Confused rumour about a dealer closing (East Sussex)

[windmill john]

I just asked this on the ‘other’ forum.

I’ve been told that Groombridge motorcycles (East Sussex) is closing in two days? Saturday?
A neighbour told me. I’ve searched and can only see a local Facebook group mentioning it; I don’t use Facebook.

Can anyone confirm or deny? I’d hate to spread an incorrect rumour.

Website looks fine, nothing on their phone system. I’m going to try and swing by tomorrow or Saturday.

Got my bike from them two to three weeks ago. I do all my own maintenance, so not the of the world, but they’ve been here years. I bought a bike off Mandy Groombridge, the original owner’s daughter.

 

[Richard Brighton]

Yes, they are closing today. My bike was there waiting for a repair and they delivered it back to me on Thursday because they are shutting down.

 

[windmill john]

Thanks Richard. Yes, I confirm they close today. Went there this morning, wished Holly good luck with her future.

They did have a nice Royal Enfield showroom.

 

[Bikeruk]

That's a real shame as they were a well established dealership.
Statement has been issued on their website.
JW Groombridge Motorcycles - New & Used Bikes, Clothing & Workshop

 

[Bikeruk]

Yes, they are closing today. My bike was there waiting for a repair and they delivered it back to me on Thursday because they are shutting down.

Out of interest if you have had put down a deposit on a new bike, would you have got your deposit refunded?
The motorcycle industry as i understand is having a tough time to say the least!

 

[Moulinabois]

Sorry to hear that.
Anyone know where to go in East Sussex now for warranty work?

 

[BSA Biker]

The other day I visited my dealer, MotobikeReus in surprisingly enough the small city of Reus and they were prepping numerous new bikes in their workshop and had more mechanics working there than they've employed for many years, so business seem to be booming here. But I would point out that the majority of the new bikes were the new Triumph 400cc Speed and Scrambler models, not a Royal Enfield in sight though. They are a multi make dealership, and back in 2017 I bought a new Triumph T120 Bonneville there. Still miss that bike

 

[windmill john]

Sorry to hear that.
Anyone know where to go in East Sussex now for warranty work?

No…

I do all my own maintenance, but of course my bike still has over 2.5 years of warranty.
I believe it might be up towards Canterbury or Chatham.
I don’t want to go that far, so if something major crops up, I’m going to try and speak to Royal Enfield to get any part I might need to fit myself.
No idea if it will work, but….

 

[RichardW]

Another well established Royal Enfield dealer closing at the end of this year is Colchester Kawasaki. May be some deals to be had

 

[ChampRoyal]

Another well established Royal Enfield dealer closing at the end of this year is Colchester Kawasaki. May be some deals to be had

Not from that bunch of ****** (all going to their other branch)
However the good news is Orwell's MC Ipswich are soon to become RE dealership (I would guess in light of Col Kwak closing and floor space left from KTM group downing tools for 2 months to save money

 

[windmill john]

I've said it before; although it might not help commerce! Dealers should have bigger service centres, a lower hourly rate for repairs and service/repair all bikes, even bikes older than 7 minutes! Excuse the sarcasm.

 

[ChampRoyal]

Just got sent this. Another dealer bites the dust

 

[Bikeruk]

Southampton Harley Davidson!

Customer Notice | Ceased Trading

 

[GarethR]

Triumph Plymouth.

Customer Notice | Ceased Trading

I assume that all three - Plymouth Triumph, Plymouth H-D, and Southampton H-D - are owned by the same parent company.

 

[ChampRoyal]

To my knowledge yes & trouble is with less dealers HD in their arrogance will force more stock onto the existing network who can't afford it = more closures.
Sadly the manufacturers/importers are as responsible for this demise as other factors

 

[GarethR]

Marsh Yamaha in Exeter closed.

Customer Notice | Ceased Trading

Another shop from the same group as the Triumph and Harley dealers.

 

[Bikeruk]

How many dealerships have closed this year? any ideas?

 

[2LZ]

How many dealerships have closed this year? any ideas?

No clue, but this is kind of strange as RE sales have outpaced many other bike companies. Maybe the margins just suck?

 

[Whysub]

Not from that bunch of ****** (all going to their other branch)
However the good news is Orwell's MC Ipswich are soon to become RE dealership (I would guess in light of Col Kwak closing and floor space left from KTM group downing tools for 2 months to save money

Highly recommend TTT at Sudbury. Mechanics know their stuff, not just on RE, but factory trained on other brands too