Philip Youles Motorcycles » Philip’s Blog

our year so far

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:20:35 +0000

Just about caught up with ourselves after what can only be described as an amazing year, recession what recession.

Although the bike market has been down and most of the Japanese manufacturers have really suffered, we seem to have bucked the trend. With an uplift in the scooter segment and Triumph more than holding there own, in fact finishing with 20% of the over 500cc uk bike market, there seems to have been no stopping used sales either.

As always getting good quality used bikes has been a challenge but with nearly 26 years experience and a whole range of contacts we have been able to supply a good range and cross section of used machines throughout the season. Our beat the bunny campaign designed at the more discerning buyer. Like that Yorkshire man who really knows the meaning of the word thrifty and is able to judge a quality machine with proper old fashioned service and backup. This has led to a surge in used bike sales at the end of the year and means we as ever are keen to buy any used bikes that are out there.

The NEC show I thought was fantastic this year and one of the best for quite some time. I believe attendance ended up 14% up on the previous year and this must be a good sign for next year. We are attending the Manchester Central Show at the former GMEX exhibition centre on the 14^th and 15^th of Jan 2012 and I cant wait for that. Other dates for your diary are the Youles big ride out on the 25^th March and Houghton Tower Sprint on April the 1^st.

Probably this will be my last blogg before the end of 2012. Look forward to the little fat man coming down my chimney and enjoying some time with the family. I wish everyone who knows me a very happy Christmas and all the very best for 2012.

blogg

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:34:17 +0000

Even though theres snow on the ground the showrooms are still quite busy possibly this has been caused by the launch of the Speed Triple and the anticipation for the long awaited Tiger 800. The launch nights we held for the Speed were excellent with huge intrest at both Blackburn and Manchester. Have looked at the video and a couple of the people who were sitting on the bike on the launch night have had a demo and now placed a deposit and are awaiting iminenet delivery ready for next season. We have had notification from Triumph that the deposit list for the Tiger 800 stretches right through to March of next year. So anyone who is serious please please get that all important deposit down and secure one of these fantastic machines. We will happily put it in writing that the deposit is fully refundable should you ride our demo and not be completely satisfied. Triumph debit our account by £300 for every order taken so your deposit is secure and also your delivery is going to come at a time when you will have the best part of the season. Robert Murphy and Peter Hill went to Barcelona with Triumph to test the new Tiger and the feedback was of an excellent machine that just did everything as it should and more besides. Rob relly enjoyed it and sounds as though he pushed it as far as he dare.

The fat man in the red coat and white beard will soon be coming down the chimney. The turkey will be eaten the presents given and the days will soon start getting longer. That just after christmas lull is sometimes excellent for us motorcyclists and a real pleasure to ride in. I have to say that unusually I havent done much riding this winter must be getting soft. But have rather a lot on and seem to be pushing forward on several different fronts. The new build is out of the ground and should have some more up to date photos on the webb re that soon. Am having to do all sorts of tosh around the build there seems to be a huge amount of red tape nowadays.Dont remember doing this much when we built Blackburn.

Visited the bike show I thought it had re gained its sparkle and was a good event. Took my dad and Dave and we all had a really good day we made good time on the journey there and back and came a way all enthusiastic about next year. The Triumph stand was excellent and it was good to see Piaggio Group there as well. If the upbeat atmosphere transfers into the market then 2011 should be a cracker. Its got to be a good summer surely bring on that global warming.

blogg update

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:52:36 +0000

Hi ALL

Before writing this I looked back at the last Blogg and gosh what a lot happened life seems to move at a hell of a rate nowadays. Left my mobile at home today, when I picked it up tonight there were eight missed calls four text messages and six answer phone messages. Not bad considering very few people even have my mobile number. Quite a lot of it was to do with the new Manchester Store we should put a spade in the ground early October.Possibly time for some sort of birthing ceremony smoke a big cigar or something but then theres bound to be some sort of site rule that you cant smoke a cigar in case the digger ruptures a gas main. Anyway I dont smoke and cant see me starting now seems a bit late for skulking round the back of the bike shed.

Once we start building I want to create some sort of picture logg of the build and will definitly keep you as up to date as possible. At the moment we are schedualing for an April handover. We then will have to carry out all the internal fit. Should be fun and just in time for some nice stuff coming from Hinkley.

Talking of which anyone who went to Triumph Live and (thanks to the folks who rode down with me) I think a cracking time was had by all. The new Adventure bikes were there and I am sure they will be a well earned success. Anyone who didnt see Anna ( our clothing girl at Blackburn )on the wheelie machine I will try and get the video. She did really well. Perfect balance and exceptional throttle control. Enjoyed the time line and the bands were great. Anyone who has there ear to the ground will may be aware that Tui Mantoni is to leave Triumph. Tui has been a major driving force in the re building of the Hinkley business and we are all glad that he will be staying on as a non ex Director. The intresting point is that the man Mr Bloor has been grooming his successor for some time. His son Nick is to become CEO. Now by all accounts Nick has really had to prove himself and is highly respected within Triumph. He is as far from the typical spoilt owners bratt as you could get. Apparently at Triumph live he spent the day working as a bus conductor collecting the factory tour tickets. Now I suspect if you want to be close to your customers what better way to do it. Nick if you read this well done and all the best with your new role.

We have two new team members in Manchester Steve is to help the workshop lads with van driving valleting and relieve them of some of the general running about duties. Also Jason is to help Garry on the service counter thus relieving Peter for more of the day to day management. Rachel is leaving the business after ten and a half years of loyal service and we wish her all the best with her future. I am sure we will keep in touch.

Mick Carter has been eying up some Rizoma products and we have now taken delivery of our first batch. To say its stunning stuff is an understatement. We will be dressing a Street Triple up and displaying it in the Blackburn store but I have to say the quality and Italian style is just superb.

The nights are drawing in but to be honest I do more riding in winter than summer its a time thing. We will start our winter servicing campaign in November so if you can take advantage save yourself a few bob and keep riding theres gold in them ther hills.

All best Phil

BEEN A WHILE

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:38:58 +0000

Wow its April since I last updated the Blogg things have just been frantic round here the workshop has been flat out with both pre delivery inspections and retail work. A big thanks to all the lads in Blackburn and Manchester for keeping up those high standards and working so hard. The bad weather earlier in the year created a back log of servicing we seem to have just about held our head above water and kept it to a maximum two week lead time which although not as short as we would like is just about acceptable. Makes sense for anyone who can ,to take advantage of any winter servicing offers that will start November and run till the end of January.

Well big news in Manchester as our current site is obviously only a temporary site we have now exchanged contracts on our new site further up the road. This is to be a purpose built flagship Triumph store of the magnitude that both Triumph and a city the size of Manchester would expect . In the design process we have set the global standard for the Triumph new builds and are very excited about the concept. I will keep you up to speed on the progress of the build and the grand opening early in 2011. We will be recruiting several positions nearer the time so its worth making contact if you are intrested in being involved.

Visited the the Nabbs Head vintage classic bike show in May this is a well attended local show and brings back so many memories all those bikes we broke in the early days. Talking of which have Frank has got all enthusistic about restoring an ETS250 MZ that I have had languishing around at the back of the shed for some time. Now I never actually sold that model new we started with the very first ETZ 250 they were available in both drum and disc brake options disc brake if I remember rightly was £999 in ninteen eighty nine. Have to say they were actually very reliable cheap transport in fact I went to the factory in the GDR and back just after the Berlin wall fell down.

Riding the new Sprint GT just emphasises how bikes have developed now a trip to the former GDR on that would be a dodle. Those panniers would take everything you could possibly need. Am very impressed by where the bike sits and how its functionality has been enhanced with this makeover.

Thats all for now ride safetly and enjoy the sun

Cheers Philip

UP DATE

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:51:38 +0000

Thought its about time I updated the old blogg well theres been loads happening been on a family holliday during which I read Allan Wheelans BREW HA HA . Seems funny reading about yourself sort of surreal. Thinking I dont say things like ”Itl be reight” then hearing yourself saying it moments latter. But what a good book really well written and one of those that I couldnt put down. All about his journey from Lancashire to the Southern Cape of Africa and the amazing people he met. Well done Allan I hope it sells well and at £7.99 available on Amazon and in W H Smiths it should be reight.

As the Manchester show was cancelled due to the snow the re schedualed date was now over the easter weekend. Peter and the team did a stirling job paticularly as the Triumph Trailer had been pre booked for the BSB. This makes the job even harder but judjing by the leads generated and the general reaction the event was a rip roaring success.

Had the big ride out my mate Mick videoed the start and I will be posting that on the webb site soon. Have counted 142 setting off all enjoying the glorious weather. Certainly the hot pot went down well for all those who retuned to the shop. We ordered 100 portions expecting that to be more than sufficient but I think we let down about four people to whom I am sorry. But all in all it wasnt a bad bit of mass catering and good to see so many regular faces.

This weekend coming thats Sunday the 25th is the ride safe back safe event on central car park Blackpool hoping this good weather holds and another event should be under way. I am an avid supoter of the Ride Safe back safe thing and advocate reponsible riding within the law. This is the first time we have attended this event and am keen to see how they get the message accross. Doing many miles on all sorts of bike every year I am a firm believer that observation is the key to staying alive. This is obviously difficult to train and police. Where as speeding noisy cans and reg plates that fall outside the letter of the law are easy targets. Unfortunatly when being stopped for speeding and I was in Mrs Youlses car ( you can imagine the stick ) years of accident free motoring were’nt taken into consideration.

Anyway please come along enjoy and above all be safe.

Blog Update

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:19:53 +0000

Wendy and Andrew have decided to close Pass Time the motorcycle training facility that they operate to the rear of our Blackburn showrooms. Speaking to them I think they have missed the work / life balance and decided they need a change. They rented the enclosed yard from Philip Youles and had the use of our toilets and facilities. Obviously we are looking for a new tennant and think this could be a great opportunity for someone I received three test enquiries on Saturday alone. Anyone intrested in this please either call into Pendle St. or give us a call.

The snows now gone and I hope not going to return till next year, lovely though it was most years there are only one or max two weeks when using a bike as daily transport is out of the question. But this year it was nearer eight. However ther seems to have been a big uplift in activity now that we are experiencing normal February weather. Its good to see so many bikes out and about with the very first signs of spring.

Just been to the Triumph spring conference where Triumphs plans for the next season were unveiled, Special edition Bonneville Speed Triple and Thruxton are all due soon. As soon as the secrecy embargo has been lifted on new models then I will tell you what they are, all I can say at this stage is that they don’t take anything away from the current range. All will be launched in new segments of the market and represent a big growth in the Triumph range..

more updates

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:03:22 +0000

Well where has the year gone it cant be twelve months since that little fat man came down the chimney, surely not. As is tradition the motorcycle trade gets a little quieter during the month of December giving us time to do a little house keeping. To be honest a well earned break becons and I must say we are all ready for it. However the years not over till its over and we are busy preparing for next season. On the weekend of January the 9th and 10th we will be exhibiting at the GMEX ( Manchester Central as it is now called ). We will have the Triumph exhibition trailer a good range of bikes, including hopefully some specials to be confirmed. The clothing department will also have some real bargins leather jackets, fabrics and merchandise. More imediatly we are in the process of errecting a bike shed structure at the rear of the Pendle St showroom of the type you had a snifty fag behind or the first taste of the opposite sex.

Most manufacturers will be showing price increases in the new year and some of the Japaneese look very heavy . Although Triumph and Piaggio are indicating small increases even with the additional VAT rise. They are going to look extremely competative next season. This can only help and allow us to grow our market share even further. We have invoiced a lot of bikes in December to fix the vat and current price obviously time is running out and anyone who is poised to do a deal would be wise to make it sooner rather than later.

You may have noticed some subtle chages to the website. We have tried to represent both branches equally and given the scooters a separate site. On this we have information on first owning a scooter and riding one. Hopefully by setting up a separate site we can encourage each segment and give it the attention required. Owning a scooter id often the first forray that customers have into two wheels and the more we can encourage this the better. Maybe at sixteen it seems a long way from an NRG50 to a Rocket Three but mark my words it comes round soon enough.

Thats all for 2009 wish everyone the best for 2010 and lets get some riding in EH !

updates

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:42:19 +0000

The new clothing is now arriving and the Steve McQueen jacket looks stunning. Cant believe its the first of November today the weather towards the end of October has been fantastic its funny really as I always recon to get more ridding in during the winter, probably have more time. Think getting wrapped up and feeling snug on the bike is more apealling than sweating like a pig in the summer. Those of you who have read our vacancies section at the moment will be aware that we have several vacancies. At Blackburn we require a an administrator and sales person and at Manchester an after sales person based on the service desk. Andrew has left our sales team in Blackburn as he has been offered a place on the 2012 Olympic BMX team and we wish him all the best with that.The other positions are being created as a result of expansion. Selecting new staff is probabaly the hardest part of my job we have some really good people. Looking to complement them whilst possibly bringing some new ideas to the table is extremely difficult especially as ther are often so many applicants. If you know any one who may be intrested then please get them to contact either myself or one of the team and we will forward a full job description and application form.

Next week I will be going to the Millan show with Triumph this is one hell of a show and well worth a visit it really does make the NEC look like a car boot sale. All the major manufacturers attend and Triumph usually have an impressive stand there. Obviously the Italian scooter manufacturers are well represented with the Piaggio group having huge stands. Its intresting seeing the diverse model ranges paticularly the machines that dont make it to our shores.

I know Anna is working on some factory tour dates for next year anyone interested please contact us and we will keep your details on file.

Thats all for now

Philip Youles

Quick update

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:31:44 +0000

How busy. Well we just seem to have been bombed out I suppose a lot of its been with the weather being so good ! Suddenly thought I haven’t done that blogg for a bit so thought I should catch up. Don’t know if anyone remembers but we helped a dead on guy, by the name of Allan Wheelan last year. He decided to do the true long way down on his Tiger. All the way from Blackburn Lancashire to Cape Town South Africa. The journey was in aid of the African Brew HA HA a business venture in aid of street children in Capetown . One of Allan’s objectives was to write a book, which on his safe return he has now completed. To both our delight I received a telephone call the other day to say that he has now received a publishing deal. The book will be in the shops from early next year. Having read Allan’s Blogg I am sure the book will be a good read and have already suggested that we have a book signing at the dealership sometime earlier next year.

Just been to the factory to view the spring clothing collection and was very impressed some of the winter lines that we viewed earlier in the year are now starting to arrive.

Mick and myself went down on Triumph’s and were glad we had the M6 was chocker on the way back. I used a Tiger been a while since I’ve done a longish journey on the Tiger but it just reinforced what a good bike they are, effortless spring to mind.

Osset

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:29:40 +0000

Gosh blogg time just seems to fly by theres so much happening the first few Thunderbirds have now been delivered to there new owners who all seem made up with them . Manchester store are selling a steady stream of new Triumphs and the initial teething problems are ironing themselves out . The last week or so the showroom traffic has reduced probably due to the holliday season but thats given us a bit of time to look at other things hence the blogg. Warren is organising a trip to the Bonneville 5oth anniversary celebrations now that should be a good bash anyone whoes interested contact either us or Warren and we will link you up. Just about to take delivery of some Osset trials bikes what on earth are they I hear you ask. Well having two young children and always looking at new technologies etc I was recomended these by a good freind of mine who has a couple of shops in London. Basically they are an electric childs trials bike the advantages being they are extremely quiet and light so they can be ridden without the normal complaints from neighbours etc. Even in a moderate bach garden in a built up area. They can be use by four year olds and upwards infact my mate George had a couple in Hyde park and the wardens didnt know what to make of them. Im not condoning these antics just demonstrating there social acceptance. Being electric you dont need to start them believe me theres nothing worse than your kid dissapearing off into the distance then tipling off the bike, not being able to start it then all you here are cries of DAAAD DAAAD . The technology intrests me and they will come weather you like it or not. The electric TT was quite amasingto watch and I have heard rumors of an electric Vespa. I will keep you up to speed on this and maybe even post a short film of my kids testing them out.

The Triumph clothing sale has got off to an amazing start some of the stuff is just so cheap. We have managed to replenish some stocks so worth a phone call or visist for anyone intrested. Hopefully some good weather on its way for the back end but hey I do more miles in winter than summer love those cold dry days where you can wrap up warm and it wont be long now.