Apart from being freezing cold and what looked like poorly attended compared to last year but that could have a lot to do with the weather it was a bit boring, well that’s not true, its was very boring. Even the manufactures village was more like a one (iron) horse street, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson, BMW and Ducati has reasonable displays. No Honda! We visited the Ducati stand to have butchers at the Panigale and were totally ignored by the staff; we stood by the Panigale S for ages looking at the staffs who were chatting amongst themselves. Ling said go and have a word and tell them you are interested and want to arrange a test ride and can afford to buy one. Still we stood there, nothing more than a half glance from the staff. Fcuk them, if they can’t be bothered why I should we and we wandered off. I would have thought a 50 years old showing interest in a twenty grand bike would be their ideal demographic purchaser. We went to the BMW stand and had a look at the S1000rr and the staff could not have been more attentive even when I told them I didn’t really like it and thought it was ugly they showed an interest in why I have a blade and what I like or dislike about it, even wanted to arrange for me have a test ride at the local dealer (delivered to my address, if I want) to try and convert me. Ducati have a lot to learn in how to treat a possible customer. Rest of the show was just a junk yard sale. But I did get a massive Oxford chain and lock for 25 quid having said that the guy did say “how much was that mate” and I said 25 which was for the much lighter chain, Muppet should know what he is selling. Over all not worth the 19 quid each to get in, even the cup of coffee although hot and warming was weak and disappointing
Hi David, I thought about nipping down the a1 but to be fair I've found the previous couple of years boring too so decided not to bother this year! Thanks for the thread it made me feel better knowing I've missed nothing?
Carl you missed nothing mate, nothing, not even the Panigale S, which is saying a lot because I really really like that bike despite the staff attitude. They need a rocket up there stuck up arses. I was really considering one, but now I am not sure, if they cant be bothered when you have £ signs in your some what laser blurred eyes how are they going to behave after you have spent them.
I was at sycamores Ducati uppinghaham on Saturday and they were keen to give me a test ride, I said I was not ready to purchase, as you do, but he insisted i come back with my licence an take it out anyway? They make you feel relaxed and welcome?
I am not sure if it was the Uppinghaham or St Noets dealership at the show but who ever they were they are not doing the brand many favours.
I noticed a few bikes going to the show on my way up the A1 on Friday and then saw dozens of groups heading away from the show on my trip back down yesterday. I must admit I did wonder if we should have gone to it, but thanks to your report I'm glad I didn't miss anything!
It has dwindled quite a bit over the years. I went last year with the other half as I wanted all new gear as I sold my bike and gear a few months earlier! Bad move as I missed the bike way to much! I managed to get arlen ness 1pc leathers for £200 (metal badge missing from one knee and shoulder), shoei xspirit helmet £300, puma boots £100, and arlen ness gloves £60. So if your after some gear and willing to look everywhere then some bargains to be had. However £19 per adult is just a rip off now. I didn't go this year basically I didn't need anything and because of the weather. Thanks Gary
Since complaining on the Ducati web site about being ignored on the stand. I have since had an email from Debbie Wiggins, Ducati UK’s Marketing and Events Manager asking for a bit more info and a promise to investigate and report back, an email from someone else asking me if I still want information and a further email asking for a contact number for the local dealer principle to contact me regarding a demo bike. Desperation or just good complaints follow up practice. Draw your own conclusion but I am surprised that I have created such a reaction from head office. I mentioned the whole “ignore” issue to Darek my mate with the 1098 and he knows the women as he complained about an issue he had with the 1098 that the dealer ignored and he said she doesn’t seem to take any prisoners.
