Overland Motorcycle Preparation Workshop

27/01/2026

Delivered about 2pm yesterday... but about 5pm was in bits on the workshop bench...

27/01/2026

Customer still trying to convince me that his key blanks are genuine...

04/01/2026

Trying to Buy a Bike – Why It Shouldn’t Be This Hard

My recent attempt to buy a new Honda CRF300L proved otherwise, and it was genuinely surprising how difficult some dealers made the process for a ready-to-buy customer. Buying a new motorcycle should be one of the enjoyable parts of riding. You do the research, save the money, choose the model, and then… you buy the bike. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work....

My recent attempt to buy a new Honda CRF300L proved otherwise, and it was genuinely surprising how difficult some dealers made the process for a ready-to-buy customer. Buying a new motorcycle shoul…

04/01/2026

Trying to Buy a Motorcycle in 2026: Why It Shouldn’t Be This Hard
Buying a new motorcycle should be straightforward. You research the bike, choose the specification, save the money — and then you buy it.
That’s the theory.
My recent attempt to buy a new Honda CRF300L proved otherwise, and it was genuinely surprising how difficult some dealers made the process for a ready-to-buy customer.
The bike wasn’t the problem
Choosing the bike was easy. The CRF300L is a well-reviewed, lightweight adventure bike. I knew exactly which model year I wanted, the specification, and even the colour. This wasn’t casual browsing — it was an informed purchase decision.
The problem wasn’t the bike.
It was the buying experience.
Silence instead of service
I contacted multiple UK dealers by phone and email. Some never replied. Others didn’t return calls. Emails went unanswered for days or weeks.
This wasn’t during a busy peak season either. It was winter — traditionally a quieter period when serious enquiries might be welcomed.
Instead, the experience felt like trying to get attention from businesses that simply weren’t interested.
“We don’t have that colour”
When contact was made, responses varied. A small number of dealers were helpful and professional. Others were dismissive.
Asking about the grey version of the bike — a standard factory colour — was sometimes met with irritation or rudeness. On more than one call, the tone changed the moment I said I didn’t want red. The message was implicit: take what’s available, or don’t bother us.
That’s not a great way to treat someone ready to spend £5,000.
No follow-up, no ownership
What stood out most was the lack of follow-up. No “I’ll check and get back to you.” No “I’ll let you know if stock changes.” No attempt to build a relationship or close a sale.
This wasn’t about negotiating discounts. It was simply trying to buy the right bike, in the right specification.
Is this why new riders are drifting away?
It raises a broader question: is this part of the reason younger and new riders are turning away from motorcycling?
If you’re new, less confident, or younger, how would this feel?
Unreturned calls. Ignored emails. Dismissive conversations.
Most people won’t persist. They’ll move on — to something else entirely.
In an age of clear online stock systems and responsive customer service, parts of the motorcycle trade still feel oddly stuck in the past. That friction doesn’t just frustrate experienced riders — it actively discourages newcomers.
It doesn’t have to be this way
Not every dealer was poor.
In the end, I received excellent service from Bill Smith Motors:
https://www.billsmithmotors.co.uk/honda
Communication was prompt and professional. Questions were answered clearly. The process was simple and respectful.
Unsurprisingly, that’s where the sale went.
The difference wasn’t price.
It was attitude.
Final thought
Buying a motorcycle should be exciting, not exhausting. When customers are ignored or dismissed, it damages more than individual sales — it damages the future of the sport.
Equally, when dealers get it right, they deserve to be recognised.
Sometimes, winning a customer is as simple as answering the phone and treating people properly.

05/08/2025

At the workshop, we often recommend the Continental TKC 80 tyres to riders looking for a versatile, reliable option that performs both on and off-road. These tyres are a favourite among adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists — and for good reason.

The TKC 80 combines aggressive tread design with durable rubber compounds, giving excellent grip on loose gravel, dirt trails, and rugged terrain, while still delivering solid performance on paved roads. This balance makes it perfect for riders who want to explore beyond the tarmac without sacrificing safety or handling.

From increased traction to improved cornering confidence, the TKC 80 helps riders tackle a wide range of surfaces with ease. And because they’re built to last, these tyres offer great value for riders who demand reliability during long trips and varied conditions.

If your bike is due for new tyres and you’re planning some off-road adventures, the Continental TKC 80 is definitely worth considering. Feel free to drop by the workshop—we’re happy to offer advice and opinions!

30/06/2025

Before my first wife died we used to ride from London to Brighton on a regular basis... just proves there is no right bike for anyone - what you ride is what you choose to ride - its OK to stand out from the crowd :)

05/04/2025

I had a random call today from a customer asking me to fit two cheap tyres (a 19" and a 21") to their bike. They’d bought the tyres online at a bargain price and were now looking for an equally cheap fitting service.

It never fails to amaze me: the only thing keeping you upright and safe on a bike is just a few square inches of rubber in contact with the road. If you’re thinking about cutting corners, tyres (and, in my opinion, your crash helmet) are not the places to save a few quid.

As it turned out, I wasn’t prepared to fit them — and neither was any other bike shop or tyre-fitting service in the area. My advice to them was simple: buy a reputable tyre brand from a trusted supplier, and have the supplying dealer or shop fit them.

It might cost a little more upfront, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job is done properly is, in my view, well worth it. After all, better safe than sorry.

25/03/2025

The BMW R1150 GS Adventure (GSA) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a legend in the adventure biking world. Built tough, designed for long-distance journeys, and with a look that never gets old, this bike has earned its iconic status. This is one of our workshop favourites, now in Portugal. At the heart of the R1150 GSA is its air/oil-cooled 1130cc boxer engine....

The BMW R1150 GS Adventure (GSA) isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a legend in the adventure biking world. Built tough, designed for long-distance journeys, and with a look that never gets old, this bik…

25/03/2025

One of the nicest looking R1150GSA ever had in the workshop - now in Portugal I believe

18/03/2025

Ready for Tracey Wheeler and the grand opening of Parc Fermé Coffee this weekend, hope to see you all there

18/03/2025

Mary and I popped into see Tracey at Parc Fermé Coffee yesterday before the grand opening this weekend… what a fantastic site, warm, comfortable and a hub for bikers. Situated on one of the best roads Wales has to offer just south of the Cray, lots of local services and a natural spring off or stopping point for mid wales ride outs.

The Workshop and my customers have been using Tracey Wheeler for years to move bikes around the UK and I know she is applying the same dedication and skill to this new venture and Mary and I wish her every success… see you all there this weekend 😎

12/01/2025

Just a reminder that the workshop is a free resource, run by bikers for bikers, no catches, no demands, no rewards, just friendly helpful advice from those who have done and do it