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South & West Surfers Just for the guys and gals in the south and south west of the UK.

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Old 07-07-10, 08:27 AM   #1
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Default Fowlers

Has anyone had any experience with Fowlers when buying a bike from new?

As was mentioned to me, any dealer can shift boxes - it's the quality of the service that counts. So, has anyone had a good or bad experience with them?

Thanks, Ben.
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Old 07-07-10, 08:46 AM   #2
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Default Re: Fowlers

Uh oh
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Old 07-07-10, 09:01 AM   #3
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Default Re: Fowlers

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Uh oh
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and they're called fowlups
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Old 07-07-10, 09:25 AM   #4
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Default Re: Fowlers

I have a pretty low opinion of Fowlers.

Put it this way I wouldn't put one of my bikes anywhere near their workshop. Their sales staff are in desperate need of some personality transplants. Their parts staff are in desperate need of some intelligence. Everything about them defines what is wrong in retail today.

However, they usually have the parts in stock, they have a good size range of clothing, and they have a good number of manufacturers represented. They may be able to offer a better deal on a bike because of their size but stay away from any package that offers free servicing or things like that. Oh and shop around, there are plenty of other smaller main dealers that will offer a far better service then Fowlers ever will.

In summary, they are a necessary evil in the biking world. In terms of service, set your expectations low and you will still be disappointed.
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Old 07-07-10, 10:08 AM   #5
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Default Re: Fowlers

That's the info I was after. Same question and enquiry of George White if possible please.

I've not ever been there but was given their number by Bristol Kawasaki.

Thanks for your help
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Old 07-07-10, 11:27 AM   #6
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Default Re: Fowlers

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That's the info I was after. Same question and enquiry of George White if possible please.

I've not ever been there but was given their number by Bristol Kawasaki.

Thanks for your help

That's because Bristol Kawasaki, especially Paula actually care about the peeps that go in to even just look at bikes, let alone sit on them. I've known Paula through going in there for about 6 years now and she's the best out there. If it was her that gave you the number for George Whites, then that says all I would need to know about the place.

I've been there twice I think and seemed much nicer and more professional than fowlups, but not bought a bike there, so can't comment on that.

What time are you able to get to ours tonight?
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Old 07-07-10, 03:58 PM   #7
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Default Re: Fowlers

I have relatives that work there and have shopped there a little bit. Mind you when you are related to the sales staff, they treat you differently (read as more rudely!) to real customers.

If I had to go to a big place, I would be damn sure that I had looked around at the smaller dealerships first. The little guys often go out of their way to be better all round than a big place, that imports and sells gear to other shops around the country too.

As with all of these things, there is nothing like a bad experience to taint an otherwise good store and it would seem that a lot of folk have had a bad experience there. I do like the cafe though.
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Old 07-07-10, 10:20 PM   #8
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Default Re: Fowlers

I don't have a great opinion of George Whites either, but they are far better than Fowlers.

But put it this way I wouldn't put one of my bikes anywhere near their workshop. Their sales staff are not very friendly. But they have a couple of good guys on the parts desk and a good range of budget clothing.

They have a good number of manufacturers represented. They may be able to offer a better deal on a bike because of their size but stay away from any package that offers free servicing or things like that. Oh and shop around, there are plenty of other smaller main dealers that will offer a better service then a big franchise.

In summary, the big shops offer a big range. The smaller shops offer a more personal service.
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Old 08-07-10, 10:32 AM   #9
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Default Re: Fowlers

Recommendations for smaller dealers please?

GW won't give me a test ride because you need to be 24, which I am not.

Fowlups won't give me a test ride because I haven't had my licence for 1 year, which I haven't - although they were more helpful in trying to contact their insurers and pull strings; the result of which I am still unaware.
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Old 08-07-10, 10:44 AM   #10
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Default Re: Fowlers

What you need is a little 400
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