Triumphrat

Paul955I · 09-09-2006

The closing of McBride Cycle in Toronto is a bit stunning. Certainly I gave them more than a fair share of my service and accessories business. Had a great experience from purchase of my 955 (Rod Guerron), through service (Pat Corcoran) and accessories (Katie and Christian).

Not sure what I will do for Triumph service pending somebody picking up the line in the GTA. I suppose a day trip to Stayner/Wasaga Beach (J&R Cycle) or to Hamilton will have to be the order of the day. Any body else in the area have the same concerns or ideas how to maintain service? Can anybody recommend a shop that they trust to work on their Triumph?

Paul

09-10-2006

Another place for Triumph and Service is Inglis Cycle in London. I bought my ST there and they are a very proactive shop to visit, grat group of people.

Fed · 09-11-2006

While I'll miss the easy access to McBrides parts, the service there left quite a bit to be desired.
I'll take my business to Wasaga.

Paul955I · 09-11-2006

I have had my 955 serviced at J&R with no problems or complaints. Never had an issue getting an appointment time convenient for me (even on a Saturday to boot). Friendly folks. Family business. Its a decent ride to get there, particularly up Airport Road rather than Hwy. 400/26. Just need to make more of a day of it I suppose. Not as convenient as McBride and not the selection of accessories to pour over while waiting...but the ride is the thing.

I can't say that I ever had a bad experience at McBride's Service Department. I got great support from Pat Corcoran resolving the two leaking carbon fibre Triumph pipes that were installed on my bike (the problem was crappy product, not crappy installation). They were proactive calling me when they noticed the leak as I pulled out of the parking lot. Regardless, I am sure that the front line workers at McBride are the ones that will get worked over with the closing...receivership usually means there is not enough money to pay all the bills...including pay cheques...right?

Unfortunate for everybody. Any bets that Riders Choice in Mississauga may pick up the Triumph line for the GTA?

Paul

Big_Rick · 09-12-2006

I live just down the street from McBride and still take all my business to J&R in Stayner. McBride IMHO was run like they really didn't give a sh!$ for the past several years. Although I sympathize with the employees that may have been screwed, the dealership made their own bed and now have to deal with it. On the upside, we may just wind up with a better Triumph dealer out of the deal.

J&R on the other hand, has been a great experience. Great service, very knowledgeable and very helpful. Good excuse for a ride to boot. Granted they are a smaller shop without the selection of accessories, but I always order my stuff in from the states because of the much better prices anyway. If I lived in Aurora there wouldn't be any question. J&R for sure.

Paul955I · 09-12-2006

J&R it is. Arranging to get my Helibars installed, late season oil change and check of the steering head bearings. I've been hearing a clunk coming off the throttle and off the brakes. Hard to tell exactly where it is coming from. Everything seems fine when I check my bike over. I know I am not bottoming the fork by braking too hard. So see what the good folks at J&R have to say.

I've been living something of a dual life in some ways...having registered with McBride as my primary RAT and J&R as my secondary. I guess I'll be doing more riding in Grey County!

Paul

prez1374 · 09-13-2006

I for one will not miss McBride, I found them to be a bunch of pompus overpriced asses.

I suggest Inglis cycle in London, it's a bit of a trek if you are not around that area but the service is top notch

Paul955I · 09-13-2006

The Globe & Mail article also suggested McBride's troubles could be traced to being over-priced. I can't really speak to that. I know I got what I think was a really good deal on my 955I - a 2002 bought brand new in 2005 at about 2/3 of the original list price. The accessory prices were comparable to any other I could find through other dealerships or Canadian mail order.

My oldest brother has a friend that owns a bike shop in Ottawa who routinely complained that McBride was undercutting the market.

So I don't know what is correct. But either way -- if your prices are too high, you don't move product and you go broke. If your prices are too low, you don't cover costs and you go broke. Still a lot of our bike riding brethren out of work.

It's all a mess...for those of us who love our Triumphs!

Big_Rick · 09-14-2006

Our new Mascot:

TheToeCutter · 09-15-2006

Quote:

Any bets that Riders Choice in Mississauga may pick up the Triumph line for the GTA?

Ohhhhh that would be ideal, as it is 2km away from my office!!!

I heard two other rumours: One was that Cycle World might pick them up. The second was that Downtown BMW would.... that seemed odd, and bad for me because they're in the East end. :-|

I'll be making trips out to Hamilton for my OEM parts for now, or if I need any warranty work. This was my first season with a Triumph so I hadn't built any affinty for McBrides.