WATCH this before collecting your new MOTORCYCLE from the DEALER! Top tips DONT get caught out!

Know Your rights when collecting your new bike from the dealership or taking delivery. It should be a joyful experience here are a few tips for making sure it is! Also adjustment of handlebars, levers and rear shocks.
PayPal Donations. [e-mail]
PATREON. / stuartfillingham

[@genewilson3594]

As a retired man researching getting back on 2 wheels after 30 years I find this gentleman's videos consistently the most helpful. Many thanks.

[@bonza167]

many years ago (1976) I bought my first brand new Triumph Bonneville. the dealer here in Melbourne Aus had about 6 of them on the show room floor along with a couple ot Tridents and Norton Commandos. the salesman told me to take my time and check out each one and pick the bike I like best as there are subtle differences between each of them. I did this, then it was wheeled aside with sold and my name placed on it for me to pick later in the afternoon, which I did. my first new bike experience and at the age of 21

[@ErgonBill]

Same brand new bike for me too in Tasmania. However, not the same dealer satisfaction. Rear caliper bracket snapped within 2 weeks, phillips head screws in the top of the left carb, and slotted on the right. Throttle cable incorrectly routed under the tank leading to occasional jamming and near accidents. The dealer virtually told me to suck it up.

[@grahammillington7642]

Good advice Stuart, a few years ago i purchased a bike over the phone and internet from a "family run" dealership in the Leeds area, paid a decent sum for delivery and it arrived in a transit van full of furniture and other random stuff, the guy wheeled it out using a plank of wood and i immediately noticed some large scratches on one of the side panels , obviously caused by the securing ratchet strap, the guy shrugged his shoulders and suggested i phone the dealership, as he said there was no damage when he loaded the bike. I signed for the bike then phoned the salesman who sold it to me and explained what had happend, and e mailed him photos of the damage, we agreed that i would use the bike for the summer and he would sort it out later in the year or over the winter when i wouldn't be using it. Come late October i called the dealership to ask about getting the panel repaired/ replaced and they denied all knowledge and even suggested that i had done the damage myselfe and was "trying it on",, a very dissapointing response. I got the panel sprayed at my local car dealership for not too much money but it goes to show that you can't rely on trust.

[@jfro5867]

I bought a new CB1100 last year, when delivered it had a scratch on the RHS silencer (from being moved about somewhere). Anyway, highlighted it, made the manager aware, bike was not delivered and returned to the dealer for a new exhaust to be fitted. Bike delivered the day after. Excellent service from the dealer. You do have to look at the bikes properly.

[@grahambridge7642]

This reminds me, back in the 70's, when I nearly bought a brand new Norton Commando from a London dealer. We had almost agreed the deal when I pointed out a few things that I thought needed to be put right. The one that sticks in my memory was a half split footpeg rubber. The dealer entered into a long explanation of how I was buying a piece of British history, how this added to it's character and that I'd need to do these things myself if I wanted them fixed. I went elsewhere and bought a Suzuki.

[@Nooziterp1]

Don't blame you. Any dealer that treats its customers like that doesn't deserve to be in business. Which Suzuki did you have?

[@pbofan]

Good point to inspect before buying/signing. I made the mistake of buying a new FJR1300 unseen from a dealer’s offsite warehouse inventory, assuming it would be perfect since it was brand-new. Once it was delivered to the dealer, it showed a large ding on the rear area and a few scratches on the fairing. The dealer swapped plastics with an identical bike that was on their floor and I drove it away the next day, smarter and with lesson learned: always inspect, never assume.

[@wltrlg]

I can watch video’s of these type of bikes everywhere, but the video’s from Uncle Stu are so nicely presented and narrated that these are my absolute favourites! Greets from 🇳🇱

[@ChrisJohnson-pd4hh]

In 1977 I picked up my new Z650 from the main dealer. Riding it home I signalled to turn right and moved into position. As I did so, the car behind overtook me and a collision was narrowly avoided. I was shook up, thinking it was my fault and had not signalled. Parking up at the side of the road I looked at my new machine. The front indicator was signalling a right turn, the rear one signalling left! Hence the car driver overtaking me, thinking I was turning left. Nowadays I also use handsignals as well as the indicators. It is worth noting that on a bright sunny day bike indicators don't show up that well. It still happens today. Just the other day I collected my car from having some electrical work. When I used the indicators the hazard warning lights flashed. You cannot trust the garage I'm afraid. - Chris Johnson.

[@PrimoStracciatella]

All good points. I had more than 30 bikes but only bought two bikes new. One was a CRF250M supermoto. Upon pick up I noticed that the chain was way too tight. If I would've noticed that at home, thirty km later, the damage would've been done. I finally subscribed after watching a whole bunch of your videos! - Happy New Year.

[@hughtrick5326]

Some great advice. Back in '86 I returned to biking. I lashed out on a new MZ TS125, OTR £320, Pirelli Mandrakes extra £40. Jumped on the bike hit first roundabout I was all over the road. Got home after a broken man who thought he couldn't ride any more. Neighbour ex motorbike officer had quick look - “check tyre pressures mate”. Front was 9 psi rear 11 psi - QED!

[@andrewroberts5416]

I collected a brand new Kawasaki last November, so during COVID restrictions. The weather and lighting conditions were far from perfect as I could only look at it outside in the rain. As a consequence I didn’t check the bike over as well as I ordinarily would and having ridden the 20 miles or so home I found the tank scratched/marked. I subsequently mentioned this to the dealer, but as I couldn’t prove I didn’t cause the damage, I chose to put it down to experience. Interestingly the dealer had applied pressure for me to enter into the finance agreement in advance of collecting, again due to me not being able to enter the showroom on the day of collection. Needless to say that particular dealership won’t be receiving a penny more from me, and in future I’ll be reverting back to my usual hawk-eyed suspicious self!

[@ianowen3077]

Commented early on on this being very timely. Picked the bike up this morning (a Conti GT) and was very happy with it. Now on a long ride home with plenty of breaks to go through the running in cycle. The bike is every bit as good as various reviews would let us believe and you, Stuart my boy, have been a prime instigator in what my wife now refers to as "the affair" and "mistress". Long may it continue. Keep up the great work and happy riding.

[@jeholloway2]

Thanks for looking out for us. I recently took delivery of a 2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Special in black with gray stripes. I inspected everything at delivery however in the states here in Florida a dealer won't deliver until you have wired the monies and or paid in full with a cleared check or cc payment. Fortunately I worked with a dealer that is ethical and honest about 100 miles away. I drove there and made a point to meet the owner and he was the perfect example of a fine person. Thanks again for helping us fellow riders to have great, informed experiences.

[@robertlindstrom540]

Small add on: You may want to put protection over your new and shiny petrol tank while adjusting levers and handlebars in case you drop a metal tool on said tank. Won´t tell you why I tell you this but you can use your imagination... ;)

[@HoratioBlogs]

Points all well made, and equally applicable to car dealers too. Better be safe than sorry! Cannibalisation of showroom stock is more common than one might think.. I once bought a brand new Volvo, and the first time I filled it up with petrol it promptly relieved itself of half the tank's contents. I had the vehicle recovered to the dealer and It was discovered that the tank was split down one of its seams. Within the day they had replaced the tank. When I asked how they'd managed to source a new tank so quickly they said, "Oh we just 'borrowed' one from the one in the showroom!"

[@jaspergrumfuttock]

My stepson (who is a very experienced rider) recently bought a used bike online from a dealer in a different UK city, which he was assured would have a full inspection, a new oil and filter and a new MOT, all done by the dealer. It took them three weeks to deliver the bike and he made the grave mistake you mentioned of not checking everything before he signed the delivery courier's paperwork. When he was ready to ride later that day he found that the bike had a headlight switch stuck on full beam, indicators that didn't work and a broken rear brake switch. He 'phoned the dealer and was told to spray everything with WD 40, then they would send him the bits. Could it get worse? Yes. On his way to his (local reputable) garage to get the bike road legal, it broke down and had to be collected from the side of a busy dual carriageway. So yes, you are absolutely right - check the bike carefully and if not satisfied reject it. A very important lesson learned.

[@ChaitanyaNarude1993]

I purchased a new motorcycle yesterday... & I feeling so happy.....☺️🇮🇳🙏🏻

[@bradkern4878]

Just took delivery of a new INT650 a couple of weeks ago. Your running in clip, and having been given a manual by the dealer while I waited for the bike to be shipped, has helped immensely. As a bonus, my dealer is just a couple of miles down the road, and they are top notch. I'm loving my bike!

[@5ebra1]

That key rattling against the handlebars would drive me crazy.

[@mslattery8710]

Ergonomics my dear Watson. Loving the sequence from 13.17, demonstrating hand/wrist angle and operating efficiency. Your hound seems uninpressed. All good advice and easy to overlook in the excitement of receiving a new bike.

[@sidecarnutz8490]

My RE dealer is almost 300 miles away and yet does their own delivery. They don't contract it out. The owner and his office manager did the delivery to me and the bike was perfectly set up. Was very pleased.

[@Shinysideup]

Having brought 2 new bikes recently this is good advice Stuart. I found Ducati delivery performance a bit lacking but not terrible compared to triumph who were excellent however the royal Enfield dealer was very disappointing with changing delivery date 3 times. Nothing to do with the manufacturer just the dealership. Excellent advice relating to checking the bike over before excepting delivery.

[@memsybabe]

I remember buying my first (and only) brand new bike from a well known dealer over a hundred miles away from me. I'd asked them to deliver it to my work place, which they did. Fortunately, I was working for BMW Motorrad at the time, and the technician there noticed my bike. He kindly advised I shouldn't ride it home that night, as it hadn't been PDI'd by the dealer, and all important nuts and bolts were only on finger tight. Thankfully, he took it into the workshop and tightened everything up so I could ride it safely. When I complained to the dealer, they replied saying "sorry, our tech recently had an accident and is working with one arm, so might have missed your bike". And that was the extent of their concern. I'm just thankful my work colleague spotted this before I excitedly rode it home that evening...

[@andrewd7586]

I bought the new BMW R 18 here in Australia. I live in regional Victoria, some 150km away from the Melbourne dealership. I explained to the salesman apart from the fact the R18 was a beast in size, it was difficult for me to get down to them to pick it up. Omar, their salesman said “No problem, I’ll drop it up to you! I’m out & about a couple of times a week & I don’t need an excuse to get out to the country!” So Omar duly dropped if off, we went over it completely together. He wouldn’t actually allow me to sign for it until we’d done a thorough review of the bike in general, then how everything operated! Terrific bloke, terrific dealership & terrific experience Stuart! I’ve dealt with them for some 18 years but they were like this from year dot!👍🏼👏🏼🇦🇺

[@stuartfillingham]

that's what I like to hear!

[@motormikeb1047]

When it comes to rear shock adjustments.... I have a long road with different characteristics, twists, road services etc etc.... that I run noting the bikes reaction. Then return to the starting point, make the adjustment and repeat the run. It doesn't take long to " dial " the bike to my preferred sittings. My Interceptor was pretty much spot on when I was handed the keys. Another little thing I do is.. as I end the day of riding, as I approach my parking place, I run the bike up to 15-20 mph and shut it off and listen to the bike. Is it making a noise that I couldn't hear while running ... suspension .. chain... loose bit....braking..? My RE 650 hasn't told me anything during this but my older bikes.. talk a lot.

[@dennisbuckley]

I can be like a child on Christmas Day who just wants to play with a new toy. Fortunately my wife is gifted with a more worldly view and will look for the defect, because she knows there’s one somewhere, be it a new car or a kettle, everything…

[@utharaptortrex]

I would add to the list adjustments, adjusting the gear lever position, has I've found with every bike I ever got that the gear lever was far to low for me to comfortably slide my foot underneath it for upshifts.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks for sharing

[@alphatango5668]

Excellent advice! the salesman for my T120 kept telling me he had other customers waiting to hurry me up and got quite a put out because I wanted to inspect the bike before signing for it. There was damage to the tank where the badge had been fitted. He expected me to take the bike anyway and said he would put a warranty request in to see what happens. Needless to say I rejected the bike until they fitted a new tank!

[@mc-gl8rx]

So right Stuart, my Interceptor was test ridden on it's pdi with grease all over the rear rotor and pads and with greasy marks on the exhaust which is now there for life. I did not notice this on delivery, I won't be taking it back there for the first service I'll do it myself.

[@kevinwykes5501]

Sound advice Stuart. This advice is also valid for buying second hand from a dealer, although there might be marks /wear from use it is prudent to know what you are buying before parting with your hard earned cash.

[@timhaynes6628]

Great advice Stuart have been riding for 30 years and got caught out recently picking up a new BMW and found half a mile down the road that none of the indicators worked!! Being fair to BMW this was the dealers fault but I should have checked...

[@anthonyprice5596]

Please don't take this as disagreeing with you, but I remember years ago, a friend of mine buying an ex demo bike, I know for an absolute fact it was never run in properly( because I got it up to over 100mph when it only had 4 miles on it!! ) he got it for a bargain price, and in the 50k miles he did on it, it never broke down, used too much oil or leaked anything , and it seemed to be quicker than all our friends ones the same. And BMW hmm well I'll never darken their door ever again, forget the dealers, the bikes are a load of rubbish.

[@3rdworldgwaming467]

The thing I love about this man's channel is that, no matter what motorbike he may own, be it a Royal Enfield, Triumph, BMW, Yamaha etc etc....once he own's that motorbike he absolutely makes sure that it's his motorbike from then on that he is representing & less the brand or dealership of the motorbike. Whenever I watch his videos, be it an RE or triumph motorbike video.....I always feel like im watching one of Stu's motorbike's videos. He shows that if u want to purchase a bike & make it ur own then it's not just about owning that bike but taking the responsibility of maintaining it & being reliable to that machine the way ud want it to be reliable to you.

[@carolblay]

Hi Stuart, it seems that you made this video for me, hahah. I pick up my new Street Twin next week. Two years ago they delivered a new bike and it had a dent in the tank which I noticed when the. Truck driver left. Thank for a great video, i really appreciate it. Keep up the excellent videos. I wish I still lived in the north of England instead of Rome :)

[@dhhjsjzjzjjhsjsjh]

I took delivery of my new Kawasaki W800 a little over a month ago and it quickly turned into my worst nightmare. While driving the 15 miles home the bike was idling way too high upwards of 4K rpms in neutral. Engine got so hot the headers blued and turned dark grey in spots. I took it right back the following morning and the dealerships fix was to reset the check engine light. Told me blueing of pipes is completely normal. I’ve been battling with them since. Dealership and Kawasaki wouldn’t let me return it for a refund. Kawasaki agreed to replace the headers but the parts are back ordered. Dealership acting like I’m some sort of neurotic nut job. Zero communication on their part. I regret the purchase

[@adrianmercer5393]

Just purchased a new bike ,,this is a great vid for me . Cheers Stuart

[@christianmalin5288]

Beautiful collie there Stuart - video was pretty good too. Thanks as always

[@pggp273]

Thank you for some really sound advice. The only thing I can add is if possible take someone with you as a second pair of eyes. I would be the first to admit I've been too starry eyed while picking up a brand new bike and miss the detail when checking the bike over.

[@godzillavsluke]

Just picked up an interceptor Mark II from a dealer three hours away. When I arrived, I noticed the embedded finger and palm prints on the Chrome. I probably wouldn’t have caught it if I had not watched your videos. The sales person vigorously tried to buff them out but they wouldn’t budge. Thankfully, they had a second mark two that was in much better shape, chrome-wise. Thank you, thank you thank you for keeping us informed. Royal Enfield should track the worker down and fire them for doing such a poor job. There is plenty of evidence (finger prints) so it should easy identifying the correct culprit.

[@stevehoward1679]

Beautiful bikes, a beautiful dog & sound advice... what's not to like there!! Stay safe & well all!

[@kilburncounty]

Excellent advice - a real public service you're providing here. I found a scratch on my petrol tank five minutes after I'd signed for the bike and the delivery guy had driven off. Luckily, I was dealing with a Honda main dealer who couldn't have been more helpful. No mucking about, ordered in a replacement and offered to swap it out at at the first service. Lesson learned, and a tick for Honda customer service.

[@hopgood007]

Sound advice sir. Lovely to see Willow in a video again.

[@stevenhill6214]

All good advice and one more thing to add if i may....reading glasses. I didn't use mine when inspecting a new bike (for whatever reason) and missed a very tiny paint chip. In the grand scheme of things not a total disaster, but i seem to be drawn to it whenever i use the bike, i can't un-see it.

[@stuartfillingham]

I'm the same Steve, would bug the hell out of me! but you will get used to it in time.

[@peterlamont1533]

All good advice as always Stuart - thanks! I collected my new RE Classic from the dealer in November 2020 but the log book did not arrive until this March due to DVLA Covid sickness staff shortages. My dealer then kindly started the warranty from March 2021 which was a nice move.

[@stevewaller9346]

Another informative video Stuart. Running in procedure was fully explained when I picked up both my new bikes from the local Sinnis dealer. But both had a loose nearside mirror which became evident after a couple of miles. Take care and stay safe.

[@davemarsh5478]

Great advice re the angle of the levers, never crossed my mind, but makes absolute sense, looking forward to a continental v interceptor comparison.

[@josemathew3916]

Video was very Fullfillingham dear Stuart.

[@paulhodgins]

Spot on video again Stuart - everything you need to know. When I picked up my T120 date dealer had not tightened the clutch lever adjustment ant the lever and mirror was all over the place. I spotted this when adjusting the mirror - red faces in the dealership!

[@markmatthews8438]

Great advice will help me when my bike gets delivered cheers 😎🙏👍🏻

[@poatemaine6200]

Stu, a suggestion if I may. I think a breaking in video might be interesting, just to clear out a lot of weird stuff. Such as the RE C500 manual stating 60 kph max in 5th the first 500km and at the same time saying you should not lug the engine...The engine DOES lug at indicated 60kph in 5th (or the equivalent in mph). At the very least, publicize how YOU did the breaking in, I think it will help a lot of peeps...greets from Spain!

[@stuartfillingham]

I did one for the interceptor.

[@alexp6409]

Great advice. I learned this lesson myself lately after getting my new bike home only to find that the battery was leaking and dripping on the muffler and other components. Dealer is handling it through warranty but it has been 3 weeks without the bike I’ve already paid for.

[@HABERASAFI]

Amazing video, I plan to memorize it before collecting the bike I am going to buy. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@ashleyreynolds6604]

Grest advice 👍 Things that even the veteran bike buyer can overlook in the excitement. I've had to get the gear lever adjusted before riding away, sometimes you just can't move your boot around the lever. The brake pedal is less of a problem but shouldn't be overlooked.

[@philwilliams7638]

I'm picking up an Interceptor in the next day or two. I thought I knew what I am doing, but your description of what-to-do is valuable and should keep me safer during the handover. Many thanks Staurt, keep up the good work.

[@alastairstewart5559]

Very comprehensive. Thanks for all your good work.

[@asurridge6979]

Hi Stuart i very recently took delivery off my 650 interceptor which on my 1st ride i found i had excessive travel on the rear brake lever before the pads would 'bite' ive adjusted the travel now and the pedal is now more as it should be! but this sort off thing in my mind is something that should have been checked on the PDI inspection. thank you for your videos i do enjoy watching them

[@stuartfillingham]

I agree.

[@SuperBlizzard77]

Uncle Stu... One of the few motorcycle channels which have real music in the background.

[@jeffersonwagnerdessordi8958]

Some fundamental things that everybody should check after receiving your new motorcycle, or after scheduled services: oil level, coolant level and tightening of the oil drain plug. I have seen many bikes being delivered without the correct amount of fluids, and a friend of mine almost crashed after the rear wheel slipped on the oil spilled while going home from the dealer. Also, at least in my country, it is common practice delivering the bikes with barely the minimum amount of engine oil, resulting in engines needing heavy maintenance immediately after the warranty period expiration. Very convenient for them.

[@stuartfillingham]

most bikes are supplied with minimum oil to give the engine an easier time and keep crank case pressures low during the first few hundred miles.

[@jeffersonwagnerdessordi8958]

@@stuartfillingham Thank you for your answer! Unfortunately, here they keep doing that in every scheduled maintenance. My motorcycle model is infamous for engines blowing up after only 20,000 miles, or less. But knowing the malpractice and keeping the correct recommended oil level, my bike already rode 4 times this mileage. And counting...

[@34979Charlie]

@@jeffersonwagnerdessordi8958 Arrrgh c'mon... The difference of one to two hundred ml is not going to cause premature engine failure after a set mileage.. Anywhere between the low and middle mark is okay, obviously right in the middle as the manual states is ideal.. I mean c'mon let's be honest, a little bit of common sence is required here, and it only takes a second to bend down and either check the glass window or pull the dip stick out before riding off from the dealer, or where ever it is the service is carried out.

[@jeffersonwagnerdessordi8958]

@@34979Charlie Ahnnn... are you a pirate? 200 ml is not significant in an engine using 2.5 liters of oil. But in my motorcycle, less 400 l make a big impact on an engine designed to run with 1.400 ml of oil. And in a hot climate country, the engine oil evaporates at high rate. Mainly because engines with less oil than the ideal run extremely hot. Add the fact that the people do not correct the oil viscosity according to the temperatures in this tropical region, as the manufacturers do not emphasize this necessity. Anyway, you do not need to believe me. But you should first know details of the situation before commenting in such a "arghhh" personal way.

[@34979Charlie]

Okay mate, I'm not going to waste my precious time on a long debate here.. If you Cant be bothered to do the necessary pre ride checks (Oil level is one of them) before you head off, then that's your business and no one elses 👍 Have a good day and no matter what.. ride safe.

[@TheXeroid]

Excellent video! Receiving a bike should be a joyous thing and following the advice here will help to avoid disappointment. Ride safely.

[@engrcumins9809]

Hmmmm....... I've been looking at bikes online that are hundreds of miles away and sometimes half the American continent. I think maybe I should stop that activity. Thank you, Stuart.

[@fozinwozz9738]

Yep bought my interceptor new got home washed it and found mudguard broke in 3 places had to wait 4 months for a replacement under warranty .in future I will be all over a bike before I leave

[@jps8941]

Another great video Uncle Stu I always learn so much. when I bought my bike in 2020 it was a NOS I followed your break-in advice but you're so right there was problems that dampens the experience. Like they use the wrong ownership from another bike to register my bike found out a week later and had to change my insurance again and they had no owners manual or second key months later they had to buy another key for me because they couldn't find it but they found the ownership all had to be mailed to me. They gave me free riding pants to make up for it all.

[@rufusajgaonkar8699]

Amazing quality content, hope you get to ur 100k goal soon 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@andyb.5268]

I remember when Uncle Stu was just a local man, on a local channel.

[@mad-reaper]

You're the "go to guy" in my book. Played a big part in the Ravishing Red I wake up to every morning. My dealer is fantastic.

[@robynbazlen-weglarz7836]

Very timely video for me as I’m picking up my new Triumph Speedmaster tomorrow. Great and informative video again. Thanks Stuart.

[@grahamebradford1028]

Wish I had seen this before I collected my new Bullit Bluroc 125 three months ago. Have to say the dealership has been very helpful since then but even so, the faults should have been picked up before collection.

[@robinoconnor1203]

I was lucky purchasing bikes from dealers, someone I knew was not so lucky, nothing to do with the dealer. This was in the late seventies, the chap picked up his new bike from a small but good dealer. Riding his pride and joy home when his friend crashed into the rear of him, sending bike and rider down the road. Insurance repaired it as good as new. Not a nice experience.

[@arom8438]

Hope you reach your 100k soon, your so awesome!!! Best wishes from 🇺🇸

[@tonyrickard8007]

Excellent and informative video as are all your videos. I now have all my new bikes delivered including my 2020 Interceptor this is due to a lucky escape when I had a new Moto Guzzi Breva 750 delivered from 60 miles away and found a knocking sound from the front. The knocking was the front wheel spindle clamps bolts were only holding in by a thread. I don’t think I would be here today if I had rode home!!

[@Dutch650]

@stuart fillingham, i'm sure someone probably mentioned this but at 10:55 you have double audio running till about 11:02.. other then that, another great video

[@stuartfillingham]

yes a few channels have had this problem

[@befamousornot]

new viewer, you asked very polite, so you got a sub extra :) thanks for the tips !! picking up ;y first bike in a few days

[@jason-wy9jt]

I watched one of you videos on here and was trying to think about everything I needed but was thinking I wish Stuart was here to help me think of everything I need at the dealership, 👍

[@MrTeriyakiman]

Good to see Willow looking happy, healthy and taking in the sniffs on the breeze! Very useful advice - thank you!

[@craigweyna8027]

Great video . Good things to remember. I can remember a few where I didn't do this and one where I regretted it!

[@berniebne8243]

I try & set the rear preload so that the bike runs level, including me + load, this keeps the steering head at the correct angle. You are probably saying the same thing in a different way. Great advice BTW

[@paulrendell8797]

Had my RE Interceptor delivered because they did it for free.. They'd made a pretty good job of polishing it and cleaning it up and all looked to be alright. And I couldn't see anything that actually looked wrong with. So I signed the note. However, when I checked the bike over later I found a few things that made me wonder about the quality of the shops PDI. Spark plugs were only finger tight. The battery terminals were loose and most worryingly, the rear wheel axel nut was only finger tight! Alright, all things that can easily be put right with a few minutes with the spanners. But but a bike that is supposed to have been PDI'd shouldn't have left the showroom like that.

[@larbertman36]

Useful stuff Stuart. Goes for cars too, of course. It’s really easy to be carried along with the occasion and keen to get out onto the road.

[@paulstoker7650]

Good sound advice. I remember watching the video you made when you took delivery of your Interceptor, one of the HT leads was up against the seam of the tank. I had the same issue on my Interceptor, took seconds to fix but should have been spotted on the PDI. Stay safe.

[@bernardbushwrangler4213]

Thanks Stuart, Well articulated and comprehensive

[@keepitrunning]

All good advice, even though I don't buy new bikes, well haven't since 1986 VT250FD, lovely little bike that. Sold it in 1996. I have put many together from the crate including some Chinese 125s back in 05. By the time I left the mainstream trade for the most part it was technicians building the bikes from the crate but my early days it was anyone short of another job with very little guidance. I have no doubt that still goes on in some dealers though.

[@michaelhickey8619]

Always tried to impress on my nephews,you don’t know how to operate any price of equipment till you have read the manual.. my dad once said the two most unread books in the country are the Bible and cars owner manual

[@thebookloversretreat5016]

A heartiest thanks 🙏 to you my beloved and respected stuart sir from the very depths of my heart ❤️ for giving us this important information which is truly quite crucial and very important for all the new buyers. And once again a millions and millions of tons of love and blessings from India 🇮🇳. And may lord almighty always blesses you with grace health wealth and prosperity and happiness and a healthy life full of love and blessings and guffaws of laughter. And please do take care of yourself and please do keep safe and healthy .

[@jjnewman65]

Excellent advice Stuart. Thank you.

[@jamesridley8754]

Hope you reach your target stu you deserve that award.

[@Bavenbushcraft]

Some excellent advice sir! I have a special 8mm socket (hidden from my farmer father) so I can alter the levers on any bike I buy! Need a more comfortable seat on the interceptor though, old job mountaineering club injury means that the standard seat is a wee bit oak plank like. Oh, and I subscribed ages ago.

[@oulupulu]

Love the echo for emphasis :) I'm planning a new bike purchase some time in the next 12 months, the advice is appreciated. Will go tell friends to watch and subscribe!

[@brianperry]

Sound advice Stuart, especially the section about first running. Modern bikes are far superior to bikes built in ,say, the sixties. due to advances in metallurgy and possible automation of production....I bought a brand new Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans in 1978, the dealer said just take it easy for the first five hundred miles, don't make the bike labour, let it rev freely and do not exceed X amount of revs....bring it back , we will change the filter and oil and give it a check ....by which he meant we will change the oil cause he [me] will probable notice that... (the sump pan had to be dropped to change the filter on those bikes) Ermm!!.. I think you're correct, some dealers take pride in their product and service other just want the money and you out the door as quick as possible. Here in Spain I have bought two new Hondas and a Triumph 675 Striple..(my current bike) I have to say both have been excellent in the process of buying and after sales service..Be vigilant and ride save ...Greetings from España .

[@aniketn3]

Subscribed! After watching a couple of your videos! I'm waiting for my INT650 that is coming this weekend!

[@geoffadams8912]

I'm relatively new to taking delivery of bikes. I found this video massively useful, stuff I absolutely missed the last time I took delivery of one. I'm very careful rgds the run in, but the rest of your video pointed out huge holes in my knowledge. Another excellent and useful video I will reference again and again! Thanks for doing another video with us newbies in mind 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SteeeveO]

I'm seriously looking at buying a RE very soon, so I watch all these videos. However, having had a traumatic few months working in Hull many years ago, Stuart's accent has seriously affected my mental health, so it may have to be the Trident after all. Or the Tuono 660. Perhaps if Stuart can deliver his next episode in a Grimsby accent, RE will win me back.

[@stuartfillingham]

How do you think I feel? I live here!

[@SteeeveO]

@@stuartfillingham I feel your pain. The roads are much nicer where the yellowbellies live though.......sorry, the "rurds" 😁

[@andrewhill4986]

Every knew bike I’ve owned, I always hope will be my lifecycle. I’ve just received my 350classic 🤞

[@andreVE4BK]

Great points there Uncle Stu! Some points I’ve always done and a few “reminders” that need us to be aware of. 👍👍

[@hermitmonk52]

Thanks Stuart! And as with bikes so with the rest of life (as you often hint at, rather more succinctly than Mr Pirsig), expect perfection and you WILL be disappointed. May I add one other thing? It is simply register with your breakdown recovery on day one and if you don't ride it home, keep your first ride local. Gremlins are good at concealment! Best and Warmest.

[@johnroberts2290]

Excellent advice Stuart and I love the new bike 👍🏍️

[@stuartv-e8161]

Good advice Stuart... It is a magical time picking up a new motorcycle.... I was so excited picking up my Bullet 500. Lucky for me my bike was fine but if I ever get another new motorcycle I will be more careful and adopt your advice. Bye Stuart 🙂

[@jakubduda6944]

I love the style of bikes, that you own, Mr. Stuart. Can you please tell me, which one would you recommend to a 190 centimetres tall and almost 100 kilograms heavy rider? I will make my A2 license this summer and i Believe, that the limit of power (maximally 35 kW, or 47 hp i Believe) will not matter to me, because i do not need speed, i need good looks, comfort, and something capable of just doing anything from touring to a little bit of highway riding to occasionally riding two-up. Can you please tell me, which one would you recommend for this, out of your bikes? My most favourite bike Is the Classic 500 - the looks, kickstart, it is awesome. But, maybe it is not enough power for two-up? I Don't know. Thanks in advance and thank you for your great content And advices. I really appreciate it.

[@ronmason-riseborough4029]

I never had the pleasure of collecting a shiny new bike Still had lots of fun on near used ones.

[@tinks43]

All great tips Stuart, nothing like making it fit yourself 👍🏻

[@BilgemasterBill]

I fear I'll never be a "new vehicle smell" kinda guy. Hell, my '05 Royal Enfield Bullet's the newest vehicle I own, and it's shy just 4 years for qualifying for "Antique Plates" over here in Virginia. Still, it's a handy how-to you've cobbled together. I would only add two things specifically for new Royal Enfield 650s: 1) Many countries offer a free 3-year Roadside Recovery Service as well as the unlimited mileage warranty, but often dealers neglect to register the bike's VIN with the recovery folks, so it may not be available when really needed. Sure, one will typically eventually be recompensed for any towing charges one paid out of pocket, but it's far more convenient and less stressful under such already stressful circumstances to be sure it has all been squared away by the dealer PRIOR to receipt of the bike, where you get a phone number to call if need be that's confirmed to work, and 2) In many countries buyers of new 650s are gifted a little "Welcome Package" with bits of this or that "swag", so make sure and ask for yours!