We have seen something very similar with Moto Guzzi too, particularly since Piaggio acquired Moto Guzzi.

Even before the Piaggio take over and under Aprilia ownership the marketing trend was to turn everything upside down. We had a succession of "brilliant" marketing managers who new very little about the marque and did not bother to even enquire from dealers. Every time they started in with a redesign of the "image" new shop furniture, new colours, large flat screen displays, and even new logos. Being a historic and very important dealer Agostini was somewhat immune but other dealers were talked into finance to cover the expense and then were astounded when the next marketing guru wanted to change everything when they hadn't finished paying for the previous lot.

When Piaggio took over they cancelled a lot of historic and faithful dealers, many who had stuck with the company through good and bad times. Some closed and others became official workshops or sub-dealers. This meant that they could sell new bikes but they had to obtain them from the official main dealer.

Just like Morgan the new Moto Guzzis require specialised knowledge of ECU systems, ABS, etc. So some of the older dealers are perhaps not well equipped to service them.

Peter

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