Surrey Harley-Davidson

[lawnmower]

i think you have to look a little further than just the dealership and at the franchise arrangements as well. Those are decreed by the Moco. I remember talking to John Shaw before he opened up. He was originally in the Professional Mower business and was one of my competitors. he was telling me about all the hoops you had to jump thru regarding neon lights, showroom fittings blah blah. He was spitting feathers at the time coz he was waiting for HD to approve the T-shirt design so he could order coz he couldnt get approval to open until the order for t-shirts had been placed. This is quite common for Motor franchises to have a large number of conditions concerning the premises colours its painted and all sorts of other shit imposed on them. i suppose what i am trying to say is that its because of these conditions its mainly bigger groups that are interested in these type of franchises. Now when they are struggling for business then companies like the Moco will deal with just about anyone but as it picks up coporate policy takes over and the little boys get shafted as the bigger companies move in. Back in the 90's before the evo engine came along you could get a HD franchiese with an order for 2 sportsters and 1 1340, now i believe the minimum investment required is in the region of 500,000 to £1m. This is all about hocking your arse to the bank for as much as possible and therefore making you fearfull of losing your franchise (and therefore your house) and consequently toeing the company line.

[Folkie]

I thought they were closing at the end of the month? Just like them not to be able to stick to a date!

[the_monster]

Originally Posted by L.V.

P.S. I'd rather a "butcher" who cares & respects and doesn't lie to you. -Than a MoCo suit who doesn't (and knows more about t-shirts, than bikes,)give a sh1t.

so would I, I remember Jeff from the good old days (that's pre evo to most readers out there) , I also remember him having a 1200 superglide up for sale which had matching frame and engine numbers starting WLA45 Admittedly his pan was nice.

Originally Posted by the_monster

so would I, I remember Jeff from the good old days (that's pre evo to most readers out there) , I also remember him having a 1200 superglide up for sale which had matching frame and engine numbers starting WLA45 Admittedly his pan was nice.

I take em as i find em , I've given the dealers,and a few indies a fair chance, So far like I said, nothing but praise for Riverside,- but of course that could all change,-- if the time comes, that I get stung like you've said, I'll will deal with it, -till then I'll he'll continue to get my cash.

[Natrasleep]

Bought my first evo engined sportie from them,
long time ago now, had excellent service then, even delivered it to me in Dartford.

then i moved 18 years ago never been back since

Just found this on e-bay- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Surrey-Harley-...QQcmdZViewItem

SURREY HARLEY DAVIDSON CLOSING DOWN 30/6/2006

PLEASE DO NOT BID , THIS IS A GENERAL NOTICE.
AS OF THE 30/6/2006 SURREY HARLEY DAVIDSON WILL BE CLOSING IT'S DOORS FOREVER.
FOR ALL THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE STAFF OVER THE YEARS AND THE SUPPORT OF THE CUSTOMERS. THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH TO KEEP THE DEALERSHIP AFLOAT .
THE LACK OF INVESTMENT FROM PENDRAGON PLC AND POOR UPPER MANAGEMENT HAS CAUSED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER SEVERAL WARNINGS TO WITHDRAW THE FRANCHISE .
HISTORICAL SURREY H-D HAS ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR WITH MANY MANY HARLEY RIDERS. FROM THE FAMOUS BOOT SALES TO THE PARTIES AND DEALER STANDS AT BISLEY, SURREY HAS ALWAYS BEEN COPIED AND NEVER EQUALED.
WE THE STAFF WISH TO THANK THE CUSTOMERS OLD AND NEW. IT HAS BEEN OUR PLEASURE TO SERVE YOU, TO RIDE-OUT WITH YOU AND TO PARTIE WITH YOU !! FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH WE'VE BEEN LOYAL TO THE SURREY NAME FROM DAY ONE . AND ALSO BEEN AT ODDS WITH PENDRAGON IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS .
THIS IS A SAD TIME OF ALL ...... BUT SOON THERE WILL BE ANOTHER DEALERSHIP OPENING WITHIN SURREY.
WE THE STAFF HAVE A UNDERMINISHED LOVE FOR THE MARQUE AND ALL THAT IT STANDS FOR .
BETWEEN NOW AND A NEW DEALERSHIP OPENING IF YOUR HARLEY NEEDS SERVICING PLEASE CONTACT ME - I'LL BE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HARLEY, AND WILL SERVICE YOUR BIKE AT YOUR HOME. WILL TRAVEL WITHIN SURREY AND SUSSEX.
LOOK FORWARDS TO SEEING YOU ALL SOON. . . RIDE SAFE , RIDE FREE .....

Respects to the bloke who posted this, sounds like if nothing else at least he cared, & thats one more carer than most UK dealerships have got.

Tempted to bid--- Surrey HD at 0.01p

[Buellibob]

Be interesting to find out if anyone from 18 or 24 uses this guys services. If you're out there mate good luck to yer! ;)

[panster]

John at Stadium says there will be a sale at Surrey H-D ..... parts for old and new.... No date yet, no further details.