Moto Forza Italia (Silverstone)

**Michael J** · 09 Dec 06, 01:01 PM

After moaning for years about the general low standard of salesmanship and poor aftersales customer service from Ducati dealers, it's only right to praise a dealer when they get it completely right.

I went to look at a 996 at Moto Forza Italia at Silverstone circuit after seeing an ad on Biketrader. It sounded like the bike I was looking for, clean, low mileage, fsh, at the right price so off I went.
I was shown the bike by Martin, who spent at least an hour with me going over every inch of the bike, even taking off the fairings so I could see the exterior condition of the engine, shock etc. When it came down to a price negotiation (on a bike in virtually brand new condition), I felt like I had a good deal but at a price which I hope was good for him too. I felt that he was advising me rather than selling to me and as a professional salesman, I can tell you that is what it's all about!

After I had paid for the bike a few days later, Martin called me to offer to have it delivered rather than having to pick it up although they are only 50 miles away. I accepted the offer and at 3.15 on a Friday afternoon, having already driven up to Derby to deliver another bike, Martin's colleague, Chris arrived in a van with my new bike in the back. He wheeled it into the garage and patiently spent the next hour with me connecting up a charger lead to the battery and generally doing a complete professional handover on the bike. He eventually left at 4.45pm to face the journey from hell.

I have to say that this is a dealer that does what it does out of love for Italian bikes rather than making a million bucks. They sell new and used Ducati, MV and Moto Guzzi and are to be found in an industrial estate at the gates of Silverstone. Go visit and have a look around if you're in the area. By the way, I'm not on commission (honest guv), it's just nice to be treated as a person, not as a walking fat wallet (which I'm not).

Cheers
Mike [/b]

**Ollie** · 10 Dec 06, 06:43 PM

Hi Mike,

Good review of Forza Italia, i also brought my bike from them and have known them for a while now, i must admit they are the most welcoming bunch of guys you will meet, Chris and Martain are great, took ages with me when i was looking for that right Duke, also Ian in the maintanence, i quite often go up there pick his brains and even borrow kit from them, they will do all they can to make you days owning a ducati easy and Enjoyable,

**NedLudd** · 12 Mar 07, 05:00 PM

Are Forza Italia related to Baines Racing in any way?

**Ollie** · 12 Mar 07, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedLudd

Are Forza Italia related to Baines Racing in any way?

Nope, they just work along side each other at imes

**ST2 Loon** · 12 Mar 07, 06:15 PM

alright Mike
how are you
they'll let anyone on here!!

**nickboaz** · 29 Oct 07, 10:00 PM

(sorry for dragging up an old thread)

Just want to add to the praise for Italia Forza at Silverstone. Regulalry buy parts from them and pick Ian or Chris' brains for info and they are never to busy to help. How all retailers should be!
Nick.

**captain soup** · 29 Oct 07, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael J

After moaning for years about the general low standard of salesmanship and poor aftersales customer service from Ducati dealers, it's only right to praise a dealer when they get it completely right.

I went to look at a 996 at Moto Forza Italia at Silverstone circuit after seeing an ad on Biketrader. It sounded [/b]

Got my 750ss ie from there, Martin is a very nice guy and one point to make is if ever you visit he always remembers you, or the bike he sold you.

In my mind a small but important detail.

Mark

**Dave748** · 31 Oct 07, 10:21 AM

I'm also a very satisfied customer of Forza. Bought my bike from them, get parts from them and they do the big services. Agree totally with the comments above, great bunch, very helpful, can't recommend them highly enough.

**michel couque** · 02 Nov 07, 11:04 PM

years ago they were part of baines,until baines decided to stop selling new bikes and concentrate on servicing and racing,so forza was formed to sell bikes,and they all get on very well.

**Simon A** · 20 Apr 08, 05:44 PM

I totally agree with all the comments. I bought the bike last October, but said that I wouldn't collect until the New Year. Waited for a break in the weather, but it never came, so Martin eventually delivered it when he was in the area. The service, aftersales and advice are all first-class. I really can't praise them enough! One of the best dealers I have come across by a clear margin.

**Michael J** · 26 Sep 08, 07:34 PM

Oh dear oh dear.....I was having a bad few days at work mainly through being too busy and thought it's time to look at another bike.....as you do! I had a look at Biketrader and lo, Moto Forza Italia were advertising an '08 1098s with under 1000 miles on the clock and which had just received it's first service so fully run in.

I felt that it couldn't hurt to go and look at the bike and perhaps accept one of Martin's nice cups of tea (served in a proper cup this time) so off one went with riding kit in the boot in case of severe temptation. After talking about the bike and having drunk said tea, the moment of truth arrived.....do I say "thank you for the tea, I must be going" or do I ride it? I'll leave you to guess the answer. Oh and in the short time it took me to don my leathers, unbelievably, Martin sold a Brutale to a walk-in customer....literally, questions asked and answered and deposit paid in 10 minutes!

I walked out to the idling red 1098s and walked around it before getting on board, nicked it into 1st and off I went. It's a totally different experience to any Ducati I've ridden. After my 999, straightaway, you'll notice the more focussed riding position but somehow, not uncomfortably so. The clutch feels lighter and there is far more vibration felt through the seat, bars and pegs generally and I would describe the ride as urgent. What is unmistakeable above everything else is the sheer exhilaration and excitement of riding an insanely fast bike which handles like it's on rails. I'm sure it'll do anything you ask of it and 30 minutes after setting off, I returned with a smile as wide as wide as the Grand Canyon!

Having got dressed, I walked out of Moto Forza Italia yet with another signed piece of yellow "Customer Copy". It's the third bike I've bought from them and as ever, it was a very relaxed, friendly and trusting experience. Whether you buy from them or not, leaving all that aside, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon, in a showroom full of new and used Ducatis, MVs, Aprilias and Moto Guzzis. And the tea's pretty good too!!

Give 'em a try!

Mikey

p.s. Only just seen the rest of my original thread and trying to put a name to ST Loon! Must be Glyn or Jools I'd say.

**Duke of Stow** · 07 Oct 08, 12:50 PM

I've bought two bike from Martin and Chris, top blokes and a great service. It's nice to go into a dealer who knows their stuff and has time to chat with you even if you just drop in for tea

.

~Duke~

**gordonp** · 07 Oct 08, 01:52 PM

I would tatally agree with the above comments, always a cup of coffee and a chat/advice if required and they are only 5 mins awaay from me which is very handy.

Gordon

**beancounter** · 07 Oct 08, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke of Stow

I've bought two bike from Martin and Chris, top blokes and a great service. It's nice to go into a dealer who knows their stuff and has time to chat with you even if you just drop in for tea

.

~Duke~

Agreed, although Chris left some time ago, not sure why.

Btw ST2 loon is (was) Glyn.

bc

**AndyH** · 20 Oct 08, 06:34 PM

I have to agree 100% with the comments.
I dropped in there 10 months ago on a flying visit to Silverstone track with a freind who owns an ex Barrichello Jordan F1 car he is converting for use in the Boss championship and he wanted me to get it going.....anyway thats a diffenet story.

Poped in on the off chance to have a look about after spotting the bikes outside (i didnt even know they were there). I wandered in on the Friday and Martin and Tracey were busy with customers bikes and sales n stuff. Martin still took the time to come over to me, even though i wasnt dressed for the occasion (we all know what snobbish SOB's Duck dealers can be like if were honest) yet he came and spoke to me at length about bikes and the likes, he seemed genuine and warm and a decent guy, no sales push, no push at all. Well i went away and said i would be back next day to have a better look about.
Well i turned up on Saturday on my old knackered 400GPZ i used for work. Got in the showroom at 9.00 before it got full and Tracey got me a coffee and waited for Martin to free up from a prep job on a new F4 going out at 9.30.
After my coffee and chat with Tracey, he came over and remembered my name from the previous visit (although i only mentioned it once) we had a good chat about some of my current bikes and what im after in a bike. We talked long and hard about the merrits of Aprilia RSV Factory VS Ducks. He gave me honest oppinions of both (although he didnt know how many bikes i have or the fact i already have a SPS sitting at home in the garage) he hit the nail clean on the head and that was what i wanted to hear AN HONEST DEALER IS A RARE THING TO FIND. I was particularly interested in the Evo 998. I didnt argue about price, just asked for a ride on it...and within 5 minutes i was on the A43 and on my way on a 1/2 hour ride through Abthorpe and the country roads. I got back and put her on the stand, went in and paid a deposit there and then...no arguments, no chit chat...just the cash. I was honest with him and Tracey and said it would be 6 weeks before i could pick her up (it turned out to be 8 weeks) due to work and my mortgage payment deal going through. I rang every other week during this time and just kept them abreast of the progress. They were great about it. They serviced it and checked it over, cleaned it even more so... The day came and i was in India for 2 weeks before i could get to collect it, i paid for it by debit card on the day of collection. ****n down with rain, he offered to take it home for me in the van...fook that, i wanted to ride it lol, but it was a decent gesture and one well recieved and noted by me

I have since had it serviced again by them, had BMC filters fitted (i couldnt be arsed) a few odd little niggles sorted by Ian in the workshop. all for a decent price.

On that service visit, i spied my next purchase, the Aprilia Atlantic. This time i bartered with Martin and got to a price acceptable to both of us, i took it as it was because of the price i got. Ian came to collect it this week in the van for service and belt changes. All with a smile and a level of service i have never had from any dealer in my 28 years of riding bikes, including Ducati Coventry and Aylesbury and many other so called premium dealers.

To me a dealer needs to be freindly, courteous, honest and not pushy.
Forza Italia are everything of the above and more. Ian and Andy are the most honest mechanics i have met, trustworthy and know their bikes 101% especially Ducks, MV's and Aprilias....in fact everything Italian and exotic. Martin is not pushy, he is honest and knowledgeable, but most important PASSIONATE about his bikes and their customers. I cannot recommend these guys enough. I will be buying my next bike from them in the spring (a Dorsadoro or Mana) i dont care if Taz do one at 700 quid cheaper, its the service that counts. My mate bought a RSV from MSB the same time i bought my Duck at Forza. His has been back 6 times for problems and it still aint sorted, to the point he is going to sell it. When it failed to start they wouldnt come out and collect it even though it was only bought from them 2 weeks previous, they said the van was busy for a week...BS imho. Customers matter, from good custom comes profit...simple busines accumen. I would never deal with the likes of MSB again due to my mates problems. All it takes is poor service and one bad comment and it can go down the toilet.