Premier Bikes Didcot

[baggieman]

I read a lot of negative press about dealers so thought it was only fair to redress the balance when you have a positive experience

Went to Premier on a Thursday only tentatively considering a new 1290R
Test rode it and was extremely impressed, agreed a part ex price on my 990 and after sorting out essential modifications I left to think the deal over for a few days

I rang back on Monday and spoke to Sales Manager Darren, asked if it was possible to have bike ready for Thursday and although he insisted it would be I was a little sceptical

Van arrived on Thursday lunchtime, 1290 delivered, 990 along with stock exhaust taken away

Comprehensive hand over by Martin and deal complete

Hoping that all future after sale experiences are as positive

[SDNerd]

That does read like you had a good experience.

But then, much more often than not - with "stealers" - the sales experience is far better than what follows.

Ironically, where dealers make their serious money is in service, parts and accessories. And this where most folks are frustrated with them. Not just the ridiculously high cost of parts through most dealers, but the deplorable quality of service. It's ignorance, lack of skills of mechanics, pathetic workmanship, poor attention to details, and near-zero factory support on bigger issues in the case of KTM that most suffer.

Are all dealers the same in these regards? Of course not. In motorcycling however, the norm leans toward the shitty - why there's so much negative perspective about dealers. People spend a lot of money on a "toy", are ready and willing to pay what it takes to keep it lit properly - then get shit on for a very high price tag. These days its so chronic, it seems too often that more damage is done to bikes during service at dealers than at the hands of even an abusive owner. This is why DIY remains so common. "At least if I eff it up - it's my fault ..." and all that.

I sincerely hope that you find your 1290 ownership and follow-on service experience with this dealer, to be as pleasant as that of the purchase.

[shadowman]

I test rode an SMT from Premier. Didn't like the SMT but Premier were friendly enough.

How many KTM dealers did you pass to get to Didcot? Can't be the closest option for you can it??

I think when they drop well under 10K I might swap the 990 and my ZZR for one but I'm not in any great rush.

Have fun.

[crust]

Bought my 990 from Premier.

Very friendly, easy deal. Bike was everything they described, came with std exhaust and db killers. Following week was out for a ride, thought oil was low, dropped in to check procedure and buy oil.

"No problem, wheel it round the back we'll sort it now."

"Oh, ok. Was just asking for some advice and to buy some oil."

"No problem, wheel it round the back we'll sort it now."

Great, mechanic showed me through checking oil and how to top it up, topped it up for me. No charge, even a free coffee.

Nice guys.

[baggieman]

I test rode an SMT from Premier. Didn't like the SMT but Premier were friendly enough.

How many KTM dealers did you pass to get to Didcot? Can't be the closest option for you can it??

I think when they drop well under 10K I might swap the 990 and my ZZR for one but I'm not in any great rush.

Have fun.

Bought my first SD in 2006 from there, Tri County is my closest but didn't have a demo and is a much smaller set up
I know of In Moto but going anywhere near the Croydon Township didn't appeal