Devon TRF Group Forum

UrbanJohn · Clubman B

G.T Motorcycles in Plymstock, now a George White's?

delvey91 · Devon's Best

Yes they bought out GT about a month ago, All 3 GT stores are now George white

doh ! · Clubman A

yes very true im afraid another big chain store and yet another small local dealer gone still at least there still around even if its under a different name fingers crossed for all the staff that work there

phil400 · Clubman A

as others have said it's true, go past gt in plymstock quite often and noticed its now george white.
must have cost gt a small fortune to have the new place built doesn't seem like five minutes ago it opened!

xtriple · Champion

Known Mike Grainger since the 80's when we were in opposing sides of the game (me in cars him in bikes) and we used to do a fair bit of business together selling each others p/x stuff.

Think he overstretched himself building the new premises just as the whole business took a downturn - bad timing - and he's been a bit strapped since. Mind you, knowing Mike, he'll have come out of it okay (I hope).

As for the staff, mate was in Plymouth branch a few days ago and said he hardly recognised anyone so perhaps a few have gone? I hope strongly that at least one member of staff from Paignton has bitten the bullet as I can't stand the bloke!

gaschef · Devon's Best

xtriple wrote:

Known Mike Grainger since the 80's when we were in opposing sides of the game (me in cars him in bikes) and we used to do a fair bit of business together selling each others p/x stuff.

Think he overstretched himself building the new premises just as the whole business took a downturn - bad timing - and he's been a bit strapped since. Mind you, knowing Mike, he'll have come out of it okay (I hope).

As for the staff, mate was in Plymouth branch a few days ago and said he hardly recognised anyone so perhaps a few have gone? I hope strongly that at least one member of staff from Paignton has bitten the bullet as I can't stand the bloke!

Its always worth remembering, ask a small shop for discount and the only place it can come from is out of the owners profit. If the profits drop to much, the books dont look very good, and the financiers dont want to lend business capital or want what they have lent back. Plus no profit means you are working for nothing.

If you want to keep the small retailers who know there stuff, dont ask for discounts, as the end game is there wont be any left and you will have to put up with what the chain stores want to sell you not what you want, normally staffed by so called sales technicians who know bugger all

So remember Bigger the discount you ask for, less profit is made, and the sooner the business goes under

Torr · Expert

Can any one reccommend a decent Triumph dealer... hinkley / spares etc ???

Sadly GTs never was !.... no mechanic worth his salt would have an adjustable spanner any where near his tool kit!!

xtriple · Champion

gaschef wrote:

Its always worth remembering, ask a small shop for discount and the only place it can come from is out of the owners profit. If the profits drop to much, the books dont look very good, and the financiers dont want to lend business capital or want what they have lent back. Plus no profit means you are working for nothing.

If you want to keep the small retailers who know there stuff, dont ask for discounts, as the end game is there wont be any left and you will have to put up with what the chain stores want to sell you not what you want, normally staffed by so called sales technicians who know bugger all

So remember Bigger the discount you ask for, less profit is made, and the sooner the business goes under

That's why I always buy from Tremmlets as I really want him to be there when I need stuff desperately.

Torr, Bridge sell spares but they are pretty rubbish as well from what I recall from having the Sprint 1050 and the speed triple. If you just want want spares try Sandy at Triumphant he sells new and used stuff and really knows his stuff.

kevdoyle · Clubman B

never thought of GTs as a small dealer, but never seemed to have anything as a stock item, went to plymstock last week 4 a sparkplug, they didnt have one 4 the CRF, they are a honda dealer, not good, anyway being a small business, always believe u get a better service from small businesses, if they are any good you should support them and you will always get a better service and they will go the extra mile to look after you, with bigger businesses you are just a customer and they are just staff and there because they are paid to be, kev

Torr · Expert

Xt... where's Triumphant too?

Demmerills did some Truimph stuff... but I'm looking for main dealer, who would know what a lefthanded gizzell pin is?... suppose I will have to look on the "net"!

As for GT's "Solus Honda" dealership... the saleman looked completely down his nose at me when I asked if they could supply a new Hoda Crf230F !!!

Honda not make such a machine Sir, and if they did "We" wouldn't stock it as it is an "off-road machine"

Perhaps thats the reason.... did not sell anything with knobbly tyres......................

give them 12 months and it will be another empty site..
with VAT set to soar to 22%
Petrol £2.00 per litre (That's £5.20 per gallon !)
Unemployment 500000
Retirement age for men put up to 80
Long cold winters and colder wetter Summers
Beckam made manager of English team
Popcorn banned as choking hazzard
Torr banished from TRF for writing drivvell
What is the world coming too?
Market forces... add your prediction for the " soon to be empty GT site"