Great Service Received - Ducati Manchester

**998gsb** · 28 Jun 08, 03:24 PM

As part of the preparations for IFQ Road Trip #3, Sophia went in to Ducati Manchester for an early 12000 mile service.

It was the first time I have used the workshop there.

I have to say I received absolutely excellent service from them - with no "issues" - things I didn't need, hadn't authorised etc. etc. The bike was ready when they promised and they even put a gallon of fuel in it, as it was on vapours when it arrived.

And the bill wasn't horrendous either.....I didn't need to sit down.

So thanks guys, well done. Happy Customer.

**BertAgain** · 04 Aug 08, 08:02 PM

Just my thoughts on what is basically my local Duc dealer, who haven't always been top of the class....

When I first looked for a Duc (2005), I went to DM over in High Legh - their attitude was one of " if you aint buying a new 999 at full whack, sod off somewhere else" .... to a point that when I said I was looking for my first Duc I was pointed towards a 620i Monster - I said I wanted my first Duc, not my first bike - I was told "999's start at 8K second hand" - I said I didn't want to spend that straight away, .....and may as well of turned invisible

... I went to speak to the service/parts guys about reliability / known problems to avoid, but was told they're far too busy and, unless I was getting work done by them, I couldn't go through to the garage........ needless to say I bought my bike elsewhere and didn't return to DM.

I've recently carried out some work on my Duc, and needed some parts - begrudgingly, as valve shims seem to be impossible to get anyway else, I trudged into DM with a spreadsheet of the shims I wanted ..... and got a shock... a helpful parts man not only assured me they had the shims in, but he needed to get a techie to check sizes first rather than let me take what could be the wrong ones. When I returned to pick the shims up, I got helpful advice on fitting / sizing, ... and the big bonus - as I took my old shims in to exchange, they only charged a quid a shim.

Now I can't really comment on the sales staff cos I didn't deal directly with them, although they were smiling and not sneering this time. However if the change in the parts dept is anything to go by, those who (like me) vowed not to go there after past bad experinces, should maybe give them another try!

**998gsb** · 04 Aug 08, 08:31 PM

BertAgain - your experience is identical to mine - 4 years ago i vowed never to set foot in the place again, but i needed something or other 18 months ago so begrudgingly went in....and was shocked to find a completely new ethos in place, as well as a complete new team of staff.

I know i bang on about them a lot - but to be honest they deserve it - as they really are now a decent bunch of guys and they are trying really hard to get it right..

**AndyH** · 06 Aug 08, 03:52 PM

I still rate Moto Forza Italia, been in to them today, collected loads of carbon goddies and a set of Pazzo shorties, darn good service and nice knowledgeable peeps.
I just dont trust main dealers, my nearest 2 are Coventry and Aylesbury, and i have bad experiencies with both over the years, over priced servicing, over priced parts and god awfull staff....£50 for a carbon sprocket cover from DC, got one from MFI for £38 + DRAT.

**Kenoir** · 06 Aug 08, 04:41 PM

I was in Ducati Manchester again this morning and have to agree with 998gsb. Mark in parts and service is a star! Helpful, honest and bags of experience. Chris has done a fine job of turning the place around.

I can't over stress how accommodating they have been with an insurance issue I've had.

I would recommend them to anybody.

**jem 10** · 08 Aug 08, 04:07 PM

I have to say that I found them to be very very average. Would not recommend them nor rush back unless absolutely necessary. Made to feel I was a pain in the backside rather than a valued customer.

**paulsant** · 05 Sep 08, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jem 10

I have to say that I found them to be very very average. Would not recommend them nor rush back unless absolutely necessary. Made to feel I was a pain in the backside rather than a valued customer.

Have to agree paid my first visit in June looking for a used / new ducati, not sure what I wanted so went for advice on a well luved ZRX11, sales guy luved my bike when we eventually got his interest but did not seem to want to sell me a new one, no demo available either, "you can sit on that if you want try it for size" (whats that about?). After consideration (1098 is very bad for pillions) I decided that I wanted a new Monster S4RS £9750.00 Left with a price list, no value on my ZRX or indication of any kind of deal, guy was busy on his phone and the feeling of I was a pain in the backside, Mrs was also not impressed. Follow up sales calls from the sales team actually advised against buying this model as it was due a revamp?
Have I got something wrong here but I am the customer and its my money.

Took a visit too Woods suffice to say I am now the proud owner of a S4RS in pearl white, these guys where a pleasure to deal with, nothing was too much trouble took my money with a smile can not recommend them enough.

Paul

**Rob998** · 05 Sep 08, 11:41 PM

You surprise me paulsant & jem10! I like the fact that DM don't try & shove a sale down your throat & basically let you make your own mind up. You're free to try any bike in the showroom out for size & they are very generous with their demo bikes (a full day test ride is a common occurrence).

Admittedly they had a lot of problems in the past, but the current management team have made fantastic strides forward in their customer service strategy.

The sales team are very much of the non pushy school, and basically, if you don't ask, you don't get. That may be a development issue that DM should address, but personally, I'd rather ask for help than have it foisted upon me.

DM are a great dealership, and they have lots of strategies in place to improve their service to an even better standard. I'd recommend them to anyone,

**martyn748** · 06 Sep 08, 07:54 AM

We have a rideout from there the third Wednesday of the month, we get to test the bikes on the rideout, they open early, they stay late, don't they Rob !!! You are made to feel part of the family like youn should, they arrange factory trips, track days and next week there is a barbeque and a band. I know them all very well, it is difficult sometimes judging exactly what is expected, as Rob says trying to push something on somebody or leaving them alone. Ian in sales is a top chap and has owned Ducati bikes for years, he has just sold hmself a Sport 1000 so is an owner as well. Top people over there, chin up Ian we love ya !!!!

**Rob998** · 06 Sep 08, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyn748

We have a rideout from there the third Wednesday of the month, we get to test the bikes on the rideout, they open early, they stay late, don't they Rob !!! You are made to feel part of the family like youn should, they arrange factory trips, track days and next week there is a barbeque and a band. I know them all very well, it is difficult sometimes judging exactly what is expected, as Rob says trying to push something on somebody or leaving them alone. Ian in sales is a top chap and has owned Ducati bikes for years, he has just sold hmself a Sport 1000 so is an owner as well. Top people over there, chin up Ian we love ya !!!!

On a Sunday, only one of these statements is true........

**paulsant** · 06 Sep 08, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob998

You surprise me paulsant & jem10! I like the fact that DM don't try & shove a sale down your throat & basically let you make your own mind up. You're free to try any bike in the showroom out for size & they are very generous with their demo bikes (a full day test ride is a common occurrence).

Rob I'm not slagging DM off just giving my impressions, its the first time I've ever been there..... I personally would like to be greeted at a dealer and not left to wounder around aimlessly with the Mrs in tow; with every one in sight involved in phone conversations, its a English thing we do not feel right interrupting phone calls unless we know the people.
I'm sure the guys are top notch, maybe if I did not roll up on a Kawasaki reaction might have been a bit diff, who knows? But I did contact the sales dept first via a sales enquire via the net. No firm commitment was given as to when a demo S4 would be available to ride "as the demo was out on loan and not sure when it will be back"

Never met the parts or service guys, only the sales dudes and here first impressions matter if these guys get it right you might part with you cash, but.......if you get a feeling of indifference you then get the impression that the rest of the dealer ship is the same, harsh but true sorry. How would you feel at Adsa waiting to pay and the girls on here mobile phone not taking any notice of you? We all have diff expecations

In defence of DM I was invited to Rivington Barn for the Monster event, and to their open day on the 14Th Sept. Hey maybe I'm just a grumpy old git.

The S4RS is the dogs bollox though luv it,

Paul..........

**AlanE** · 06 Sep 08, 09:29 PM

Blimey Paul, you already been to the open day on 14th Sept - time machine or what?

It's a fine line with the sales people and comparing with Woods is a bit 'not quite the same' IYKWIM.
Woods is a big showroom, lots to see, loads of clothing upstairs and lots of bits and bobs to keep you interested. Also seems to be more staff on hand to help the parts seekers, the tyre kickers and the customers.
DM - not that big a showroom. If you stood in the middle I reckon you could spit a melon seed on all 4 walls.

As far as demo's go - the latest Ducati survey includes that very point as one of the questions - SO GET IT FILLED IN EVERYONE AND GET MORE DEMOS AVAILABLE.

I had the same experience with DM, apathy and rudeness put me off revisiting...until a few weeks ago when necessity drove me there.
The guys on the spares desk could probably stand in for the hairy bikers - without the hair. Got me sorted straight off and recommended if I couldn't get down on a saturday then to ring em, tell them what I needed, and they would leave it in known location of store for pickup on a sunday when they themselves weren't there.

As far as servicing goes - always had mine done at the dealer (no names) but after recent discoveries shall not be taking it back there, so DM may pick up a little of the work.
Just wish they would put a tick list forward so you can pick and choose what you want doing, i.e. I've just done most of the 18k service bits meself, but could maybe do with clearances checking or belt tension checking (even though new belts last year - but at previous questionable dealer).

DM - what ya got for servicing deals?

**paulsant** · 06 Sep 08, 10:25 PM

K guys I give up

First impressions at a new dealer are important, as is word off mouth, recommendations and such,
Woods sorted me out with what I wanted with a great deal, DM did not.
The big picture is you Will tend to (in all dealings through out life) go to the people who you perceive will provide your desires in a nice and friendly matter.
Also look after said desires in the best possible manner.
DM is my local dealer I would of luved to deal with them, apathy and phones that needed surgical removal on the day I visited put me off,
Sorry if I've upset any one, but its my money my bike and my choice.

Paul..........

**AlanE** · 07 Sep 08, 10:08 AM

Sorry Paul, in my sleep deprived haze I read your post as saying you had been to the 14th Septemeber open day.

**998gsb** · 07 Sep 08, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanE

Just wish they would put a tick list forward so you can pick and choose what you want doing, i.e. I've just done most of the 18k service bits meself, but could maybe do with clearances checking or belt tension checking (even though new belts last year - but at previous questionable dealer).

DM - what ya got for servicing deals?

If you look in your owners handbook - it tells you exactly what needs doing at each service.....otherwise do a search on here for workshop manuals - there's a very kind forum member who has them in pdf - who if you ask nicely will give you a link to down load them (not emailable - 70odd Mb).

My experience of DM Service is that they will do exactly what you ask them to do - if you've changed the oil and filter yourself - they wont replicate it....etc....Talk to them - they are really good guys in the workshop dept..