UK Motorbike dealer collapse, my thoughts and BSA values, don't panic.

[@GrahamNewman-mq7gr]

You are 100% correct with your comments. One of the "Problems for dealers is". Unlike cars. You canot dispose of Part exchange bikes. Every dealer is full of " UNSOLD STOCK BEEN THERE A LONG TIME". There are NO buyers for the £4/5000 + Bikes . As bikes have got to silly prices the second hand market has also increased BUT the buyers do not see this. Younger people do not want MOTORCYCLES. There are too many bikes for the market . Motor cycling is a " 6 " month season in uk.

[@reuel7544]

There may well be a 6 month sale season in the UK but fortunately motorcycle riding is a year round experience.

[@brettwicks7339]

Unfortunately with the cost of living , housing , utilities , food , owning a vehicle other than the family vehicle , affordability for a motorcycle will become a luxury for most people to own . Then you have the maintenance , rego , insurances , plus all the safety gear to purchase . Sad to hear these small businesses are closing up , but with the overheads they have , wages , rents , then they have items in store that you can buy so much cheaper on line , than being charged $300 to change the oil and filter , than not knowing if it was done correctly ? It becomes to expensive to go back to the shop after the initial purchase of the motorcycle if you can afford the bike in the first place .

[@robertmassey807]

Absolutely spot on. The demise of the main dealer system, car or bike. It's evolution. Times are changing, for better or worse? Time will tell. Great video. 👍

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I would also add that the cost and complexity for new riders to aquire a motorcycle licence also has to be taken into account as well as the points raised. When I started biking a long time ago, a motorcycle was cheap transport to get me to work and back as a used car was out of reach, now it seems it's the other way round.

[@elpobrouse2277]

Affordability is a choice, I never bought anything I could not pay for and maintain. Never took out a loan for anything, not even my property's. It's making choices in live.

[@steve00alt70]

What Gen Z do u know that have houses of their own?

[@vthomas375]

Once upon a time the motorcycle was cheap transport. Oh hang on a sec, the C90 although more expensive to license then run than in ULEZ free times of yore, still is.

[@Jay_Speed]

When I was a mechanic my boss started with importing Jack Roush mustang's, Mack trucks and he said you have to go 4 weeks to the US for training and 4 weeks to Germany. I said no, find another one not me. I was 56 by than and had no need for that, he never got another one. So everytime there was an issue I needed to read about it and find a solution and it always needed to be cheap. Made a lot of special tools because it was cheaper than getting them from the US, import duty and so on.

[@elpobrouse2277]

I never bought a bike without a test drive, no test no sale. The same for cars, vans and trucks + trailers. I am the customer and it's my money, plenty of places to buy.

[@Jay_Speed]

The same for me, no test drive no sale. Yes it's our money, I worked hard and long for it.

[@keepitreal1547]

Exactly guys & everyone ought to be the same. Just recently a local dealer to me expected me to buy a bike without even seeing it or test ride. Their response on my keeping my money in my pocket, was 'what's the problem' My then response was, you've lost a sale & any future sales with me. Shocking service

[@Lar308]

Chances of getting a test ride on lets say a new BMW S1000RR is nil in Ireland. I had to buy my new S1000RR never having driven it until it was delivered to my door.

[@keepitreal1547]

@@Lar308 Each to their own, I never have & never would.

[@Jay_Speed]

@@Lar308 They are expensive, a Triumph Speed 400 that will be easier or a RE 450.

[@PaulCopp]

Personally I would never buy a bike without having ridden one. The dealers problem is that having decided on the one I want, it is then a UK wide market as you can buy online. I guess it's the same in all retailing with people wanting to try the goods in a local retailer, but then buying for the cheapest price online. I recently had a bike as a loaner while mine was in for service, loved it and decided to get one. I did buy the bike from my local dealer as I wanted the convenience of having a relationship with them if there was any problem, BUT I did use the internet to get the best possible deal and then ask them to match if they wanted the sale.

[@markgallagher2386]

Unfortunately motorcycle sales in the U.K. have been on the decline for over 25 years. Sales volume cant support the size of dealer network we used to enjoy with less than 100000 units being registered each year (all sizes, all makes) Long established dealers saw the writing on the wall and sold up to greedy investors looking for a quick profit which they quickly found wasn’t going to happen. The truth is the industry needs young riders, needs fresh manufactures (Chinese, Indian, Brazilian!) and a fresh approach to marketing. This is a leisure, adventure sport activity and needs selling that way. Currently we have a declining, niche appeal cottage industry.

[@barriewilliams4526]

If you rule out the likes of RE and Chinese motorcycles, a lot of new motorcycles are now just too expensive.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Truth is RE is as or more reliable than the bigger named brands that actually make 10% of the bikes that RE produces.Go figure that one. RE has the $ to test and produce a better more logical bike than any other company. And they do.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

When Triumph brought their Indian built 400s into the country they sold them at a very competitive initial price and when it proved a sales success the price started to creep ùp. When BSA brought in the GoldStar most pundits said they would and should be priced below the Interceptors price but they were priced considerably higher. No problems until a year later they cut and cut the price to the stage where a 7 grand bike was being offered at below and in some cases well below 5 grand. Is it any wonder original owners are passed off with BSA.

[@GrahamNewman-mq7gr]

BSA Found all the smucks, now they have run out of victims , BUT they have a lot of product to move . The big wheel keeps turning, and does not stop. That factory is still producing, probably for other countries. Too many sent to uk. Victims are inexistant in Winter. QED.

[@johncranwell3783]

Hello, I am a fairly new follower of your posts, I have found them to be easy enjoyable well thought out…. I think that’s one of your natural assets to be honest, but I like you for it. I really enjoyed this particular talk and it really does I think address much of what is really happening in the industry…. I was sorry to see completely bikes shutdown recently (and groombridge when I used to live in SE) there are two near me one of which I bought all my new motorcycle clothing from 6 was ago…. And they were incredibly helpful….. And you know before I committed, I checked online exactly what you said…. But I’ve never been one for going for the absolute cheapest…. I just wanted to see that I wasn’t paying way over average prices….. and yes they were out a bit but seeing someone face-to-face with all the effort and skill and knowledge shared with me when I was trying on the products would’ve taken hours and hours of studying on the Internet trying to work out whether something was good or not so good for me…. Using a local bike shop….. I’m hoping that when I come to lay my money down that I will indeed use another local dealer…. But that still depends on what they have in stock…. We shall see. Thanks again and looking forward to more videos from you cheers John Northeast Wales

[@theartisanrider472]

hi john thanks for the comment. i think its the pace of change that is catching most retailers out, the modern way of trading needs to be nibble and quick to react to the market. the next series of episodes are from india riding the enfield classic 350 so watch out for those. im also going to do some episodes on IAMS and other varied subjects around bikes. ride safe paul

[@peterhobbs7609]

Very well said sir, makes a lot of sense, if you bought it just enjoy it and forget about the depreciation, keep it long enough and it will be probably worth more anyway

[@alistairrobinson3865]

Great analysis! Pretty much agree with everything, the other point is the whole electrification story, difficult for newer rides to get enthused when it’s not clear what’s even going to be happening with bikes next 10-20 years

[@ccooper8785]

I wonder how many new Enfields will be sold in Scotland now that the dealers in Edinburgh and Dundee have shut. The already poor dealer network has now been reduced to only Glasgow and Dumfries. I suspect large areas of the country now have the same problem which also applies to most makes.

[@RikNewman-t7s]

Very valid points and with the dealers closing it does panic buyers. However we have been killing dealers for yeards as you say, i remember well over 10 years ago at the biker cafe in horam the owner saying he was not going to sell clothing or helmets as people come in get the make and model and buy elsewhere or on line.🤔

[@simonclare-fu7sx]

too many silly expensive bikes with too much tech, sometimes I just want an easy dessert sled style robust bike from the 60' 70's, they were a hoot then and would be again

[@tommoso55]

Absolute disaster Groombridges closing, had bought my last 3 new Suzuki's from there, and I go back over 40 years with them. P&H have been taken over by Superbike Factory or similar, so still open.

[@derbyshireruralrider9398]

Sadly many retailers (of most non food products) are losing out to people who browse for ideas than buy on line. Regarding motorbikes the harsh test rules and cost of insurance is putting young off going beyond 125. Our local CMC has a good cafe, as does Superbike at Donington. Similar policy works with farming who make much of their money that way

[@thetonetosser]

Are new/young riders coming onto the scene? Seems like the interest in bikes has dwindled. I don't see many in their late teens or 20s riding these days. Very different from somewhere like Spain where kids are on scooters when they're still at school.

[@RedDragonUncaged]

First time you've entered my YT feed, no doubt because every man and his dog is chipping in on the dealer collapses. You made some good points amongst the verbal diarrhea and muddy thinking, just like listening to any old biker over a coffee at any meet. I do like the conclusion though, the world is changing, adapt and stay positive, enjoy riding and stop whining on because of x, y and z. Oh look, raining again 😅 time to get out whilst all the whiners are inside watching YT instead of riding.

[@theartisanrider472]

il take that, half a compliment is better than nothing, and absolutely just get out and ride, rain or shine, thats why i keep buying all these bloomin bike jackets. ride safe cheers.

[@Paul-pb3vq]

Near were I live They have a cafe and meeting place. At the bike shop . Settees, tables and chairs. They do a self service breakfast which is fantastic. Family's turn up who are not really interested in bike go there purely for the food and drink.

[@geneclarke2205]

Yes, these shops have to adapt to survive. Same here, my local shop owner built a coffee shop with outdoor seating and expanded into ATV's, generators, small trailers, and bike storage. There's always bikes and foot traffic between his stores. He also treats his techs well and the service shop is busy. These shop owners have to think outside the box.

[@windmilljohn]

We’ve moved on in 70s years from bikes being essential for the survival of families, being the only means of transport, to being a trinket for many. Would one really buy a sports bike for commuting?….. Groombridge was my nearest main dealer, but the main showroom was full of bikes that, I doubt were not for commuting or touring; of course this is a personal perspective. I’m not a businessman so I’m probably wrong. But, I think dealers should have more mechanics and become places where servicing is first priority at a reasonable price and selling bikes is a bolt on. I have unfortunate first hand experience of a dealership, where selling addons took priority over servicing owners’ bikes; I worked there for six months. I still believe that if a motorcycle dealer offered servicing at a more sensible price without a three week wait, a lot of riders would be happier. I actually do all my own maintenance. But who knows… EDITED oops, I typed this before I listened and then you talked about service centres! Ah well, at least we think the same!

[@rupertbollywood1190]

New sportsbikes for commuting have their attractions for 20-somethings who are on the up. Can you think of any better way to get Lucy from accounts to take an interest in you?

[@birchwoodbiker]

Your 100% right the 1st time in my life I bought a bike I had not rode, I had tested the cbr650r fantastic bike, and I bought the cb650r the same bike different sitting possition, America also have a area where you hire a workshop space for the day, it's changing

[@paulholmes9537]

That’s interesting but not an unexpected response from a company in that position. I believe it’s being currently refitted as a branch of superbike factory. So good news for staff retention 👍. I’m going to pop along there this week to have a look.

[@Drzee1968]

Would be good to have an update on that, cheers

[@theartisanrider472]

hi so i dropped into P&H today, the doors are still open but they are just selling their second-hand stock, all the new bikes are being returned to the suppliers, but they are doing services and MOT etc. having said that i was told that they are just waiting on the finalisation of the change over to the superbike factory. once thats complete they will shut and reopen in january. that is expected this week. fortunately it appears that the staff are being retained for that which is excellent news. they also have a huge amount of stock that is listed on Ebay at trade prices . ride safe

[@Drzee1968]

@@theartisanrider472 Thank you for the update, bit gutted to hear as been around all my biking life, but at least the servicing etc will remain, cheers

[@steve00alt70]

This is the result of riders getting old and not enough young Gen Z coming thru. The average rider age is 54 in UK. They went bust because they refused to market towards Gen z. Way back in the old days you wud have soo many young ppl choosing the motorcycle over the car.

[@LiamE69]

The fundamental issue is that they have legislated riding out of being cheap transport, so there are so few new riders.

[@paulfoster5432]

I've been riding motorcycles for over 50 years, And apart from Triumph's lately, And some bike's on the cinema, Motorcycles have NEVER been advertised on TV

[@neilfordham5790]

I agree wholeheartedly with you; yes I was very disappointed when BSA did the dirty and dropped the price on the bikes but although I paid £7200 for my Legacy it is still a lovely bike which I enjoy riding. The only problem is dealers not selling them any more so the four year warranty is worthless if you can’t get it covered by someone who can do the work.

[@michaelgilbert3311]

Hi. Your presentation skills are excellant together with your content. Make sense to me. Until the next video. Thankyou. . Mike Sunny Wales

[@lesleybee33]

This is just playing into the warehouse factory style bike outlets…all the dealers go bust, only these left to buy from.

[@ZZR1200ZX]

It’s very sad that it has come to this. Manufacturers demands on dealers has played a big part in this. If you buy a new Tesla you go and pick it up from a compound without even seeing or speaking to any one apparently. I can see more Super bike factories or like opening up in its place.

[@trevorsmith8487]

The industry has been pushing ever larger, ever more complicated, ever more bloated with gizmos and more expensive, fueled by finance and PCP, for the last two decades and the punters (mugs) have been falling for it. Its a reset and manufacturers like Royal Enfield are poised to do ecen better in the UK. There are some great bikes available second hand but lack of mechanical knowledge and lack of good, non franchise mechanics will prevent many modern, PCP-type buyers take advantage

[@dannyhampshire2825]

Nothing wrong with KZbin influencers but when I watched mr Missenden say come and get a selfie with me when am at the adventure show it’s a bit up my own arss

[@Lar308]

I have bought all my bikes at actual dealers but first having watched about 30/40 you tube reviews on them. I don't think anybody buys a motorbike based on just looking at one review video.

[@boxatricks]

I probably watched 50 videos including the repair videos. I looked at riders I identified with, late 50's, overweight and slow with a good diy mechanical ability. Hence Royal Enfield.

[@keepitreal1547]

Dealers have had it very very good for a long time, those who saved & planned, will be absolutely fine & prosper without the others that were greedy, but didn't save & plan.

[@muckergee2113]

The simple fact is the motorcycles are over priced and the market needs to adjust ... the dealaships became to big for they're boots and will not except lower margins !

[@J.Harry.T]

The smaller businesses with a good stock of used bikes and a franchise for Far-Eastern commuter bikes will survive. The ‘super bike’ dealers are heading for the edge of a cliff. I think it’s called a ‘market re-set’.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

if that BSA were for sale in the U.S. i would own one.

[@dcasteaux9181]

Am 60. Have owned over 25 bikes in my 40+ year biking career. My son passed his test but could not afford his own bike or insurance so I had to help him out with both a bike and some cash. Otherwise he'd never have taken the test in the first place.

[@theartisanrider472]

im going to look at the cost of getting a licence and on the road for the first time as its something that seems to crop up. ride safe

[@paulneedham3608]

disagree about buying on line with motorcycles because of warranty etc. its more about manufacturers only wanting dealers to sell just one make of motorcycles. A good dealer will allways keep its customer base.

[@rupertbollywood1190]

Manufacturers will want to sell directly to their customers. They know their customers! The new ones will buy bikes on credit. They're influenced by idiots on KZbin and will always do as they say. The young people earn a LOT of money but they spend it on other things - they have a live-for-the-day attitude and like to blame all their problems on other people. They like £5 coffee, drugs every weekend and takeaway meals. They didn't even grow up walking to school in any weather, let alone the rain. Delayed gratification is completely alien to them. They've been told they can expect all sorts of things in life, and when they don't come easy they resort to the easy answers their teachers (third-rate history graduates who couldn't make it in the private sector) gave them, and they blurt out that it's all the fault of older generations who had it easy. LOL. They will not listen to how "easy" it was for us to get a house, etc. They would rather believe it was easy money, not enterprise and hard work over decades. The manufacturers know all this, and will only want to sell top-end premium bikes in the UK market (note that it's mainly the UK that has this problem). The young will probably never figure out that all they have to do is set aside £200 a month and in a couple of years they can buy a new bike. The manufacturers will want to cut out the dealers but sell at dealer prices. They also want the interest (note that buy-it-now prices are never lower than the sum of monthly repayments over a fixed term because they've baked in the credit price). It will be high-end bikes. And BSA knowingly sold a dog to rose-tinted "investors" and poor fools who are out of touch, at a price point almost every 60+ year old could afford, and all their R&D will go into electric bikes. They even fooled the UK govt into giving them a grant for UK production, but they'll continue to manufacture in India. The UK is called "treasure island" for a reason!

[@megaady36]

Riding a bike is a visceral experience, treating its purchase as just another online product gives us the current situation where dealers have several sub 1000 mile bikes for sale where people found they didn't get on with it. You should never buy a bike or car for that matter without a test ride first. Following the purchasing model you portray is taking the heart and soul out of motorcycling and will just leave us with basic anodyne machines which evoke no emotions - sad.

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

I don't understand why buyers would buy a motorcycle based on a KZbin vlogger review or any written review these days as there is usually a demo bike available for you to ride. Back in the 80/90s there wasn't many demo bikes available (except BMW and Triumph) for you to ride and dealers weren't that keen to allow rides on s/h machine so a purchase decision was based on looks and written views. I bought at least 2 bikes(not at the same time!) this way and ended up trading them in very quickly as I found the reality was very different from the written reviews. Today, I do my research, narrow down my shortlist, and will ride the bikes at least twice on different days to see if it's still the bike for me. I do watch some KZbin reviews, but use them as a guide only. I bought a bike that got a negative review from a certain very large KZbin channel, and I love it. The issues raised were non issues for me. Always test ride and make your own decision and not be afraid to go against vloggers

[@Drzee1968]

Has P&H actually closed, there just seem to be rumours rather than actual evidence, nothing on their website and they strongly refuted this in the google questions - Is it true you have gone bust, Like Answer P&H Motorcycles Ltd (Owner) 2 weeks ago No it is not and we would ask that you to refrain from asking inappropriate questions

[@ampelec]

Late stage capitalism.. grow grow grow, profit profit profit. People's resources are finite. The bubble will burst soon.

[@digger8180]

Everyone knows you are talking about the Missenden slap head!