Vancouver BMW Ducati - A Motorcycle Club That Also Helps You Buy The Best Bikes
You may not realise it, but before you buy or choose a bike there is a more important decision to make, the dealership. Finding the right dealer is key to a good purchase and post purchase experience. Buying is far more than just about the product, it is about the relationship with the dealership from sales to service and ideally about your dealerships relationship with you, your riding experience and the riding community in general.
New to Vancouver, in the market for a new bike so I visited a number of dealerships. I found the experience varied with most being about a sale and not about me, my riding style, and needs and riding experience. Then I visited Vancouver BMW Ducati and quickly realized the experience was different. A warm genuine greeting with it being noted I hadn't been there before and was I new to area or riding? After some discussion, and some soft, no pressure guidance I was left on my own to browse. I visited a number of times before I made the decision, each time receiving the same professional, yet personable approach. (I am sure some thought this guy can't decide or will never buy - be it known brochures and pictures were being left around my condo, computer screen savers were update to my chosen ride as I was selling and soft marketing my purchase to get spousal approval) Approval in place, a purchase was made, a new BMW C650GT Scooter. I wanted a particular colour, not in stock but without cost to me the BMW Ducati team located a bike and swapped inventory so my needs were met. Thank you.
Finance and delivery were well handled and impeccable.
Post-delivery the bike has some new product challenges. Not unexpected, but frustrating. Typically it is not challenges that are an issue; it is how they are addressed that counts. BMW Ducati exceeded my expectations by working with me and BMW to ensure as a customer I received the service and product I expect and deserve. Challenges now a thing of the past, I get to enjoy my ride. 8,000KM in 12 months.
OK, so I said this is a club. Well, I am on the Email list now. Whatever you do, do subscribe and allow the Emails to come. I receive invites to new product unveilings, education on ear plugs, ride invites, Italian gelato nights with FREE gelato and an invite to the BMW Ducati Iron Butt. While I haven't attended every event, those that I have attended felt more like a club meeting of friends. The release of the new BMW's was more like a private exclusive bike show with no sales hype. The event was classy and included refreshments and sandwiches. Products were well showcased in a relaxing no pressure atmosphere.
The evening about the Iron Butt was interesting and informative, so I signed up - 1,000 miles in under 24 hours and yes on my scooter. A very well organized event that left the dealership at 3:00 in the morning. Kelly and team ensured all was planned for a quick start to the ride with coffee and water available. Texts en-route of encouragement and check-ins were available. . A great day that include bear, deer and coyote sightings and great scenery. Also good chats with other riders at the brief stops to get gas en-route. 18.5 hours later was welcomed back by BMW Ducati's team working late with hot coffee and a genuine warm welcome. (Event review to follow) but in brief an awesome well hosted event. Certificate in hand I went home looking forward to the next club event.
Hot weather arrives, BMW Ducati responds, and Italian Bike Night at Gelato store on Venables. Great show of Ducati's on the red carpet with the opportunity to meet other riders and enjoy a free Gelato. Again no sales hype, just a good atmosphere and chance to chat with other riders.
I pop by the dealership now again. To buy a bike, perhaps eventually, but it is more like dropping into a club that I am a member of. Check out the bikes, grab a coffee and chat.
So I guess in the end, I bought a club membership for $11,500 that came with a free bike. (FYI, membership cost may vary dependent on the free bike you get), but all worthwhile. I am also pleased to see that all the biking community is welcome to events. I see lots of attendees with other makes of bikes.
Hope to see you at the next club event, in the meantime keep up the good approach. It works.
Laurence
P.S. Stuart, I know you do sell bikes. So will I buy again? That depends on when you convince Patty BMW has an exclusive K1600GTL Scooter or Ducati makes scooter in motorbike clothing!. read more