Guys i have been down my local dealer in Bedlington having a look about to sort out a tenere for when i get back, whats your opinions on them? or is there anywhere better round Northumberland to get a bike from?
Cheers,
Jim

Ian has never been the cheapest, so you'd probably get a better deal elswhere, but he's been there 'forever' and does look after his customers who tend to return.
The workshop usually has a laid-back feel and access to the mechanics is good, they tend to be an approachable and helpful bunch of local lads, into bikes themselves.

Cheers, im not from around this way and they are my local bike shop where i take my bikes in for Mot and they have been good. Just wanted to know what my options were roundabout here, they are happy to take my triumph part x so its pretty much a done deal when i get back at the end of the year.
Have had some bad experience with dealers in the past and like to get a bit of advice beforehand.
Regards,
Jim

Well, options are pretty limited so far as other dealers are concerned - especially if you are looking to buy new. You have M&S in Newcastle (who own pretty much all the dealers on the hill now), but I personally would not recommend them. I've had bad experiences personally with them and they are the typical large, corporate-feel dealership.

If you are prepared to travel a little further, I'd recommend Penrith Motorcycles (a nice run from Ashington, across the top from Hayden Bridge and on to Hartside). They are a small dealer, run by Barry Utting - top bloke -and look after customers. I worked there part time from 2004-2008 and they are definately 'bikers who happen to be in business', as it were. They mainly do used bikes, but can supply new 'on request' - you don't say if you're looking for new or used, or what model you're after?

Let us know how you get on. I'm in the Mosel in Germany, but hail from Sheepwash, two miles from Ashington, by-the-way.

Nah, not for Yamaha in this area. Bells have their plus and minus points, but i'd go there any day to avoid going to M&S in Newcastle. I know a lot of people who go to Bells religiously, my dad for one.
I've had two bikes off him, but i've had one or two gripes too - Ian was helpful and friendly when I bought my Fazer off him, but less interested when i went in for a trailie style (XTR) bike, he was so unhelpful in fact, to the point of being obstructive, that i went elsewhere.
However, if you've had a positive reception to your enquiries, and you're happy with the help you've had then go for it, they do know what they are doing.

I'm in Hadston, near Amble, but i work in Ashington. If you're not from round here then you might not know many routes for rides, happy to show you if you like.

Pete.

Cheers guys, im after a ten new, i originally fancied an xtr on joining the forum but do a lot of long distance work and i reckon it will be better for it.
When i was last in Bells they had a ten in but seem to just have them red or blue, i fancy a black one to be honest.
I am off to Canada for the rest of the year and back in November so will go down and get rid of my Triumph then.
Pete i would be glad to go out and about with you when i get back, however i have never rode a bike off road but have done lots of off roading in other stuff so be prepared to rescue me from being upside down in ditches! ha ha
Regards,
Jim

Err no problem but i hadnt meant offroad to be honest! I've done a bit, and will do more at some point, so there's no reason why not, but you might need to help me out of the ditches too!

Theres a lad on here (also called Pete) who goes by Skunkmoto, he's very experienced and well up on trails and lanes in the north east and showed me some good days out the year before last. Definitely worth getting him along if he's up for it. Pete??

[quote=Peatbog;154293]Err no problem but i hadnt meant offroad to be honest! I've done a bit, and will do more at some point, so there's no reason why not, but you might need to help me out of the ditches too!

Ha Ha , no worries, i do a few bike rallies as well so i get about a bit and the roads up here are good and i need to get out on them more, just been busy at work, been reading all skunkmotos trips and they look great, so will probably have a round scotland trip at some point next year, will see who is up for it nearer the time, this bike is gonna be a big change in direction for me but i am fed up racing about seeing nothing of the countryside so am making the change, mind you i still will have my old guzzi to plod about on!
Regards,
Jim

Your stuffed for a local dealer MS doesn't do Yamaha any more though they still sell the bits.

Got my new Ten from Bells two years ago for a fair price, haven't had a problem with it so only been back for a service. Now the warrenty is up I'll do that mesell, so cant say what they'd be like if you did have a problem. They were always canny with me and seemed genuinely interested in how the bike was doing and how I was gettin on with it.