6000 mile service at Thompsons

[Chris Salter]

Just 'cos I can't trust local dealerships in Nottingham to undertake work on my evo 500 I took it to St Albans to Thompsons. (Where I bought it ).  I have a catalogue of failures here in Nottingham re. local so called "MasterDealers" which I wont go into unless pressed, but I will if I have to. Anyway, I went down there,a 2 hour ride due to lorry crashes etc, I can only say that I was impresed when I arrived, I was able to watch Dave and John do their business, can't see my local dealers being that thorough. The showroom was a disapointment, but then I wasn't there to buy! All in all, more money than I would like to spend, £299, but a proper job, and peace of mind.  For those who wonder about services, and Thompsons since JT's departure, I say if you were happy before then be happy now!
Chris.

[jimc]

Dave and Jonno certainly do a proper job.

The prices have gone up - but to be fair the work done is extremely thorough.  More thorough than I or some others need, but absolutely spot on for those who don't have the inclination to do a lot of their own work.

[Rocketman]

I can only say that I was impresed when I arrived, I was able to watch Dave and John do their business, can't see my local dealers being that thorough. The showroom was a disapointment, but then I wasn't there to buy! All in all, more money than I would like to spend, £299, but a proper job, and peace of mind.  For those who wonder about services, and Thompsons since JT's departure, I say if you were happy before then be happy now!
Chris.

Not had a Piaggio for a while until a few weeks ago,when i got a Vespa 300,so i have decided to let Thompsons take care of it,either though i did'nt buy it from them,i like the way they work........And yes Chris i have to agree with you about the showroom.

Steve

[johnp]

Dave is one of the best mechanics i know.

[loonymoon]

Nice to know as I'm coming up to my 18,000 mile service on the X8. I'm a bit worried what it's going to cost though. I got a little bit stung as for the 12,000 service I opted for Thompson's fixed price service which meant that I paid a little more - thinking that the 18,000 mile service would then end up cheaper on the scheme   Didn't know that JT was going to sell up at that point. 

My options are limited around where I live, my nearest dealer is GLR, and I'm not keen!

[Chris Salter]

Hi, Carmen is it?, I don't know where you hail from, but I had a 110 mile ride down the M1 to Thompsons, I allowed myself 2 hours, in case of....  As it turned out it took 2 hours 'cos of a lorry crash. If you like long rides it's worth the trip, but it is definitely is definitely spelled definitely a personal choice ,not everyone likes motorways, or long rides. Is Cheeky Thomas any nearer to you? Have you posted on the site for recommended "shops" in your area? Lots of help available on here as I'm sure you know.
Regards and luck,
Chris.

[loonymoon]

Thompson's is the nearest to me other than GLR (which has a bad reputation). So it's quite convenient, not sure where they are now I think it's moved since I last went there, but St Albans is only about 30mins ride so not problem at all. It's just nice to know that they still have the same mechanics and reputation - even if the cost has gone up.

[Stephen19]

I am intending to try out Thomsons (I am from Watford area) as Collins and Judd closed down. I only really go for an oil/plug change now (except when brake pads or tyres needed) which is always a low cost operation naturally  and I ask them to advise if anything else appears in need of work. Would I be missing anything in this approach as I dont wish to over spend and it seems to have worked out so far since about 15k miles with little trouble. New drive belt is needed soon mind you  as near to 30k miles.  
Stephen

[Mr.Chips]

The mechanics at Thompson's are still the best, even if the set-up is different.

Were I still in the UK with a Piaggio I'd have complete faith in what they advise and do.

 

[loonymoon]

I've just been looking at the Scooterpower website and adter discussion with Dave it seems that Piaggio have changed the intervals from what I was told.

I was told it was every 6000 miles, however on the website and according to Dave, the MAIN services (Costing £299.98 at Thompsons) are every 10,000km (about 6000miles) but in between there's an INSPECTION service (costing £35) every 5000km. I wasn't aware of this inspection service at all.

Can't believe a service on a scooter is £300.  #

I suppose £50 an hour - plus parts but Piaggio belts etc are quite cheap!

What do you guys pay for a service on your burgmans/silverwings etc?

[JJ]

I'm certain I heard someone say at the Kent ride out the other week that they are charging £98 per hour and finally making a profit on servicing.....  or did I imagine it?

[loonymoon]

£98 an hour!! WOW! Mind you I think JT did tell me that they used to make a loss on the servicing - I guess they had the loan bikes etc. He said that he used to make it up in sales revenue. Perhaps Scooterpower aren't so good on the sales.....::

[julian]

There has always been an oil check halfway between Piaggio services on four strokes - but there is no need for a dealer stamp for it.

[loonymoon]

Yes apparently that is the case (though my service book has never been correct anyway) but now they're advertising it as an inspection service and charging £35 for it, I don't think they did that before??

Anyway, I guess I will end up taking it to Thompsons as it IS convenient for me if very expensive, unless I can face a 2 1/2 hour ride up to Lowestoft to go to CheekyThomas's place! I don't trust anyone else enough.

Where do you all get your servicing done? Does it cost a similar amount?

[Big Ears]

Scootercafe, Maidenhead - nowhere near as expensive.

Small, but perfectly formed. 

[loonymoon]

Thanks for the suggestion Colin, that place is a mere hours ride away - much more feasible than Lowestoft. Is that where you go (or went)?

[Big Ears]

Bought from, went to and still (until I sell the X9) go.

It's a Master Dealer, owned and run by Mike Atkinson (who used to do much of the servicing). Most work now done by Nick - a thorough technician.

Not impressive on the outside (the premises I mean) and quite compact inside, but never failed me yet.

[julian]

Our experiences with Walton Road Garage (near Hampton Court) seem good. Their hourly rate works out a little over £50 an hour.

[loonymoon]

Thanks guys, I emailed the shop Colin suggested and to my surprise got a fast reply (my experience with email to these sorts of places is that they rarely get answered!).

Unfortunately he misunderstood my request, thinking that my scoot was on 1800miles not 18,000 miles, but hopefully a clarification email will sort that.

Good first impression though 

[loonymoon]

X8 is now booked in at Scootercafe in Maidenhead for Oct 12 - not sure what I'm going to do while I'm hanging around there - anyone fancy a Mini-meet!!

[Big Ears]

Possibly, but won't be certain 'till nearer the end of next week. What time are you being serviced? 

[JJ]

That last sentence really needs to be read as part of a script for "Carry On Scootering".

[loonymoon]

.

I said I'd be there about 9am but it depends how long it takes at that time in the morning as I've not been that way before.

A chap from MM might meet me there too - he bought his MP3 from there a few months ago.

[loonymoon]

Service time at Maidenhead Scootercafe tomorrow. Anyone around or should I take a book!

[Big Ears]

I'd hoped to meet you there but I now have to wait at home.    The gas man cometh at about 9:30.