In praise of dealers

Dear MB,

I have to write in praise of motorcycle dealerships. I discovered the joys of motorcycling later in life and passed my test at 45 years old. I am now 60, previously having absolutely no interest in bikes whatsoever.

So I rely on my local small dealership Torbay Motorcycles in Devon.

For all things bike related, they have become good friends as well as looking after my NC750s DCT. The Honda mechanics are also secondto-none.

I not only support the smaller dealers, but the larger destination dealers as well. We have two excellent large ones in Plymouth and Exeter. I have bought all my bikes both secondhand and brand new from a dealer. The regular personal contact for me is priceless, which you cannot get from solely shopping online for everything.

Whatever I am buying, from clothes to accessories, I will always give the dealer the opportunity to price match online and if they can get as near to the price as possible I don’t mind paying close to the online price from the dealer. Also, you get personalised, friendly help with any queries or help with any problems that may arise, and you can try things on, which in my opinion is important.

It is also a great place to meet up with local bikers, both friends and strangers, who are having a look at all the lovely shiny metal on offer and we can touch, feel and sit on all the great bikes we read about in the magazines over a hot chocolate or tea. You can take a bike out for a test ride and generally immerse yourself in our wonderful biking universe; I love it. Without our support and purchases we will lose them, and whilst sometimes they are expensive, if within reason, try and buy from your local dealer to keep them in business.

Gareth Evans Email

Hello Gareth, thanks for the email. It’s really good to hear that you’re having, and continue to have, such a largely positive experience of a dealership. Long may it, and your motorcycling career, continue. Here’s to a long and successful summer for both you and Torbay Motorcycles.

Tony