Hello Folks,
I'm in the UK and thinking about buying a used GTR1400. I'm thinking a 2010 onwards model because of the traction control gibbons which might come in handy during the winter months. Is there anything I should really be looking out for when looking at bikes other than the usual, i.e. are there any GTR specific known problems? Other bikes in the running are the BMW K1300GT and Yam FJR1300 but out of them all, I'm drawn to the Kwak.
Thanks for any pointers.
Hi
The GTR is a lovely bike to ride, a few known issues, but nothing serious, on the older models.
Compared to the others ? I can only comment on the FJR as I owned both at one point and used the GTR most until I got the newer FJR. Slightly different riding position on the FJR but more roll on power without changing gear.
Better weather protection on the GTR and mirrors and id have another when they bring in cruise control.
A few on here have gone to the dark side (bmw), and to be honest they are a nice bike (k1600) but too juicy, expensive and colossal servicing costs for me.
The FJR is tried and tested and is very reliable as is the GTR engine on the ZZR.
You need to first test ride the FJR and then the GTR, and i'll think you'll like the GTR most.
Good luck
Excellent advice that. Totally agree.
The gtr is a fantastic bike with a bullet proof engine , and only has the same niggles as most other bikes have , it's the Bentley of bikes , super smooth and fast , get one you will not go wrong , :biker3:
Considered the FJR before I bought my GTR, FJ may have been better for the long hauls and touring as it feels bigger, but for a day 2 day and "the one bike for all purpose", the GTR wins hands down for me - scratch, commute or tour!
I had an FJR work bike alongside a Pan and hated riding the FJR in comparison. The GTR was head and shoulders above both of them for speed (Pan) and build quality (FJR). However, I hear the new FJR is a lot better and has cruise control and lots of fancy electronics and, in the view of many, nosed ahead of the GTR but I can't comment as I haven't ridden it.
In summary, if you're looking at the FJR, make sure it's the newer version 2013 onwards and make a personal comparison. If you can't stretch to one that new then go straight for a GTR (in my view).
P.S. the FJR is more expensive so if it's just cruise control that's persuading you, it's probably cheaper to get a GTR and have an electronic cruise control fitted
Thanks for the replies, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
The GTR is the bike I want, the FJR is more of a 'thinking with the head and not the heart' bike, the BMW is 3rd on the list - never been much of a fan and have heard bad things about the build quality and reliability of their bikes, despite the supposedly 'premium' badge.
I had a 2005 ZX6R many moons ago, loved that bike and couldn't fault the build quality on that.
I've been looking for a GTR near me, my local Kwak dealer seemed deserted when I popped in there yesterday, literally - I could not find a single person working in there and they looked closed from the outside. It looked like they were having work done on the place and all the bikes were in the back, I tried to have a look but couldn't see a GTR in there. P&H in Crawley or Dobles in Coulsdon look like the closest dealers that have one.
One last thing, the whole keyless ignition thing, how reliable is it? I don't fancy being stranded because it's playing up.
Thanks
Hi joe.
And welcome to the group.
The keyless ignition I cannot see you having an issue with it others on here will verify this.
The people who have have ether lost the fob or left home without it after starting the bike .
There is a battery inside that will need replacing yearly ? Who knows I suppose it depends on usage like all battery's.
I myself have never had an issue my fob is on a lanyard around my neck so I never forget it .
Enjoy the bike :clap: :clap:
The 2016 FJR has been revised again BTW. Now with 6 gears.
Personally I would let the dust settle for a couple of years to see how this change goes if considering new.
Also the GTR and FJR are the same price new at base level with slightly different gizmos. ( FJR, cruise ) (GTR, TPS ).
You can get the FJR with electronic suspension - but then that's just more to go wrong !
http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/kawasaki/gtr_1400_abs/2012/antloz/205965 not bad mpg on the GTR either.
hiyaJoe and welcome along to this excellent forum with lots of great advice and more than a little banter.
In simple terms the GTR is a stonking bike, and the keyless ignition, whilst at first may seem odd, won't cause you any trouble
Now stop dithering and get one bought, :mfr_lol: remember a good service history is important as is a good comprehensive dealer backed warranty for your peace of mind
Good luck my friend and let us knowhow youget on :yes:
Get along to P & H in Crawley and ask for Amy Dunn, their marketing manager. I met here when I was a KMUK a little while back and she seemed very enthusiastic to all things K. I am sure she will sort out a test ride for you if they have a GTR in stock
Ant, I read recently that all cars produced after 2014 have to be fitted with TPS. Do you know, is this something which is going to be mirrored with bikes?
TPS?
P&H have a 2010 GTR in the showroom right now by the looks of things, only 6000 odd miles but I think the price is a tad high.
It's a sunny day and I'm off work, I might take a scenic ride down there for a mooch around.
Tire Pressure Sensor
Yes TPS = Tyre Pressure Sensors......not to be confused with the weird spelling of Tyre by Jim who thinks it should be Tire as in Tire d :sleep1:
Ah that makes sense, I like the idea of the TPS's as well.
Well, I took a bible down to P&H and the GTR was there, it's a big old bike isn't it?
It was tucked at the back of the shop so didn't ask for a ride as I didn't want to waste their time as I'm not in a position to buy right this second.
The bike itself looked very nice, well looked after from what I could see apart from the rusted header pipes but I suppose this is inevitable.
I think I'll get a bit more serious now, get the money together and ask for a test ride, presuming they don't sell it in the meantime.
And more importantly, I told the the missus I was thinking about getting a new bike and she didn't stab me so that's a good sign....
I know I got a good deal for my 2010 model as it had loads of extras (at least £2.5k worth) but I paid £8k for it 3 years ago so this price looks very high to me. Definitely room for negotiation :-)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201511108567627
That's the bike I've taken a look at, how much do you think it's worth?
I'm going to have a proper look around now, see what's available.
Joe , prices will vary up and down the country, I would suggest that you look in the classifieds like ebay, autotrader MCN etc and gain some info about comparable prices,
If you have not got a part exchange then you can expect decent discount, if you are part exchanging then you may find that even though you are looking at a low mileage higher priced machine that the dealer will give you a better allowance price....
In short its all about the cost to change
Good luck and keep us posted
Some good points there, thanks.
The price is too high, I won't pay that, if they were to throw in a new top box and come down on the price to the first half of the 7000's then I'd consider it.
I've pulled my finger out and got my funds sorted, I'm officially shopping.
Quote from: The Wolf on February 11, 2016, 10:56:29 AM
Yes TPS = Tyre Pressure Sensors......not to be confused with the weird spelling of Tyre by Jim who thinks it should be Tire as in Tire d :sleep1:
lol,,,,,,,,,,
Quote from: The Wolf on February 10, 2016, 10:38:35 PM
Ant, I read recently that all cars produced after 2014 have to be fitted with TPS. Do you know, is this something which is going to be mirrored with bikes?
Would be a good thing I guess, not sure about bikes though.............although I think it will be just a warning system not an actual visual display, as the dummies of this world will panic once the pressure rises when the temperature increases............ :shocked:
English/American upbringing....confuses the heck out of me at times..
Walk in with £7000 cash and they might do a deal , you are paying a higher price because of the mileage , the best time to buy a bike is November ,December , :biker3:
Quote from: Phill_York on February 11, 2016, 04:00:40 PM
I know I got a good deal for my 2010 model as it had loads of extras (at least £2.5k worth) but I paid £8k for it 3 years ago so this price looks very high to me. Definitely room for negotiation :-)
I'm intrigued to know how you can add £2.5 of extras to a GTR ?
ZG on here maybe can by having the most unique bike...........but you wont see another like it anywhere.
Quote from: Ant on February 12, 2016, 09:04:40 AM
I'm intrigued to know how you can add £2.5 of extras to a GTR ?
The extras were (front to back) paddock stand bobbins, fender extender, radiator guard, touring screen (orignial supplied), bar risers, electronic cruise control, datatool red alarm, Tracker, zumo 660 mount, baglux tank bag, crash bungs, heated clothing controller, wind deflectors, gel touring seat (original supplied), pannier protectors, pannier inner bags, Kawasaki top box and extended warranty.
I managed to sell the bits I didn't want (bar risers, baglux cover, heather clothing, gel seat and original screen for £300 ish) and bagged myself a bargain. The guy never rode outside London so his dalliance with the accessory cataloge when he ordered it was definitely my gain :-)
Would be a good thing I guess, not sure about bikes though.............although I think it will be just a warning system not an actual visual display, as the dummies of this world will panic once the pressure rises when the temperature increases............ :shocked:
[/quote]
So true, I fell for that one myself, a warning appeared on the instrument display informing me of a malfunction which in fact was low tyre (note spelling Jim :mfr_lol: ) pressure
It was easy to simply reset the pressures and eliminate the warning :oops:
Mitigating circumstances were that I hadn't had this system on any previous car.....hummmmn ~ note to self....read the bloody instruction book first :mfr_lol:
:angry: :mfr_lol:
Of course the more systems added to the bike means there is more to go wrong! Remember the days before tps no battery worries then and we coped pretty well. Also we should never have got rid of kickstarts!
Quote from: Phill_York on February 12, 2016, 10:36:37 AM
The extras were (front to back) paddock stand bobbins, fender extender, radiator guard, touring screen (orignial supplied), bar risers, electronic cruise control, datatool red alarm, Tracker, zumo 660 mount, baglux tank bag, crash bungs, heated clothing controller, wind deflectors, gel touring seat (original supplied), pannier protectors, pannier inner bags, Kawasaki top box and extended warranty.
I managed to sell the bits I didn't want (bar risers, baglux cover, heather clothing, gel seat and original screen for £300 ish) and bagged myself a bargain. The guy never rode outside London so his dalliance with the accessory cataloge when he ordered it was definitely my gain :-)
Cool, they are the bargains to get.........I guess sometimes you never add up the cost of everything extra you add to a bike, but I reckon this guy could afford it !
Quote from: Ant on February 11, 2016, 11:01:47 PM
lol,,,,,,,,,,
Would be a good thing I guess, not sure about bikes though.............although I think it will be just a warning system not an actual visual display, as the dummies of this world will panic once the pressure rises when the temperature increases............ :shocked:
I think the car systems work off the ABS sensors. If one tyre is losing pressure the rotational speed changes compared to the other three and this is sensed by the ABS sensor, similar to if the wheel is locked and therefore has a different speed to the other three.
My RAV4 doesn't have tire pressure sensors per se. It does use the ABS to sense the change in rotational speed. Of course I have no idea which tire is low. I have to check all of them. At least with ours, it tells you which one is going flat. We've had issues with the internal batteries of the sensors themselves. I've changed both of mine once already. I do absolutely hate it taking over the screen with a low battery warning. Same with low fuel. Fixed the low fuel warning and I'm not experiencing any issues with the sensors since I changed the batteries in both.
I did
Quote from: virginiajim on February 16, 2016, 09:02:34 PM
I do absolutely hate it taking over the screen with a low battery warning. Same with low fuel. Fixed the low fuel warning and I'm not experiencing any issues with the sensors since I changed the batteries in both.
I didn't realise until I read it on here but if you have a warning (tYre pressure, low fuel etc) then pressing both function/trip buttons below the clocks together will cancel it and show a red LED to remind you it's cancelled but leave the display as it should be :-)
Just to be a TPMS geek......
The newer (2nd generation) indirect TPMS do measure wheel speed, but they also measure the vibration modes of the tyres (that boing noise when you bounce a tyre), as the frequency of these are very sensitive to inflation pressure. With these systems, you can tell which channel is losing pressure.
The direct TPMS like we have on the GTR, is a bit old school for cars, but will probably carry on for bikes as it's not possible to compare signals across and axle.....
Quote from: Phill_York on February 17, 2016, 09:52:41 AM
I didI didn't realise until I read it on here but if you have a warning (tYre pressure, low fuel etc) then pressing both function/trip buttons below the clocks together will cancel it and show a red LED to remind you it's cancelled but leave the display as it should be :-)
You can do the same for Fuel Warning :wink:
I'm reliably informed that thecurrent model GTR has a different TPS system , the benefit of which is that battery life is now much longer, the valves do seem to look different, I guess time will tell if battery life is extended
I'll research this :smartass:
The only thing different about it is the sensors themselves, other than that, it's the same. We're hoping that these newer sensors aren't as finicky about their batteries. When the bike came out in 2007, Kwackers was saying that the battery life was 5 years. I bought mine in Aug '07. The rear sensor started whining about it's battery in less than three years. The front followed suit shortly after. It's not that difficult a job to replace the batteries in the original sensors. We haven't figured out the new ones yet. Hopefully I won't have to change them again before I wear out the bike.
My bike is 2010 and I had new batteries fitted in the sensors when I bought it 1 year 11 months ago. Today while having a new front tyre I had a new battery fitted to the sensor as the alert kept flashing up on cold mornings :sad:
Quote from: STX1300man on February 17, 2016, 10:56:12 PM
My bike is 2010 and I had new batteries fitted in the sensors when I bought it 1 year 11 months ago. Today while having a new front tyre I had a new battery fitted to the sensor as the alert kept flashing up on cold mornings :sad:
They do on cold morning take a lot longer too settle
Well I'm off work with money burning a hole in my pocket, I'm hoping to arrange a test ride for today.
Go for it Joe you will love it. Please report back and tell us what you think.
I went to the dealer's last week for a quick look, there were plenty of sales people about but only one bothered to ask if I needed any help. I'm waiting for him to get back to me, I think he was off work yesterday. All the others can f*&^ off if they think I'll earn them any commission.
I'll give him a ring in a bit and get things sorted.
Cummon Joe, we're all sat on the edge of our seats :banana:
Well, it's all a bit disappointing really, but not with the bike :wink:
I spoke to the guy about 10am, he said that before going out for a test ride the bike will have to go through their workshop for the once over just to make sure it's road worthy and this isn't going to happen very quickly.
I'm awaiting a phone call from them which I'm hoping will come tomorrow or Saturday.
Nice to see that customer focus is still a priority! :popcorn:
Quote from: The Wolf on February 18, 2016, 07:12:38 PM
Nice to see that customer focus is still a priority! :popcorn:
You'd have thought they would have prepped the bike to be ready as soon as was possible after they acquired it so that when someone (me) wants to ride it with the strong possibility of buying it, there would be nothing in the way of me playing them my hard earned cash.
What year is this bike you are looking at?
Quote from: Joe on February 18, 2016, 07:30:52 PM
You'd have thought they would have prepped the bike to be ready as soon as was possible after they acquired it so that when someone (me) wants to ride it with the strong possibility of buying it, there would be nothing in the way of me playing them my hard earned cash.
I'm completely in agreement with you Joe
How badly do they want to sell the bike. :hammer:
Quote from: virginiajim on February 18, 2016, 07:39:47 PM
What year is this bike you are looking at?
2010
Quote from: O.C. on February 18, 2016, 07:45:25 PM
I'm completely in agreement with you Joe
How badly do they want to sell the bike. :hammer:
I've done a small amount of internet sleuthing, it's been in their possession for at least 5 weeks - from what I've seen they don't sell too readily, I reckon they would like to shift it and make room for something else.
I'm assuming used, correct? Try to get the service history if you can. How many miles on it?
Quote from: virginiajim on February 18, 2016, 07:55:04 PM
I'm assuming used, correct? Try to get the service history if you can. How many miles on it?
Yes, one previous owner and roughly 6k miles.
6k miles and a 2010... Be prepared to change every fluid in the bike and also all the filters. If it's the original battery chuck it and get a new one. Make sure it has one large fob. They may have the credit card fob as well. You really need to ride it in the cold to see if the TPS batteries are weak. If so, those batteries will need to be replaced. Check the tires, if they are BTs, chuck them and get PR3s or PR4s. In fact, if they've been on the bike that long, chuck them anyway. Make sure the front brake rotors aren't warped. You'll feel it if they are. Make sure all the recalls have been done to it. That's all I can think of at the moment.
One more thing. Check the rear shock adjuster. Make sure you can turn the knob clockwise and anti-clockwise.
Thank you Jim, most helpful :smiley:
It does not sound like they are very customer focuses. Don't run after them let them do some work to get your money or go elsewhere where they are more interested.
Quote from: PRD on February 18, 2016, 08:40:14 PM
It does not sound like they are very customer focuses. Don't run after them let them do some work to get your money or go elsewhere where they are more interested.
Oh I know, I have a few bikes in my time but usually buy privately.
I have another bike waiting in the wings should they not play ball.
Think I would take my money elsewhere. Dobles had a nice red one when I was looking but couldn't get enough from them for my RT. Had a really good experience dealing with CMC in Newport.
I wish you luck in your search. The right one will come along and I'm sure you will enjoy it
Mo
TBH I'm in no rush but in a way I see it as a good thing that they won't let the bike out before having their workshop check it out. It's just that I would have thought it would make sense to make sure this was done before the bike was put on sale.
:mfr_lol:
Bike shops never feel customer focussed and always feels like it's a mate running a business and helping you out. Hanging around in the shop isn't seen as a negative. When you're a youth you loved being in a bike shop, absorbing knowledge and feeling important because you had a bike. Unfortunately, the shops don't seem to have moved on from that treatment and deal with you the same way, even though your priorities have changed drastically; theirs need to as well.
Dare I say it, that this is the element which BMW have got exactly right. They are predominantly dealing with middle aged men, cash rich and often time poor. They seem much better able to behave like a car dealership being cleaner, bigger and more professional. For me, that's not an environment I want to buy a bike in but I recognise I'm in the minority.
Criticise BMW and it's riders all you like (and I'm at the front of that queue as many of my friends are all too aware) but you have to admit they have got their sales process right, generate unbelievable loyalty and have brought a lot of people to motorcycling. Credit where it's due; sorry.
BMW reminds me of Apple Corp.. Intensely loyal following and paying top dollar/pounds for their product. We have a BMW dealer close to me in Fredericksburg. I buy gear and stuff there all the time. I actually like them quite a bit. Just can't push myself to buy their product line.
Test ride is booked for tomorrow morning, after I called them FFS. It's put me off from buying from them.
Don't buy from them then. Imagine what they will be like if a prob occurs!
Quote from: virginiajim on February 19, 2016, 10:59:59 AM
BMW reminds me of Apple Corp.. Intensely loyal following and paying top dollar/pounds for their product. We have a BMW dealer close to me in Fredericksburg. I buy gear and stuff there all the time. I actually like them quite a bit. Just can't push myself to buy their product line.
:agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree:
Quote from: PRD on February 19, 2016, 12:12:02 PM
Don't buy from them then. Imagine what they will be like if a prob occurs!
Well it is a used bike so warranty is not much of a factor. I think if the price is right and the OP is willing to give the bike a good going over before hand, then he should be ok. There's always other dealers if he needs extensive work like a valve check. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one with what I know now, however my current 08 is the last bike I'm going to buy. The big things (as I've outlined previously) should be looked for, though. These bikes have their warts like any other, but generally are very easy to maintain and not prone to having to be worked on all the time.
Ok, just thought of something else. Check the rear shock adjuster to make sure the knob turns. We don't see that issue much over here but with your weather it can be problematic.
BMW comments I agree with. Trouble is they are too expensive for what they are. And when I buy a bike I like all the extras included in the price not as another expense added to the bike. Surprised they don't charge extra for the wheels!
So I'm seeing two bikes tomorrow now, will definitely check the preload adjusters on both, no doubt they are seized, in a way a hope they are, quite a simple fix and will give me some room for negotiation.
Either way, by this time tomorrow I hope to be a GTR owner.
Excellent news indeed! Two bananas for you! :banana: :banana:
The BMW dealer that I dealt with were sadly lacking in a number of departments except the one where they extract money out of ones pocket :mfr_lol:
The way they dealt with me meant that never again shall I darken their doorstep :hammer:
But I do accept that not all dealerships are alike
I've dealt with these dealerships in the past and found them to be very, very customer focussed I know the first one doesn't currently have a GTR in stock but it could be worth ringing Brian to ask if anything is due in (tell him Roger suggested the call ) I guarantee he will look after you like a lord :clap:
Ask for Charles at the second dealership,
They will both deliver a bike to your door
http://www.kawasaki-autorama.com/used-bikes.aspx
http://www.mcobikes.com/used-bike-detail/?id=29791&slug=KAWASAKI-KAWASAKI-GTR-1400-2009%20(59)
Quote from: O.C. on February 19, 2016, 01:39:49 PM
The BMW dealer that I dealt with were sadly lacking in a number of departments except the one where they extract money out of ones pocket :mfr_lol:
The way they dealt with me meant that never again shall I darken their doorstep :hammer:
But I do accept that not all dealerships are alike
I've dealt with these dealerships in the past and found them to be very, very customer focussed I know the first one doesn't currently have a GTR in stock but it could be worth ringing Brian to ask if anything is due in (tell him Roger suggested the call ) I guarantee he will look after you like a lord :clap:
Ask for Charles at the second dealership,
They will both deliver a bike to your door
http://www.kawasaki-autorama.com/used-bikes.aspx
http://www.mcobikes.com/used-bike-detail/?id=29791&slug=KAWASAKI-KAWASAKI-GTR-1400-2009%20(59)
:agree:
Quote from: PRD on February 19, 2016, 12:36:17 PM
BMW comments I agree with. Trouble is they are too expensive for what they are. And when I buy a bike I like all the extras included in the price not as another expense added to the bike. Surprised they don't charge extra for the wheels!
you only get what you pay for ,do you think mr kawasaki would give you a warranty on your bike if it was showing 80,000 miles ...correct me if i am wrong but i am sure bm will honour your warranty to 80,000,i think if you tried to spec a gtr the same as a k 1600 .you would get a shock at your final cost...cruise control is starting to get popular on the gtr ,it is expensive to buy and fit,even when it is on it just looks like an add on,at lest when bought with the bm it is part of the bike .discreet and neat....
Interesting that you mention cruise control, I've often wondered why cruise control is standard on the Kawasaki 1700 Voyager but not even as an add on for the GTR :shocked:
Sorry for taking the thread off topic :oops:
It's a very good question, but only Kwackers knows the real answer to that.
Quote from: keith on February 19, 2016, 06:30:44 PM
you only get what you pay for ,do you think mr kawasaki would give you a warranty on your bike if it was showing 80,000 miles ...correct me if i am wrong but i am sure bm will honour your warranty to 80,000,i think if you tried to spec a gtr the same as a k 1600 .you would get a shock at your final cost...cruise control is starting to get popular on the gtr ,it is expensive to buy and fit,even when it is on it just looks like an add on,at lest when bought with the bm it is part of the bike .discreet and neat....
That's right, you keep sippin that Coolaid... :mfr_lol:
So Joe :185: to what is often referred to as the mad house.
Remember there is no such thing as a bad product..............just that some product suits some people better than others.
I've had my GTR for nearly 3 years now and enjoy it's raw challenge and top end rush. Others here have been serial owners having sampled the delights of other and still have their heads turned just as we all do. Some move on. Some return.
The bottom line is we all enjoy riding...........how we achieve that pleasure is a very personnal thing that only the individual can decide.
Personally I love my GTR.... :scooter:......I hope you enjoy and have as much pleasure from yours once you've found that personally perfect ride :punk:
PS cruse would be good :clap:
PPS. If a dealer shows no interest in the courtship of the sale move on as they sure as eggs are eggs ain't going to help when things go wrong :no:
i totally agree with your comments .loved every kawasaki i have had ,i have never had a kawaski new or old fail to start ,breakdown .or apart from servicing spend a penny on .my first bm and apart from its weight issues pushing it in and out of parking spaces,its a sensational ride .like every other person who looked into this marque i had my doubts for its reliability on such a flagship model .but supposedly the new models have had everything ironed out ..!!!!time will tell at present just want some good weather to try it out properly ........ roll on the good weather !!!!
Found this Joe...................
Sums up in a light hearted way the freedom of riding......... :scooter:........
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NMJQWuDIr1k
Rumour has it that OC stunt doubled this scene from the life story of the greatest shoe salesman the states has ever seen...........1 x Al Bundy :punk:
Oh, God, Al Bundy...
Quote from: virginiajim on February 20, 2016, 12:06:03 AM
Oh, God, Al Bundy...
Yep he with the hot yet simple minded daughter :mfr_lol:
Was he related to Ted Bundy!
Quote from: Phill_York on February 19, 2016, 10:20:40 AM
Bike shops never feel customer focussed and always feels like it's a mate running a business and helping you out. Hanging around in the shop isn't seen as a negative. When you're a youth you loved being in a bike shop, absorbing knowledge and feeling important because you had a bike. Unfortunately, the shops don't seem to have moved on from that treatment and deal with you the same way, even though your priorities have changed drastically; theirs need to as well.
Dare I say it, that this is the element which BMW have got exactly right. They are predominantly dealing with middle aged men, cash rich and often time poor. They seem much better able to behave like a car dealership being cleaner, bigger and more professional. For me, that's not an environment I want to buy a bike in but I recognise I'm in the minority.
Criticise BMW and it's riders all you like (and I'm at the front of that queue as many of my friends are all too aware) but you have to admit they have got their sales process right, generate unbelievable loyalty and have brought a lot of people to motorcycling. Credit where it's due; sorry.
Sorry all, but after 2 purchases from BMW dealerships.......one the GTR and now the K1300s, Phill is absolutely right, a pleasurable buying experience which is what it should be. Even if you do pay a little more sometimes.
looks like I've been finally been rumbled :oops: :mfr_lol:
Two points Charlie.......
1, he has hair :mfr_lol:
2, he's riding a Harley :mfr_lol:
Now, can i get back to listening to Brian Matthews sounds of the Sixties
p.s. Don't tell anyone about my fetish for wigs and Harleys :shocked: :mfr_lol:
Guess who got a phone call a couple of hours before I was due to test ride the bike from the dealer telling me "you can't ride the bike, it's got a flat battery and we can't get another until Wednesday"
You can't make this kind of thing up. I could get a battery within 30 mins, I'm sure a bike dealer could as well, even if it means borrowing one from another bike. I've told them to forget it.
walk on sounds like something's up !!!!!!
:agree:
I got mine from Lloyds Cooper Watford..........a very good deal :popcorn:
But a lot here say Bournemouth Kawasaki is top for customer care and satisfaction. Don't be afraid to look further afield.........
You will find it worth it :yes: :scooter:
I forgot to mention I bought a different one...
Pics please Joe..
Where did you eventually get one from?
Collecting it tomorrow.
Bought it privately from a very nice chap, one well looked after example with 6000 miles on the clock and unmolested since it left the factory.
Quote from: Ant on February 20, 2016, 08:08:45 AM
Sorry all, but after 2 purchases from BMW dealerships.......one the GTR and now the K1300s, Phill is absolutely right, a pleasurable buying experience which is what it should be. Even if you do pay a little more sometimes.
They offer a very smooth consistently restrained knowledgable closing style of selling allowing you to enjoy the process stage by stage.
While in Ant and Lorraine's company during Ants latest aqusition all of us were treated with polite curtiousy and warm welcome.
The used stock is always prepared for sale allowing deal decisions to be made with confidence without the unknown coming back to bite you.
The only way to treat trade in stock is for it to go straight to workshop and inspect before making any commercial decision regarding that units future.
How a business can have used stock on floor in an unknown condition not ready for delivery is very poor management
Still by now I will have awoken OC up on this subject............... :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Joe on February 20, 2016, 01:05:40 PM
Collecting it tomorrow.
Bought it privately from a very nice chap, one well looked after example with 6000 miles on the clock and unmolested since it left the factory.
New Toy Time 👍
What colour ........pics etc.........are you comic to the group meet early June ?
Well done Joe. For a horrible moment thought you were going to say you bought a BMW.
Quote from: PRD on February 20, 2016, 01:43:52 PM
Well done Joe. For a horrible moment thought you were going to say you bought a BMW.
LMAO :punk:
Quote from: PRD on February 20, 2016, 01:43:52 PM
Well done Joe. For a horrible moment thought you were going to say you bought a BMW.
Steady on old chap, I'm not mentally ill.
Quote from: Charlie747 on February 20, 2016, 01:20:09 PM
They offer a very smooth consistently restrained knowledgable closing style of selling allowing you to enjoy the process stage by stage.
While in Ant and Lorraine's company during Ants latest aqusition all of us were treated with polite curtiousy and warm welcome.
The used stock is always prepared for sale allowing deal decisions to be made with confidence without the unknown coming back to bite you.
The only way to treat trade in stock is for it to go straight to workshop and inspect before making any commercial decision regarding that units future.
How a business can have used stock on floor in an unknown condition not ready for delivery is very poor management
Still by now I will have awoken OC up on this subject............... :mfr_lol:
Oh yessss, I'm here and I'm even partially awake :mfr_lol:
Having spent many years in the retail and wholesale motor trade I can only agree with you there Charlie, using a showroom to store non retail bikes (which should be underwritten and moved on) is inexcusable and very bad business practice.
Joe you have done the right thing, and I suspect that the dealer that you had been trying to deal with won't take anything positive from his experience ....its all a bit sad really and would NOT have happened on my watch :nono:
Quote from: PRD on February 20, 2016, 01:43:52 PM
Well done Joe. For a horrible moment thought you were going to say you bought a BMW.
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: LMAO
Quote from: Joe on February 20, 2016, 03:13:51 PM
Steady on old chap, I'm not mentally ill.
You are going to fit in here so well :mfr_lol:
Quote from: PRD on February 20, 2016, 01:43:52 PM
Well done Joe. For a horrible moment thought you were going to say you bought a BMW.
Oh the humanity!
Quote from: Joe on February 20, 2016, 03:13:51 PM
Steady on old chap, I'm not mentally ill.
:agree: :mfr_lol: :banana: :banana: :punk: :yes:
(http://s28.postimg.org/5x6j2csu5/Full_Size_Render.jpg)
:whistling:
:clap: :clap:
Lovely bike Joe, I imagine you're as chuffed as a dog with two D*>ks :mfr_lol:
Very nice Joe. I'm happy for you that all turned out well in the end
Mo
Joe that looks great. Lovely colour. Perhaps you can bring it to the meet in June.
Being nosey I think you said it had done about 6k and how much was it?
:sweet: looking :scooter: :punk:
Get yourself down to the meet in June so we can all welcome you on board personally :banana: :banana: :banana: