End of an Era – Last night at the Waterman

For over 20 years now I’ve been going to the Waterman on a Wednesday night for their weekly summer bike meet - last night was the last one ever…

From next week the owners of the Waterman are moving the night to one of their other venues a mile down the road…

Here’s what they have to say…

The Waterman has welcomed motorcyclists every Wednesday evening throughout the summer months for many years. However, owing to the large numbers arriving, we have recently had some safety concerns.

As a result and with effect from next Wednesday 3rd August, we will be moving the motorcyclists meet to a large Events Area at Hatton Country World, our visitor attraction just a mile down the road. Tonight is therefore the last gathering of motorcycles at The Waterman.

The events area at Hatton Country World has hosted many large scale events, has ample space, along with dedicated hard standing parking to accommodate all motorcyclists who will have exclusive use of the venue.

In addition to the existing catering and toilet facilities, we will also operate an outside bar and BBQ.

The venue is easy to find, simply turn left out of The Waterman and follow the brown tourist signs to Hatton Country World.

We look forward to seeing you at the Motorcyclists Events area on Wednesdays from 3 August.

Johnnie Arkwright
Hatton Estate

So there you have it. I’ll be going along next Wednesday to check out the new location – let me know if you’re going…

Charlie T’s First Handover at Streetbike…

Well Charlie's done a far few handovers in his time, but this was his first one for us here at Streetbike…


…and it was a Yamaha to boot , specifically the punchy XT125X Super Motard.

Local new rider Danial Bridge was chuffed to bits with his first ever bike and we know he’s going to love it and have loads of fun…

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Johnny “Blade” Hall 2011 Trip to Austria & Beyond - Part 1

Every year Jonny “Blade” Hall takes a group of riders to Austria & beyond…

This year we kitted him out with a load of QR Code* loaded Streetbike stickers to plaster around his journey…

So far they’ve covered 1700 miles, had an “ace time” at Nürburgring…

done the Stelvio Pass… 

…and in the morning they’re off to Italy!

More as we get it !

* QR codes allow anyone with any mobile smart phone to get to our website instantly – get yourself a QR App now…

From 16 to 60 New Recruits and A New Look at Streetbike…

In the bike game - If you’re standing still, you’re going backwards. Ain’t that the truth. So, even in these testing times we’ve been changing a few things at Streetbike and hiring a couple of people too. As they say on “the footy”, we’re trying for “a blend of youth and experience, Brian”.

We’ve also acted on your views and made some significant changes to workshop and parts.Lighter, brighter and easier for you guys. More later, but first…

Experience - Welcome Charlie…

Charlie Turner (Bike Sales Executive) & Gary Marshall (Dealer Principal)

We’re totally chuffed to welcome Charlie Turner to Streetbike. I bet there’s only 6 people in the world who know him as Charlie Turner and about 3 million who know him as Charlie from Sherwood's.

Charlie has been in to bikes all his life and riding ‘em for over 40 years. He left school in the 60’s to join BSA as an apprentice.

He joined Sherwood's in 1974 and his name has been synonymous with the Birmingham dealer ever since.

Streetbike’s Gary Marshall says :

“32 years with Honda & 5 with Suzuki! You just can’t buy that experience any more. And he’s a top bloke with it. Young at heart but older than me, (always a winner), still riding every day and enjoying it. Yes - We’re absolutely chuffed to have Charlie at Streetbike. All of Charlie's old customers are very welcome here. Pop in for a chat. The coffee’s are on him… he just doesn’t know yet”

So spread the word, pop in and say hello…

Now Workshop sees the light…
 
Bright, Airy & Full of Light and that’s just Rachael !!!

You might have noticed some hammering, banging, sawing and head scratching going on in Parts and Workshop the last month. So what’s all that about then?

Well, a fair bit actually We’ve listened to some of your comments and made a bespoke Workshop Reception where the old Dyno room used to be. Main benefits are :

Easier drop off: You can park up your bike right outside the reception, (right next to the courtesy bikes) & come straight through the door. No more running up a bath of sweat going to the main entrance on the top car park. Check in–Pick up a courtesy bike – Then Gone…off to work with the minimum delay.

Easier pick up: Dedicated Courtesy bike parking right in front of the reception window. Park up – walk in –pay up (like that bit) – give us your courtesy bike mileage – ride home . Once again, quicker for you guys and loads less less running around.

And what a difference a bit of light makes! Since the windows have been opened up, the whole place is so much brighter. We’ve also changed the Workshop Opening hours

Amended Workshop opening hours are: 9.00am to 6.00pm Tuesday to Saturday.

THE WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED ON MONDAYS.

Not a cut back. Just more efficient. By working this way it means every technician is in every day instead of rotating days off: Less jobs overhanging. Better continuity. More efficient and a better service to you.

Parts have moved into the light too…
Moving Rachael & Neil to their new reception means more till points for parts. Main benefit - We can serve you quicker when its busy.

We’re also opening up more windows to brighten things up… and show up the dust so things get cleaned!

We’ve listened about stock too. We’ve got rid of stuff you said was rubbish, bought some good stuff in and we’re now starting to lay it out better so you can find it easier.

We’re also doing much more staff training to promote a “right first time” ordering mentality. This will be ongoing. Again, we aim to serve you all better.

Lighter, Brighter, Better – Enjoy…

Then Youth - Welcome Casey…

Jake Hingley (Former Apprentice), Scott “Casey” Dyson (New Apprentice) & Neil Hingley (Workshop Manager)

OK, OK it’s not the real Casey Stoner…but doesn’t he look like him. Young Scott Dyson (Centre) is our new apprentice. Casey’s been into bikes since he could walk and a Streetbike Saturday boy for the last two years. Casey is our 4^th Apprentice since we moved to Halesowen and follows on from Jake Hingley (left) who successfully completed his official Suzuki apprenticeship in June this year.

Taking on a new apprentice in these hard times is a full blooded commitment to the future. We believe in people and believe in apprenticeships. If you want good people – Grow your own.

Casey's got 3 years of hard work and spots ahead of him. We’ve picked him. He can pick his own spots. Good luck son.

So there you have it full steam ahead at Streetbike...

Finally, Make a note in your diary, Parts and Workshop will both be closed from 09:00 until 12:00 on Monday 25th July for Staff Training… 


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