oil and filter myself on my Firestorm, cost £40.😂
Yeah I know 😂 what was I thinking going to a dealer
I have a Supersport S, just turned 3 yrs old. Engine management light came on about age 1&1/2 yrs. Turns out to be a problem with an exhaust valve, which was repaired. Just as it's running out of warranty same problem re-appears. I end up paying for a problem that was supposed to have been rectified. Dealer manager was shocking, absolutely no interest, when I said what had happened and it must be a design fault. Floor staff and technicians were spot on, the manager not so. I swore I would never return
That's rubbish. I've had the exhaust valve issue as well. It should really be taken apart and cleaned every so often, it could do with being part of the service.
But when your bike is new, like yours, under warranty, and you get it serviced, you shouldn't have to worry about these little things.
Terrible service. Take to an independent
I will be in future 👍
That is why they have demo rides at the convention. They out all the miles on one bike. Keep the new ones new. That is normal. Not like a car at all.
Fair enough. But I wanted a test ride on a used bike before buying it.
@@ivy-mac I know but it’s the no one rides my bike syndrome different lingo in the bike world
I wouldn't have paid them the money mate. Or at least the 50 sovs. How does an oil change and a quick shufty round cost £400 anyway!?! I understand you want to keep your Warranty...fair enough, but maybe if you spend that sort of money at every service it may not be worth it. Change your own oil and if anything else you can't handle happens ( probably electrical knowing Ducati) go to an independent workshop worthy of your business.
Hi Charlie, that was the first and last time I've got it dealer serviced 😬
When you buy a premium bike you expect premium service. I would be furious, what a joke. You were charged £400 for a £100 service at a dealership prices or half that if you did it yourself.
Scandalous isn't it
Ducati Tax, that is the reason I sold my MTS.
What did you replace it with?
BMW r1200gs
Considered the GS and MTS and ended up buying a used 1260 Enduro for much less than a comparable GS... Over time the desmo services will close that gap so really the bikes are very close in cost of ownership over the long run IMO. (Although the BMW does hold its value better)
Agreed the Multistrada is an incredible bike one of my problem with it was no matter where I went it with triple digits the bike was just too eager to go fast, the BMW has helped with that.
Same old same old from the motor trade, nothings changed in the last 30 yrs.
Yes, unfortunately
Not unreasonable, and not a very good dealer , expecting a top class? Lone bike is a big ask. Try Pro Twins who only sell,service and love Ducatis 👍
I'll have a look at pro twins.
I don't think you are being unreasonable at all, it's not a dealership, it's a stealership. Just money for nothing, as for customer service that is a joke. Try complaining to Trading Standards??
'stealership' is definitely word of the day 👍
Most main dealers are poorly set up franchises and all about profit above all else. The better ones, BMW that i know (they're not perfect) of are more closely controlled by BMW. They have a much shorter rope to which they can rip off customers and you can go to BMW Motorrad UK. Many so called technicians these days are nothing more than fitters at best. Its a sad state of affairs and happening in just about every sector nowadays days. Look for an independent who specialises in Ducati.
There's a good independent guy in Cheltenham, it's just a bit of a schlep to get over there, but I think it'll probably be worth it.
Well Ivor most people in business dont have a clue about customer service and how to carry it out ! it could be so much better with good intent and interest in their profession ?/ what about this one ?? Bought a brand new Suzuki GSXS GT in 2o23 it developed a crank knock at 1500 klm ! told by dealer to let it develop! still knocking at 5000 klm took it back again and again 3 weeks in dock nothing done ? I took sick and couldnt stand the strain and wanted my money back or a new bike !! Suzuki would not listen and the dealer was of no help whatsoever even after 20 years as a customer of theirs ?? being sick I took a cash offer to buy the bike back off me for a $5000 loss to me !! Many thanks Suzuki and Dealer in WA NO more Dealers for anything ,good luck mate rgds.
Oh no 😟, that's really crap. Warranties aren't worth the paper they're written on half the time
Lots of good feedback from motorapido
A few people have mentioned them
This is how my last main dealer experience went ..... had a basic 15k mile service work to be done. couldn't do it myself as required a special tool. during work the mechanic told me my bike had high miles (only 30k lol not high when bike is maintained well) he then went on a rampage with a bunch of lies saying my gearbox bearings will go soon so would my wheel bearings the engine would only last another 15k miles lalalalala and then he said he has a brand new bike upstairs that he could have me on TODAY! like what the actual FU@K have i just witnessed? literally lied to me about a bunch of stuff to try and sell me a new bike and this was a main dealer not some back ally used bike dealer. he also put lock tight and over torqued bolts to try and damage them, found this out because i brought special tool and took everything apart to make sure he didn't damage anything witch obviously he tried to. charged me 130 quid for 35 mins.
Wow, that's not going to endear you to the brand is it 😟
@@ivy-mac i should of added this was a main Yamaha dealer doing basic work on a Honda scooter. the mechanic was proper talking shite. tbh i let him go on until i told him i know what I'm talking about and he then shut up lol. if i owned a Ducati id never take it to a dealer or a mechanic. don't trust them enough. im sure there's a way to trick the bikes ECU to remove service/check engine lights ??
@@mrpantur7280 I've done a bit of research on the service light thing, it's seems that you need the proper diagnostic tool. I don't think I'd be keeping it long enough to warrant buying one.
@@ivy-mac fair enough and i bet Ducati have done that so you have to pay them 1 billion pound to take service light off. luckily with my Honda you have to type a secret code with the dash buttons lol.
But sir rides an expensive performance bike . 🤷♂️
Obviously they have lost a customer 4 life. U dont bite the hand that feeds u.
You've got that right 😉
You blew it pal, its all on you for not communicating. Take ownership and enforce what you want done.
If they don't do it when I first ask them, I simply won't go back there
Hi no how can you be unreasonable for wanting good service old saying any idot can sell you a bike you want the most important service comes after that with a mechanic you trust bad service seems to be epidemic
Ride free
You're right, it does seem epidemic
I'd be furious with that level of service. Don't expect to be treated in a friendly manner at a Ducati dealer because they're superior. You shouldn't moan about being given a Kawasaki W800(?). They're perfectly good bikes, but people won't look at you. Not suitable for a Ducati rider.
I didn't mean to sound harsh about the W800. It's not a bad bike at all, it's just at 6 foot 3, it's very small for me.
Are you saying Ducati riders are posers 😱
@@ivy-mac In that case, I'll let you off, you are pretty tall!
I'd rather use a trusted dealer, but we're stuck for choice these days. These modern and complicated bikes need special tools and equipment and access to information that the manufactures keep secret. I was considering the DesertX but Ducati won't allow us a workshop manual. Are the non-franchise workshops capable of providing the correct level of service?
My choice of bike depends a lot on how well I get on with the dealer. I won't do business with a snooty, unfriendly or cunning dealer. I purchased a KTM rather than a Husqvarna or a Honda because of the dealer as much as the bike itself.
Yes Ducati riders do tend to be posers 😊
@@RedRupert64 the desmo service on my Multistrada was done by a non franchised specialist in Cheltenham, but he couldn't turn the service light off, so not quite the level of a main dealer.
complain to Ducati
Others have and the response is that Ducati has no control over the individual dealerships' pricing schemes and services offered.
I should do really.
Try recording with a 16:9 aspect ratio so the video fits most modern screens
Thanks for the tip Javier 👍
no your not un reasonable not bike enthusiaSTS
They don't even need to be enthusiasts, they just need to do the job they're in business for
I stopped bothering with dealer services after marking all the consumables with indelible ink and checking valve clearances prior to a major service. The oil got changed everything else was not done and at least two of the valve clearances were well out of spec. Several hundred quid for a stamp in the book.... never again.
The dirty little secrets of the "professional" workshop.....
There's a few similar stories in the comments below 😟
I can't even imagine why anyone would buy a Ducati or indeed anything mechanical from Italy. If you are lucky a Ducati might last for 20,000 miles. They are so poorly made you would be far better off with a Chinese bike.
I've got no complaints at all about the bike, just the dealers 😉
Well well bmw and ducati riders are snobs , the kawaski is better alround, and serveyou right buying a expenseive bike 😂
Ouch 😂
I bought an ELM 327 harness for my Enduro. Comes with Melcodiag software. So now I can read fault codes and clear the service light. Curious to know how they can justify that price for something that takes half an hour and £50 of oil and filter.
I'm sure they'd just say they have lots of overheads
AMSmoto tewkesbury KTM dealers. Treat me like a king, endless coffee, reasonable price, good service techs etc etc
Sounds like heaven, why can't all dealers be like that.